Steering Committee Meeting: April 21, 2019

East Bay DSA Steering Committee Meeting, April 21, 2019, 3–6 p.m.

Introductions and Opening Statements

The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m. and was chaired by Abigail G.-G. and Zach M. The recording secretary was taking notes. Also present at the meeting were Frances R., Aaron H., Megan S., Jeremy G., Hannah E., Nestor C., Hasan A., Keith B. B., and Sean M.

Committee chairs Kara M., Nick F., Andrew R., Jess W., Emma G., Will S., Matt S., Joey K., Ashley P., Shane R., and Jack M. were also present.

Committee Reports 

• Finance report delivered by Sean M.
• Recording secretary's report delivered by Mark G.
• Communications Committee report delivered by Frances R.
• Operations Committee report delivered by Andrew R.
• General Meetings Committee report delivered by Joey K.
• Racial Solidarity Committee report delivered by Kara M.
• Political Education Committee report delivered by Nick F.
• Member Engagement Committee report delivered by Hannah E.
• Medicare for All Campaign Committee report delivered by Matt S.
• Labor Committee report delivered by Ashley P.
• Social Housing Campaign Committee report delivered by Will S.
• 2020 Committee report delivered by Jack M.
• Public Education Committee report delivered by Emma G.

Consent Calendar

Following committee reports, Zach M. introduced the consent calendar, at which point Jeremy G. and Hannah E. had to leave the meeting.

The “Proposal to Fund Literature for East Bay DSA Political Education” was moved from the consent calendar to new business.

The consent calendar was ADOPTED by general consent and included the following resolutions.

[SC.2019.39] Resolution to Fund the Social Housing Committee

Submitted by Will S.

Whereas, the Social Housing Committee is an active committee within East Bay DSA, meeting once a month and with several active projects;

Whereas, the committee had been previously been meeting for free at the office of our coalition partner ACCE in East Oakland but due to scheduling conflicts we’ll be finding another location to meet;

Whereas, the co-chairs Allie Lahey and Will Shattuc have been providing food from their own personal money;

Whereas, the chapter treasurer Sean Murphy said this was cool to submit;

Therefore be it resolved that the chapter shall reimburse the Social Housing Committee’s expenses for food, materials and space up to the monthly amount of $200.

[SC.2019.40] Motion to Fund Expenses at GND Fundraiser

Submitted by Sean M.

Whereas there were expenses for food and materials at the GND fundraiser

Whereas requests for reimbursement are still coming in

Therefore be it resolved that the Chapter approve up to $400 for expenses at the Green New Deal Fundraiser

New Business

[SC.2019.41] Resolution to Create a Temporary Pilot Branch Research Subcommittee

Submitted by Zach M. and Nestor C.

The following resolution was motivated by Zach M.

Whereas the East Bay DSA bylaws state that “it is the intent of the Chapter to create categories of Branches that may enhance the democratic functioning of the Chapter.”

Whereas very different conceptions of branches have been proposed over the last two years and no single conception has been clearly articulated or agreed upon within the chapter.

Whereas our chapter covers a large geographic territory with both membership and chapter activity primarily concentrated in a relatively small core area within that territory.

Whereas East Bay DSA seeks to grow in areas currently underrepresented in both our membership body and chapter activity—especially areas with a high concentration of working-class people and people of color.

Whereas the growth in our overall membership as well as relationships we’ve formed over the course of our external campaigns—including electoral work for Jovanka Beckles, the campaign to repeal Costa Hawkins, and our recent OEA bargaining support campaign—may present the opportunity to form pilot branches in areas with lower concentrations of DSA membership.

Whereas branches present potential risks and challenges for our chapter and we have no experience in implementing a branch structure.

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA will establish a Branch Structure Research Subcommittee that will be tasked with: 1) establishing a list of goals for creating a branch structure as well as; 2) goals for any pilot branches that would precede it; 3) analyzing the current geographic distribution of our membership and evaluating strategic organizing opportunities so as to recommend potential territories for pilot branches; 4) researching the structural approaches other chapters have taken in creating branches; and 5) interviewing leaders from chapters with branches so as to ascertain the benefits and drawbacks of those approaches.

Be it further resolved that the Branch Structure Research Subcommittee will produce a report outlining its findings and that this report will be delivered in summary at a General Membership Meeting, linked to in the chapter newsletter, and published in the EBDSA member forum upon the approval of the Steering Committee.

Be it further resolved that the co-chairs of the Branch Research Subcommittee will reside under the Steering Committee, chaired by Nestor C and Zach M. Membership of the subcommittee will be by appointment only, on the basis of specific experience and skills necessary for the success of the report.

Following motivation and a period of questions and answers, the resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote.

[SC.2019.42] Resolution to Form the 2020 Super Committee

Submitted by Matt S, Jack M, and Sandy B.

The following resolution was motivated by Matt S.

Whereas, East Bay DSA resolved to adopt the 2020 Campaign Plan as the guiding document of its 2020 electoral campaign at the April 2019 General Membership Meeting.

Whereas, the 2020 Campaign Plan calls for the dissolution of the Electoral Committee and the 2020 Committee and for the formation of a 2020 Super Committee, with which multiple committees across the chapter can affiliate as they see fit, in order to coordinate and carry out the chapter’s 2020 electoral work.

Whereas, the 2020 Campaign Plan calls for the Steering Committee to appoint an initial Coordinating Committee to steer the work of the 2020 Super Committee, to be expanded by the addition of representatives from committees as they affiliate.

Therefore be it resolved, the Steering Committee officially forms the 2020 Super Committee to carry out a 2020 Campaign guided by the ratified campaign plan.

Be it further resolved, the Steering Committee hereby dissolves the Electoral Committee and the 2020 Committee.

Be it further resolved, the Steering Committee appoints an initial 2020 Coordinating Committee consisting of Sandy B, Hannah E, Nick F, Jamie G, Jack M, Sean M, Mike P, Shane R, Matt S, and Will S, in their capacity as key leaders on our electoral work and other recent campaigns.

Be it further resolved, the Steering Committee appoints Jack M and Matt S co-chairs and Nick F as interim recording secretary.

Following motivation and a period of questions and answers, the resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote.

[SC.2019.43] Resolution to endorse 2019 EBDSA Contingent at May Day Rally

Submitted by the Racial Solidarity Committee and motivated by Kara M.

Whereas Immigrants' rights organizations in the Bay Area have organized a march and artbuild for immigrants' rights on May Day.

Whereas immigrant communities in the Bay Area are being threatened by ICE.

Whereas immigrant workers face deportation and harassment from their employers.

Whereas the EBDSA chapter is committed to protecting immigrant communities.

Whereas the ILWU is also organizing a rally on this day. 

Whereas the EBDSA chapter is committed to fighting with the working class.

Whereas this poses an opportunity for the External Action Team Members to develop and learn how to organize in coalition rallies, get medic and security trained, and learn how to set up art builds and other large events.

Therefore be it resolved that the EBDSA Steering Committee will vote to endorse a March for Immigrants' Rights on May Day.

Therefore be it resolved that Members of the Racial Solidarity committee will attend both coalition meetings in order to inform the organizing of our contingent.

Therefore be it further resolved that the membership of the EBDSA chapter will be informed time and place of the March and how to participate per the decision of the Racial Solidarity External Action Subcommittee.

Therefore be it resolved that the membership of the EBDSA chapter will be informed about meetings beforehand to make material for the March for Immigrants' Rights.

Therefore be it resolved that the Steering Committee will approve a budget for the meeting to make material for the March for Immigrants' rights.

Be it further resolved that the chapter will approve up to $400 usd to be used for food, art making, and the creation of bilingual solidarity banners at the discretion of the Racial Solidarity External Action Team.

Following motivation and a period of questions and answers, the resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote.

[SC.2019.44] Proposal to Fund Literature for East Bay DSA Political Education

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

Whereas, a democratic socialist organization that doesn’t have a rich and accessible internal educational life will not develop a core membership who can be public tribunes for socialism.

Whereas, a focus on the political education of DSA members is a priority of the national organization and major plank of the Priorities Resolution adopted at the Spring 2018 Convention,

Whereas, DSA events provide a great opportunity to advance members’ political development through providing high-quality socialist literature,

Whereas, new releases, including the latest issue of Jacobin and Eric Blanc’s Red State Revolt, speak directly to the chapter’s recent and current campaigns and would be very appropriate to provide to members at Socialist Night Schools and other events,

Whereas, the Political Education Committee plans to start providing literature at more events, including General Meetings,

Therefore be it resolved the Steering Committee approve agree to reimburse the Political Education Committee co-chairs for purchases of socialist literature not to exceed more than $600 for the months of April, May, and June.

Following debate, the resolution PASSED by a vote of 9 in favor and 1 against.

Discussion

Priorities Resolution

Keith B. B. introduced the discussion, outlining the process by which the draft Priorities Resolution (PR) was written and proposed. Keith then led discussion on each section of the drafted PR in order to get feedback and provide clarity.

The priority work areas identified in the document include labor, class struggle electoral work, growing East Bay DSA, diversity and solidarity, political education, and agitational campaigns, including social housing, a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and public education.

Over the course of the conversation, several amendments were suggested for the drafting sub-committee to incorporate.

Following discussion, Keith B. B. motivated a motion to approve the document, with the suggested edits and amendments, and refer it to the subcommittee to make final edits.

The motion PASSED by a majority vote.

Closed Session

Following the Priorities Resolution discussion, the Steering Committee entered into a closed session to discuss a report from the grievance officers regarding a member conduct issue.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Addenda

[SC.2019.32] Resolution to Appoint a Single-Payer Liaison

Submitted by Matt S.

On March 19, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, East Bay DSA affiliated with the newly-formed Healthy California Campaign in January 2019 to fight for a single-payer healthcare system in California.

Whereas, East Bay DSA previously had a “Single-Payer Liaison” position that empowered a member to represent our organization to single-payer coalitions such as the Healthy California Campaign.

Whereas, Daniella S. has been attending Healthy California Campaign meetings since January and is an active member of the Medicare for All Committee in good standing with ample experience in single-payer organizing and coalition work.

Therefore be it resolved that Daniella S. be appointed East Bay DSA’s new Single-Payer Liaison and be empowered to represent East Bay DSA at Healthy California Campaign meetings and other healthcare coalitions as necessary.

Be it further resolved that Daniella S. will report back to the Medicare for All Committee regularly regarding coalition work and help facilitate the Committee and Chapter’s participation in it.

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

[SC.2019.33] Child Care Resolution to have EBDSA Committees Offer Child Care at Committee Events

Submitted by Aaron H.

On March 19, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas most working class people are parents or guardians of children;

Whereas child care gives aid to parents and guardians so that they can join the struggle of the socialist and labor movement;

Whereas establishing a relationship with parents and guardians is a long process of building trust and demonstrating that we can safely and effectively supervise their children;

Whereas this trust is necessary to increase parental/guardians participation in EBDSA;

Whereas accessibility is a chapter priority of EBDSA;

Whereas child care offered at General Meetings, while a step in the right direction, covers only a small fraction of the chapter’s business;

Whereas we are organizing with people in the Oakland Education Association struggle specifically because they are parents and they are crucial in supporting the local labor movement;

Whereas new members are more likely to start plugging into the chapter via committee work first before attending a General Meeting;

Whereas providing a range of leadership opportunities for members, including roles as childcare supervisors, trainers and coordinators helps us build a socialist movement reflecting a socialist feminist understanding of the value of care work;

Whereas providing age-appropriate socialist story books and activities not only nurtures a new generation of socialist organizers, but incentivizes parents/guardians and their children to come out to EBDSA events;

Whereas establishing a chapter norm of child care not only allows people with caring responsibilities to attend specific events, but also creates a sense of the chapter as welcoming and inclusive of diverse working-class family statuses;

Therefore be it resolved that EBDSA include parent information on sign-in forms for committee events, and that this information is kept track of in Nation Builder;

Therefore be it resolved that the Meetings Committee maintain child care kits, which contains age-appropriate socialist books, activities and general supplies;

Therefore be it resolved that Meetings Committee will provide child care kits and forms for EBDSA Committees to borrow when requested within adequate time;

Therefore be it resolved that the Meetings Committee set procedures so that Child Care will be successful and prioritize the safety, health and socialist development of children in addition to the comfort of parent and guardian members of EBDSA;

Therefore be it resolved that the Steering Committee inform all committees within one week of adopting this resolution of the change in work;

Therefore be it resolved that events that are not welcoming to children, state an age limit;

Therefore be it further resolved that committees notify their members that child care is available at every committee event.

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

[SC.2019.34] East Bay DSA Convention 2019: Proposal for Convention Logistics and New Steering Committee Elections Process

On March 19, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, our bylaws state that EBDSA’s Annual Convention is the highest body of the chapter, and needs to include both Steering Committee Elections and the ratification of a Priorities Resolution

Therefore be it resolved, the following timeline, process, and budget will be approved by the Steering Committee

Therefore be it further resolved, the Steering Committee empowers any necessary committees, including but not limited to the Meetings Committee, the Communications Committee, and the Membership Engagement Committee to carry out any of the specific tasks mentioned herein.

Therefore be it further resolved, the Steering Committee will be tasked with inviting any potential non-EBDSA observers to attend the Convention

Timeline for Candidate Nominations and Elections

March 24

Announce Convention process to membership, with detailed “info sheet”

March 25–April 7

Open period for candidate nominations (require 10 nominators, via Google Form)

Any given member can nominate multiple candidates

Week of March 31- April 5

Open office hours for Steering Committee to answer any questions members might have

By April 14

Candidates submit candidate statements (400 word limit)

May 4–11

Release the Convention Agenda in this week

Weekend of May 11-12

Host a Candidate Forum, in which candidates for Steering Committee are able to make their case as well as answer moderated questions from assembled members.

May 18: Convention!

Venue

California Ballroom, 1736 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612 reserved for May 18^th, 8am to 3pm

Point of Contact: Paul C.

Costs

$200/hr for 7 hours (8am to 3pm) = $1400

$300 for cleaning fee (negotiable if we want to clean the space ourselves)

$350 security (2 guards at $35/hr for the duration of the event, not including set-up/breakdown)

$750 deposit

Total: $2800 (East Bay DSA must pay $1400 before April 1^st)

Cost summary from the venue: https://gatherhere.com/guests/portal/booking/b8fef9265c2e46aaa603fcca1f3dfa6e

A/V equipment, parking lot rental are available for additional cost.

Venue is ADA compliant. A walkthrough will be scheduled in the next few weeks to assess A/V and accessibility issues.

Departments & Roles

Meetings Committee to take the lead on volunteers, day-of logistics, A/V, and volunteer coordination

Convention Logistics and Volunteer Organization

Leads

Andy C.

Joseph K.

Primary Tasks

Identify leads for all departments (Before March 31)

Assign and coordinate volunteers for set-up, sign-in, A/V, child supervision, accessibility, merchandise, and food

Liaise with the California Ballroom about scheduling and accessibility

Help with venue and logistics for the Candidate Forum (TBD, probably May 4th or 5th)

Materials

Leads

XX

Primary Tasks

Designing, printing and compiling convention packet

Voting cards and ballots (coordinate with Robbie/Process leads)

Coordinate with department leads and create master list of materials

Keep track of and itemize costs of all materials purchases

Process

Leads

Co-chairs will direct them in-meeting; MeetCom will assign and contact them.

Primary Tasks

Mic-running and time-keeping during debate

More broadly assisting the co-chairs

A/V

Leads

XX

Primary Tasks

Liaise with California Ballroom about A/V set-up and needs

Identify and train volunteers (set-up, audio mixing, projectors, etc.)

Supervise installation, integration and operation of all equipment and facilitate coordination between lead organizer of meeting and venue with A/V operators.

Sign-In

Leads

XX

Primary Tasks

Identify and train volunteers

Secure materials for sign-in (laptops, tablets, voting ballots/cards, name tags)

Note: After last year, we decided that candidates for office should not work sign-in.

Andy’s note: "Yo, we need to figure out the Membership Status issue ASAP. We consistently see members who are definitely paid, in-good-standing members who still appear as 'Non-Members' or 'Provisional Members' in NationBuilder. Our current workaround of determining membership is to ask to provide an email from Maria Svart or a proof of payment, which is bad and slow and sometimes contentious. Also, we need to clearly define what determines eligibility to vote (e.g. members who have signed-up within X period) well in advance of the meeting so we can communicate this with our volunteers."

Child Supervision

Leads

XX

Primary Tasks

Identify and train volunteers

Determine if the California Ballroom has a separate space appropriate for child supervision; otherwise, an alternative location will be required for child supervision

Proactively reach out to parents planning on attending convention with children; ascertain specific needs of children (e.g. allergies, etc.)

Secure materials for child supervision (Maura M. has master list of necessities)

Food

Leads

XX

Primary Tasks

Identify and train volunteers

Purchase, deliver and serve lunch and snacks for estimated 300 attendees

Secure materials (cleaning supplies, cups, plates, plastic ware, etc.)

Ascertain the budget to share with Lead Organizers and financial committee

Note: The venue can provide catering if we want to go that route; we have detailed lists with costs from last year.

Set-Up

Leads

XX

Primary Tasks

Identify and train volunteers (including greeters)

Secure set-up materials (e.g. signage, sandwich board, banners, flags, tables, linens)

Coordinate with Lead Organizers to ensure venue is set-up for accessibility

Note: The setting of chairs will be done by the venue. Paul says we can have the ballroom set up with theater seating or banquet seating

Merch

Leads

XX

Primary Tasks

Consult with Sean on bookkeeping

Display and sell merchandise at the Convention, in consultation with Sean on bookkeeping

Design

Leads

XX

Primary Tasks

Design and procure new shirts and other swag - buttons, pins, hats, totes, etc.

Locate banners and/or create new ones; locate or make red flags, etc.

Note: We are in need of new merchandise, and this is the time to do it. Will require assembling a team of a few, and locating designers. Who has done this in previous iterations?

Steering Committee Voting Method

Per our bylaws, we will use ranked-choice voting on paper ballots.

For Co-Chairs, we recommend using the Borda Count, which is a ranked-choice voting system that is used at the DSA National Convention to elect our National Political Committee. Because it is an extremely important office, and a multi-member election, Borda Count is recommended because it tends to result in elections where the winners are “broadly-acceptable” and more like consensus options. This is particularly important for electing Co-Chairs, who are the public-facing leaders of the organization and run our General Meetings. The Borda Count is very good for selecting broadly popular candidates for multi-member seats (like our Co-Chair election), but the count becomes distorted when the number of candidates gets too large (as would be the case with our At-Large seats).

For all other officers and at At-Large, we recommend using Scottish STV, which is what we used at last year’s Convention.

For any elections requiring ranked-choice voting (e.g., if any of the single-member officer seats have more than 2 candidates running, and if there are more than 2 candidates for Co-Chair or more than 7 candidates for At-Large), we will use OpaVote to conduct the ranked-choice calculations. OpaVote can cost up to $50, depending on how many votes are tallies

Absentee Ballots

Any East Bay DSA member in good standing is eligible for an absentee ballot for the Steering Committee officer elections, if they are unable to attend the meeting because of issues of accessibility or physical inability to be at the meeting.

Any member who wishes to receive an absentee ballot will email (**[email protected]?**) at least 3 (three) days before the Convention, stating the reason for their inability to attend the meeting and requesting an absentee ballot. Once that person’s DSA membership is confirmed, they will receive via email an electronic version of the ballot. They will need to print the ballot, place it in an blank envelope, and then place the blank envelope in an outer envelope with their name on it. They will give it to a trusted comrade, who will place it in the “absentee-only” ballot box, to be open during the entirety of the Convention.

When the “absentee-only” ballot box is counted, the vote-counters will have a check-list of everyone who has requested absentee ballots, and before actually counting the votes, will go through each envelope, mark on the checklist who has actually deposited their ballots, and after doing so, discard the outer ballot. This method is to ensure the security of the election process by checking names, but then disassociating the name of the voter with their particular ballot.

Turnout and Communications

The Steering Committee is tasked with creating a website (or updating last year’s website, convention.eastbaydsa.org). This may be delegated by the Steering Committee to any subcommittee or in to other committees like Operations and/or Membership Engagement.

This website will be the one-stop-shop for members to get information on the Convention. The website contain, as before, the Convention agenda, a list of candidates with their candidates statements, and info on voting process, absentee ballots, venue, accessibility, and anything else necessary to inform our members of Convention information.

Beginning in late March/early April, the Steering Committee (as well as the Communications and Membership Engagement Committees) will help coordinate a turnout and publicization effort.

This effort will involve a series of email blasts informing members about the Convention date as soon as possible, as well as follow-up emails about the Convention process, and agenda when it’s ready.

We will also schedule regular social media postings, and boost the Facebook event.

In addition, last year, there was talk of sending everyone in the chapter “save-the-date” postcards about the Convention. The Steering Committee, if they find this method to be worthwhile and affordable, may delegate this task to another Committee or subcommittee.

Finally, the Steering Committee is tasked with delegating the responsibility for Convention phone-bank/text-bank. We should attempt to personally contact as many of our members as possible in the lead-up to the Convention, in addition to reminding people about renewing dues.

Budget

Candidate forum estimate: $200-$300. Niebyl-Proctor would be on the cheaper end ($200 or less), but we have to set date and reserve venue

Convention Venue: $2,800

Printing cost estimate: $1,000

Miscellaneous material costs (name tags, markers, signs, etc.): $200

Food Cost estimates: $500

Total cost estimate: $4,800

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

[SC.2019.35] Socialism: An American Story Fundraiser Endorsement Proposal

Motivated by Abigail G.-G., submitted by Luke T.

On March 22, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas Socialism: An American Story is a film that features East Bay DSA members and campaigns, e.g. Jovanka Beckles, teachers strikes, Lee Carter, Bernie Sanders

Whereas the film will reach a massive audience with a positive vision of democratic socialism

Whereas the film will have the largest impact on DSA’s Bernie campaign if finished in time for the 2020 primary

Whereas the fundraiser event will draw in an audience of socialists and people curious about socialism to hear from a panel that may include East Bay DSA members

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA endorse and promote the Socialism: An American Story fundraiser event to take place on May 12th.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 7 in favor and 1 against.

[SC.2019.36] Motion to Fund Recurring Payment for Quickbooks Importing App

Submitted by Sean M.

On April 1, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the Treasurer may not authorize recurring payments

Whereas manual data entry of donations can be a time-intensive task for the Treasurer that automated tools can avoid

Whereas the Treasurer was able to handle thousands of donations with a free trial of an application can import bulk data into Quickbooks

Therefore be it resolved that the Chapter fund up to $15/month for an application that imports data into Quickbooks

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

[SC.2019.37] Motion to Authorize Treasurer to Approve Recurring Expenses

Submitted by Sean M.

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

Whereas the Treasurer is currently not allowed to approve recurring expenses but can authorize one-time expenses of up to $200

Whereas most recurring expenses have been for monthly subscriptions for technological services such as servers and applications

Whereas waiting for the SC’s approval for such technological services can delay organizing work.

Therefore be it resolved that for expenses outside the scope of a committee or campaign budget, the Treasurer be able to approve a recurring expense that, if annualized, would be less than or equal to the amount the Treasurer may approve as a one-off expense.

Therefore be it resolved that for expenses within the scope of a committee or campaign budget, the Treasurer be able to approve a recurring expense of any amount that fits within that budget.

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

[SC.2019.38] Resolution to Establish a Public Education Committee

Submitted by Hannah K., Mark G., Charlie H., Emma G., and Tyler D.

On April 18, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, East Bay DSA, through the OEA Solidarity Committee, was a critical player in the coalition that arose to support Oakland teachers during their seven day strike,

Whereas, the Oakland teacher strike, as a part of the nationwide teacher strike wave, raised awareness through working class communities in the East Bay and across the country about the fight for public education, about the threat of austerity and privatization writ large, and about the power of strikes and the working class,

Whereas, East Bay DSA must continue fighting for public education in Oakland and beyond, the opportunities to do so are multiplying,

Whereas, the democratically-adopted priorities of the of the chapter state that we must:

Fight for tuition-free college and university, and against cuts to public education from pre-kindergarten through higher education.

Support the efforts of educators and school workers to organize for their own working conditions and the learning conditions of students.

Oppose the further privatization of public schools and demand full funding of quality K-12 public education through progressive tax reform.

Therefore be it resolved, that the Steering Committee establishes a Public Education Committee tasked with carrying out East Bay DSA’s Education priorities — supporting education workers’ organizing, opposing privatization and demanding increased state funding for K-12 schools, and broadening out to include opportunities to fight for tuition-free college and university, and universal pre-K.

Be it further resolved, that the committee will work in coalition with education unions and local community organizations to fight for fully-funded, tuition-free, high-quality education for all locally, statewide, and nationally.

Be it further resolved, that Emma Gagliardi, Tyler Dupuis, and Charlie Herron are appointed as committee co-chairs.

Be it further resolved, that East Bay DSA’s OEA Solidarity Committee is dissolved, having fulfilled its charge.

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

Harrassment Grievance Review

Over a period of three weeks, the Harassment Grievance Officers (HGOs) of East Bay DSA received 18 grievances from 16 different members against a member of East Bay DSA. In accordance with Resolution 33, the HGOs informed the member of the grievances filed against them, asked the member to respond to the allegations, and initiated an investigation into the grievances. The HGOs compiled a report of the investigation, which was presented at a closed session of the East Bay DSA Steering Committee on April 21. The report found that the grievances were substantiated and that the member violated the chapter’s code of conduct on multiple accounts, including harassment online and in person, intentional and sustained interruption of East Bay DSA events, misrepresenting East Bay DSA, and threatening East Bay DSA members.

After debate and deliberation, the Steering Committee voted to expel the member with a majority voting in favor of expulsion and one member of the Steering Committee abstaining.