f1ab045b-dba3-44c1-aa28-b085ea6b5449.png
East Bay DSA Newsletter May 20, 2021
Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.
Paulo Freire
Comrades,

We are horrified and outraged by the ongoing violence and human rights abuse in Jerusalem and Gaza. DSA’s official statement is online here. We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine who are displaced, oppressed, and attacked because of their ethnicity, and who continue the struggle for equality and self-governance.

Americans, in particular, must not be ignorant or look away: our government empowers and excuses the actions of Israel’s military with continued, apparently unconditional, support. (The U.S. sends over $3B annually in aid, and is currently pending sale of over $700M in guided weapons.) But our media coverage and political debate, while still slanted, are presenting a more honest picture of Israeli policy and American opinion than many of us are used to seeing. Though alliances run deep, the truth and stakes of colonialism in the Middle East are becoming harder and harder to deny, and so much international awareness and support for Palestine feels historic. Now it’s our responsibility to actually put a stop to this violence. It is not enough just to speak out; we must act bravely, purposefully, and in solidarity to ensure that we are heard.

We also want to congratulate and thank you all for a successful chapter convention this past weekend. If you’re a member of EBDSA and haven’t yet voted for our steering committee and national convention delegation, you have until this Sunday, May 23 to cast your ballot – look for an email from OpaVote with the subject "East Bay DSA 2021 Steering Committee & Delegate Elections."

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Onward!
 
On Tuesday, we joined thousands of demonstrators outside the Israeli Embassy in San Francisco to show solidarity with the Palestinian general strike and protest the violence of Israeli settlers and police.
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 will keep fighting for safe transit 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.

CLASSROOM JUSTICE MEETING

Tonight! May 20 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️
Join the Classroom Justice Campaign! Classroom Justice is a locally-run campaign that seeks to fight against the injustices happening in our public school system by a cabal of privatizers, whose sole purpose is the dismantling of every public service in this country. If you want to join in the fight against these gentrifiers or merely have questions, sign up or send your inquiries to [email protected].

https://classroomjustice.org/en/

RSVP

ANTICHEVRON DAY

Tomorrow, May 21 | noon–1:30 p.m.
Chevron Refinery Gate 14, Richmond
Join frontline neighbors and many thousands of others around the globe for the 8th annual Global Anti-Chevron Day at the Chevron Richmond Refinery. Communities from Richmond to Ecuador to Myanmar will come together in advance of Chevron's annual shareholder's meeting to share stories about the impact of Chevron's environmental destruction, human rights violations, and corruption of our politics.

Communities worldwide suffer from Chevron's deadly water, soil, and air pollution as well as inhumane working conditions and political interference. Chevron denies any responsibility and continues its destruction in order to keep the oil and profits flowing.

Sponsored by Amazon Watch, Communities for a Better Environment, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Idle No More SF Bay, Sunflower Alliance, 350 Bay Area, Richmond Progressive Alliance, Sunrise and EBDSA.

The event is a 15-minute walk from street parking; see the FB page for details.

RSVP on Facebook

DEFUND OPD: KNOCK DOORS FOR A PEOPLE'S BUDGET! WEST + NORTH OAKLAND CANVASS

Saturday, May 22 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
DeFremery Park, 18th and Adeline St, Oakland
Join the Refund Coalition to knock on doors and speak directly with our neighbors about the Oakland Budget. We are committed to organizing for – and winning – a real recovery budget that:
  • Reinvests in housing as a human right
  • Prioritizes critical public services and creating good union jobs
  • Funds the frontline by protecting Oakland workers
  • Defunds the police to fund root solutions to violence
  • Lift up arts and culture!
  • Makes corporations pay their fair share!
 
We believe this can happen in part by utilizing incoming federal stimulus dollars, holding big real estate and corporate actors accountable, and redirecting money away from the criminalization and over-policing of Oakland’s Black, Indigenous and communities of color.

Make sure to bring:
  • A mask!
  • Comfortable shoes!
  • A fully charged phone, with the app “PDI Connect Mobile” downloaded and installed
  • Your friends, neighbors and co-workers! This is a great event for new volunteers!
 
Note: PPE and training on COVID-19 safety protocols for in-person canvassing will be provided at the beginning of the volunteer shift. We will be canvassing Districts 1, and 3.

RSVP

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

Sunday, May 23 | 2–5 p.m.
Online via Zoom – 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

MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, May 24 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️
We need your help building a strong and active chapter! Member Engagement Committee plans and executes all New Member and Ongoing Member Development for the chapter.
 
Currently our committee builds and maintains projects such as (but not limited to): our mobilizers program, planning and execution of chapter socials, Intro to DSA events, and Organizer's Toolbox Trainings, as well as managing the onboarding of new members. 
 
Our list of projects is always growing and transforming. As our chapter grows we need to grow our internal organizing efforts with it. If you'd like to help with new or ongoing member development, or have ideas on how we can better engage our chapter members, join our next Membership Engagement Committee monthly meeting and learn how you can put your skills and ideas to work! 

Our meetings always start with a political discussion concerning a reading or podcast before diving into the business portion of our agenda – check out this reading for 5/24. If you have any questions about the committee or would like to see the agenda for our meeting, contact us at [email protected].

Join on Zoom

RSVP

(NATIONAL DSA) BUILDING A MASS WORKING CLASS ORGANIZATION

Tuesday, May 25 | 5–7 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️
Why build a mass organization and what will it take? This training includes historical context, discussions, and breakouts to explore the idea of building a mass organization, and why DSA is committed to becoming a mass working class organization.

RSVP

SOCIALIST NIGHT SCHOOL: ORGANIZING IN THE TECH INDUSTRY

Tuesday, May 25 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️
Tech is a new, dynamic, and growing sector of the economy. It aims to change the world and disrupt society. However, as the tech industry has matured, its innovations have proven shallow, and its incentives all too familiar – profit from exploitation. Join us as we discuss some challenges and opportunities facing organizing efforts in the tech industry!

Join on Zoom

RSVP

MEDICARE FOR ALL COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, May 26 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿️
With the pandemic and its multiple, intersecting crises, and the polling popularity of Medicare for All, our commitment to the movement is more important than ever. Come learn about our committee's efforts, as well as local, state, and national initiatives around Medicare for All and single-payer healthcare. All are welcome!

Join on Zoom

RSVP
Upcoming Events

LABOR COMMITTEE MEETING

Sunday, May 30 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️
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].

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
The Oakland city budget proposal ultimately confirmed what we already suspected - Mayor Schaaf intends to increase funding for our bloated and dangerous police department, rather than invest in services the community desperately needs. This Saturday, join the Refund Oakland Coalition to talk with our neighbors in West and North Oakland about these important issues. It’s not just our money; it’s our lives on the line.
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
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!
If a white man wants to lynch me, that's his problem. If he's got the power to lynch me, that's my problem. Racism is not a question of attitude; it's a question of power. Racism gets its power from capitalism. Thus, if you're anti-racist, whether you know it or not, you must be anti-capitalist. The power for racism, the power for sexism, comes from capitalism, not an attitude.
Kwame Ture

This email was sent to [email protected].

To stop receiving emails, click here.

Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.

--Paulo Freire

Comrades,

We are horrified and outraged by the ongoing violence and human rights abuse in Jerusalem and Gaza. DSA’s official statement is online here (https://www.dsausa.org/statements/dsa-stands-with-palestinians-from-sheikh-jarrah-to-gaza-and-beyond/) . We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine who are displaced, oppressed, and attacked because of their ethnicity, and who continue the struggle for equality and self-governance.

Americans, in particular, must not be ignorant or look away: our government empowers and excuses the actions of Israel’s military with continued, apparently unconditional, support. (The U.S. sends over $3B annually in aid, and is currently pending sale of over $700M in guided weapons.) But our media coverage and political debate, while still slanted, are presenting a more honest picture of Israeli policy and American opinion than many of us are used to seeing. Though alliances run deep, the truth and stakes of colonialism in the Middle East are becoming harder and harder to deny, and so much international awareness and support for Palestine feels historic. Now it’s our responsibility to actually put a stop to this violence. It is not enough just to speak out; we must act bravely, purposefully, and in solidarity to ensure that we are heard.

We also want to congratulate and thank you all for a successful chapter convention this past weekend. If you’re a member of EBDSA and haven’t yet voted for our steering committee and national convention delegation, you have until this Sunday, May 23 to cast your ballot – look for an email from OpaVote with the subject "East Bay DSA 2021 Steering Committee & Delegate Elections."

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Onward!


News and Information
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 will keep fighting for safe transit conditions for transit workers and riders while the pandemic continues.

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


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/) .


** CLASSROOM JUSTICE MEETING

------------------------------------------------------------
Tonight! May 20 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1771/2021-05-20-classroom-justice-meeting/) ♿️
Join the Classroom Justice Campaign! Classroom Justice is a locally-run campaign that seeks to fight against the injustices happening in our public school system by a cabal of privatizers, whose sole purpose is the dismantling of every public service in this country. If you want to join in the fight against these gentrifiers or merely have questions, sign up or send your inquiries to [email protected].

https://classroomjustice.org/en/

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1771/2021-05-20-classroom-justice-meeting/)


** ANTICHEVRON DAY

------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow, May 21 | noon–1:30 p.m.
Chevron Refinery Gate 14, Richmond
Join frontline neighbors and many thousands of others around the globe for the 8th annual Global Anti-Chevron Day at the Chevron Richmond Refinery. Communities from Richmond to Ecuador to Myanmar will come together in advance of Chevron's annual shareholder's meeting to share stories about the impact of Chevron's environmental destruction, human rights violations, and corruption of our politics.

Communities worldwide suffer from Chevron's deadly water, soil, and air pollution as well as inhumane working conditions and political interference. Chevron denies any responsibility and continues its destruction in order to keep the oil and profits flowing.

Sponsored by Amazon Watch, Communities for a Better Environment, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Idle No More SF Bay, Sunflower Alliance, 350 Bay Area, Richmond Progressive Alliance, Sunrise and EBDSA.

The event is a 15-minute walk from street parking; see the FB page for details.

RSVP on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/460518981721075/)


** DEFUND OPD: KNOCK DOORS FOR A PEOPLE'S BUDGET! WEST + NORTH OAKLAND CANVASS
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, May 22 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
DeFremery Park, 18th and Adeline St, Oakland
Join the Refund Coalition to knock on doors and speak directly with our neighbors about the Oakland Budget. We are committed to organizing for – and winning – a real recovery budget that:
* Reinvests in housing as a human right
* Prioritizes critical public services and creating good union jobs
* Funds the frontline by protecting Oakland workers
* Defunds the police to fund root solutions to violence
* Lift up arts and culture!
* Makes corporations pay their fair share!


We believe this can happen in part by utilizing incoming federal stimulus dollars, holding big real estate and corporate actors accountable, and redirecting money away from the criminalization and over-policing of Oakland’s Black, Indigenous and communities of color.

Make sure to bring:
* A mask!
* Comfortable shoes!
* A fully charged phone, with the app “PDI Connect Mobile” downloaded and installed
* Your friends, neighbors and co-workers! This is a great event for new volunteers!


Note: PPE and training on COVID-19 safety protocols for in-person canvassing will be provided at the beginning of the volunteer shift. We will be canvassing Districts 1, and 3.

RSVP (https://actionnetwork.org/events/knock-on-doors-for-a-peoples-budget-oakland)


** STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, May 23 | 2–5 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1478/2021-05-23-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/1478/2021-05-23-steering-committee-meeting/)


** MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING

------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, May 24 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81869433453?pwd=RXpoRnYwR200K21STDkzYzlpM1NMdz09) ♿️
We need your help building a strong and active chapter! Member Engagement Committee plans and executes all New Member and Ongoing Member Development for the chapter.

Currently our committee builds and maintains projects such as (but not limited to): our mobilizers program, planning and execution of chapter socials, Intro to DSA events, and Organizer's Toolbox Trainings, as well as managing the onboarding of new members.

Our list of projects is always growing and transforming. As our chapter grows we need to grow our internal organizing efforts with it. If you'd like to help with new or ongoing member development, or have ideas on how we can better engage our chapter members, join our next Membership Engagement Committee monthly meeting and learn how you can put your skills and ideas to work!

Our meetings always start with a political discussion concerning a reading or podcast before diving into the business portion of our agenda – check out this reading for 5/24. If you have any questions about the committee or would like to see the agenda for our meeting, contact us at [email protected].

Join on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81869433453?pwd=RXpoRnYwR200K21STDkzYzlpM1NMdz09)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1878/2021-05-24-membership-engagement-committee-monthly-meeting/)


** (NATIONAL DSA) BUILDING A MASS WORKING CLASS ORGANIZATION
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, May 25 | 5–7 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://actionnetwork.org/events/building-a-mass-working-class-organization/) ♿️
Why build a mass organization and what will it take? This training includes historical context, discussions, and breakouts to explore the idea of building a mass organization, and why DSA is committed to becoming a mass working class organization.

RSVP (https://actionnetwork.org/events/building-a-mass-working-class-organization/)


** SOCIALIST NIGHT SCHOOL: ORGANIZING IN THE TECH INDUSTRY

------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, May 25 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877089891?pwd=bnRVLzhEUzdvenNlOWFER2R2a2l0Zz09) ♿️
Tech is a new, dynamic, and growing sector of the economy. It aims to change the world and disrupt society. However, as the tech industry has matured, its innovations have proven shallow, and its incentives all too familiar – profit from exploitation. Join us as we discuss some challenges and opportunities facing organizing efforts in the tech industry!

Join on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877089891?pwd=bnRVLzhEUzdvenNlOWFER2R2a2l0Zz09)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1917/2021-05-25-socialist-night-school-organizing-in-the-tech-industry/)


** MEDICARE FOR ALL COMMITTEE MEETING

------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 26 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81235048894?pwd=RDZHcnRDQ0FpV3ZndzdUenVJZ3JaZz09) ♿️
With the pandemic and its multiple, intersecting crises, and the polling popularity of Medicare for All, our commitment to the movement is more important than ever. Come learn about our committee's efforts, as well as local, state, and national initiatives around Medicare for All and single-payer healthcare. All are welcome!

Join on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81235048894?pwd=RDZHcnRDQ0FpV3ZndzdUenVJZ3JaZz09)

RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1671/2021-05-26-medicare-for-all-committee-meeting/)
Upcoming Events


** LABOR COMMITTEE MEETING

------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, May 30 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1651/2021-05-30-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/1651/2021-05-30-labor-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

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)


If a white man wants to lynch me, that's his problem. If he's got the power to lynch me, that's my problem. Racism is not a question of attitude; it's a question of power. Racism gets its power from capitalism. Thus, if you're anti-racist, whether you know it or not, you must be anti-capitalist. The power for racism, the power for sexism, comes from capitalism, not an attitude.

--Kwame Ture

============================================================