General Membership Meeting: Jan. 13, 2019

East Bay DSA General Membership Meeting, January 13, 2019, 1–3:30 p.m.

This is a general meeting of the East Bay DSA membership. Zach M. and Abigail G.-G. chaired the meeting. The recording secretary was present and documented the minutes.

The meeting was called to order at 1:10 p.m.

Settle In and Welcome

Zach M. opened the meeting with a welcoming statement and an introduction of how the meeting will be run.

Committee Reports and Announcements

Following the opening statements, Zach M. called forward committee representatives to present oral reports.

Will S. reported on behalf of the Social Housing Committee
Kara M. reported on behalf of the Racial Solidarity Committee
Dan D. reported on behalf of the Political Education Committee
Robbie N. reported on behalf of the Labor Committee
Frances R. reported on behalf of the Communications Committee
Sean M. delivered a report as the Treasurer
Joey K. reported on behalf of the Meetings Committee
Mark G. reported on behalf of the Steering Committee
Hannah K. reported on behalf of the OEA Solidarity Committee
Seth B. reported on behalf of the Membership Engagement Committee
Matt S. reported on behalf of the Medicare for All Committee
Miguel D. reported on behalf of the PG&E and Green New Deal Campaign

OEA and UTLA Panel

Following the Committee reports, Abigail G.-G. introduced and moderated a panel discussion with four educators in relation to the Oakland Education Association (OEA) and United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). The panel included Shelby, Estefania, and Siy who are teachers in the Oakland Unified School District and members of OEA, and Joel who is a former longtime member of and current consultant for UTLA.

The panelists answered prepared questions and spoke about the demands being put forth by teachers in both LA and Oakland, the challenges they face as educators, and the possibilities of upcoming strike actions. Following the prepared questions, a period was opened for Q&A from the floor.

Following the panel discussion, the agenda was amended to move the resolutions to come before member announcements.

Resolutions

[GM.2019.1] Resolution to Start Towards Building a Working Class Party

Submitted by John R., Rachel R., Sergio G., Karina S., Eric G., and Irene K., motivated by John R.

Whereas the only three major initiatives of East Bay DSA (EBDSA) in the last few years - the campaign for a state-wide single payer law, the campaign to elect Jovanka Beckles, and the campaign for Proposition 10 - were all unsuccessful; and

Whereas it is open to question whether the working class in our area has been united and strengthened as an independent political force of any significant degree through any of these campaigns; and

Whereas all three focused exclusively on elections and legislation to be passed by elected politicians; and

Whereas the working class movement in the US has historically focused on mobilizing workers in the workplaces, the streets, and working class schools; and

Whereas now more than ever a mass working class party is desperately needed to do exactly this as well as to fight for representation in the political arena;

Therefore be it resolved that while we see electoral/ legislative action as one avenue, it is only one, and mobilizing the working class in the streets, work places, schools and unions is at least as important, and EBDSA shall give equal attention to this avenue;

Therefore be it further resolved that EBDSA shall consider what concrete practical steps it can take towards building a mass working class party that is fully independent of the two parties of big business.

Following motivation, a period of question and answer was opened. Following the Q&A, a motion to extend time passed, extending the meeting until 3:15 p.m.

The resolution FAILED by a majority vote.

Member Announcements

Following the resolution, a period for member announcements was opened.

Emma delivered an announcement regarding volunteer opportunities to support the OEA strike by hosting neighborhood house parties.

Soli A., Casey C., and Alfred T. delivered an announcement regarding an upcoming election for delegates to the state Democratic convention. The Progressive Labor Slate running in AD-15, which includes members of East Bay DSA, is requesting support in the upcoming vote.

Jeremy W., an Oakland teacher and chair of political development committee in OEA, is running for a delegate position to the state Democratic convention in the district that covers Alameda and Oakland.

Rex made an announcement about the upcoming Women's March and an opportunity to flyer the event, as well as an announcement of the first issue of the Socialist Feminist zine.

Keith B. B. announced an upcoming event with four leaders from the PSOL party in Brazil. The event is organized by East Bay DSA and will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26. There will also be an event on the UC Berkeley campus.

A member delivered an announcement regarding the California Clean Money Campaign for an upcoming ballot initiative to lower the barrier for putting petitions on the ballot. Visit caclean.org for more.

Will O. delivered an announcement regarding a new campaign with TANC and their effort to organize tenants in the East Bay. TANC invites people who are having trouble with their landlords to come out to their public assemblies and monthly happy hours.

Gerald S. announced that he has information from the veterans of the 1996 teacher strike, which can be shared by reaching out to him. Gerald S. also delivered an announcement regarding Mumia Abu Jamal’s recently granted re-hearing of his case.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.