Dear Comrades, 

Despite a clear need for dismantling the institution of police in this country, Oakland mayor, Libby Schaaf, has refused to defund the police. Instead, Schaff has advocated for “reforms,” which only increase Oakland’s police budget, already one of the largest in the nation. It is not possible to reform an inherently racist institution that was built to subjugate Black communities.  These oppressive systems must be dismantled so that we can collectively build an inclusive, compassionate system in its place.

Oakland will vote on its mid-cycle budget revision this month. We have the chance to use our collective voices to push our city council members to reduce the police budget and increase budget allocations towards housing, transportation, education, mental health services, and more. 

TODAY, June 16 at 1:30pm, the Oakland City Council will meet to consider amendments to the budget.

How to get involved:

- Join the Oakland City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 16th <[link removed]> E-comment: You can give a public comment telling City Council that you support defunding the police. <[link removed]> (Please note that eComment submission closes five (5) minutes before posted meeting time.) 

What to include in E-comment

- Any negative experiences you’ve had with the police. Personal stories always have more impact.
- Your demand that Oakland should defund the police and instead fund social programs. Feel free to highlight your favorite: e.g. housing, transportation, recreation, restorative justice.

Virtual: To observe the meeting by video conference, click this link <[link removed]>. 

️Phone: To listen to the meeting by phone, please call the numbers below at the noticed meeting time: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 862 8502 3815. If asked for a participant ID or code, press #. 


- Continue flooding your councilmember’s inbox <[link removed]>and phone line <[link removed]> and encourage your friends, family, and acquaintances <[link removed]> to do the same.

NOTE: We encourage you to add your own personal stories, particularly on the phone. In emails, don’t forget to write your name and add a personal subject line.


- Hit the streets! Juneteenth Protest Friday, June 19, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 3p.m.- Shut down the port <[link removed]> to stop police terror. 

If you want to continue engaging with our work, we encourage you to join East Bay DSA <[link removed]> and check out the Racial Solidarity Committee <[link removed]> and the AFROSOCialists and Socialists of Color Caucus <[link removed]>, which is specifically for comrades of color. 

Join us to defund the police and to help create a just system for all residents! 

In Solidarity,

Kara, Neha, and Ruwi
Chairs of the EBDSA Defund OPD Campaign
Defund OPD <[link removed]>



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East Bay DSA - United States
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