Steering Committee Minutes: July 21, 2019

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

Introductions and Opening Statements

The meeting was called to order with opening statements at 3:10 p.m. and was chaired by Keith B. B. and Abigail G.-G. The recording secretary Mark G. took notes. Also present at the meeting were Annika B., Jack M., Rex L. C., Maura M., Allie L., Marissa S., Sean M., Matt S., and Hannah E. who joined by phone.

Committee chairs James D., Jess W., Nick F., Miguel D., Eric V., and Andrew R. were also in attendance.

Following opening statements, the agenda was approved.

Keith B. B. introduced the consent calendar, which was ADOPTED by general consent and included the following resolutions.

Consent Calendar

[SC.2019.71] Resolution to Grant a Budget for the Public Education Committee

Submitted by Charlie H., Tyler D., and Emma G., Public Education Committee co-chairs

WHEREAS, the Public Education Committee was formed in the wake of the OEA strike this year,

WHEREAS, the Public Education Committee now holds regular monthly meetings for members to engage in work to protect and expand the institution of public education from pre-K through college,

WHEREAS, these meetings are held in rented spaces and incur small costs for this rental and other related items (refreshments, printed materials and related supplies), and

WHEREAS, the Public Education Committee intends to turn out its members in response to irregularly occurring events such as mass actions or strikes,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Education Committee be granted a budget of $150.00 monthly to offset these costs and be able to perform its function as a committee within East Bay DSA

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Public Education Committee be allowed to draw from this budget in response to mass education-related events, such as a strike, as long as the event has been endorsed by EBDSA.

[SC.2019.72] Proposal to Fund Albany High YDSA

Submitted by Allie L. and Keith B. B.

Whereas the Albany High YDSA has grown over the past year into a group of 12 or so committed organizers, whose focus for the coming year will be Bernie Sanders campaign work both on campus and in the city of Albany.

Whereas the co-chair of Albany High YDSA, Dahlia W. has requested financial support for the work of the chapter in the coming year.

Whereas East Bay DSA has an expressed commitment to support the organization of YDSA chapters in the area.

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA allocate up to $250 to Albany High YDSA to be spent on a YDSA starter kit from national, printing expenses for Bernie campaign work, voter registration drives, and any other needs that may arise.

[SC.2019.73] Resolution to Appoint New Racial Solidarity Committee Co-Chairs

Submitted by Miguel D.

Whereas, Kara M.B. and Nestor C. are stepping down as co-chairs of the Racial Solidarity Committee (RSC) and Miguel D. is the only remaining co-chair.

Whereas, WY L. and Hasan C.A. have been active contributors and leaders in the RSC, leading internal and external-oriented organizing projects, events, and socials.

Whereas, WY L. and Hasan C.A. were both voted in as Co-Chairs at the July 15th RSC meeting.

Therefore be it resolved, that the East Bay DSA Steering Committee appoint WY L. and Hasan C.A. as new Co-Chairs of the RSC effective immediately.

[SC.2019.74] Resolution to support the Hayward Collective Rent Control Proposal

Submitted by Allie L., Will S., and the Social Housing Committee.

Whereas East Bay DSA has completed a successful campaign for rent control in coalition with the Hayward Collective,

Whereas previously mentioned in the Hayward Rent Control Resolution, as named in the East Bay DSA Priorities Resolution, we shall organize “for universal rent control in California,”

Whereas the Hayward Collective has been a valuable coalition partner and is continuing to organizing in Hayward with tenants,

Whereas the new tenant protections and rent stabilization ordinance passed in Hayward will require education and follow up with tenants,

Whereas East Bay DSA is dedicated to continuing to build membership and political power in Hayward and South Alameda County,

Therefore it be resolved that East Bay DSA will continue working in coalition with the Hayward Collective for tenant protections and rent control in Hayward by co-sponsoring a Tenants Assembly with the Hayward Collective in August,

Therefore it be further resolved that East Bay DSA will organize membership to show up to and collect information about how the city is enforcing and educating tenants about the ordinance at the upcoming Hayward Tenants Education Seminars: Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance on July 24th and August 1st.

[SC.2019.75] Resolution to Appoint Labor Committee Co-Chairs

Whereas, both chairs of the Labor Committee have chosen not to seek re-election,

Whereas, the recording secretary position has been vacated by Shane Ruiz who was elected to the co-chair position,

Whereas, the labor committee seeks to develop new leaders for the organization who are embedded in the labor movement,

Whereas, Aaron H. is an active member of IATSE and has actively supported our rank-and-file work, including helping to organize our first rank-and-file jobs fair,

Whereas, Shane R. is a Union Representative for SEIU-UHW and has served as the Recording Secretary of the Labor Committee for the last year,

Therefore be it resolved, Shane R. and Aaron H. have been elected Co-Chairs effective July 1, 2019,

Therefore be it further resolved, Andrea M. has been elected Recording Secretary effective July 1, 2019.

Political Discussion

Keith B. B. introduced a political discussion regarding the Bernie 2020 campaign and how the campaign is unique. There were two (1, 2) readings shared in advance of the meeting to prompt the discussion. The conversation covered topics such as how we might focus our campaign, media coverage of the Bernie campaign vs. other campaigns, and our role as socialists to engage and convince people in a politics that can have material benefit in their lives.

Following the political discussion, Keith B. B. introduced the committee reports.

Reports

Finance report delivered by Sean M.
Roughly $18k in the bank
Raised about $6,000 for the convention so far
$2,400 left over from AfroSoc convening fundraising
Recording secretary’s report delivered by Mark G.
Communications Secretary report delivered by Rex L. C.
Operations Committee report delivered by Andrew R.
Meetings Committee report delivered by Mark G. on behalf of the committee chairs
Racial Solidarity Committee report delivered by Miguel D.
Political Education Committee delivered by Nick F.
Member Engagement Committee delivered by Jess W.
Medicare for All Campaign Committee report delivered by James D.
Labor Committee report delivered by Mark G. on behalf of the committee chairs
Social Housing Campaign Committee report delivered by Allie L.
2020 Committee report delivered by Matt S.

Following committee reports, there was a five-minute break.

Following a short break, the committee returned to open new business.

New Business

[SC.2019.76] Motion to Fund 2020 Committee

Submitted by Sean M. and Matt S., motivated by Sean M.

Whereas the 2020 committee has been building out its structure and hosting multiple events per month

Whereas the 2020 committee has nearly used the $2,000 the Steering Committee allocated to the committee in May

Whereas the field campaign is set to expand over the summer

Therefore be it resolved that the Steering Committee allocate $3000 to the 2020 Committee for work through September

Following motivation and questions, the resolution PASSED a unanimous vote.

[SC.2019.77] Resolution to Endorse Open Borders Campaign

Submitted by Rex L. C. and Shane R., motivated by Rex L. C.

Whereas the Trump administration has announced mass ICE immigration raids targeting millions of undocumented families around the country, and the San Francisco Bay Area has been explicitly named as one of the key areas that the so called “Family Operation” will take place.

Whereas the concentration camp crisis of the moment is just the tip of a global detention and surveillance iceberg, where millions of immigrants are held against their will and are kept in legal limbo for asserting their basic right to freedom of movement,

Whereas the refugee crisis is rooted in US military and financial intervention in the Global South to preserve the pact between International Capitalists against the masses of workers,

Whereas the intensification of climate change will displace millions of people, draw climate refugees to the United States, and embolden the far right to further militarize the border and halt migration,

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA will launch a campaign to close detention centers and abolish ICE under the direction of the Racial Solidarity Committee’s Action Team.

Be it further resolved that campaign members will join the Bay Resistance rapid response network to respond to possible immigration raids, and to mobilize members to the ICE processing facility at 630 Sansome in San Francisco in case of a mass raid.

Be it further resolved that the campaign may organize political education events around immigration and the refugee crisis, from an anti-imperialist, internationalist, anti-racist, and working class perspective.

Be it further resolved that the campaign will identify targets such as government officials and corporations profiting from the imprisonment, deportation and surveillance of immigrant communities on a local, state, national and international level, in order to improve policies and practices.

Be it further resolved that the campaign will reach out to coalition partners such as other DSA chapters, ACILEP, MUA, Critical Resistance, Movimiento Cosecha, PICO California, OEA, APALA, Faith in Action, Never Again is Now, Black Alliance for Just Immigration and other immigrant rights, migrant solidarity organizations and labor unions for long term collaboration on immigration issues.

Be it further resolved that the campaign will establish a communication channel for disseminating information and coordinating around events.

Be it further resolved That the chapter will help publicize campaign events and resources through its mailing list, newsletter, social media accounts and website.

Be it further resolved that the chapter will authorize $500 to rent meeting spaces and other expenses such as food, printing and art supplies.

Following motivation, there was a period of questions and answers during which SC and Committee chairs provided feedback on the resolution.

A motion was passed by unanimous vote to refer the resolution back to the Racial Solidarity Committee, along with the SCs recommendations from discussion, to be prepared and submitted to the General Membership for a vote.

[SC.2019.78] Resolution on Delegate Election Data, SC Authority, and Seating Delegates

Submitted by Abigail G.-G., Hannah E., and Keith B. B., motivated by Keith B. B.

Whereas fair, inclusive elections must be a pillar of our socialist organizing and the democratic socialist world we seek to build,

Whereas our 2019 delegate election method was decided as before by chapter co-chairs, but with a rushed process that resulted in missteps like a delayed vote release due to a lack of online ballot casting, and member concerns and confusion,

Whereas a Credentials Challenge from several East Bay members requests preventing the seating of our elected delegates, who have already paid travel expenses and arranged time off work, and requests replacing delegates based on factional affiliation and results of a prior election,

Whereas our 2019 delegate election used the modified Borda method,

Whereas the Steering Committee has voted to create an Election Analysis Working Group that will research and suggest standard voting methods (including online ballots and the choice of Single-Transferable Vote vs. other voting methods),

Whereas the Steering Committee voted not to release individual ballots due to multiple member requests to not do so and to protect confidentiality,

Whereas further research by co-chairs has determined a release of vote count data (listing the number of specific ranking results for each candidate) would not compromise confidentiality, and would help provide transparency on the election results,

Whereas we believe this experience has taught how the Steering Committee as a whole should have a decisive role in key decisions for our practice of democracy, including election methods,

Whereas we believe the lessons of this process require interconnected next steps, and deserve to be addressed through a single resolution,

Therefore be it resolved, that East Bay DSA will make 2019 delegate election vote count data (specifying the number of rankings at each level for each candidate) publicly available via our website,

Therefore be it further resolved, the Steering Committee is tasked to create recommendations via majority vote on future chapter election methods, to be ratified by a majority vote of the general body,

Therefore be it further resolved, a General Meeting will be hosted at least one month in advance of the delegate election for the purpose of explaining the convention, the role of delegates, and the election method the Chapter will use.

Therefore be it further resolved an open meeting to review Convention resolutions and bylaws amendments will be hosted by elected delegates ahead of the Convention with the purpose of gathering member feedback,

Therefore be it further resolved that the Steering Committee of EBDSA calls on National DSA to offer a standardized method for national and local delegate elections to the convention.

During debate, a short break was called. Also during debate, a motion to divide the question was passed, tabling the final "Therefore be it resolved" for another meeting.

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

Tabled for a future vote:

Therefore be it further resolved, we as elected members of the Steering Committee call on the 2019 DSA Convention to seat all elected East Bay delegates.

Discussion

Election methods working group

Abigail G.-G. delivered a short presentation on the progress of the elections methods working group. There is an outline for what the final report should cover, and what questions the group should answer. The group should be made up of Steering Committee members. The timeline is flexible, but somewhere around three months.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Addenda

[SC.2019.69] Resolution to Endorse Eric Blanc Discussion

Submitted by Charlie H., Tyler D., and Emma G., Public Education Committee co-chairs.

On July 3, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, Eric Blanc’s book “Red State Revolt” provides a thorough account and socialist analysis of the successes and challenges of the teacher strikes in West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Arizona, including the roles of militant minorities in organized labor, the role of DSA, and the influence of the first Bernie Sanders presidential campaign on the teacher strikes that set off the current strike wave.

Whereas, Having Eric discuss his experience in person can provide further insight into the experiences and strategies of the organizers, helping to build institutional knowledge,

Whereas, OEA teachers are helping to organize this event and have requested our support and OEA will likely be endorsing as well,

Therefore be it resolved, That East Bay DSA endorses the Eric Blanc “Red State Revolt” Discussion on July 22, 2019.

Be it further resolved, that the chapter grants $100 for the cost of the location (Babelab), and $120 to provide refreshments to approximately 50 anticipated event attendees.

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

[SC.2019.70] Resolution to Sponsor an Organizing Training with Eric Blanc

Submitted by Jack M.

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

Whereas the strategy articulated in the East Bay DSA 2019 Priority Resolution passed at the chapter’s 2019 convention states that we seek to achieve the goals listed in said resolution by “bringing millions of working-class people into class consciousness and organized struggle, through mass organizing tactics.”

Whereas our chapter has an unprecedented opportunity to bring a wide swath of working class people into class consciousness and organized struggle who have been activated by Bernie Sanders’ 2020 Presidential Campaign.

Whereas an intentional development of East Bay DSA members’ organizing skills is essential if our chapter is to be successful in bringing a wide swath of working class people into class consciousness and working class struggle.

Whereas Eric Blanc has spent more than a year traveling the country, connecting with organic working class militants who have led the most successful strike wave in recent memory.

Whereas Eric Blanc has written about his experience with working class militants in his new book Red State Revolt and brings with him a wealth of organizing knowledge that can help East Bay DSA members be more successful in their organizing efforts.

Therefore be it resolved the East Bay DSA Steering Committee will sponsor an organizing training for Steering Committee members, committee co-chairs, and members invited by Steering Committee members and committee co-chairs led by Eric Blanc to take place on Monday July 22 at Babelab, immediately before the event Public Education Committee event: “From West Virgina to Oakland: A Panel Discussion with Eric Blanc and Chastity Garcia.”

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