Hello, Comrades!

It’s almost time for our General Meeting on Saturday, September 27th from 11 AM to 1 PM at Cambridge Drive Community Church (550 Cambridge Drive, Goleta).

Please join us for this very important annual meeting. We'll share announcements, get updates from the DSA National Convention, members will vote on the new Steering Committee and proposed bylaw updates. Please see the statements from candidates below, and the linked PDF to review proposed changes to the bylaws.

Have you sent in your RSVP yet?

Lunch will be provided. RSVPs to [email protected] are encouraged to help us get an accurate count for food. Please be sure to note if you have any food allergies when responding. Thank you!

In Solidarity,

The Provisional DSA-SB Steering Committee

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Steering Committee Candidate Introductions

Co-Chair - Ian Fiedler

My name is Ian Fiedler and I am running for co-chair once again. The last year has been an exciting time for our chapter as we rebuild and grow. Working groups are forming, events are happening, and connections are being made. I’d be happy to continue in my role as we build on that momentum - it feels like we’re getting to places I’ve always wanted to see this chapter go since I first joined seven years ago.

That being said, I’ve always believed the role of co-chair is about facilitation above all. It’s not about what I want to see, it’s about what all of you want to do, and I would be honored to continue to serve to those ends.

Co-Chair - Nicole Iaquinto

My name is Nicole Iaquinto, and I am once again seeking the role of Co-Chair of DSA-SB. I have been a long-time member of both YDS and DSA, and since March 2025 I have served as the provisional Co-Chair of our chapter. Over the past year, it has been exciting to see our chapter coming back to life, and I am eager to continue building on that momentum in 2026.

I bring a gift for organizing, keeping things moving, and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. I want to continue supporting the administrative needs of our chapter while also helping us grow—strengthening our connections with National DSA, collaborating with other local chapters, and deepening our ties to community organizations here in Santa Barbara and Goleta. It would be an honor to continue this work with you as we strive together toward a more just and equitable future—here at home and beyond. I would be grateful for your support and your vote for Co-Chair in the upcoming year.

Treasurer - Andrew Hawkins

Hi Comrades,

My name is Andrew Hawkins. I've been serving the dual role of provisional secretary-treasurer for these past three months, and I would like to put myself forward for the role of treasurer in this year's steering committee election. I have been active with the chapter since 2000, and before I became provisional secretary-treasurer I had been serving as co-chair since late 2022. While I was co-chair, I managed the chapter's incorporation as an IRS 501(c)(4) organization, which included opening our bank account at American Riviera Bank and transferring the dues disbursement we receive from DSA National from a temporary PEX debit card to the bank account. I have been managing the chapter's funds ever since, and would be honored to continue doing so into the coming year.

In solidarity,

Andrew H

Secretary - Bryndan Callaway

I’d like to nominate myself for the position of secretary on the steering committee.

I'm Bryndan Callaway, long time DSA member currently serving as outreach coordinator on the steering committee in which role I've been helping to reconstitute and expand the chapter. I've also been active in the immigrant defense working group and the book club / theory dinner groups.

I want to be secretary to continue to support the chapter as it grows and expands. I will gladly and effectively perform the duties of the role.

Many thanks,

Comrade Bryndan Callaway

Communications Secretary - Andrew Chafos

I'm Andrew Chafos, and I have been an active DSA member since the start of 2025. I've been active in our Immigrant Defense Working Group and Workplace Organizing Committee, and I also represented our chapter as a delegate at the National Convention this past August. I also work as a full-time Software Engineer. As Comms Secretary, I intend to leverage my technical skills and familiarity with our chapter's communication platforms in order to regularly communicate upcoming events. I also hope to boost engagement with membership and help with base-building efforts for our chapter.

Outreach Coordinator - We do not currently have any self-nominations for the Outreach Coordinator at this time.

At- Large - Alicia Edwards

Hi, my name is Alicia Edwards and I would like to be nominated for an at large member of the steering committee. I have been working as the main point of contact for the immigration rights working group. I have made connections and volunteered with organizations such as Casa de La Raza, 805 Undocufund, VC Defensa, and SBResiste. I have been to many Santa Barbara and Goleta city council meetings advocating for immigrant rights. As a member of the steering committee, I can continue to develop and grow my working group.

Thanks,

Alicia

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