Spread the word about the Abolition Working Group’s coat distribution — October 11 and 25 at 1pm; Canvasses continue for socialists in Maryland — help elect Metro DC DSA-endorsed candidates this weekend; When capitalism can’t feed the hungry, socialism can — NoVA Mutual Aid Working Group to host first distro on October 12 at 11am
This is the weekly newsletter of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA), which is
produced by local members of the chapter's Publications Working Group. The Weekly Update publishes every
Friday at 9am. Want to fight fascism from the heart of empire? Join DSA and fight to build socialism!
Paid for by Metro DC DSA (mdcdsa.org). Not authorized by any candidate or committee.
UP FRONT
Metro DC DSA's Abolition Working Group to spread word about free coat distribution — October 11 and 25 at 1pm
Metro DC DSA's Abolition Working Group is planning an expedition to advertise an upcoming free coat distribution on November 1. The working group is planning to meet at the Eastern Market Metro station on Saturday, October 11 at 1pm and at the Southern Ave Metro station on Sunday, October 25, also at 1pm. All interested in supporting community are invited to participate in the expedition. Two expeditions are planned - one for October 11 and for October 25. Those who can't make it out but want to contribute to the cause donate directly here.
Socialists continue mass canvassing operations in Maryland
Socialists are continuing canvassing operations for endorsed candidates Frankie Santos Fritz for Greenbelt City Council and Omodamola Williams for Gaithersburg City Council. At a time of fascist oppression, cruelty, and neoliberal capitulation, Frankie and Omo are running campaigns to defend workers, tenants, immigrants, and Maryland’s working class. There are multiple opportunities to get involved:
Frankie's team is kicking off canvasses at noon on Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12 at the Greenbelt Metro station. RSVP for Saturday here and Sunday here.
Omo's team is canvassing this Saturday at 10am, Saturday at 12:30pm, Sunday at 11am, and Sunday at 2pm at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD. Car pool is available from Shady Grove Metro; please reach out to let the team know and a pick up 15 minutes before the canvass will be arranged. (More details at the RSVP links.)
Members with questions or in need of transportation assistance should feel free to contact organizers in the #electoral channel of the chapter Slack.
When capitalism can’t feed the hungry, socialism can — NoVA Mutual Aid Working Group to host first distro on October 12 at 11am
Even before the current shutdown, the DC region has been decimated by federal layoffs, DOGE-fueled purges, and reduction-in-force notices for area nonprofits. Combined with the federal occupation of DC leading to more unhoused people being forced away from the local services they need, more and more locals are facing the threats of food insecurity and homelessness. Socialists in Virginia are planning to fight back.
The Northern Virginia Mutual Aid Working Group (MAWG) is holding its first mutual aid distribution outside of the Crystal City Metro station on Sunday, October 12 from 11am to 2pm. Those interested in participating are welcome to bring anything they’d like to donate and leave with any donations they may need, no questions asked. Those with the means are also encouraged to purchase items from the working group’s wish list, or donate directly to the campaign's ongoing fundraiser — a one-time donation helps buy goods for the unhoused and food-insecure, while recurring donations help ensure NoVA MAWG can continue to hold sustainable distributions in the future.
Anyone in the DMV interested in getting involved in these efforts are invited to attend the next virtual working group meeting on Thursday, October 30 at 7pm (sign up for call-in link). Along with discussions about the October distro and plans for November, the working group will also discuss the roll-out of its timebank/skillshare, bylaws, and any other new business from attendees. NoVA MAWG will also be holding its next fiber arts meeting on Saturday, November 1 from 10:30am to 12:30pm, this time at the Ben Brenman Park. Kids are welcome — coloring supplies will be available — and vegan cookies and emergency contraception will be provided by friends in the Bodily Autonomy Working Group and EC4DC.
BRIEFS
Metro DC DSA voting on two amended resolutions related to internal voting and chapter budgeting: ballots due October 12th at 11:59PM
Members of Metro DC DSA should have received an email (from [email protected]) that contains a ballot for two internal resolutions before the chapter.
The deadline to submit this ballot is October 12th at 11:59pm EST. All chapter members are encouraged to submit a ballot: in order for a General Body business vote to be valid it must reach a quorum of 5% of the chapter's membership. If you believe you are an eligible member of Metro DC DSA and have not received a ballot, leave a note in the #steering channel in the chapter slack, or send an email to [email protected]. Voters can also choose to abstain by leaving the ballot blank or by selecting "Abstain." Voters are encouraged to double check their ballot before you submit, and should be sure to see a confirmation page.
Reports: 1st phase of ceasefire deal agreed in Gaza
The first phase of a ceasefire deal in Gaza has been reached, according to credible reports. Many details of the deal and its implementation remain unclear — key tenets include the release of Palestinian prisoners, the release of Israeli hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the long-awaited entry of aid trucks into Gaza. But when, where, and how those steps will be taken is not yet clear at the time of writing. Even as Palestinians in Gaza took to the streets to celebrate the prospect of peace, Israel continued and even escalated its genocidal attacks, killing dozens of Palestinians (including people looking for food). “As we await more developments, we recommit to holding Trump, the U.S. and Israel to the terms of the proposed agreement, and we rejoice and breathe a sigh of relief with the people of Gaza,” the Palestinian Youth Movement wrote on Instagram. “We call on our millions of supporters worldwide to escalate pressure to end Israel’s genocide and its decades-old regime of settler-colonialism, apartheid, and illegal occupation,” wrote the BDS Movement.
A ceasefire marks a step forward in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian liberation, not the conclusion, and the “peace plan” devised by Trump and Netanyahu has been condemned by the Progressive International as a recipe for further colonization. Members of Metro DC DSA have been organizing to confront and end the genocide for the past two years - those interested in getting involved in the fight can plug in via the #internationalism channel on the chapter Slack.
Ghouls Just Want Abortion Access — October 18 at 8pm
Join the Bodily Autonomy Working Group at as you are. for a fundraiser for the DC Abortion Fund (DCAF) and a kick-off for the working group’s Abortion Access Sheet. Attendees are invited to dress in costume for a dance party with as you are.’s very own DJ Byte Back, BAWG’s block-printed merch, and more. Tickets are $7, and 100% of the proceeds will go to DCAF. Masking is required for this event. Get tickets here.
Plug into the fight for public power: Socialist Night School on October 15 at 6pm, outreach efforts on October 11 at 2pm
DC’s greedy, mostly fossil-fuel-powered utility, Pepco, continues to afflict the District’s working class. Skyrocketing rates have left a quarter of DC residents in utility debt, and thousands of DC customers receive shutoff notices each month. This is the nature of energy under an investor-owned utility (IOU).
But there is another way: an energy utility that is publicly owned and operated, and thus democratically accountable to the people of DC — in other words, public power. We Power DC, Metro DC DSA’s municipalization campaign, has spent the last year working on a report detailing the failures of the IOU model here in DC, the advantages of a public power utility, and the path to municipalization. On Wednesday, October 15, the socialists will detail their plan to take over DC’s power supply company in the city, developing in its place a utility that works for the people of DC, not faraway billionaire investors.
This Socialist Night School is being organized by the chapter’s Political Education and We Power Working Groups and is being organized hybrid and in-person. The Road to Public Power event is taking place at Shaw/Watha T. Daniel Library, Meeting Room 1, and will begin at 6pm. RSVP for this hybrid event here.
Can’t make it to the Night School but want to plug in? On Saturday, October 11 at 2pm, help We Power comrades spread the word on the evils of Pepco and the public power alternative, and tap into that latent anger against greedy utilities. All materials (and training) will be provided — just dress for the weather and bring friends. Socialists will meet right outside the Dupont Circle Metro station; RSVP here.
Rally in solidarity with FEMA workers — Friday, October 17 at 12pm
At a time when disasters are on the rise, the Trump administration is decimating FEMA’s capabilities, and the public is in danger. Workers and supporters are rallying in response at 500 C St. SW on Friday, October 17 from 12 to 1pm. Join fellow socialists in attending to show support for current FEMA staff and those impacted by this administration's cuts.
Socialists to discuss path forward and strategy for the resistance to Trump at Metro DC DSA General Body Meeting on October 19 at 2pm
As the one-year anniversary of Trump’s election approaches, the Metro DC DSA Steering Committee has resolved to host spaces for chapter members to reflect on our strategic tasks in this moment — and how socialists can best equip themselves to take them on. Additionally, the chapter’s Program Development Commission (PDC), which has been tasked with studying these issues and drafting a coherent strategy, will be presenting the first draft of the Metro DC DSA Program at the upcoming General Body Meeting on October 19, where ample space will be set aside for breakout and whole group strategic debate.
Further, Metro DC DSA will be hosting an additional discussion event on the weekend of October 25, focused on encouraging members to reflect on how the chapter has matured over the last 10 years and possible changes to its processes and structures necessary to meet the moment. Socialists are strongly encouraged to attend both events as a way to deepen their participation in DSA’s collective democracy and help influence the direction of the socialist movement under the second Trump regime.
No Kings, No Fascists, No Billionaires — Mass rallies against the Trump Regime planned for October 18 at 11am
The American working class is under attack by a radical right-wing government backed by a small clique of super-rich oligarchs. But millions of people are assembling across the country on October 18 to stand up and fight back. Join Metro DC DSA and allies to send the fascists in power a message: No kings, no fascists, and no billionaires.
Metro DC DSA's contingent will be meeting at John Marshall Park (400 C St NW, Washington, DC 20001, near the Judiciary Square Metro stop) at 11am on Saturday, October 18. Volunteers are needed, so RSVP early if interested.
Get (physically) active with the movement by joining Socialist Movement — walking club on October 26 at 2pm
The Metro DC DSA Community Builders are proud to announce the formation of Socialist Movement, a new initiative centered around getting our DSA comrades (and friends) together for active recreational activities — walks, sports, etc. Their first event will be an October Walking Club on October 26 at 2pm (note the new date). Please complete this form to RSVP for their October walk from Cleveland Park to Mt. Pleasant. There is no attendance maximum, but organizers would like to keep it under 25 people, so sign up soon.
Socialists of Faith planning solidarity service — Sunday, October 12 at 4pm
Do you practice or have you practiced some form of faith? Does it inform some of your organizing efforts? If so, come out to the Religious Socialist Solidarity Service on Sunday, October 12 at 4pm. All faiths and those seeking spiritual community are welcome. Participants will be sharing songs, poems, religious texts, and stories about how their relationships with faith and religion have informed their politics.
Potluck and worker circle for laid-off federal workers and contractors — Sunday, October 19 at 12pm
The Federal Unionists Network (FUN) and the DC Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (EWOC) will be hosting a potluck and worker circle on October 19 at Malcolm X Park from 12 to 2:30pm. Come join fellow workers for an afternoon of community-building and solidarity over shared food and labor struggle. For those who don't know, a worker circle is a labor-oriented roundtable for workers to discuss their situations and support each other in organizing through sharing skills/knowledge, experiences, and common struggles. RSVP here.
New on the Washington Socialist — Staffing, Finance, and Radical Politics
“This is a key juncture for a mass-based organization, and learning from other socialist and progressive organizations that use salaried staff is essential,” Dami O. writes. “If we truly value member-led democracy and the mass politics that DSA stands for, we must carefully assess our approach when dealing with the significant financial sums that staff require.” Read the full piece here for further reflection, timely financial analysis, and alternatives.
Itching for more in-depth reading from your friendly neighborhood socialists? The next Washington Socialist issue comes out later this month. In the meantime, catch up on the summer issue, including the most recent piece on Angola, Apartheid, and “Our Type of National Liberation,” here.
INFO ACCESS
The DMV continues to be under siege by militarist authoritarians. Want to fight fascism from the heart of the empire? Join DSA and fight to build socialism! We’re the alternative that works for people, not profiteers and their captive politicians.
The next session of MDC DSA’s “Why You Should Join DSA/New Member Orientation” is a virtual version Wednesday, October 22. Learn about the Metro DC chapter — branches, working groups, campaigns, current activities, and enduring values — at any time right here. Members are encouraged to join our Slack for real-time info on working group and campaign events, strategy/tactic exchange, and inspiration. Email [email protected] with your most recent DSA dues receipt to get access.
Staying current with MDC DSA — Weekly Updates, like the one you are reading, are scheduled and emailed on Fridays; current and past Updates are available anytime on our website. The MDC Dispatch is the chapter’s new video news series, published on the first and third Sunday of each month. Submit your Update or Dispatch suggestions (or DMV scandal tips) to our tip line. The Washington Socialist, published since the 1970s, offers in-depth analytical/opinion articles on a quarterly schedule; the Summer 2025 issue is available now. Anyone, MDC DSA member or not, interested in contributing to the Washington Socialist can email submissions or questions to [email protected]. Members, look in on us or join at #publications on Slack.
DMV LEFT COMMUNITY BULLETIN
Cracked Shells Screening on October 10 | ONE DC
Tonight, on Friday, October 10 at 6pm, join ONE DC for a screening of Ruth Tedla’s documentary Cracked Shells, which follows longtime Black residents as they navigate the city’s rapid gentrification and the erasure of its soul-filled heritage. RSVP here.
Know Your Rights Session on October 10 | Free DC
In partnership with Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, Free DC is presenting a series of Know Your Rights sessions online. Join the next one tonight, Friday, October 10, at 6pm here.
George Washington University Calling for a Sanctuary Campus on October 16
Join a united front of students and workers on Thursday, October 16 at 5:30pm at GWU’s Kogan Plaza to demand that President Granberg, GW Administration, and the Board of Trustees refuse to capitulate to the DOJ and stand up against Donald Trump’s fascist attacks against the university and on DC. Find more info about the rally on its Instagram post here.
Organizer Training on October 25 | Federal Unionists Network
The Organize to Win: Federal Worker Training Academy is a one-day, in-person training designed to give federal workers the skills, tools, and inspiration they need to build power and organize at their workplaces, whether unionized or not. The training takes place October 25 at 10am; RSVP here.
Community Wealth Building Day on October 26
The DC Community Wealth Builders Coalition is organizing Community Wealth Building Day. On Sunday, October 26, from 3 – 5pm at ReDelicious’ Edgewood Community Farm, they will showcase and celebrate local cooperatives in a co-op fair. Learn more and RSVP here.
Teach-In on the Mall on October 26
Organized by the folks behind history podcasts The Memory Palace and This Day, this history teach-in will take place on the Mall from sunup to sundown, featuring lectures, readings, performances, and conversations in defense of history and museums. Learn more here.
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES are articles and opinion pieces of
interest to DMV leftists but not, generally, appearing in local media.
They should have links without paywalls. Readers are invited to submit
candidates at our tip line.
Do the Democratic Socialists of America really believe in democracy?
Shades of Irving Kristol! Two long-disaffected former members, also long since ensnared by NeoConLand, raise their voices in panic as Mamdani continues to lead the pack in the NYC mayoral race (Aaiee!). As frequently happens, they confuse the (rowdy but respectful) internal democracy of DSA the organization with the forms of democracy available to like, or not like, in all nations of the world. Some of the gripes of the right that they embrace are familiar, and veer from their actual point of attack. Name-calling is the name of the game, as always with the converso Right. Enjoy the show. WaPo
Inside Stephen Miller’s Secret Plan To Normalize Trump’s Dictator Rule
He wants to supercharge searing civil tensions to get low-information voters to embrace their inner authoritarian. Exactly two Democrats appear to fully grasp this. Miller is working overtime to polarize the public debate about Trump’s increasingly dictatorial abuses of power. And he’s doing so quite consciously. He relentlessly depicts Democrats as allied with a vast, inchoate class of violent criminals and insurrectionists operating in every shadow of American life. New Republic via Portside
The US-born labor force will shrink over the next decade Achieving historically ‘normal’ GDP growth rates will be impossible, unless immigration flows are sustained. It is often underrecognized how much population aging is currently reducing the growth rate of the U.S. labor force and will continue to pull it down in coming decades. The share of the population that is over the age of 65 (when labor force participation tends to take a steep fall on average) is rising rapidly. Economic Policy Institute report
These Activists Want To Dismantle Public Schools. Now They Run the Education Department.
It could mean a new era of private and religious schools boosted by tax dollars, and the end of public schools as we know them. Even as [Linda] McMahon has shrunk the Department of Education, she’s operated in what she calls “a parallel universe” to radically shift how children will learn for years to come. The department’s actions and policies reflect a disdain for public schools and a desire to dismantle that system in favor of a range of other [subsidized] options — private, Christian, and virtual schools or homeschooling. Pro Publica via Portside
This is the weekly newsletter of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA), which is produced by
local members of the chapter's Publications working group. The Weekly Update publishes every Friday at
9am.
Paid for by Metro DC DSA (mdcdsa.org). Not authorized by any candidate or committee.
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The flame of thought, the magnificence of art, the wonder of discovery, and the audacity of invention
all belong to revolutionary periods when humanity, tired of its chains, shatters them and stops inebriated to
breathe the breeze of a vast and free horizon. - Virgilia D'Andrea
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