“In a time of pandemic, war, planetary and economic crisis, resurgent social movements, and inspiring neighborhood and workplace organizing, Socialism 2022 in Chicago is a vital gathering place for today’s left.”

- Maria Svart

Friends,

Let’s be honest.  Since Biden took office, the socialist Left has been struggling.  It’s been difficult to find our footing on a new political terrain – the Democrats control the federal government, and yet they haven’t delivered much change.

At the same time, there has been an important rise in union elections and activism as well as large protests against the overturning of Roe vs. Wade.  Even in the “red state” of Kansas, 59% of voters recently voted to maintain abortion rights in their state constitution – an important victory and a sign of future battles to come.  And now the Women’s March is mobilizing for a National Weekend of Action October 7-9, including a march on Washington DC.  This is an important opportunity to visibly demonstrate that the majority of Americans want the right to choose and to pressure the federal government – including the Democrats – to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would legalize abortion nationwide.

To navigate complex political challenges like these and seize future opportunities, we need to educate and develop a new generation of socialist organizers.  That is why we need to send Seattle DSA members to the Socialism 2022 Conference. 

This conference will be an important place for thousands of unionists, feminists, BLM activists, socialists, and many others to grapple with the political challenges of this period and learn from each other’s successes and failures.  The Socialism Conference will strengthen DSA members’ political understanding and organizing skills, and it will be very inspiring.  Seattle DSA comrades will share ideas with others and bring new energy and ideas back to reinvigorate our work in Seattle – right here in Starbucks’ and Amazon's hometown.

13-15 Seattle DSA activists are hoping to attend, and our chapter voted to help them by contributing $2,500 from our treasury, but we still need to raise an additional $2,000 to help 8-10 members cover the costs of their travel, housing, and registration.  We will hopefully raise the full $2,000 and be able to send all of our comrades.  If not, the chapter voted to prioritize members on the basis of need and members from historically marginalized and exploited identities.

Can you chip in $25, $50, or $100 today? Please donate to help us build a stronger socialist movement!

In Solidarity,

Bryan Watson

Seattle DSA Treasurer

P.S. DSA National Director Maria Svart described Socialism 2022 as “the largest socialist conference in North America.”  Socialism 2022 is sponsored by Haymarket Books, but Maria pointed out that “DSA is happy to be a co-sponsor” too. Bryan W., Seattle DSA Local Council member