Steering Committee Meeting: June 22, 2019

East Bay DSA, Steering Committee Meeting, June 22, 2019, 3–6 p.m.

Introductions and Opening Statements

The meeting was called to order at 3:08 p.m. by Keith B. B. who welcoming the new Steering Committee to its first meeting. The meeting was chaired by Keith B. B. and Abigail G.-G. The recording secretary was present and taking notes. Also present at the meeting were Annika B., Jack M., Shane R., Rex L.-C., Marissa S., Allie L., Maura M., Sean M., and Hannah E. Matt S. joined by phone.

Committee chairs Andy C., Tyler D., Nick F., and Andrew R. were also in attendance.

An agenda item to discuss a recent event with a visiting Filipino senator was added to the end of the agenda.

Reports

Keith B. B. invited committee chairs to deliver oral reports.
Finance report delivered by Sean M.
Recording secretary’s report delivered by Mark G.
Communications Committee report delivered by Rex L.-C.
Operations Committee report delivered by Andrew R.
General Meetings Committee report delivered by Andy C.
Racial Solidarity Committee report delivered by Shane R. and Rex L.-C.
Political Education Committee delivered by Nick F.
Member Engagement Committee delivered by Hannah E.
Medicare for All Campaign Committee report delivered by Abigail G.-G.
Labor Committee report delivered by Shane R.
Social Housing Campaign Committee report delivered by Allie L.
2020 Committee report delivered by Jack M.
Abigail G.-G. gave an update regarding the visit to the East Bay from Eric W.’s, regional organizer from national
Public Education Committee report delivered by Tyler D.
An update regarding the PG&E Campaign was delivered by Keith B. B., including the launch of https://letsownpge.org/

Abigail G.-G. introduced the consent calendar, which was ADOPTED by general consent and included the following resolutions.

Consent Calendar

[SC.2019.62] Resolution to Reimburse Costs for Sign Printing

Submitted by Emma G.

WHEREAS, East Bay DSA Steering Committee resolved to endorse the May 22 Statewide Day of Action for Public Education,

WHEREAS, East Bay DSA wants to have a visible presence in support of teachers in mass rallies such as this,

WHEREAS, East Bay DSA had also been providing picket support to teachers in the New Haven School district and will likely provide support at future teacher strikes and events in support of public education and against charter schools,

WHEREAS, the turnaround time between receiving the request for signs and final design and needing to send it to the printer was too short to submit to the steering committee for a vote in advance,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that East Bay DSA reimburse for the cost of 100 “Democratic Socialists Stand with Teachers” and 50 “Charter Moratorium Now” posters for a total of $262.30.

[SC.2019.63] Proposal to Support NOlympics Campaign in EBDSA

Submitted by Allie L.

Whereas communication and resource sharing between California’s DSA chapters is critical as we seek to democratize the state of California and build a movement for all working-class people.

Whereas DSA LA is the largest chapter in the state and has worked with us closely on the Proposition 10 campaign.

Whereas DSA LA’s NOlympics committee, which seeks to prevent the Olympics (and the massive displacement and economic chaos that follows it) from occurring in Los Angeles, is an integral campaign in that chapter’s strategy and history.

Whereas California lawmakers approved a measure that would put California taxpayers responsible for $270 million in costs if the LA 2028 Olympics goes over budget.

Whereas DSA LA reached out asking East Bay DSA to participated in the NOlympics Anywhere Transnational Day of Action happening on July 24th, 2019, with groups from Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles, Seoul/Pyeongchang, Boston, and Rio de Janeiro participating.

Therefore be it resolved the East Bay DSA will join the #NOlympicsAnywhere social media blitz on July 24.

Therefore be it further resolved the East Bay DSA will take photos of members holding NOlympicsAnywhere signs at meetings and events when possible to share on July 24.

[SC.2019.64] Resolution to Fund East Bay DSA/Andres Soto Richmond Environmental Justice Tour

Submitted by Keith B. B., Rex L.-C., Katie F., and Chris A.

Whereas the May Steering Committee meeting approved the "Proposal to Support a Chevron Refinery Environmental Hike", with up to $200 for promotional materials and incidental expenses,

Whereas further research has found that a walking-only tour of the Chevron perimeter is impractical, unable to see sufficient sites due to visibility and access issues,

Whereas Andres Soto, a leader in local environmental justice organization Communities for a Better Environment, regularly leads a 3-4 hour bus & walking tour of Richmond and Chevron, with capacity for 30 participants,

Whereas this tour would cost $500 for bus rental and driver pay, as Andres Soto has offered to waive his normal honorarium for an East Bay DSA-organized tour,

Whereas this tour would offer in-person experience, DSA video-taking opportunities, and multiple hours of group conversation beyond a typical speaker panel event,

Whereas organizers with the Green New Deal/PG&E Campaign would work with Andres Soto and Jovanka Beckles to develop a unique curriculum for this tour, to fit our priorities of socialist education and discussion,

Therefore be it resolved that the Steering Committee will fund up to an additional $500 for the cost of bus rental and other incidental expenses, with the GND/PG&E Campaign arranging and submitting expenses,

Therefore be it resolved that the organizers of this event will seek to fundraise from participants to cover the cost of the tour, while turning no one away for lack of funds, and encouraging working class Richmond residents to participate.

New Business

[SC.2019.65] Resolution to Appoint New Political Education Committee Co-Chairs

Submitted by Dan D. and Nick F., motivated by Nick F.

Whereas, Dan D. and Nick F. currently serve as co-chairs of the East Bay DSA Political Education Committee (PEC);

Whereas, per the PEC’s rules, co-chairs have terms of one year, and are not allowed to serve consecutive one-year terms;

Whereas, Dan and Nick are both approaching the end of their co-chair terms in the coming months;

Whereas, PEC members Mia B. and Sebastian C. have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the committee’s work and EB DSA more generally, and the PEC voted by acclamation to recommend both as co-chairs;

Therefore be it resolved that the EB DSA Steering Committee appoint Mia B. and Sebastian C. as co-chairs of the Political Education Committee;

Be it further resolved that Nick and Dan will continue to serve as co-chairs until their terms expire, helping to facilitate a smooth transition of the co-chair positions.

Following motivation, the resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote (excluding Allie L. who had to step out to the room during the vote).

[SC.2019.66] Resolution to Appoint New Medicare for All Committee Co-Chairs

Submitted by Abigail G.-G. and Matt S.

The following resolution was motivated by Abigail G-G.

Whereas, Matt S. and Abigail G.-G. are stepping down as co-chairs of the Medicare for All (M4A) Committee after serving their term.

Whereas, James D. and Eric V. have been active contributors and leaders in the M4A committee leading statewide M4A organizing, committee events, and socials.

Whereas, James D. and Eric V. were both voted in as co-chairs at the June 1st M4A committee meeting.

Therefore be it resolved, that the East Bay DSA Steering Committee appoint James D. and Eric V. as the new co-chairs of the M4A Committee effective immediately.

Following motivation, there was a period of questions and answers. The resolution PASSED with a unanimous vote.

[SC.2019.67] Resolution to Fund Racial Solidarity Committee Socials

Submitted by Margaux P. and Marissa S., motivated by Marissa S.

Whereas, under the 2019 Priorities Resolution we seek to actively increase racial diversity of East Bay DSA to represent the working class,

Whereas, the Racial Solidarity Committee seeks to identify and welcome new members of color and retain existing members of color and socials create a safe space for POC to discuss socialism and meet one another,

Whereas, the Racial Solidarity Committee successfully hosted a socialists of color social in April which was well attended and successfully engaged new and existing members of color,

Whereas, providing food, drinks, and activities at socials allows everyone to feel welcomed and included regardless of their ability to pay

Therefore be it resolved that the EBDSA Steering Committee will vote to endorse four upcoming Racial Solidarity Committee socials,

Therefore be it further resolved that the Steering Committee will approve a $1,000 budget to be used by the Racial Solidarity Committee to purchase necessary food and supplies to host a summer social, and no less than three other events throughout 2019.

Following motivation, there was a period of question and answers. The resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote.

[SC.2019.68] Resolution to Purchase Buffer Social Media Manager Subscription

Submitted by Rex L.-C. and Allie L., motivated by Rex L.-C.

Whereas social media is the most effective tool our chapter has to promote our campaigns and articles with thousands of people all across the Bay Area and the world.

Whereas millions of people spend time interacting with social media platforms as a political space, and many of them are interested in democratic socialism.

Whereas coordinated social media campaigns, and a unified social media presence across platforms will allow us to grow our organic reach, and improve the impact of our material.

Whereas having a social media manager with proper access permissions and post approval capabilities will minimize mistakes, and allow us to incorporate new members into the team.

Whereas we currently lack a way to collaborate on campaigns, pre-schedule content across platforms, and give designated people social media account permissions without sharing passwords and compromising our chapter accounts.

Whereas Buffer is an affordable social media management tool that allows users to grant proper permissions for multiple social media platforms and accounts, has pre-scheduling capabilities, and allows for creative collaboration.

Therefore be it resolved, that the chapter will purchase a Medium Business account for Buffer at a cost of $199/mo billed monthly for the chapter, and reassess the purchase at the September 2019 SC meeting.

Therefore be it further resolved that the Social Media team will designate Buffer administrators who will be tasked with giving access and permissions to additional team members.

Following motivation and amendment, the resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote.

Following new business, there was a short break.

Discussion

Upon return from the break, Keith B. B. introduced the discussion portion of the meeting.

Delegate election debrief

Keith introduced the conversation, which included discussion of fundraising for the delegates travel, mechanisms to facilitate communication between delegates and members, and the voting system used in the election.

Sean M updated the SC about fundraising needs, which could be upwards of $40,000 to cover all delegates travel and registrations, and gave guidance regarding registration and requests for reimbursement. There will be an email campaign urging members to donate to the fundraiser. There will be a fundraising party as well.

Hannah E recommended an idea to use some portion of the July All Member Meeting to discuss resolutions that will be presented at the National Convention, and use the post-meeting time to hold an open space for conversation with the delegates.

There was also discussion about how we might encourage debate amongst the general membership regarding the convention and the resolutions that will be heard there.

Ballot and voting system lessons learned

This portion of the conversation opened with a report from Zach M, former co-chair and organizer of the election system for the delegate election.

The specific demands and features of this large delegate election were different logistically than any election we had followed before — aside from the 2017 election which was conducted with first past the post.

Three options were considered, approval voting (yes/no), Borda count (which was dismissed because of the danger of bullet voting), and STV (which was determined would allow for easy manipulation given the low threshold of first place vote requirements).

There had been reports of strange results from other chapters who used STV in the election. Given that the DSA Constitution recommends proportional voting methods, and that Borda is used by other chapters and in the NPC — a decision was made to use “Modified Borda Count” which has people rank all candidates and eliminates the concern regarding bullet voting. The weighting system that was used was 63 points awarded to a first place vote, 62 for a second, and so forth.

Regarding the vote count, which was very lengthy: spreadsheets were used in place of OPA Vote, which was not a viable system due to the lack of functionality for multiple users to input data into a single election. The projections of how many volunteers and how many hours it would have taken was underestimated.

Based on learning’s from the election, Zach presented a series of recommendations:

The SC should pass guidelines and assign responsibility for different aspects of chapter elections: Operations/Meet Comm/ Chairs, etc
SC/Membership needs to decide on and enshrine voting method either by resolution or bylaws amendment so that voting systems don’t get decided on by the chairs for future elections.
The SC should work together to create standards of eligibility and propose them as a bylaws amendment at a future GM.
The Operations Committee should design a proposal for online vting and the C should decide how to apply it (delegate elections, absentee ballots, etc)

During the discussion, Allie, Rex, and Maura motivated a resolution.

Whereas East Bay DSA just held the 2019 delegate election to attend and represent the chapter at the 2019 National DSA Convention,

Whereas the Borda voting system established by the Co-chairs required a 4 days of vote counting and vote correction,

Whereas chapter members have petitioned to have access to the raw ballot data,

Whereas democracy is a core value of our organization, and Steering Committee takes transparency with utmost seriousness,

Whereas upon concerns of confidentiality and retaliation, chapter members have requested to have the raw ballot data not be released, therefore,

Be it resolved that a working group will be appointed by the Steering Committee by a majority vote

Be it further resolved that the Steering Committee will take no more than one week to put forward recommended nominations for a working group regarding election methods, which would then be approved by a majority vote of the Steering Committee via email.

Be it further resolved that the working group will provide a report to the committee at the August SC meeting with data about which systems are most efficient for counting and which voting system(s) provide the most proportional representation for elected bodies,

Be it further resolved that the working group will dissolve upon conclusion of the report.

There was a period of questions and answers followed by debate. During debate the meeting time was extended by 15 minutes. After debate and amendment, the resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote.

Event discussion

There was a brief discussion about a recent event at which Risa Hontiveros, a Democratic Socialist senator from the Philippines, was in attendance. The question was raised if East Bay DSA can share photos of DSA members meeting with Hontiveros.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Addenda

[SC.2019.53] Resolution to endorse Statewide Day of Action for Public Education

Submitted by Hannah K. and Hannah E.

On April 12, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas while California is the 5th largest economy in the world, our public schools are ranked 43rd in the nation in per-pupil funding and are facing austerity cuts and aggressive privatization from the billionaire-backed charter school industry,

Whereas the national teacher strike wave that teachers in West Virginia inaugurated in early 2018 is now sweeping California, from Los Angeles to Oakland to Sacramento, and educators across the state are agitating for increased school funding for public schools, better working conditions for educators and better learning conditions for students—demands that unite broad swaths of the multiracial working class,

Whereas the growing statewide movement for charter accountability and charter law reform has produced four bills in the legislature—AB 1505, which ensures local communities control the authorization and renewal of charter schools and allows local school boards to consider the impacts of a charter school applicant; AB 1506, which establishes a cap on the unregulated growth of charter schools; AB 1507, which prevents charters from operating outside of the district that authorized them; and SB 756, which puts a 5-year moratorium on new charters in CA unless common sense reforms are passed by January 1, 2020,

Whereas East Bay DSA played a critical role in supporting the OEA strike, helping raise over $170,000 to feed students and teachers through the Bread for Ed campaign, joining in the effort to organize and engage volunteers at Solidarity Schools, encouraging DSA members to join educators on the picket lines each morning, analyzing the class conflict underlying the underfunding of Oakland schools through East Bay Majority, and amplifying the struggle through social media and mass meetings,

Whereas CA Educators Rising (a coalition of rank-and-file educators across the state) has called for a Day of Action in Sacramento, now endorsed by CTA along with a number of teacher union locals, with the purpose of demanding action on the upcoming legislation and showing the strength and unity of teachers and teacher support across the state,

And whereas the teacher strike wave is inspiring working class people everywhere to fight back against austerity, privatization, and the rule of the billionaire class,

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA officially endorse the May 22nd Day of Action in Sacramento.

Be it further resolved that East Bay DSA publicize the day of action and encourage DSA members to attend through social media, the chapter newsletter, and announcements at in-person events.

Be it further resolved that the OEA Solidarity Committee and the Labor Committee organize East Bay DSA members up to sign up to attend and help coordinate transportation and communication with allied groups such as local unions and California Educators Rising

Be it further resolved that these committees coordinate with other DSA chapters across California to help drive turnout across the state.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 8 in favor and none against.

[SC.2019.54] Resolution to Hold a Michael Lighty M4A Educational Event

Submitted by Abigail G.-G., Matt S., Vanessa G., and the M4A Committee

On May 20, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas Medicare for All is gaining momentum — today, 70% of Americans support the single-payer policy. But in order to win it, we’re going to have to overcome the powerful private interests that want to defeat it.

Whereas establishment Democrats are cowing to private insurers and pharmaceutical manufacturers by attempting to replace Medicare for All with lookalike legislation.

Whereas DSA has a national M4A campaign to build a mass movement that demands nothing less than a universal, comprehensive, free-at-use Medicare for All.

Whereas Michael Lighty, a long-time single-payer champion and Sanders Institute Fellow, has been travelling the country as part of the Nothing Less M4A speaking tour.

Whereas an event such as this one will give attendees the tools they need to be strong advocates for single-payer healthcare in their workplace and their community.

Therefore be it resolved that the SC endorse the Michael Lighty M4A educational event co-sponsored by East Bay DSA’s M4A Committee and San Francisco DSA’s Healthcare Working Group.

Therefore be it further resolved that the event will take place on June 9 from 12 pm-3:30 pm at the Women’s Building in SF and that the East Bay DSA lead will be Vanessa G.

Therefore be it further resolved that the SC will allocate $300 for the event (taking into account cost-sharing with SFDSA) to pay for the venue, printing, and live translation into Spanish.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 7 in favor and none against.

[SC.2019.55] Racial Solidarity Committee AFROSOC Convening Fundraising

Submitted by Aisha F., Janisse S., Shane R., Hasan A., Miguel D., Regina L.-C., and Ashley P.

On May 24, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the DSA AFROSOCialist caucus is organizing a national convening located in New Orleans, LA in the month of June,

Whereas in accordance with EBDSA’s priorities resolutions and committing to building a multiracial socialist movement,

Whereas nine members of the EBDSA’s Racial Solidarity Committee have registered to attend the AFROSOCialist Convening and have not received funding for travel to attend this convening,

Therefore be it resolved, that EBDSA support the Racial Solidarity Committee’s fundraising efforts to raise money to send our nine EBDSA members to this convening by creating a splash page on the website to direct members, setting up an account to receive the funds (e.g. donorbox, gofundme, etc.), and contribute efforts and resources for outreach.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 10 in favor and none against.

[SC.2019.56] Resolution to Affiliate 2020 Campaign with the DSA for Bernie Independent Expenditure

Submitted by Sean M. and Matt S.

On May 24, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas East Bay DSA’s 2020 Campaign Plan called upon the organization to launch a democratic socialist campaign in support of Bernie Sanders’s 2020 presidential run and outlined that the 2020 Coordinating Committee should put forward a proposal to the Steering Committee about whether to run the campaign as an independent expenditure.

Whereas the 2020 Coordinating Committee has debated the issue at length and voted unanimously to recommend that we pursue an independent expenditure through an affiliation with the national DSA for Bernie IE, on the basis that it allows our campaign a high degree of financial flexibility, the ability to coordinate with the national DSA for Bernie campaign, and the option of later moving to a coordinated campaign, should that be politically advantageous.

Therefore be it further resolved that the Steering Committee approves the 2020 Campaign’s affiliation with the national DSA for Bernie Independent Expenditure, and that the Treasurer will accordingly report all campaign expenditures the national IE.

Therefore be it further resolved that, should the 2020 Committee see reason to change the nature of our campaign in the future by ceasing our IE activities and expenditures in order to carry out a coordinated campaign instead, the 2020 Coordinating Committee will produce a report and recommendation to coordination for approval by the Steering Committee.

Therefore be it further resolved that the SC will allocate $2000 as an initial fund for the 2020 Committee to use to purchase initial campaign materials (literature, t-shirts, other printing, and more) and fund upcoming 2020 Campaign events.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 8 in favor and none against.

[SC.2019.57] Resolution to Fund Political Education Retreat

Submitted by Mia B. and the Political Education Committee

On June 4, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, to provide a food budget for the Political Education Committee retreat;

Whereas, political education is a key part of East Bay DSA’s activities to build a strong socialist movement in the United States;

Whereas, the Political Education Committee of East Bay DSA is the locus of these efforts;

Whereas, the Committee will be holding a retreat on June 23 to comprehensively examine the Committee’s mission and direction and organize for the coming year’s Political Education activities;

Whereas, there will be approximately 18-20 people at the retreat over 5 hours, approximately $225-$250 will be needed to purchase 7 Sliver pizzas, Lacroix, and fruit;

Therefore be it resolved, that the Steering Committee allot up to $250 for the retreat.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 7 in favor and none against.

[SC.2019.58] Motion to Fundraise and Reimburse Delegates for National Convention Costs

Submitted by Sean M.

On June 7, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas East Bay DSA will be sending 38 delegates to the DSA National Convention between August 1st and 4th.

Whereas the registration, housing, and travel costs will be more expensive than they were for the last national convention.

Whereas delegates should be able to attend the National Convention regardless of their ability to pay.

Whereas the Chapter raised more than $10,000 for the 2017 National Convention delegation.

Therefore be it resolved that the Chapter authorize a fundraising drive up to $25,000 for the registration, housing, and travel costs associated with the 2019 DSA National Convention.

Therefore be it further resolved that the Chapter authorize the Treasurer to use the funds raised to reimburse delegates for the costs they incur and make purchases on behalf of delegates.

Therefore be it further resolved that excess funds be considered party of the general Treasury and used for other Chapter expenses.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 8 in favor and none against.

[SC.2019.59] Resolution in Support of NUHW Mental Health Clinicians

Submitted by James D., M4A Committee, and Labor Committee

On June 8, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

WHEREAS, mental illness is among the most common health problems faced by Californians, with nearly 1 in 6 California adults experiencing a mental illness of some kind, 1 in 24 adults having a serious mental illness that makes it difficult to carry out major life activities, and 1 in 13 children having an emotional disturbance that limits their participation in daily activities; and

WHEREAS, the mental health crisis disproportionately affects working-class people, and especially working class communities of color and queer communities; and

WHEREAS, despite having faced fines and censure for violating California's Mental Health Parity Act and standards for timely access to care, as well as multiple class action lawsuits over its insufficient mental health staffing, Kaiser has barely increased its ratio of 1 full-time mental health clinician to every 3,000 Kaiser Plan members; and

WHEREAS, understaffing at Kaiser remains so severe that more than 60,000 California Kaiser patients are being referred to outside therapists, who do not have sufficient appointments available, who cannot access their Kaiser charts, and who cannot coordinate their care with other Kaiser health professionals, denying them the integration of health care services that Kaiser promises; and

WHEREAS, just as Kaiser’s mental health patients have been denied parity with other Kaiser patients, Kaiser’s mental health clinicians have been denied parity with other Kaiser caregivers, losing their pension for new hires in Southern California and enduring past wage freezes; and

WHEREAS, the mental health clinicians represented by NUHW have announced they will begin an indefinite strike of all Kaiser facilities, to begin June 11th, 2019; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America’s (EBDSA) annual member convention, the highest decision making body of our chapter, has repeatedly committed to prioritizing helping to build and support a militant and democratic labor movement, as well as fighting for and winning a single-payer healthcare system, as well as; and

WHEREAS, NUHW is a militant, member-run union with a demonstrated commitment to building the power of healthcare workers, improving the quality of healthcare for patients, and advocating for a single-payer healthcare system,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that EBDSA hereby commits to support the mental health clinicians of NUHW in their campaign to win parity for Kaiser mental health patients and mental healthcare clinicians by raising staffing levels, ending outsourcing of mental health services, and providing the same raises and benefits enjoyed by all other members of Kaiser’s unionized workforce throughout the State of California; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that EBDSA’s Medicare 4 All and Labor Committees will work together to provide strike support to striking NUHW workers, particularly encouragement of committee and chapter members to be present on picket lines. Additionally, we will coordinate with other relevant EBDSA committees, such as Communications, to educate members and the community on the issues at stake in the NUHW/Kaiser dispute via social media and other outreach.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 9 in favor and none against.

[SC.2019.60] Resolution for EBDSA T-Shirt Resupply Order

Submitted by Eric V.

On June 13, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, East Bay DSA's T-shirts have been an important element of fundraising and publicity for our chapter and its campaigns;

Whereas, our Medicare for All shirt has sold out of all sizes except for a few Large, and is the most well-known campaign among our extant issue-specific designs, particularly for new and incoming members, and will feature heavily in our 2020 Campaign efforts including canvassing;

Whereas, our Freedom / Equality / Solidarity shirt is our most popular generic / non-issue shirt design, is chapter specific, and we have had multiple requests for both it and more black T-shirts in general, but have not had the inventory;

Whereas, Alliance Graphics is a union-run East Bay print shop using union-made apparel;

Therefore be it resolved, that East Bay DSA allocate up to $600 for a rush resupply order of 31 shirts, comprising 19 Medicare for All shirts and 12 Freedom / Equality / Solidarity shirts, to be printed by Alliance Graphics on union-made apparel.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 8 in favor and none against.

[SC.2019.61] Resolution to Authorize EBDSA Representatives at Socialism 2019 Conference

Submitted by Frances R., Jack M., and Nick F.

On June 17, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, members of East Bay DSA have been asked to present at the Socialism 2019 Conference on our chapter’s campaign to elect Jovanka Beckles and its support of the Oakland teachers’ strike;

Whereas, Jack McShane led the chapter’s efforts on the Jovanka campaign, now serves as co-chair of the 2020 Coordinating Committee, and was invited to take part in the panel “Using Elections to Build Class Power”;

Whereas, Nick French played a central role in writing and editing for Majority leading up to and during the Oakland teachers’ strike, and was recommended to present on the panel “Strike Support for Socialists” by Majority editor Frances R.;

Whereas, Emma Gagliardi helped lead our chapter’s Bread for Ed effort, now serves as co-chair of the Public Education Committee, and was recommended to serve on the strike support panel OEA Solidarity Campaign co-chair Hannah K.;

Whereas, Tim Marshall brings a particularly valuable perspective on our strike support efforts as a longtime socialist teacher and a member of both OEA and EBDSA, and was recommended to be on the strike support panel by Hannah K.;

Therefore be it resolved that the EBDSA Steering Committee officially authorize Jack M. to represent EBDSA on the “Using Elections to Build Class Power” panel;

Be it further resolved that the Steering Committee officially authorize Nick F., Emma G., and Tim M. to represent EBDSA on the panel “Strike Support for Socialists.”

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 8 in favor and none against.