Hello comrades & collaborators!
Our chapter is experiencing significant growth, with new ideas and new members joining us. As a result, July served as a restful period for us. We are aware that many exciting developments have been taking place in the Berkshires, and we look forward to re-engaging and participating actively in the community.
We recently published an excellent letter to the editor in the Berkshire Eagle about the unveiling of the W.E.B. DuBois statue in Great Barrington. I encourage you to read it and share your thoughts! It’s important to note that DuBois's socialist perspective is often downplayed both locally and nationally. This includes recent articles in iBerkshires that refer to his "disappointing turn" towards socialism.
Here are some upcoming events - all signup forms & upcoming events can be found HERE on our Linktree
🛠️ Open Meeting: Labor Working Group
Date: Thursday, August 7th at 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual
✒️ Dramatic Reading: Drowning in America by Mitchell Gurfield
Date: Thursday, August 14, 6:00 PM
Location: First Congregational Church, 251 Main St., Great Barrington, MA
Description: Mitch Gurfield is a long-time DSA member and studious comrade of the American condition. Mitch's play Drowning in America explores the posthumous reflection of Walter, a Black American, who never achieved his "American Dream". It includes themes of the Christian idea of Heaven.
No registration is needed, and tickets are free. This is an event supported by, but not organized or planned by, the chapter.
✊ Berkshires DSA General Meeting
Date: Sunday, August 31, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Hybrid or Virtual
📕 Book Discussion: We are the Union by Eric Blanc WITH THE AUTHOR!
Date: Thursday, September 4, 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual
🎥 Film Screening: Farewell to Factory Towns by Maynard Seider
Date: September 28th at 4:00 pm
Location: Images Theater Lounge, Williamstown
Call to action for members
In the latest version of this chapter, we have encountered challenges in establishing a full, well-balanced Steering Committee. Fortunately, recent additions have brought new energy and ideas! However, we still need to fill important positions. These positions will be filled for the remainder of the term until our annual chapter convention in October 2025. Those holding the interim positions can then nominate themselves and run for the year-long position.
We are still looking for
- co-chair
- treasurer
- at-large member
- member engagement committee members
- communications committee members
These positions are essential for our chapter's effective operation. They help us attract more like-minded individuals, build coalition power, and advance our theory of change within our communities. Additionally, filling these positions helps prevent significant burnout among current SC members and allows us to break the cycles of harm perpetuated by capitalistic hustle culture.
If you are a dues-paying member interested in showing up for these admin roles, please send an email to [email protected]. We will be thrilled to chat with you about this! 😃
questions, comments, ideas?
