Solidarity is not a matter of sentiment but a fact, cold and
impassive as the granite foundations of a skyscraper. If the basic
elements, identity of interest, clarity of vision, honesty of intent,
and oneness of purpose, or any of these is lacking, all sentimental
pleas for solidarity, and all other efforts to achieve it will be
barren of results.
-- Eugene Debs
Comrades,
We've entered the seventh month of lockdown, with no end in sight
to the onslaught of COVID-19 cases, wildfires raging out of control
all around us, and white terrorists shooting down protestors who dare
stand up against racist police violence in the streets of Kenosha,
Wisconsin.
This month, the country's supposed political leadership, meanwhile,
is engaging in the meticulously orchestrated media spectacles that are
their party conventions. The Democratic convention wrapped up last
week, formalizing the nomination of Joe Biden, who, in the middle of
an anti-police uprising, supports additional funding for police
(https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/510763-biden-says-he-supports-additional-funding-for-the-police)
, and in the middle of a pandemic opposes Medicare for All
(https://www.newsweek.com/87-democrats-support-medicare-all-though-joe-biden-doesnt-1522833)
.
The GOP convention is currently underway, featuring Republicans
repeatedly downplaying the pandemic while peddling the same "law and
order" rhetoric
(https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/26/politics/gop-convention-2020-mike-pence/index.html)
that conservatives have used for a generation to justify violence
against Black people.
Meanwhile, even as the Black Lives Matter uprising continues, in
Wisconsin, just an hour away from Milwaukee, where the DNC was
nominally held, an unarmed Black man, Jacob Blake
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Jacob_Blake) was shot in
front of his children in an encounter with police that has left him
hospitalized and paralyzed from the waist down.
In the ensuing protests, a young, white "police admirer," and
right-wing vigilante inspired by Trump’s racialized pro-police
rhetoric, murdered two protestors in cold blood while roaming the
streets with an assault rifle
(https://www.thedailybeast.com/kyle-rittenhouse-17-year-old-suspect-charged-with-murder-after-two-killed-at-kenosha-protest)
.
We live in a social system that puts profit over climate, profit
over health, and profit over Black lives. And yet, we have the power
to smash that system and install a regime of humanity and dignity for
all. Only our unity in purpose and solidarity in action can overturn
this system.
Next month, we're having our own convention
(https://convention.eastbaydsa.org/) , not whip up a media circus, but
to have substantive debate and democratically set the priorities for
East Bay DSA for the coming year, a critical time for the socialist
movement.
Please join us
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1355/2020-09-13-ebdsa-2020-convention/)
and help us decide together what the next steps to take to overturn
this social order and replace it with one built on freedom, democracy,
and solidarity.
News and Information
Here's some of the latest news and
information from East Bay Majority (https://eastbaymajority.com/) ,
East Bay DSA's news source with a socialist perspective
** THE AC TRANSIT BOARD ELECTION IS A FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE OF
PUBLIC
TRANSIT
------------------------------------------------------------
The
pandemic and looming budget cuts threaten the future of public transit
in the East Bay. Jovanka Beckles is running for AC Transit Board on a
platform of free, safe, and environmentally sustainable public bus
service.
Read more
(https://eastbaymajority.com/the-ac-transit-board-election-is-a-fight-for-the-future-of-public-transit/)
Featured
Events
While we are still unable to meet face-to-face, events are
still going on that you can be a part of. RSVP below to stay updated.
You can also keep track on our Events page
(http://eastbaydsa.org/events/) .
** MUTUAL AID MASK
BUILDING
------------------------------------------------------------
Today!
August 27 | 5:15–7:30 p.m.
Empowerment Park at Lake Merritt, 462
Bellevue Ave, Oakland ♿️
Join us to build masks for people dealing with wildfire smoke and
talk about the connections between climate change, capitalism, and the
green new deal with passersby.
Empowerment park has wheelchair-accessible sidewalks. Hablamos
Español. Please email the committee Co-Chairs at
[email protected] with any accessibility questions or
concerns.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1443/2020-08-27-mutual-aid-mask-building/)
** 2020 CONVENTION
PHONEBANK
------------------------------------------------------------
Friday,
August 28 | 6–8 p.m.
Remote – email [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=2020%20convention%20phonebank) for
info ♿️
East Bay DSA is having our 2020 Local Convention on September 13th!
Our Convention is the highest decision making body in our chapter, and
it’s where we collectively set priorities for the coming year. But in
order to make sure that as many members as possible are able to
participate, it’s going to take some internal organizing.
Join us in phonebanking our membership to get them to RSVP, read
the priorities that we'll all be debating, and pump everyone up!
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=2020%20Convention%20phonebanking)
.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1429/2020-08-28-2020-convention-phonebank/)
** SOCIALIST DAY SCHOOL: DAY
1
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday,
August 29 | 2–5 p.m.
Online via Zoom – register for info
(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0tcsyNF23LrTS8wqjpCzqdBhLxJ5BLrVj1_DPbpnELzMnWA/viewform)
♿️
** SOCIALIST DAY SCHOOL: DAY
2
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday,
August 30 | 2–5 p.m.
Online via Zoom – register for info
(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0tcsyNF23LrTS8wqjpCzqdBhLxJ5BLrVj1_DPbpnELzMnWA/viewform)
♿️
The Political Education Committee is proud to invite you to East
Bay DSA's Socialist Day School on Saturday and Sunday, August
29–30!
A lot has happened this year, from Bernie failing to win the
nomination, to the economic and health disasters triggered by
coronavirus, to the mass mobilization against the structural racism
perpetuated by police violence. Discussion and debate of our
strategies and tactics are crucial--now more than ever! The moment
demands that we seriously engage with strategic debates and that we
look critically at the theory which guides us.
We have designed a weekend-long event to ensure that we have the
tools to do so. The weekend will focus on two topics: Electoral
Politics and Mass Movements in America, and Socialist Anti-Racism
& Mass Uprisings. Attendees will engage in free-form discussion on
a set of readings that cover key debates, sharing and comparing their
thoughts in an effort to develop a more solid understanding of
strategy and theory, both as individuals and as a chapter.
It is evident that we now face a situation that requires rigorous
analysis and critical understanding. So join us as we rise to the
occasion!
See the readings
(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rAC9mjZJ6UtE2xRxQN4x3wsUnX9kdCHfFIyNsxEldNg/edit)
Register
here
(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0tcsyNF23LrTS8wqjpCzqdBhLxJ5BLrVj1_DPbpnELzMnWA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR32uKyjHUFlwBKTFpkLeWpwrl9BU-noBHqEj9J0WGl3ob4vuu4qaYMAOoQ)
** CANCEL RENT PARTY: FUNDRAISER FOR CARROLL FIFE AND DEAN
PRESTON
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday,
August 30 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP here
(https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jaDHfHHlRkaJKPvsINsWDw)
♿️
This event will be live-captioned and count with ASL
interpretation
Join us this Sunday, August 30 at 6 p.m., for a ‘Cancel Rent’
fundraising party via Zoom to support two working-class champions in
the Bay Area who firmly believe housing is a human right: Carroll Fife
and Supervisor Dean Preston.
Featuring a Q&A with both candidates, live music, comedy,
prizes, and more!
The Bay Area is in an ongoing housing crisis, and COVID-19 is
adding fuel to the fire. Rent is due soon, and millions of vulnerable
people across America risk being thrown out of their homes. We have to
protect tenants, cancel rent and mortgage obligations during the
pandemic and enact policies to guarantee housing for all.
Dean won his last campaign against an incumbent opponent funded by
big developers and corporate landlords — demonstrating that insurgent
democratic socialist candidates can win. Now on the SF Board of
Supervisors, Dean has spearheaded key housing justice victories,
including passing an eviction moratorium that permanently bans
landlords from evicting tenants who fail to pay rent due to the
COVID-19 crisis. https://www.votedean.com/
Carroll is the executive director of ACCE Oakland, one of the
master-minds behind Moms for Housing, and powerhouse organizer who
helped pass legislation at the state and local level to build
collective power for tenants. In her Oakland City Council race,
Carroll is campaigning to fund services by defunding OPD and to make
housing a human right for all. https://www.carrollfife.org/
We need your help to win! We don’t have big developers bankrolling
our campaigns — so we rely on grassroots cash. We need you and all
your friends to join us and help get these DSA candidates across the
finish line!
This event is hosted by two Bay Area chapters of the Democratic
Socialists of America: East Bay DSA and San Francisco DSA.
For external captions tune into:
https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=cancelrentparty
RSVP on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/events/330893821441057/)
Register
(https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jaDHfHHlRkaJKPvsINsWDw)
** LABOR COMMITTEE
MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday,
August 30 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1196/2020-08-30-labor-committee-meeting/)
♿️
Please join the East Bay DSA Labor Committee for our regular
monthly meeting. It's open to all DSA members who are interested in
getting involved in labor work with their comrades! Learn more about
how to get involved in the committee, our ongoing projects, and
upcoming solidarity actions! If you'd like to submit an item for the
agenda, please email [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1196/2020-08-30-labor-committee-meeting/)
** PHONEBANK FOR PROP
15!
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday,
August 31 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81243430449?pwd=NG5KdzZOOHNKWUZqS01GZGltUUpNZz09)
♿️
Prop 15, or Schools and Communities First, is a ballot measure
that prevents large, wealthy corporations/individuals from using a tax
loophole to avoid contributing to schools and public services. We're
phonebanking people to get the word out and we could use your
help!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1440/2020-08-31-phonebank-for-prop-15/)
** THE ORGANIZER’S TOOLBOX: HOW TO HAVE A
ONE-ON-ONE
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday,
August 31 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88532771881?pwd=aXpMdG1kaHpWS3lCSlYvYkh3dERaZz09)
♿
In this training, we will discuss and practice the art of the
one-on-one meeting. This is a powerful and foundational skill for any
organizer—it helps us form a political relationship with somebody,
understand more about who they are and what motivates them, and gives
us an opportunity to make a concrete ask of them.
One-on-one meetings can help us develop political relationships
with other working-class people, build leadership in your committee,
and move people to action. Come to this training to learn the
components of a one-on-one and get some real-life practice.
Note: While everybody is welcome, this training event is geared
towards people who are already active in the Democratic Socialists of
America or aligned organizations.
Recommended readings
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bou8QLTKdIv1Q180DC6GgOALUapPC0Mj/view?usp=sharing)
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1423/2020-08-31-the-organizer-s-toolbox-how-to-have-a-one-on-one/)
** PHONEBANK FOR PROP
15!
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday,
September 1 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1441/2020-09-01-phonebank-for-prop-15/)
♿️
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1441/2020-09-01-phonebank-for-prop-15/)
** SOCIALIST NIGHT SCHOOL: ECO-SOCIALIST
PRINCIPLES
------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday,
September 3 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84693488061?pwd=M2t3S0dzdkhwN01oZm1hcFpHZS91UT09)
♿️
In 2018 the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) released an alarming report, stating that the world needed to
steeply cut its carbon emissions and make radical changes in order to
limit the planet’s temperature from rising to 1.5 °C above
pre-industrial levels. If that goal wasn’t met, the report predicted a
horrifying increase in suffering for almost all life and ecological
collapses.
In America, this report was met on the political Left by sustained
calls for the abolition of capitalist exploitation of people and the
planet. The rationale was that capitalism’s imperative for endless
economic growth required massive amounts of energy, the vast majority
of which is still produced through fossil fuels. Some of the specific
responses were reinvigorated support for anti-capitalist and
anti-imperialist struggles by Indigenous peoples, surges in attendance
at climate strikes, and great support for proposals like the Green New
Deal by elected officials.
East Bay DSA will explore this theme in a Socialist Night School
mini-series, co-organized with our Green New Deal Committee. These 3
events will explore what it means to be an ecosocialist, the Red Deal
and Indigenous struggle, and how to fight for a Green New Deal after
Bernie.
In this first Night School, we’ll get an introduction to
ecosocialism, its history, and how we can organize as ecosocialists
today from the local to the national and international levels. For
more info on the speakers and readings, click the RSVP link below.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1364/2020-09-03-socialist-night-school-eco-socialist-principles/)
** HAYWARD CITY COUNCIL SLATE—EAST BAY DSA CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
PARTY
------------------------------------------------------------
Friday,
September 4 | 7–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1442/2020-09-04-hayward-city-council-slate-east-bay-dsa-campaign-launch-party/)
♿️
East Bay DSA recently endorsed progressive activists and
candidates Lacei Amodei, Elisha Crader, and our member Nestor Castillo
for Hayward City Council. The time has come for a virtual Launch
Party, to support their allied campaigns and dramatically build our
democratic socialist movement in Hayward!
RSVP below to meet Lacei, Elisha, and Nestor, learn about their
platforms and their campaigns, sign up for future events, and get
plugged into phone-banking and other opportunities to support these
candidates! Our efforts can directly help form a majority on Hayward
City Council of representatives of and for the working class, who are
aligned with our values – instead of those of corporate and police
interests like the incumbents they’re running to replace. Our
endorsement and strategy also focus on raising class consciousness in
Hayward and developing our membership there. If you believe we need
more change at the local level, beyond our traditional bases in
Oakland and Berkeley, this is the event for you!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1442/2020-09-04-hayward-city-council-slate-east-bay-dsa-campaign-launch-party/)
** EBDSA JOBS PROGRAM PRESENTS: HARLAN COUNTY,
USA
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday,
September 6 | 6–8 p.m.
Contact [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) for info ♿️
This Labor Day weekend, join the EBDSA Labor Committee for a
screening of Harlan County, USA, and learn about our newly-launched
Jobs Program! This Oscar-winning film documents the struggles of
Brookside Mineworkers while striking for safer working conditions,
fair labor practices, and decent wages.
Following the screening, we will discuss the film and how the Jobs
Program aims to build working-class power through strategic workplace
organizing.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1444/2020-09-06-ebdsa-jobs-program-presents-harlan-county-usa/)
** CAR CARAVAN FOR PROP 15: SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES
FIRST
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday,
September 7 | 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Oakland Technical High School 4351
Broadway, Oakland ♿️
To show our support and build awareness for
the important tax ballot measure Proposition 15, we're going to be
driving from Oakland Tech to Lake Merritt. We'll have speakers along
the way and a good time all the way down! Come early and decorate your
car! We'll be driving from Oakland Tech to Lake Merritt, all
outside.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1445/2020-09-07-car-caravan-for-prop-15-schools-and-communities-first/)
** GREEN NEW DEAL FOR TRANSIT CAMPAIGN
MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday,
September 7 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1359/2020-09-07-green-new-deal-for-transit-campaign-meeting/)
♿️
Join us to win power for:
* Free Public Transit
* Greatly
expanded service, accessibility, and schedule
* Protection of union
workers and expansion of union jobs
* Social equity to overcome
transportation discrimination
* Conversion of Public Transit to
Zero Emissions vehicles
RSVP below for the Zoom link!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1359/2020-09-07-green-new-deal-for-transit-campaign-meeting/)
** MOBILIZER TEAM
PHONEBANKING
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday,
September 8 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1398/2020-09-08-mobilizer-team-phonebanking/)
♿️
The Mobilizer team’s mission is to build the personal
connections that help DSA members get more involved in our chapter and
politically active. We have one on one conversations with both new
members and existing members of our chapter where we learn about what
drew them to the struggle for socialism and help them think about how
they want to take the next step to get more engaged. In this weekly
phone bank, we call our members and train new Mobilizers on how to
make calls. Come help us build a strong chapter and movement while
having great conversations!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1371/2020-09-03-mobilizer-team-phonebanking/)
** GREEN NEW DEAL COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING
(VIRTUAL)
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday,
September 9 | 6:45–8:45 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1350/2020-09-09-green-new-deal-committee-monthly-meeting-virtual/)
♿️
Our Green New Deal Committee meets on the second Wednesday each
month. We will discuss eco-socialist issues, upcoming events and
actions, committee priorities, and campaigns. All are welcome! Please
RSVP to receive the URL to the meeting or email
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1350/2020-09-09-green-new-deal-committee-monthly-meeting-virtual/)
Upcoming
Events
** EBDSA 2020
CONVENTION
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday,
September 13 | 1–5 p.m.
Online
(https://convention.eastbaydsa.org/)
Our chapter convention is just
over two weeks away—please make sure it's on your calendar! Get all
the info, formatted beautifully, at
https://convention.eastbaydsa.org/.
Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ASAP with
any accessibility needs so we can begin to arrange accommodations, or
if you have any other questions about the convention.
Website (https://convention.eastbaydsa.org/)
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1355/2020-09-13-ebdsa-2020-convention/)
Catch
up on Socialist Night School
CATCH UP ON NIGHT SCHOOL
With
social distancing guidelines still in place, now's as good a time as
any to catch up on our Socialist Night School.
Catch up on past night school readings and videos below.
Watch past Night School videos
(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeMYhhCCTFq1jGdOt6lcF8l7HQJwnJndD)
Catch up on Night School readings
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/night-school/)
Not a Member Yet? Let's
Fix That.
DSA now has 70,000 members nationally, and we're still
growing. There's never been a better time to get involved than right
now! Join our national organization by clicking below and become an
official socialist organizer.
Join DSA (https://act.dsausa.org/donate/membership/)
This
weekend! Wouldn’t you like to attend a party? WOULDN’T IT BE FUN TO
CANCEL RENT? Join us in supporting two candidates who believe that
housing in a human right. And maybe win a prize while you do!
Caucus Corner
Our caucuses organize events too! Check out
the Caucus Corner of our website
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/about/caucuses/) to learn more about the
activities of East Bay DSA caucuses and how to participate.
Announcements
JOIN THE CLASSROOM JUSTICE CAMPAIGN
📚✏️VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED!!📚✏️ EBDSA’s Classroom Justice Campaign has been distributing
coloring books with resources and information for parents and teachers
during the COVID-19 crisis MONDAY and THURSDAY mornings at OUSD food
distribution sites, which have doubled this summer. We're looking for
more volunteers to help with distribution and printing!
Interested? Sign up using this Google form
(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTbsYwKJFP5Aw-r937JdRTNtkWxT6eVAB0S5YVQ9OnJJ2BuQ/viewform)
.
More info at classroomjustice.org.
Capitalism does not permit an even flow of economic resources.
With this system, a small privileged few are rich beyond conscience,
and almost all others are doomed to be poor at some level. That’s the
way the system works. And since we know that the system will not
change the rules, we are going to have to change the system.
-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
============================================================