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East Bay DSA Newsletter May 6, 2021
Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.
Abraham Lincoln
Comrades,

Whether we're newly socialist, dyed in the wool, or simply curious, the past year has opened many of our eyes and hardened our political commitments. We've seen bosses’ blatant disregard for the lives of workers, the greed of industrialists, the pettiness of landlords, the vanity of mayors, the cowardice and cruelty of cops. The scale of global tragedy is enormous, and the dysfunction of capitalism more obvious than ever. So what do we do about it?

Our annual convention is a chance to come together, reflect and discuss what the past year has taught us, draw conclusions and debate and forge a way forward. It is, not least of all, a chance to see each other’s faces and gather strength and inspiration from your comrades. And it’s happening next weekend — May 15 and 16! Please join us both days to hear all the impassioned arguments and help decide the future of our movement. We're holding a convention forum on Monday to talk convention rules and procedures, and what priority campaigns look like and mean for our chapter going forward!

Some quick deadline reminders – tomorrow, May 7, is the last day to complete your consent agenda straw poll (sent via email to members, subject: "East Bay DSA 2021 Convention Consent Agenda Straw Poll"). And tomorrow, May 7, is also the last day to submit amendments.

Solidarity!
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf missed her own May 1 deadline to publish her city budget proposal. Yesterday morning, EBDSA joined the Anti-Police Terror Project and ACCE Action to demand the Mayor do her job, stop playing dirty, and deliver a budget that prioritizes safety, not police. "Real safety and justice come from investing in services that improve people’s lives: good jobs, dignified housing, healthcare, childcare, elder care, mental healthcare, education, transit, food security, culture and community."
News and Information
Be sure to check out East Bay Majority, East Bay DSA's news source with a socialist perspective, for the latest news and information.

WHO IS HIDING $2B IN BAY AREA TRANSIT RESCUE FUNDS?

The Bay Area got $2b in federal rescue funds to save public transit. Why is an unelected board hiding the money?

Read more

TRANSIT CORRIDOR BULLETIN #2

Rather than throw caution to the wind, we need to keep fighting for safe conditions for transit workers and riders while the pandemic continues.

Read more
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.

HEY MTC, STOP STARVING OUR TRANSIT! UNLOCK OUR TRANSIT MONEY NOW

Today! May 6 | 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Transbay Terminal Entrance by the Gondola, 123 Beale St, San Francisco ♿️
Bay Area transit services are passing up thousands of riders each day and yet the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is holding back $1.67 billion in federal stimulus funds which could be used right now to restore service. They intend to hold back the American Rescue Plan (ARP) instead of using this money for its intended purpose: to restore transit service and the economy and hire more union drivers. Not only is this a misuse of the stimulus funds, but MTC’s actions will also lead to a self-created crisis in transit as service will not be there as people return to their lives this year, leading to a permanent loss in ridership.

Join us as we demand that MTC release the stimulus funds this year in order to restore transit service NOW! We will meet at the Transbay Terminal (Mission and Fremont street entrance by the Gondola). Then, we'll march to the MTC Headquarters at 375 Beale Street.

RSVP

NAPA AND SOLANO COUNTY SOCIAL

Friday, May 7 | 6–7:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️

Take an important step with us in overcoming the social alienation of capitalism! Within the EBDSA, unique opportunities and challenges confront active members in Napa and Solano Counties. High on the scale of the challenge is our displacement from one another, as well as our distance from on-the-ground organizing across the bridge in Oakland and Berkeley. Help us overcome that in our monthly social! Connect with one another, share priorities and projects, and help brainstorm future events with us!

Join via Zoom

RSVP

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE?

Saturday, May 8 | noon–2:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️

Join the EBDSA political education committee and EBDSA racial solidarity committee in the second in our “What is Abolition?” series as we explore the school-to-prison pipeline. We’ll be hearing from Ben “Coach” Tapscott, an OUSD School board candidate, endorsed by EBDSA, and Gerald Smith, an activist with the Oscar Grant Committee, who’s worked with the family of OUSD students Raheim Brown who was shot by OUSD PD. Check out the readings here and join us to discuss and explore what the school-to-prison pipeline is and how we can fight it.

Join via Zoom

RSVP

(NATIONAL DSA) DSA Q&A FEAT. THE PRO ACT

Saturday, May 8 | noon–2 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️
During the first 100 days of the Biden administration, DSA has been going all in on a national push to pass the PRO Act, which would strengthen unions, root out racist & unjust labor practices like right-to-work laws, guarantee that immigrant workers have the same rights afforded to their fellow workers, build the power of all workers to organize on the job, and grow our collective capacity to win a just transition to a green economy for all in the years ahead.

As part of a special DSA Q&A call series featuring PRO Act organizers, we'll answer questions about the PRO Act and what DSA is doing to make sure this legislation passes, as well as any other questions people have about DSA in general. We'll also have leaders from our national PRO Act campaign on to talk about the next steps for growing the labor movement and winning our other demands like a Green New Deal.

RSVP

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DRIVE PHONE BANK

Saturday, May 8 | 4–6 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️
Help us meet our goal of renewing 100 members ahead of the local convention by phone banking lapsed members!

Join on Zoom

RSVP

CONVENTION 2021 FORUM

Monday, May 10 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – register here ♿️
East Bay DSA's Convention, our chapter’s highest decision making body, is fast approaching. Join us to talk convention rules and procedures, and what priority campaigns look like and mean for our chapter going forward!

Register on Zoom

RSVP

INTRO TO DSA

Tuesday, May 11 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️
The membership of DSA, the largest socialist organization in the United States, is rapidly growing by the thousands. Democratic Socialist politicians like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Cori Bush are raising the expectations of millions of people across the United States and bringing them into a political awakening. Millions of working-class Americans are calling for Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, universal rent control, and more.

But what is democratic socialism? What does it mean to be a member of DSA? How do socialists view the crises of police brutality, economic recession, and COVID-19? And what is the best course of action during the Biden administration?

Let's talk about it.

Join us to discuss what our political moment calls for, meet new people, and get plugged into our fight for democratic control of the things that we need for all of us to live a dignified life.

Join on Zoom

RSVP

GREEN NEW DEAL COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING (VIRTUAL)

Wednesday, May 12 | 6:45–8:45 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️
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].

RSVP

VIRTUAL MASK BUILD

Thursday, May 13 | 7–9 p.m.
Online – register here in advance to receive materials and info ♿
Sign up for East Bay DSA's virtual mask assembly party! Vaccines are rolling out, but new, potentially more dangerous variants are taking root. The U.S. continues to experience PPE shortages, especially of high-grade face masks which are one of the simplest, cheapest methods to dramatically cut infections. The failures of the capitalist system are devastating clear. But with mutual aid, we can take the safety and well-being of our community into our own hands, while developing relationships across the East Bay and building our own organizational power.

We will be assembling hundreds of no-sew, submicron "N85" masks for distribution with community partners, including the tenants' union TANC. All we need is your help!

This is a great event for new members to attend. Training and materials are delivered to your door (!), no experience necessary. During the build, we'll hang out on an online call together to talk about mutual aid, socialism, and whatever else you'd like to!

Please RSVP at the link below several days before the build so we provide materials via a touchless kit drop-off at your door! We request that attendees commit to both the May 13 and May 20 mask builds.

RSVP

2021 EAST BAY DSA CONVENTION

Saturday, May 15 | 1–4 p.m.
Sunday, May 16 | 1–3 p.m.
Online – RSVP (Saturday, Sunday) for info ♿️
It's that time of the year again! The Local Convention is the highest decision-making body of East Bay DSA and meets once a year to elect our Steering Committee and collectively decide our priorities for the coming year. All members are encouraged to attend! This year, the Local Convention will take place digitally on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16. We are so excited to participate in the highest body of the chapter with you all.

The 3 main tasks of the Local Convention will be:
  • Elect a new Steering Committee and 2021 national convention delegates
  • Ratify our 2021 chapter platform and select 3 priorities for the year
  • Vote on bylaws amendments

Questions and Accessibility
Email [email protected] ASAP with any accessibility needs so we can begin to arrange accommodations. Other questions about the Convention? Reach out with questions at [email protected].

RSVP for Day 1

RSVP for Day 2

Visit the convention website

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

Sunday, May 16 | 2–5 p.m.
Online – RSVP for info ♿️
See how your elected leadership works as we deliberate on current chapter issues. This meeting is open to all DSA members to observe the proceedings. Please RSVP for the ZOOM link. The agenda is TBA.

RSVP

RACIAL SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, May 17 | 7–9 p.m.
Contact [email protected] for location information ♿️
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
Upcoming Events

LET'S OWN PG&E CAMPAIGN

Wednesday, May 19 | 6:45–8:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️
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.

Join on Zoom

RSVP

SOCIAL HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, May 19 | 7–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️
Monthly meeting for the EBDSA Social Housing committee. Come to hear updates about our upcoming projects, and have a political discussion about the decommodification of housing in the Bay Area!

Join on Zoom

RSVP
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

Catch up on Night School readings
Not a Member Yet? Let's Fix That.
DSA now has more than 90,000 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
Marching on May Day in support of the PRO Act, the biggest pro-union bill in decades, and waving red flags with comrades from all over the Bay was the perfect celebration. If you want to learn more about the PRO Act, join the PRO Act Q&A this Saturday at noon.
Caucus Corner
Our caucuses organize events too! Check out the Caucus Corner of our website to learn more about the activities of East Bay DSA caucuses and how to participate.
Announcements
EAST BAY DSA 2021 LOCAL CONVENTION DEADLINES
The East Bay DSA 2021 Local Convention will be held this year on Saturday, May 15, 1–4 p.m. and Sunday, May 16, 1–3 p.m. on Zoom. Please be aware of these deadlines running up to the Convention, including the consent calendar poll and amendments deadlines tomorrow (Friday).

2021 Local Convention Timeline
  • Friday, May 7:
    • Deadline for Consent Calendar Poll and Amendments
  • Sunday, May 9:
    • Full Convention Agenda with Resolutions and Amendments Released Nominations
  • Friday, May 14:
    • Deadline to submit Position Papers
  • Saturday, May 15:
    • Local Convention Day 1
  • Saturday, May 16:
    • Local Convention Day 2
For more information about phonebanks and possible supplemental events, please check eastbaydsa.org/events.
MEET WITH A MOBILIZER!
Are you a new DSA member? Or are you looking to get more involved with East Bay DSA's projects and campaigns? Sign up to talk to a mobilizer!

Here are three reasons to sign up to talk to a mobilizer:

  1. Meet a fellow socialist organizer
    We want to build a movement of millions of working class people and change the exploitative and oppressive system in which we live, but we do that first and foremost by building one-to-one connections with each other.
     
  2. Answer your questions
    Learn more about DSA, the local East Bay chapter, and our different committees and projects.
     
  3. Get more involved
    The main thing a mobilizer will help you with is getting more involved in DSA. Maybe there’s a campaign or project you’re particularly interested in, or maybe you’re a blank slate and you don’t really know what to do. Either way, a mobilizer will help you figure it out.
Sign up to talk to a mobilizer!
Bourgeois class domination is undoubtedly an historical necessity, but, so too, the rising of the working class against it. Capital is an historical necessity, but, so too, its grave digger, the socialist proletariat.
Rosa Luxemburg

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Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.

-Abraham Lincoln

Comrades,

Whether we're newly socialist, dyed in the wool, or simply curious, the past year has opened many of our eyes and hardened our political commitments. We've seen bosses’ blatant disregard for the lives of workers, the greed of industrialists, the pettiness of landlords, the vanity of mayors, the cowardice and cruelty of cops. The scale of global tragedy is enormous, and the dysfunction of capitalism more obvious than ever. So what do we do about it?

Our annual convention is a chance to come together, reflect and discuss what the past year has taught us, draw conclusions and debate and forge a way forward. It is, not least of all, a chance to see each other’s faces and gather strength and inspiration from your comrades. And it’s happening next weekend — May 15 and 16! Please join us both days to hear all the impassioned arguments and help decide the future of our movement. We're holding a convention forum on Monday to talk convention rules and procedures, and what priority campaigns look like and mean for our chapter going forward!

Some quick deadline reminders – tomorrow, May 7, is the last day to complete your consent agenda straw poll (sent via email to members, subject: "East Bay DSA 2021 Convention Consent Agenda Straw Poll"). And tomorrow, May 7, is also the last day to submit amendments.

Solidarity!


Be sure to check out East Bay Majority (https://eastbaymajority.com/) , East Bay DSA's news source with a socialist perspective, for the latest news and information.


** WHO IS HIDING $2B IN BAY AREA TRANSIT RESCUE FUNDS?

------------------------------------------------------------
The Bay Area got $2b in federal rescue funds to save public transit. Why is an unelected board hiding the money?

Read more (https://eastbaymajority.com/bay-area-transit-stimulus-bailout-arp-mtc-ac-transit/)


** TRANSIT CORRIDOR BULLETIN #2

------------------------------------------------------------

Rather than throw caution to the wind, we need to keep fighting for safe conditions for transit workers and riders while the pandemic continues.

Read more (https://eastbaymajority.com/transit-corridor-bulletin-2/)

Read more (https://eastbaymajority.com/libby-and-her-billionaire-friends-are-the-problem-not-the-solution/)
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/) .


** HEY MTC, STOP STARVING OUR TRANSIT! UNLOCK OUR TRANSIT MONEY NOW

------------------------------------------------------------
Today! May 6 | 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Transbay Terminal Entrance by the Gondola, 123 Beale St, San Francisco ♿️
Bay Area transit services are passing up thousands of riders each day and yet the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is holding back $1.67 billion in federal stimulus funds which could be used right now to restore service. They intend to hold back the American Rescue Plan (ARP) instead of using this money for its intended purpose: to restore transit service and the economy and hire more union drivers. Not only is this a misuse of the stimulus funds, but MTC’s actions will also lead to a self-created crisis in transit as service will not be there as people return to their lives this year, leading to a permanent loss in ridership.

Join us as we demand that MTC release the stimulus funds this year in order to restore transit service NOW! We will meet at the Transbay Terminal (Mission and Fremont street entrance by the Gondola). Then, we'll march to the MTC Headquarters at 375 Beale Street.

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1903/2021-05-06-hey-mtc-stop-starving-our-transit-unlock-our-transit-money-now/)


** NAPA AND SOLANO COUNTY SOCIAL

------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, May 7 | 6–7:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86762238861?pwd=ZjdMMDgvakpjU0VHSjU3RjZPdkwxZz09) ♿️

Take an important step with us in overcoming the social alienation of capitalism! Within the EBDSA, unique opportunities and challenges confront active members in Napa and Solano Counties. High on the scale of the challenge is our displacement from one another, as well as our distance from on-the-ground organizing across the bridge in Oakland and Berkeley. Help us overcome that in our monthly social! Connect with one another, share priorities and projects, and help brainstorm future events with us!

Join via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86762238861?pwd=ZjdMMDgvakpjU0VHSjU3RjZPdkwxZz09)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1889/2021-05-07-napa-and-solano-county-social/)


** WHAT IS THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE?

------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, May 8 | noon–2:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82523910872?pwd=YnpWRFZBMXVzU3JPS1FSclRaazhDdz09) ♿️

Join the EBDSA political education committee and EBDSA racial solidarity committee in the second in our “What is Abolition?” series as we explore the school-to-prison pipeline. We’ll be hearing from Ben “Coach” Tapscott, an OUSD School board candidate, endorsed by EBDSA, and Gerald Smith, an activist with the Oscar Grant Committee, who’s worked with the family of OUSD students Raheim Brown who was shot by OUSD PD. Check out the readings here and join us to discuss and explore what the school-to-prison pipeline is and how we can fight it.

Join via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82523910872?pwd=YnpWRFZBMXVzU3JPS1FSclRaazhDdz09)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1905/2021-05-08-what-is-the-school-to-prison-pipeline/)


** (NATIONAL DSA) DSA Q&A FEAT. THE PRO ACT

------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, May 8 | noon–2 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://act.dsausa.org/signup/QA_about_DSA_5_8/) ♿️
During the first 100 days of the Biden administration, DSA has been going all in on a national push to pass the PRO Act, which would strengthen unions, root out racist & unjust labor practices like right-to-work laws, guarantee that immigrant workers have the same rights afforded to their fellow workers, build the power of all workers to organize on the job, and grow our collective capacity to win a just transition to a green economy for all in the years ahead.

As part of a special DSA Q&A call series featuring PRO Act organizers, we'll answer questions about the PRO Act and what DSA is doing to make sure this legislation passes, as well as any other questions people have about DSA in general. We'll also have leaders from our national PRO Act campaign on to talk about the next steps for growing the labor movement and winning our other demands like a Green New Deal.

RSVP (https://act.dsausa.org/signup/QA_about_DSA_5_8/)


**
------------------------------------------------------------

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DRIVE PHONE BANK
Saturday, May 8 | 4–6 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84452211789?pwd=WFhGY2tCYnZWL0lZeldWWk1DUk1yZz09) ♿️
Help us meet our goal of renewing 100 members ahead of the local convention by phone banking lapsed members!

Join on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84452211789?pwd=WFhGY2tCYnZWL0lZeldWWk1DUk1yZz09)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1906/2021-05-08-membership-renewal-drive-phone-bank/)


** CONVENTION 2021 FORUM

------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, May 10 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – register here (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUod-irrz0tHtTqMVEBNcqzN8guL40RoUvV) ♿️
East Bay DSA's Convention, our chapter’s highest decision making body, is fast approaching. Join us to talk convention rules and procedures, and what priority campaigns look like and mean for our chapter going forward!

Register on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUod-irrz0tHtTqMVEBNcqzN8guL40RoUvV)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1907/2021-05-10-convention-2021-forum/)


** INTRO TO DSA

------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, May 11 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86757244930?pwd=K0t3b1JCTkYwZEp6aDhrajdZazJydz09) ♿️
The membership of DSA, the largest socialist organization in the United States, is rapidly growing by the thousands. Democratic Socialist politicians like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Cori Bush are raising the expectations of millions of people across the United States and bringing them into a political awakening. Millions of working-class Americans are calling for Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, universal rent control, and more.

But what is democratic socialism? What does it mean to be a member of DSA? How do socialists view the crises of police brutality, economic recession, and COVID-19? And what is the best course of action during the Biden administration?

Let's talk about it.

Join us to discuss what our political moment calls for, meet new people, and get plugged into our fight for democratic control of the things that we need for all of us to live a dignified life.

Join on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86757244930?pwd=K0t3b1JCTkYwZEp6aDhrajdZazJydz09)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1910/2021-05-11-intro-to-dsa/)


** GREEN NEW DEAL COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING (VIRTUAL)

------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 12 | 6:45–8:45 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1700/2021-05-12-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/1700/2021-05-12-green-new-deal-committee-monthly-meeting-virtual/)


**
------------------------------------------------------------

VIRTUAL MASK BUILD
Thursday, May 13 | 7–9 p.m.
Online – register here in advance to receive materials and info (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVBjNTB9QfPfSTrKOVEQcCsKFNtr4UAGrhqKY2d0C25_reTQ/viewform) ♿
Sign up for East Bay DSA's virtual mask assembly party! Vaccines are rolling out, but new, potentially more dangerous variants are taking root. The U.S. continues to experience PPE shortages, especially of high-grade face masks which are one of the simplest, cheapest methods to dramatically cut infections. The failures of the capitalist system are devastating clear. But with mutual aid, we can take the safety and wellbeing of our community into our own hands, while developing relationships across the East Bay and building our own organizational power.

We will be assembling hundreds of no-sew, submicron "N85" masks for distribution with community partners, including the tenants' union TANC. All we need is your help!

This is a great event for new members to attend. Training and materials are delivered to your door (!), no experience necessary. During the build, we'll hang out on an online call together to talk about mutual aid, socialism, and whatever else you'd like to!

Please RSVP at the link below several days before the build so we provide materials via a touchless kit drop-off at your door! We request that attendees commit to both the May 13 and May 20 mask builds.

RSVP (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVBjNTB9QfPfSTrKOVEQcCsKFNtr4UAGrhqKY2d0C25_reTQ/viewform)


** 2021 EAST BAY DSA CONVENTION

------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, May 15 | 1–4 p.m.
Sunday, May 16 | 1–3 p.m.
Online – RSVP (Saturday (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1876/2021-05-15-2021-east-bay-dsa-convention-day-1/) , Sunday (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1875/2021-05-16-2021-east-bay-dsa-convention-day-2/) ) for info ♿️
It's that time of the year again! The Local Convention is the highest decision-making body of East Bay DSA and meets once a year to elect our Steering Committee and collectively decide our priorities for the coming year. All members are encouraged to attend! This year, the Local Convention will take place digitally on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16. We are so excited to participate in the highest body of the chapter with you all.

The 3 main tasks of the Local Convention will be:
* Elect a new Steering Committee and 2021 national convention delegates
* Ratify our 2021 chapter platform and select 3 priorities for the year
* Vote on bylaws amendments

Questions and Accessibility
Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ASAP with any accessibility needs so we can begin to arrange accommodations. Other questions about the Convention? Reach out with questions at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

RSVP for Day 1 (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1876/2021-05-15-2021-east-bay-dsa-convention-day-1/)

RSVP for Day 2 (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1875/2021-05-16-2021-east-bay-dsa-convention-day-2/)

Visit the convention website (https://convention2021.eastbaydsa.org/)


** STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, May 16 | 2–5 p.m.
Online – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1478/2021-05-16-steering-committee-meeting/) ♿️
See how your elected leadership works as we deliberate on current chapter issues. This meeting is open to all DSA members to observe the proceedings. Please RSVP for the ZOOM link. The agenda is TBA.

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1478/2021-05-16-steering-committee-meeting/)


** RACIAL SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING

------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, May 17 | 7–9 p.m.
Contact [email protected] for location information ♿️
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/1680/2021-05-17-racial-solidarity-committee-monthly-meeting/)
Upcoming Events


** LET'S OWN PG&E CAMPAIGN
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Wednesday, May 19 | 6:45–8:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://dsausa.zoom.us/j/93277685636) ♿️
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.

Join on Zoom (https://dsausa.zoom.us/j/93277685636)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1599/2021-05-19-let-s-own-pg-e-campaign/)


** SOCIAL HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING

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Wednesday, May 19 | 7–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85023852802?pwd=V0VaZEgvZTJxQXZ5c1I2K1FLQlQxdz09) ♿️
Monthly meeting for the EBDSA Social Housing committee. Come to hear updates about our upcoming projects, and have a political discussion about the decommodification of housing in the Bay Area!

Join on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85023852802?pwd=V0VaZEgvZTJxQXZ5c1I2K1FLQlQxdz09)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1730/2021-05-19-social-housing-committee-meeting/)

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 more than 90,000 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 (http://dsausa.org/join?source=East%20Bay)


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

EAST BAY DSA 2021 LOCAL CONVENTION DEADLINES
The East Bay DSA 2021 Local Convention (https://convention2021.eastbaydsa.org/) will be held this year on Saturday, May 15, 1–4 p.m. and Sunday, May 16, 1–3 p.m. on Zoom. Please be aware of these deadlines running up to the Convention, including the consent calendar poll and amendments deadlines tomorrow (Friday).

2021 Local Convention Timeline (https://convention2021.eastbaydsa.org/#timeline)
* Friday, May 7:
+ Deadline for Consent Calendar Poll and Amendments (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd96MyrCrKqjO2db-0xZoERqyFiWhUeSiLndL7512HmW59f5g/viewform)
* Sunday, May 9:
+ Full Convention Agenda with Resolutions and Amendments Released Nominations
* Friday, May 14:
+ Deadline to submit Position Papers
* Saturday, May 15:
+ Local Convention Day 1
* Saturday, May 16:
+ Local Convention Day 2

For more information about phonebanks and possible supplemental events, please check eastbaydsa.org/events.


MEET WITH A MOBILIZER!
Are you a new DSA member? Or are you looking to get more involved with East Bay DSA's projects and campaigns? Sign up to talk to a mobilizer!

Here are three reasons to sign up to talk to a mobilizer:
1. Meet a fellow socialist organizer
We want to build a movement of millions of working class people and change the exploitative and oppressive system in which we live, but we do that first and foremost by building one-to-one connections with each other.

2. Answer your questions
Learn more about DSA, the local East Bay chapter, and our different committees and projects.

3. Get more involved
The main thing a mobilizer will help you with is getting more involved in DSA. Maybe there’s a campaign or project you’re particularly interested in, or maybe you’re a blank slate and you don’t really know what to do. Either way, a mobilizer will help you figure it out.

Sign up to talk to a mobilizer! (https://forms.gle/np21b7Jt225z4xmq5)

Bourgeois class domination is undoubtedly an historical necessity, but, so too, the rising of the working class against it. Capital is an historical necessity, but, so too, its grave digger, the socialist proletariat.

-Rosa Luxemburg

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