Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the
revolutionary spirit and go out into a sometimes hostile world
declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism, and militarism.
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Comrades,
We won't make you look at the orange sky here. We saw it yesterday
and might never forget it, what it looked like to wake up in twilight.
As much as it felt like science fiction, like a different planet or a
dystopian future, it is real, here, and now. And if it’s more yellow
today, or more gray, it's not because the facts are any different. We
have woken up again in a world that is desperate for revolution.
Taking power and making change aren't simple or easy, but they are
urgent. Above all, they require many of us working together. So join
us and start. Be a part of fixing this world.
This Saturday, join our conversation with local East Bay candidates
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1468/2020-09-12-black-lives-matter-a-conversation-with-east-bay-candidates/)
on how local governments can fight police violence and systemic
racism.
Our chapter Convention is this Sunday
(https://convention.eastbaydsa.org/) , when we'll hear each other's
perspectives, discuss, and decide how best to work, build our chapter,
and build power for the working class through the adoption of a new
Priorities Resolution. (We'll also hear from three remarkable
socialist organizers (https://convention.eastbaydsa.org/toc) on the
topic, "How Do Socialists Build Power?")
And if you want to fight wildfires, fight for community control of
the private utility that neglects the power grid. The "Let’s Own
PG&E" Campaign meets this coming Wednesday
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1344/2020-09-16-let-s-own-pg-e-campaign/)
.
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
** WE CAN AFFORD TO GET RID OF BUS FARES –
PERMANENTLY
------------------------------------------------------------
Our
public bus service is facing cuts of up to 30%. But we need to expand
public transit — and make it fare-free, as AC Transit Board candidate
Jovanka Beckles proposes.
Read more
(https://eastbaymajority.com/we-can-afford-to-get-rid-of-bus-fares-permanently/)
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/) .
** PHONEBANK DSA MEMBERS FOR HAYWARD CITY COUNCIL
SLATE
------------------------------------------------------------
Tonight!
September 10 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1466/2020-09-10-phonebank-dsa-members-for-hayward-city-council-slate/)
♿
Let's make calls to support Elisha Crader, Lacei Amodei, and
Nestor Castillo for Hayward City Council! We'll be calling East Bay
DSA members who live in cities south of Oakland, helping to plug them
into this campaign right in their backyard. RSVP for the zoom link and
password!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1466/2020-09-10-phonebank-dsa-members-for-hayward-city-council-slate/)
** 2020 CONVENTION
PHONEBANK
------------------------------------------------------------
Friday,
September 11 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1461/2020-09-11-2020-convention-phonebank/)
♿
East Bay DSA is having our 2020 Local Convention on September
13! 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/)
** BLACK LIVES MATTER: A CONVERSATION WITH EAST BAY
CANDIDATES
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday,
September 12 | noon–1:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom – register here
(https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEucemppj0iG9Nz3sOU_UUDoi0PRS_9auqX?_x_zm_rtaid=6LGcp9nmQC2d9LkAnWOZyQ.1599757290999.2e13359b9711c3520edb56775082bbf5&_x_zm_rhtaid=325)
♿
This summer, we've seen a mass uprising for racial justice.
Millions of people have taken to the streets and shut down their
workplaces to declare that Black Lives Matter, to demand an end to
racist police brutality. Protesters are calling on local governments
to defund police and to invest in public services and good jobs for
Black and brown communities.
Join former Richmond City Councilmember and candidate for AC
Transit Board Jovanka Beckles, candidate for Oakland City Council
Carroll Fife, Berkeley City Councilmember Cheryl Davila, and Richmond
City Councilmember Melvin Willis for a conversation on how local
governments can fight systemic racism. Moderated by Ashley Payne, an
active member of SEIU Local 1021 and East Bay DSA.
Register here
(https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEucemppj0iG9Nz3sOU_UUDoi0PRS_9auqX?_x_zm_rtaid=6LGcp9nmQC2d9LkAnWOZyQ.1599757290999.2e13359b9711c3520edb56775082bbf5&_x_zm_rhtaid=325)
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1468/2020-09-12-black-lives-matter-a-conversation-with-east-bay-candidates/)
** EBDSA 2020
CONVENTION
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday,
September 13 | 1–5 p.m.
Online
(https://convention.eastbaydsa.org/)
The chapter Convention (https://convention.eastbaydsa.org/) is the
highest decision-making body of the chapter, where we discuss and
reflect upon our work and organizing, debate priorities and platform
for the future and ratify our annual Priorities Resolution
(http://www.eastbaydsa.org/priorities) . If you want to influence or
provide your opinion on what you think the chapter should focus on,
prioritize, or otherwise organize for, you don’t want to miss
it!
This year is a little different than previous years
though:
1. Because of COVID-19, we'll be holding our convention
digitally
2. Normally we have our Steering Committee elections
during the convention, but they have already happened
3. We're
using a new, more participatory process to choose our priorities (more
on that below)
How Will the Convention Work?
Similar to our General
Meetings, we will have structured debate and voting. All members of
East Bay DSA are welcome to join and vote (double check your
membership at proof.dsausa.org).
Check the Convention Packet
(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eLqZoP15qcFSB8RTuICvywExbNy7J2PX1a3bEhWrEVw/edit#)
for the day's agenda.
How Will Priorities Be Determined?
Over a month-long span,
committees, leaders, and members like you will draft short priority
proposals around a single issue and/or campaign, gather signatures
from membership in support, and bring them to the convention floor for
debate. The purpose of these proposals is to outline political
positions and concrete tasks that will guide our chapter’s work for
the coming year. You can read about the whole process on our website
soon! Once the priority proposals are final, we will send them out
along with a poll to members to agendize them in order of support.
Most things will go on the consent calendar while contentious things
will come to the convention floor. Once we have heard and debated all
of the proposals, we will vote them each up or down and those that
were adopted, in addition to the consent calendar and the political
preamble, will be our new priorities resolution.
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/)
** MAKE CALLS FOR CARROLL
FIFE
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday,
September 15 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87151165262?pwd=d3NucHA3V2lwUUNYcExhTThtQW9PZz09)
♿
Let's make calls for Carroll Fife's campaign for City Council in
Oakland District 3! Carroll is running on a platform of making housing
a human right, defunding OPD, supporting essential workers, and taxing
the rich. Let's build this movement together!
If it's your first time making calls, please join us! Training and
support will be provided on Zoom throughout the event.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1453/2020-09-15-make-calls-for-carroll-fife/)
** LET’S OWN PG&E
CAMPAIGN
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday,
September 16 | 6:45–8:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1344/2020-09-16-let-s-own-pg-e-campaign/)
♿
Learn about why a for-profit PG&E will never work for the
people or the planet and be a part of winning a Community-owned,
Community-controlled PG&E.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1344/2020-09-16-let-s-own-pg-e-campaign/)
** SOCIAL HOUSING COMMITTEE MONTHLY
MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday,
September 16 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1335/2020-09-16-social-housing-committee-monthly-meeting/)
♿
Our Social Housing Committee meets on the third Wednesday each
month. The first half of the meeting is dedicated to learning together
about social housing and about the broader housing justice movement.
In the second part of the meeting, we discuss campaigns and working
group updates. All are welcome!
Please RSVP for the Zoom URL & instructions.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1335/2020-09-16-social-housing-committee-monthly-meeting/)
** MOBILIZER TEAM
PHONEBANKING
------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday,
September 17 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1373/2020-09-17-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 (http://
https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1373/2020-09-17-mobilizer-team-phonebanking/)
** POSTERING FOR HAYWARD CITY COUNCIL
SLATE
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday,
September 19 | 1–4 p.m.
Hayward City Hall (near Hayward BART), 777
B St., Hayward
Let's build visibility for our endorsed candidates in Hayward!
We'll be stapling posters and asking stores to put up signs in support
of Nestor Castillo, Lacei Amodei and Elisha Crader for City Council.
Meet by City Hall near Hayward BART (parking available at BART).
Please wear a mask 😷.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1467/2020-09-19-postering-for-hayward-city-council-slate/)
** RACIAL SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE MONTHLY
MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday,
September 21 | 7–9 p.m.
Online contact
[email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) for info ♿️
Join the Racial Solidarity Committee for our monthly meeting! The
Racial Solidarity Committee (RSC) is dedicated to fighting for the
rights of BIPOC communities here in the Bay Area as well as around the
world. We are committed to building a multiracial democratic socialist
organization that reflects the diversity of the Bay Area working
class. Our work ranges from immigration justice and open borders to
workers' rights and access to fully-funded public education. In our
general meetings, we hold political discussions and report on upcoming
RSC campaigns and events. Join us and become a part of the fight for
Racial Solidarity!
Racial Solidarity Committee is open to all, and we especially
welcome self-identified BIPOC folx. BIPOC facilitators take
progressive stack, and we maintain community agreements.
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1103/2020-09-21-racial-solidarity-committee-monthly-meeting/)
** LABOR CENSUS
PHONEBANK
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday,
September 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1464/2020-09-23-labor-census-phonebank/)
♿
Help the Labor Committee Phonebank Members for the Labor Census!
The labor census is an initiative to find out more about EBDSA members
and their workplaces. We want as many members as possible to
participate in this census so we'll need all hands on deck to call
through our membership list.
As a socialist organization, EBDSA needs to be engaged in the task
of building working-class power. There are many ways this can be done,
but organizing ourselves at the point of production is one of the most
effective and it starts simply by meeting, connecting, and talking
with others in one's industry.
Our chapter's greatest strength is its membership. At the moment,
many of our members aren’t aware of how they can build our movement
within their workplaces. This is where the census comes in. By finding
out what kind of work our members do, for whom, and what level of
organization exists at their workplaces, we can start to support our
members (unionized or non-unionized) to organize and build power in
their workplaces.
*No experience necessary. Onboarding and training will be
provided.*
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1464/2020-09-23-labor-census-phonebank/)
Upcoming
Events
** MAKE CALLS FOR CARROLL
FIFE
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday,
September 22 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84545802730?pwd=OGVsM1pWYmllUTVFRlR4S2NJU0ZzZz09)
♿️
See description for September 15 event. Let's build this
movement together!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1450/2020-09-22-make-calls-for-carroll-fife/)
** MOBILIZER TEAM
PHONEBANKING
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday,
September 22 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1400/2020-09-22-mobilizer-team-phonebanking/)
♿
See description for September 17 event. Come help us build a
strong chapter and movement while having great conversations!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1400/2020-09-22-mobilizer-team-phonebanking/)
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/)
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.
Our bigger-and-better society is now like a hypochondriac, so
obsessed with its own economic health as to have lost the capacity to
remain healthy. The whole world is so greedy for more bathtubs that it
has lost the stability necessary to build them, or even to turn off
the tap. Nothing could be more salutary at this stage than a little
healthy contempt for a plethora of material blessings.
--Aldo Leopold