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At the last chapter meeting on 8/1, DSA Ventura County gave big thanks to the outgoing 2020/2021 leadership, Keith (Co-chair), Rae (Secretary) and Michelle (Treasurer).  We wish them the very best as they move on to new endeavours!  

Now, we are happy to announce the new officers who will be leading the chapter over the next year!  Here they are:

  Chair

Hello!  I’m Jonie De Leon, the newly elected chapter chair. I am a resident of Simi Valley and a recent graduate of CSUN Class of 2020. I joined DSA back in 2020 because I wanted to elevate my activism past sharing posts on Instagram and social media. This year, I hope to facilitate a smooth transition and start education programs that can help DSA reach out to more members of the community. I intend for those education programs to dispel any negative connotations the public has about being a Democratic Socialist. 

  Secretary

Greetings, Comrades!  I’m Allen Chinn, the new chapter secretary. I have been a member of this chapter since its formation in 2017. I have worked in every working group at one point or another. I was proud to serve as the chapter co-chair during the 2019–2020 term alongside Lao Tong. And, now I am excited to take on the challenge of the duties of secretary. I vow to use the skills I have acquired over my lifetime as an administrative professional and business owner to keep the chapter running like a well oiled machine. I will proudly be of service to the other chapter leaders and the chapter as a whole.

 Treasurer 

Hi all — I’m Lily Berry, the new chapter treasurer! I joined DSA late last year out of a desire to help advance the cause of equity and justice in Ventura County and beyond. I live on stolen Chumash land in the Conejo Valley with my wife, dog, and a small flock of chickens. I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and a 2020 California Lutheran University graduate with a degree in computer science. I was formerly in the military as a combat medic, and I worked in food service for several years afterward before beginning my current job as a software developer. And while I don't have any formal bookkeeping experience, I have some knack for numbers, and I enjoy learning about and improving systems. I am very much looking forward to following outgoing treasurer Michelle Sood's excellent example of keeping our affairs in order, and I humbly thank you all for the opportunity!

 Membership Coordinator  

Hello comrades and working-class heroes! I’m Dylan Whisman, the new Membership Coordinator. I joined the chapter last fall after canvassing for the Bernie Sanders campaign the previous spring. I’m currently working on my English B.A. at the California State University of Channel Islands, my first step towards becoming an English professor. Education is my passion and I’d like to take that approach in my new leadership position. Creating an engaging atmosphere for new and current members, utilizing their strengths in our various working groups, and preparing us all for public dialogue and activism will be some of my main goals starting now. Finding an effective balance between work/school/activism for all our members will also be paramount to my position. I will proudly do my best in growing, strengthening and mobilizing our chapter throughout the coming year.

Please note there are three leadership positions still open as required by our new bylaws: Chapter Co-Chair, (who will serve alongside Jonie De Leon), Social Media Coordinator, and Program Manager.   Please contact [email protected] to ask about taking on one of these leadership roles.

Democratic Socialists of America - Ventura County
http://www.dsaventuracounty.org/