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Metro DC DSA Weekly Update for Friday, December 13, 2019
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Comrade, ABOUT THIS WEEKEND: TODAY (see below) is Just Transition week at Fire Drill Friday; SATURDAY Dec. 14, Community Rally/testimony vs. Amazon in Arlington; Stomp Out Slumlords Anti-Eviction Canvass ; SUNDAY Dec. 15, Rent Control Working Group Meeting ; MoCo DSA 🌹General Branch Meeting ; Socialist Feminism Reading Group 🌹 – and the hastily-scheduled Socialist Night School session Monday night (Dec. 16) on the coup in Bolivia. Details at the links.
CHAPTER MATTERS
Sunday, January 12, 2020 – Kick Off 2020 with Metro DC DSA’s Winter Campaigns Fair & January GBM 3:30 -- 5:30 PM The Festival Center 1640 Columbia Rd NW · Washington, DC –
Save the date for MDC DSA’s first General Body Meeting/Campaigns Fair for 2020. We will have a few business items to discuss but this Campaigns Fair is for members, guests and interested folks wanting to get involved with the chapter’s various campaigns! There will be hot chocolate to warm us up -- and feel free to bring some cookies or snacks to share!
Here are details from last Sunday’s December General Body Meeting – with explainers on the participatory budgeting process the local chapter is launching, info on the special election for Steering Committee vacancy (below) and reports from many of our campaigns. Check out the slides for the flavor of what happened.
The current vacancy on MDC DSA’s Steering Committee will be filled by chapter-wide special election in January 2020. First step: nominations, now under way. A link to the nominations form, open through Monday, Dec. 16, was sent to all members in good standing Monday (Dec. 9) about 8:30 PM. Members may be nominated by others or self-nominate; five nominations are needed to be on the ballot. Members who believe they did not get the notice, and should have, can email [email protected].
BRIEFS
FRIDAY CLIMATE STRIKE/FIRE DRILL – TODAY, Dec. 13 --Jobs, Communities & Just Transitions Can't Wait 11 AM – NOON US Capitol Southeast Lawn (map) The climate emergency requires us to rapidly transform our energy system and key industrial sectors in many ways – and it is up to all of us to ensure this is done in a way that benefits workers and communities. If we do this right, transforming our energy systems and industrial base can and will create millions of good union jobs that provide a living wage, full benefits, a safe workplace and the right to collective bargaining. Hear from experts on the frontline of ensuring a Just Transition for workers and communities as we respond to the urgent need to reduce fossil fuels and promote safe renewable alternatives.
Speakers include Joe Uehlein, Labor Network for Sustainability; Diamonte Brown, President, Baltimore Teachers Union; Winona LaDuke and Sally Field
Saturday DEC 14 The Struggle Against Amazon Our Communities, Our Future Community Rally at Arlington County Govt HQ 9 AM (2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201) -- Hosted by For Us, Not Amazon and 4 others: https://www.facebook.com/events/554448688448386/ Saturday DEC 14 Our Communities, Our Future Community Rally at Arlington County Govt HQ 9 AM (2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201) -- Hosted by For Us, Not Amazon and 4 others: https://www.facebook.com/events/554448688448386/ Tell the Arlington County Board – no more square footage for Amazon’s colonizing/gentrification of Northern Virginia. More details in Allies events calendar below. GRAPHIC IN GRAPHICS FILE
SOCIALIST NIGHT SCHOOL – THE COUP IN BOLIVIA – MONDAY, DEC. 16, 6:30 to 8:30 PM Cleveland Park Library 3310 Connecticut Ave NW · DC -- On November 10, 2019 the Bolivian military forced the country’s elected president Evo Morales to resign. The coup in Bolivia has been condemned by both the national Democratic Socialists of America and Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America. For this Socialist Night School, we will be joined by experts from the Center for Economic and Policy Research to discuss the background of the coup and ongoing situation in Bolivia.
Democratic Socialist Labor Commission Elections
In 2017 the DSA national convention voted to form the Democratic Socialist Labor Commission (DSLC). This body is responsible for leading the organization’s work around labor and workers rights. At this most recent convention in 2019 our organization voted for a whole new set of ambitious priorities for labor. Now the DSLC is preparing to elect a new steering committee to carry this work out.
If you are part of the labor working group, a current or retired union members, staff for a union, part of an active organizing campaign, or are otherwise involved with labor as a journalist or academic you are eligible to join the DSLC and vote in this election. You can join the DSLC by using this form to become eligible to vote.
Even if you are not intending to vote, you should still join the DSLC so that you can stay updated and involved in labor work in DSA happening at the national level. If you do intend to vote you have until January 6th to join. Even if you are currently on the DSLC list or the local labor list, you must still fill out this form in order to retain your seat and have a vote. The election itself will be held in February. MDC DSA publications will circulate more information about the DSLC election as it is released.
ACTION REPORT: DSA 4 Bernie Working Group Update:
Wheaton canvass a success! Over 20 volunteers participated in last Saturday’s DSA 4 Bernie canvass in Wheaton, MD. We went door-to-door and spoke with friendly, left-leaning voters to discuss Bernie’s political platform. In all, our group of singles and pairs knocked 563 doors and achieved an impressive 24% contact rate. Afterward, the volunteers met up at a local sports bar to eat, drink and make new friends. Join our next canvass in early January! Pencil-in Saturday, January 11th. Details, location TBD.
Debate Watch Party! The DSA for Bernie Working Group is hosting a debate watch party at Penn Social on Thursday, December 19th. Join us at the upstairs bar at 7:30 pm to hang out with fellow DSA members and learn how you can get involved with DSA for Bernie. While you’re at it, pick yourself up a DSA for Bernie button—the proceeds help us put on events and support our common goal: getting Sanders in the White House! That’s Thursday, December 19th 7:30 – 11 PM Penn Social, Upper Bar, 801 E St NW (Gallery Place, Metro Center stations). RSVP if you can : or mail us at: [email protected] -- Join the convo on Slack: #bernie ---Kristen B.
Here is MoCo branch DSA’s weekly bulletin – legislative briefing this Sunday, national work on public power, etc. https://mailchi.mp/mdcdsa.org/join-us-on-saturday-nov-1263403?e=003de9ccab
The year-end report from Empower DC – our allies on housing, planning and many other issues in the District. MDC DSA is a member of the Grassroots Planning Coalition, which focuses on that shared agenda including the upcoming revisions to the DC Comprehensive Plan. http://empowerdc.org/
SOCIALISM: CAN YOU FIND THE WORDS?
Attention all writers, editors, photographers, illustrators, and designers: The Washington Socialist wants you! If you’re eager to contribute your talents to the Publications Working Group, fill out our contributor’s form and we’ll be in touch. We need your help to spread socialist ideas and news about the chapter’s work.
Meanwhile, our publications schedule: Weekly Updates in December will be published Fridays, Dec. 20 and (maybe) 27 if urgent fresh info demands it. The January 2020 Washington Socialist will be published Friday, Jan. 3 with an article deadline of Dec. 28.
Actually existing right-now socialism – This newsletter is published Friday. As the weekend and the week unfold, make sure to keep up with any changes in the events in our calendars by following links we helpfully provide here to Facebook Events pages or Meetup, where the latest information will be found.
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MDC DSA Events for December/January
Follow links for details
Saturday DEC 14 1:30 PM
Stomp Out Slumlords Anti-Eviction Canvass
L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station, 600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
We’re canvassing tenants facing eviction in DC! Come out and inform tenants of their rights in court, how to get a lawyer, and see if they’re interested in organizing their building. Meet at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station near the 7th & Maryland exit above the escalators (if the weather is bad, we’ll be downstairs Follow links for details.
Sunday DEC 15 1:00 PM
Rent Control Working Group Meeting
Petworth Neighborhood Library, 4200 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011
Join Metro D.C. DSA’s rent control working group for our next general business meeting on Sunday, December 15 from 1-2 PM at the Petworth Library. At this meeting, we’ll continue to talk strategy as well as next steps/how we’re going to help out the Janeese Lewis George campaign. Follow links for details.
Sunday DEC 15 2:00 PM
MoCo DSA 🌹General Branch Meeting
Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Please join us for our December branch meeting at the Silver Spring library. This month, we’ll be joined by DSA members and state delegates Gabe Acevero and Vaughn Stewart, to talk about the upcoming state legislative session! Afterwards, we’ll adjourn to a local bar for a social hour. See you then!
Sunday DEC 15 4:00 PM
Socialist Feminism Reading Group 🌹
The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20009
Please read our reading group Participation Guide and join us as we explore and discuss topics within Socialist Feminism. 🌹 Follow links for details and readings.
Monday DEC 16 6:30 PM
The Coup in Bolivia (Socialist Night School)
Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
On November 10, 2019 the Bolivian military forced the country’s elected president Evo Morales to resign. While this resignation followed allegations of electoral irregularity promulgated by the Organization of American States, experts have called into question the basis for the OAS’s claims. Follow links for details.
Tuesday DEC 17 5:30 PM
Queer Caucus Happy Hour
Denizens Brewing Co, 1115 E W Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Comrades, the Queer Socialist Caucus (QSC) will be having our monthly happy hour, for all queer, trans, and nonbinary comrades, as well as our allies and accomplices. This event is open to the public, and DSA membership is not required. Take a breather for a few hours of smashing the cis-hetero patriarchy and enjoy Follow links for details.
Wednesday DEC 18 6:30 PM
Bust the Boss Planning Session
1616 P St NW, 1616 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Bust the Boss is the Labor Working Group’s direct organizing project–we help workers fight against bad bosses and for better working conditions. At this planning meeting, we’ll be reviewing the impressive work we’ve done since the project launched one year ago, debating what has worked and what has not, and brainstorming Follow links for details.
Thursday DEC 19 6:00 PM
Disability Justice Working Group Meeting
The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
Come join us for the December Disability Justice Working Group meeting at the Festival Center at 6pm. We’ll be diving into plans for a Disability Town Hall, disability narratives/comics, and reading groups. Please aim to submit ASL interpretation and other accessibility requests (including childcare requests) at least two weeks prior to the meeting to [email protected]. Follow links for details.
Thursday DEC 19 7:30 PM
DSA for Bernie- Democratic Debate Watch Party
Penn Social, 801 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004
We’ve all been working hard to show our support for Senator Sanders—we donated, made calls, knocked on doors, got political at the Thanksgiving table. Now take a night to join your comrades and watch our boy crush the December debates. Only six candidates have qualified so far, so this isn’t one to miss! Follow links for details.
JANUARY 2020
Sunday JAN 5 2:00 PM
MoCo DSA 🌹General Branch Meeting
Connie Morella (Bethesda) Library, 7400 Arlington Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814
Please join us for our January branch meeting! Help us build our vision for equality, democracy, and socialism in Montgomery County. Afterwards, we’ll adjourn to a local bar for a social hour. See you then!
Sunday JAN 5 1:30 PM
Stomp Out Slumlords Anti-Eviction Canvass
L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station, 600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
We’re canvassing tenants facing eviction in DC! Come out and inform tenants of their rights in court, how to get a lawyer, and see if they’re interested in organizing their building. Meet at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station near the 7th & Maryland exit above the escalators (if the weather is bad, we’ll be downstairs) Follow links for details.
Saturday JAN 11 2:00 PM
January Labor Working Group Meeting
Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22201
Join us at the January Labor Working Group meeting where we will have updates on our organizing campaigns (wage theft, street vendors), solidarity work (ATU), Labor for Bernie, and continue our discussion on a DSA campaign to repeal Right to Work and expand workers’ legal rights in Virginia Follow links for details.
Saturday JAN 11 1:30 PM
Stomp Out Slumlords Know Your Rights Canvass with DCTU
L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station, 600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
We’re canvassing tenants in DC! Come out and inform tenants of their rights in court, how to get a lawyer, and see if they’re interested in organizing their building–and help build connections with the DC Tenant Union! Meet at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station near the 7th & Maryland exit above the escalators Follow links for details.
Sunday JAN 12 3:30 PM
Winter Campaigns Fair & January GBM
The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
Please join the members of Metro DC DSA for our Winter Campaign Fair and January GBM. We will have a few business items to discuss but this is for anyone wanting to get involved with the chapters various campaigns! There will be hot chocolate to warm us up and feel free to bring some cookies Follow links for details.
Tuesday JAN 14 7:00 PM
NOVA Branch DSA 🌹 Organizing Meeting
Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre Dr, Alexandria, VA 22315
Welcome to our monthly NOVA DSA organizing and planning meeting. Please take a minute to read our short, brief, not very long, sort-of-illustrated NOVA DSA Socialist Meeting Participation Guidelines. We will be welcoming new members and continue discussing planning for our current actions and campaigns Follow links for details.
Saturday JAN 18 3:30 PM
Participatory Budgeting Planning Meeting
Mount Pleasant, Washington, DC
Help plan our chapter’s participatory budgeting process! More details to come. Follow links for details.
Tuesday JAN 28 7:00 PM
Participatory Budgeting Planning Meeting
Cleveland Park Bar and Grill, 3421 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Help plan our chapter’s participatory budgeting process! More details to come. Follow links for details.
IF YOU ARE A MARYLAND ACTIVIST you might want to get the Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo, with links (this week) to our recent blogs – on business leaders seeing their self-interest in full funding of the Kirwan school improvement program, how militarism roadblocks health care improvement, and a roundup of our coverage on the funding of the Kirwan school improvement plan, a battle coming up in the General Assembly next month. Plus more struggles on criminal justice reform and Medicare for All, plus news and events from PM’s chapters and from our progressive allies. You can sign up for the emailed Memo here.
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Events from Our Allies in the DMV
Follow links for details.
Friday, Dec 13 Maryland Sierra Club Benefit in Annapolis (Eastport), 6-8 PM, info and RSVP here.
Saturday DEC 14 Our Communities, Our Future Community Rally at Arlington County Govt HQ 9 AM (2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201) -- Hosted by For Us, Not Amazon and 4 others: https://www.facebook.com/events/554448688448386/ Rally alongside community members to express our collective opposition to the expansion of Amazon's empire and the corporate greed it represents. Today, the Arlington County Board is scheduled to vote on expanding Amazon’s empire by choosing whether to approve more square footage for Amazon in Arlington. We are calling on Board Members, Erik Gutshall, Libby Garvey, Christian Dorsey, Katie Cristol and Matt de Ferranti to stand up in solidarity with the public against this expansion. Amazon's presence will contribute to the ongoing gentrification of Arlington and the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, leading to further displacement of Black, Brown, and low-income families. 9 AM for public comments to Board, followed by a community rally at 10:30.
Saturday, Dec 14, 9 AM -4 PM, “Rebuild Maryland: Climate Action Summit”, Stamp Union, Univ of MD. (jointly sponsored by many environmental organizations) https://www.facebook.com/events/736524716814811/
Saturday DEC 14 10 AM — 3 PM
Build and Mobilize a Stronger Union workshop at NoVA Labor
Free seminar taught by Rutgers University Labor center faculty on how to build a stronger union and mobilize your members to take action. Workshop to be held at 4536 B John Marr Drive, Annandale, VA. RSVP to [email protected].
Saturday, DEC 14 9 AM -4 PM, “ Rebuild Maryland: Climate Action Summit”, Stamp Union, Univ of MD. (jointly sponsored by many environmental organizations)
https://www.facebook.com/events/736524716814811/
Sunday DEC 15 10 AM — 5 PM Maryland Legislative Summit
Legislative process, lobbying, agenda-setting and more at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in Catonsville.
Monday DEC 16 1 – 3 PM ROC DC Monthly Meeting!
Come together at the Restaurant Opportunities Center of Washington DC and meet other restaurant workers in DC who want to build worker power in order to improve wages and working conditions in the DC restaurant industry! Lunch is provided and children are welcome!
¡Vengan y conozcan a otros trabajadores de restaurante en DC que quieran desarrollar el poder de los trabajadores para mejorar los salarios y las condiciones de trabajo en la industria de restaurantes de DC! Se proveerá la cena y nenes son bienvenidos!
Tuesday, DEC 17 Anti-fascist Happy Hour/Letter Writing Night/Chelsea's Birthday 6-9 PM| RSVP Lyman's Tavern 3720 14th St NW, Washington D.C. 20011 Come grab drinks with other anti-fascists, write letters to political prisoners, celebrate Chelsea Manning's birthday and her grand jury resistance. Hosted by Resist This
https://www.facebook.com/events/530549667795449/
Tuesday, DEC 17 Maryland HBCU Town Hall 6:00 - 8:00 PM Prince George's County Education Association (PGCEA) 8008 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD -- Get an overview of documented, historic racism and discrimination in Maryland's institutions of higher education, panel discussions on the 13-year long lawsuit, and perspectives on the value and significance of Maryland's HBCUs from students, alumni, faculty, advocates, legislators, and the media. RSVP Facebook livestream. More info here
Tuesday, DEC 17 6 — 10 PM
End Violence Ki Ki Ball
“International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers” is not just about ending violence against people engaging in sex work — it’s also about ending violence against Trans people, against people of color, against people who use drugs, against people living with HIV, against people experiencing homelessness, and the communities who love and support sex workers. Ki Ki Ball (as seen on T.V. hit series Pose) will raise awareness about the violence our communities face and continue funding the expansion of our support services. Eastern Market North Hall located at 225 7th Street SE, Washington DC, 20003 – info and tickets at link.
Saturday, DEC 21 12:00 PM Prince Georges County Poor People's Campaign General Meeting at the Greenbelt Library 11 Crescent Rd Greenbelt MD 20770
Saturday JAN 25, 2020, 10 AM -2 PM, CCAN Polar Bear Plunge, https://us-p2p.netdonor.net/2883/polar-bear-plunge
Sunday JAN 26, Medicare 4 All Town Hall in Annapolis 2-4 PM at Stanton Community Center, 92 W Washington St, Annapolis, MD 21401 among co-sponsors, Maryland Progressive Healthcare Coalition.
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