Twin Ports DSA Members and Associates:
We have committees and working groups to join!
We solidified our current active committees and working groups. What's the difference? I'm sure there is one, but for us they function the same, and it's up to the participants to decide on the name. These are smaller groups of members and community supporters who want to get things done in a particular area. Typically they meet more often, develop connections with other groups in the community, start campaigns around issues, or support campaigns that other groups have started. They report back to the general membership once a month, and any larger decisions requiring full chapter support are decided then. In short, this is the fun part of the chapter.
If you see one you want to participate in, contact the person indicated, or just reply to this email.
Racial Justice Working Group: This highly active group meets every Monday at 6 pm via zoom. They are currently work on a Cahoots style system for 911 calls, meant to cut down the need for police on a good percentage of the calls, instead sending out other, unarmed non-police professionals (this program has been in effect for 30 years in Eugene, Oregon). Contact: Lydia Goustin [email protected]
Housing Justice Working Group: Just restarting after a long pause, this group will work on homeless issues, housing for all, tenant rights issues and the general promotion of socialist, public solutions to the housing crisis. Contact: John Krumm [email protected]
Ecosocialist Working Group: This group will work on everything environmental, from Polymet to Line 3 to the Green New Deal, always keeping in mind broader socialist solutions. Contact: [email protected]
Labor Committee: This group will seek to establish local relations with the unions it can, support labor actions in the Twin Ports area, and also provide any help and support to workers wanting to start new unions. Contact: David Clanaugh [email protected]
Other News
Our solidarity fund could use some fresh funding. Passing the virtual hat during the meeting netted $150 plus a $10 a month commitment. Funds are used for cash disbursements to residents in need in the chapter area. We are starting to see a few more requests, and might see much more in January if unemployment either runs out or is seriously cut back.
Click here to donate to our solidarity fund.
Upcoming Meetings
Our next general meeting is December 27th at 4 pm. The Chapter Check-in (our informal virtual gathering) is scheduled for 6pm on December 9th. As mentioned above, the Racial Justice Working Group meets every Monday at 6 pm. Other groups have yet to set times. Our Steering Meeting is December 20th.
In January, our general meeting is also our Annual Meeting. This is when we pick a new steering committee and officers. If you would like to join the chapter leadership, please let us know. New people are essential to a healthy chapter. Any member in good standing is able to seek a position. You can nominate yourself, or someone else. The Annual Meeting is also when we usually make changes to our bylaws. I will send out more information about this to members later in December.
In Solidarity,
John Krumm
TPDSA Secretary
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