Hey there, comrades!

In our current moment, it feels difficult to keep up with everything that’s going wrong—and even harder to name what’s going right. Yet, capitalism’s tendency toward self-destruction is not new or unsurprising. As we face increasing adversities, the window is opening for us to use the collective power of our empathy and solidarity to help our communities build a better future.

We—you—are needed now! In the words of all-around-badass Astra Taylor: “The best organizers are not the most knowledgeable, self-righteous, or even charismatic, but rather those most able to empathize, experiment, and navigate uncertainty”

Resilience and creativity are synonymous with the Berkshires. Although our work ahead is challenging, we share the qualities and vision that will make it possible—and we can have fun doing it, too. :)

As we like to say, the fall of capitalism is our favorite season. So heat up some cider, put on a second sweater, and get ready to learn more about how you can make a difference with the DSA.

It’s time to dream, decide, and organize! Join us at our Annual Convention, where we’ll set our collective vision for 2026, elect a new Steering Committee, and choose the key campaigns that will power our chapter in the year ahead. Together with you, we are committed to holding an equitable, democratic election.

How is our Steering Committee elected?
1. Per our bylaws, the chapter must first vote on a 3-person Nominations Committee for election oversight. We will do this at a hybrid general meeting on Saturday, November 8, 1pm-3pm.

RSVP here to join the November 8 general meeting.

2. The Steering Committee consists of six leadership positions held by dues-paying members (DPMs) of the chapter. DPMs can nominate themselves or other DPMs for one of these positions using this form. Nominees will be informed of their nomination by the Nominating Committee. A nominated member has the option to decline the nomination.

3. Elections will take place at our Annual Convention on Sunday, December 14. (Time and RSVP form forthcoming.) Below is additional information on why our Annual Convention is so important! Please try to attend both meetings to make sure our chapter is well-represented!

How do we set our chapter’s goals?
Everyone is invited to complete this brief survey, which will serve as the foundation for our conversation during the convention about the chapter's goals, or pillars. Recently, our focus has been on Palestinian solidarity and local labor. We would like to gather feedback regarding what initiatives members and comrades would like to pursue. Your input is important to us!

MA Rent Control Signature Collection: Comrade Kevin T. is helping to lead the effort across Berkshire County to collect signatures for the 2026 rent control ballot initiative! If you'd like to learn more how to get involved, fill out this form.

No Kings Protests | Saturday, October 18: There will be more stand-outs organized under the "No Kings" groups, such as 50501 and Indivisible. We have found that these events, while not disruptive of the deep problems of capitalism, can be a great place to have conversations with people disenfranchised with the Democratic Party and their complicity in fascism. (Here are some helpful tips for talking to non-socialists from the DSA’s National Political Education Committee!)

We are looking for folks to join us in representing our chapter at the various protest locations across the Berkshires, including North Adams, Pittsfield, and Great Barrington. Email [email protected] to let us know if you're coming, and we'll send additional details. Please note: We do not recommend RSVPing on the No Kings website. They are known to keep an unsecured unsolicited listserv.

Our chapter is now on Discord! Join our server here. We have a forum for discussions and channels dedicated to reading recommendations, trainings and learning opportunities, memes, and more!

To join our Chapter Signal chat, please fill out this form.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Fall Foliage hangout at UNO Center last weekend! We had a great time chatting, making art, and enjoying autumnal treats. Keep an eye out for future informal social events.

As always, please feel free to reply to this email with any questions or comments that you might have! We look forward to seeing you soon.

In solidarity,
Heidi, Brad, Kevin, Maro, Victor
Berkshires DSA Steering Committee