Steering Committee Minutes: September 15, 2019

East Bay DSA, Steering Committee Meeting, September 15, 2019, 1pm-2:30pm

Introductions / Opening Statements / Approval of Agenda

The meeting was called to order at 1:00pm with opening statements and was chaired by Keith B.B. The recording secretary was taking notes. Also present at the meeting were Matt S., Jack M., Annika B., Hannah E., Shane R., Marissa S., Allie L., Maura M., Rex L.C., and Sean M.

Committee chairs James D. and Emma G. were also in attendance.

The agenda was amended, moving item A from new business to the consent calendar, and moving the 2020 co-chairs resolution off the consent calendar. Following amendment, the agenda was passed by a unanimous vote.

Consent Calendar

The consent calendar passed following amendment and included the following resolutions:

[SC.2019.93] Resolution to make Isaac H. the new Co-Chair of the Social Housing Committee

Submitted by Will S. and Allie L.

Whereas Will Shattuc has stepped down from their role as co-chair of the Social Housing Committee and,

Whereas Isaac Harris was voted unanimously to become the new co-chair in a committee election,

Therefore be it resolved that Isaac Harris become Co-Chair of the Social Housing Committee and Will Shattuc no longer be co-chair.

[SC.2019.94] Resolution for All Member Meeting Funding for September 2019

Submitted by Joey K., Andy C., and the Meetings Committee.

Whereas membership voted in the April 2019 General Meeting that Membership Engagement Committee will be responsible for organizing "All Member Meetings" and events to be held on the months when there are not voting meetings.

Therefore be it resolved that the Chapter fund the September 2019 All Member Meeting, including booking at the Omni Commons, food, printing and other material at a total cost of $350.

[SC.2019.95] Resolution for a YDSA Starter Fund

Submitted by Ari M.

Whereas the EBDSA YDSA Liaison has been tasked with building relationships with YDSA members in the geographic territory of East Bay DSA, supporting YDSA organizers, and facilitating the formation of new chapters.

Whereas the Liaison is facilitating the formation of new chapters at CSUEB, Laney, Los Medanos, Mills, and Diablo Valley College.

Whereas being able to provide food/refreshments for YDSA meetings will be of great organizational utility and printing materials such as banners for tabling will increase the success of on campus organizing.

Therefore be it resolved that a budget of $500 YDSA starter fund be distributed through the Liaison to be spent on food, beverages, and other materials as the need may arise to facilitate the above tasks.

[SC.2019.96] Proposal for Union Job Fair Funding

Submitted by Aaron H.

Whereas, a primary area of organizing for the Chapter’s priority work in labor is to “support East Bay DSA members who are looking for jobs in unionized workplaces;”

Whereas, the Labor Committee will be continuing its activity to further this priority area of work by hosting its second union job fair to-date on October 5th at the East Bay Community Space;

Whereas, the cost of renting venue space for this event is $280; therefore be it

Therefore be it resolved, that the Steering Committee allocate $280 of the Chapter’s funds to the Labor Committee to pay for renting the venue space.

[SC.2019.97] Proposal for Labor Reading Group Funding

Submitted by Aaron H.

Whereas, a primary area of organizing for the Chapter’s priority work in labor is to “educate East Bay DSA members and the broader public on the labor movement;”

Whereas, a primary area of organizing for the Chapter’s priority work in labor is to “support and develop meaningful relationships with workplace leaders and rank-and-file activists both in- and outside of East Bay DSA;”

Whereas, the Labor Committee voted at its August meeting to put on a first run of a Labor Reading Group in which A Short History of the U.S. Working Class by Paul LeBlanc would be read;

Whereas, through the reading group the Labor Committee has the opportunity to form new connections and expand its network of workers and unionists;

Whereas, through the reading group the Labor Committee can continue to educate East Bay DSA members on the importance of the labor movement;

Whereas, the publisher of the book, Haymarket, has offered to sell the aforementioned book at $10 per copy to the Labor Committee;

Whereas, the Labor Committee endeavors to make it as easy as possible to participate in its activities;

Therefore be it resolved, that the Steering Committee allocate $500 of the Chapter’s funds to the Labor Committee to purchase (30) thirty copies of A Short History of the U.S. Working Class by Paul LeBlanc to be distributed to participants of the Labor Reading Group by means of a suggested donation, and for the purpose of providing space to meet for the functional units of the reading group, at the discretion of the Committee’s co-chairs, should they need it.

[SC.2019.98] Resolution to Prioritize East Bay DSA Pledge Drive

Submitted by Sean M., Jess W., Andrew R., and Richard M.

Whereas monthly member donations from members provide about one third of East Bay DSA’s revenue, excluding single-purpose fundraisers

Whereas monthly member donations provide a stable source of funding that does not require investments in event space or materials, as do pass-the-hat and swag revenue

Whereas monthly member donations are a democratic method of funding an organization as they decrease our reliance on large donations and distribute dependency over a broad layer of members

Whereas in the past year member donations have:

Allowed the Communications Committee to purchase Buffer, an online tool to organize and streamline our social media work across platforms.
Helped the Racial Solidarity Committee host socials
Made it possible for the Political Education Committee to host Night Schools, purchase literature, and host speaking events
Enabled the printing of thousands of palm cards and fliers carrying socialist messaging during the Oakland Teachers Strike
Helped us afford the use of office during the Jovanka Beckles and Prop 10 Campaigns

Whereas member donations will help Committee in the year to come, in particular may help:

Expand our use of Buffer for the Communications Committee
Support the Racial Solidarity Committee in our Open Borders campaign
Make it possible for the Political Education Committee to host more speaking events, including invited speakers
Put us on the path towards affording an office

Therefore be it resolved that the East Bay DSA Steering Committee encourages its members to give monthly recurring donations to the chapter

Therefore be it resolved that the East Bay DSA Steering Committee encourages each committee to support the pledge drive by contributing volunteers to phone banks and other organizing tasks

Therefore be it resolved that the funds raised through East Bay DSA’s Pledge Drive not be earmarked for any specific committee, campaign, or purpose

Therefore be it resolved that the Pledge Drive volunteers may mention that increased monthly donations could enable the rental of an office in the long-term but does not guarantee it. They may also explain 1) what donations have done for committees and 2) what work that is already in the established scope of non-electoral committees and campaigns that increased monthly donations could support.

New Business

[SC.2019.99] Resolution to Appoint New 2020 Committee Co-Chairs

Submitted by Matt S.

The following resolution was motivated by Jack M.

Whereas Jack M will have to step back from co-chairing the 2020 Committee imminently;

Whereas Will S has been a key leader in the 2020 Campaign, building a statewide coalition of California DSA chapters working on DSA for Bernie, serving as the Northern California Regional Organizer for the National DSA for Bernie Campaign, and building our local field activities;

Whereas Jeremy G has been a key leader in the 2020 Campaign, helped launch the national DSA for Bernie Campaign and serves on the National DSA for Bernie Committee, and has helped coordinate our local field activities;

Therefore be it resolved that Matt S will continue as a Co-Chair of the 2020 Committee, and Will S and Jeremy G will replace Jack M as incoming Co-Chairs.

Following motivation debate the resolution PASSED by a vote of 8 in favor, 2 against, and 2 abstaining.

[SC.2019.100] Resolution to Fund the 2020 Committee through October

Submitted by Sean M. and Matt S.

The following resolution was motivated by Matt S.

Whereas the 2020 Committee has grown its field program significantly in the past month;

Whereas the 2020 committee has nearly used the majority of its current available funds that were allocated through September;

Whereas the field campaign will likely continue to include big canvasses that require a significant amount of literature over the next month;

Therefore be it resolved be it resolved that the Steering Committee allocate $1500 to the 2020 Committee for work through October.

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

[SC.2019.101] Resolution to Restructure the 2020 Committee

Submitted by Matt S.

The following resolution was motivated by Matt S.

Whereas the 2020 Campaign Plan passed at East Bay DSA’s April General Meeting outlined a structure in which the 2020 Committee would be steered by a Coordinating Committee composed of appointed members and representatives selected by affiliated committees;

Whereas the affiliation-based structure of the 2020 Coordinating Committee has struggled to cohere the campaign so far, insofar as many of the Coordinating Committee’s members lack the capacity to significantly contribute to the campaign or liaise effectively between 2020 and their own Committees. Meanwhile, most affiliated committees have not played a large role in the campaign so far, due to lack of interest or lack of capacity.

Whereas the 2020 Committee has built several subcommittees including the Field Subcommittee, Labor for Bernie, and the Endorsements Subcommittee, and the Communications Committee, which have been carrying out the bulk of the campaign work.

Whereas the current iteration of the Coordinating Committee has served little function other than making political and strategic decisions about the 2020 Campaign, which would be addressed in a more accountable and democratic manner by the Steering Committee. Additionally many members of the Coordinating Committee are not active in organizing the activities of the campaign;

Therefore be it resolved that the 2020 Coordinating Committee will steer campaign work and form subcommittees to take on concrete work as needed;

Be it further resolved that the Coordinating Committee is restructured to consist of members of the subcommittees of the 2020 Committee to be appointed by the 2020 Co-Chairs, rather than affiliates of other committees. The 2020 Committee will still collaborate with other committees as much as possible.

Be it further resolved that the Coordinating Committee be responsible for developing funding requests to the Steering Committee, managing its expenses, and approving campaign expenses. It will also keep records of contributions and expenses necessary for the Treasurer to fulfill FEC reporting requirements, and will be responsible for assuring the proper use of disclaimers on independent expenditure communications, including printed palm cards, facebook ads, emails, and signs.

Be it further resolved a new Coordinating Committee will be appointed, consisting of Matt S., Will S., Jeremy G., Katy S.S., Mimi C., Neder G.S., Hannah E., Nick F., and Frances R.

Be it further resolved that the Steering Committee will take on responsibilities for big picture political and strategic direction of our electoral campaigns. The Steering Committee will hear regular reports from the 2020 Committee and deliberate and advise the 2020 Co-Chairs on the direction of the campaign’s work.

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

[SC.2019.102] Resolution to Empower the 2020 Field Subcommittee with Data Privileges

Submitted by Matt S.

The following resolution was motivated by Matt S.

Whereas the 2020 Field Subcommittee has increased the size, scale, and frequency of its canvassing operations significantly in the past month, and will be scheduling, organizing, and conducting canvasses at a rate faster than is typical of EBDSA’s previous campaigns;

Whereas East Bay DSA is committed to building a mass political movement of the working class, and that we need to be able to use our organizing tools at a mass scale in order to do so and empower working people to run the campaigns that will advance the project of their liberation;

Whereas there are less than six months until the California 2020 Primary, and the 2020 Campaign will need to grow the scale of its field operations even further in order to achieve its goals, contribute to a Bernie Sanders win on Super Tuesday, and prime our organization to make serious interventions in the 2020 General Election;

Whereas the Field Subcommittee has been a hub for rapid leadership development, bringing up new organizers who are committed, capable, and trustworthy;

Whereas data operations are an essential part of all campaigns and organizing work, and most data operations for running external campaigns are straightforward and can and should be taught to all leading and up-and-coming organizers on those campaigns as an aspect of their development as organizers and leaders;

WHEREAS the Field Subcommittee and its campaign work would benefit greatly from the ability to organize directly from our chapter data;

Therefore be it resolved that the chairs of the 2020 Committee and Field Subcommittee will have full autonomous access and control over data tools including VAN, Action Network, Spoke, and NationBuilder for at least through the duration of the 2020 Campaign. The 2020 Committee will consult with the Operations Committee for advice and explanations of current data practices, but will be empowered to use these data tools as needed for campaign work. The 2020 Committee shall appoint a Data Coordinator for the campaign who will be responsible for managing data quality and coordinating users to maintain an efficient and effective system. These users will be accountable to the Field Subcommittee. Any questions of data-sharing with other organizations shall be delegated to the Steering Committee

Be it further resolved that the 2020 Committee Chairs and the 2020 Field Subcommittee Chairs will have full access to NationBuilder to perform organizing tasks including but not limited to sending email blasts (in consultation with the email calendar), importing and entering data, giving important permissions to other campaign organizers, and performing other necessary organizing tasks. The 2020 Committee Chairs and the 2020 Field Subcommittee Chairs will also implement a tiered access structure to grant lower-level data permissions to trusted organizers and volunteers on the 2020 Campaign as necessary for Nation Builder and VAN and other organizing tools.

Be it further resolved that the 2020 Committee Chairs and the 2020 Field Subcommittee Chairs will have access to National DSA's VAN to use at their discretion to cut turf, manage data, share permissions with organizers, and perform other necessary organizing tasks.

Be it further resolved that the Operations Committee and 2020 Committee shall develop a data use agreement for NationBuilder and other data tools that all users who have access beyond data entry must sign. Violation of the terms of the data use agreement will result in immediate revocation of data privileges and potentially other disciplinary measures.

Be it further resolved that the 2020 Committee shall report to the Steering Committee each month the names, roles of people given access to Nation Builder that allows full visibility into the database.

Following debate and amendment, the resolution PASSED by a vote of 9 in favor, and 3 abstentions.

Discussion

Given the lack of remaining time in the meeting agenda, Keith B.B. proposed to move the discussions section of the meeting, which included an overview of the grievance process and the officer replacement process for SC members, rescheduled to another date via virtual phonecall. The proposal PASSED by a unanimous vote.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 2:35pm.

Addenda

[SC.2019.87] Emergency Resolution for September 2019 DSA for Bernie T-Shirt Resupply Order

Submitted by Eric V.

On September 2, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, East Bay DSA’s “DSA for Bernie” T-shirts have been an important element of canvassing publicity;

Whereas, the number of those T-shirts we currently have will not be sufficient for the DSA National campaign for Bernie door-to-door canvassing launch this Saturday, September 7th, to have on hand three business days from now (given Labor Day);

Whereas, Alliance Graphics is a union-run East Bay print shop using union-made apparel and printed our initial run of these shirts for $14.55 each;

Therefore be it resolved, that East Bay DSA allocate up to $1200 for a rush resupply order of 75 total DSA for Bernie shirts, comprising of 14 Small, 16 Medium, 10 Large, 10 XL, 5 2XL, 5 3XL, to be printed by Alliance Graphics on union-made apparel.

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

[SC.2019.88] Resolution Approving Comments to City of Berkeley Regarding Social Housing Principles in its Proposed Housing Policy Statement

Submitted by Allie L., Richard M., and Isaac H.

On September 2, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, East Bay DSA issued a statement on “Social Housing for All” in 2018, setting forth a vision and principles for social housing; and

Whereas, our 2019 Priorities Resolution incorporated that vision and principles, stating that “Social housing is the only systemic solution to end devastating housing displacement due to historic colonization of indigenous land, racial segregation, and real estate speculation. We demand social housing that is universally available, racially and income integrated, democratically run, high quality, permanently affordable and off the private market”; and

Whereas, the Berkeley City Council voted to refer a proposed Housing for a Diverse, Equitable and Creative Berkeley framework put forward by Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Council members Sophie Hahn, Kate Harrison and Rigel Robinson to various city committees for comment before coming back to the city council for adoption; and

Whereas, the proposed framework states: “We believe that Berkeley should aspire to make at least 30% of its housing, around 15,000 units, permanently affordable … to match the ‘social housing’ mix of progressive European cities such as Amsterdam and Vienna”; and

Whereas, the unique circumstance of a city council debating social housing offers East Bay DSA and its Social Housing Committee the opportunity to put forward our vision and principles, and to build the fledgling movement for social housing in the East Bay by connecting our vision and principles to a broader set of constituencies; and

Whereas, a working group of the Social Housing Committee has drafted the attached letter;

Therefore be it resolved that the co-chairs of the Social Housing Committee may submit a letter containing the substance of the attached letter to the City of Berkeley’s Housing Advisory Commission, to its Measure O Advisory Committee, and to its City Council; and

Be it further resolved that member(s) of the Social Housing Committee designated by its co-chairs may provide public comment on the substance included in the attached letter to the City of Berkeley’s Housing Advisory Commission, to its Measure O Advisory Committee, and to its City Council.

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

[SC.2019.89] Resolution for East Bay DSA Organizing for the September 20th Climate Strike

Submitted by Katie H., Submitted by Keith B.B.

On September 3, Keith B.B. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, the climate crisis threatens all living things on our planet, but its effects have already been felt by the working class, poor people, communities of color, Indigenous people, and frontline communities impacted by environmental disaster and toxicity;

Whereas, the climate crisis can only be mitigated by a radical overhaul of our systems of social, political, and economic production, as concluded by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;

Whereas youth organizers, led by Youth vs. Apocalypse, are calling for a mass climate strike on September 20 to disrupt everyday life, with a large contingent in San Francisco, and a week of action from September 20 - 27;

Whereas, adult organizations are being called upon to support youth strikers on September 20 in San Francisco and throughout the week through planning, logistics support, fundraising, and generating turnout of both youth and other adults;

Therefore be it resolved, East Bay DSA - led by the efforts of the Green New Deal/Let’s Own PG&E Campaign - will support the 2019 Climate Strike, including, but not limited to:

Phone banking our membership to generate turnout to the 9/20 youth-led climate strike in San Francisco;
Encouraging our membership to donate to Youth vs. Apocalypse’s fundraiser to support transport and other logistics on 9/20 via EBDSA social media channels;
Sharing support for the strike in EBDSA social media channels;
Participating in planning meetings and calls with Youth vs. Apocalypse, other DSA chapters, Sunrise Movement and other partners on planning and logistics support roles on 9/20 and actions during the week following, including but not limited to marshaling, creating art, and conducting outreach to affinity groups, unions, and other organizational contacts.

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

[SC.2019.90] Resolution to Extend September 2020 Committee Funding

Submitted by Matt S.

On September 5, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas East Bay DSA’s Steering Committee approved a $3000 budget for the 2020 Committee through the end of September at its July Meeting;

Whereas the 2020 Committee has spent approximately $1700 to date of that budget, primarily on printing campaign literature;

Whereas the 2020 Committee has significantly scaled up its field program recently, increasing both the size and frequency of its canvasses;

Whereas the 2020 Committee anticipates the need to order large quantities of new literature in order to sustain the growth of the campaign (specifically ~6000 palm cards in English and Spanish, and ~5000 trifolds), and these orders of literature will be more affordable if done at scale;

Therefore be it resolved that the Steering Committee approves an additional $1500 of funding for the 2020 Committee’s September expenditures through the end of September, raising the total allotted expenditures for that period to $4500.

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

[SC.2019.91] Resolution Establishing an East Bay DSA YDSA Liaison

Submitted by Keith B.B.

On September 5, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas supporting Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter organizing at East Bay schools, colleges, and universities--especially community colleges with diverse, working class student populations--is part of our 2019 Priorities Resolution,

Whereas DSA nationally has asked all chapters to each name a YDSA liaison within the coming weeks, wherever possible,

Whereas Ari M. has already been seriously engaged in supporting new YDSA organizing at Berkeley City College, Albany High School, and Laney College, and is a former Steering Committee member who has been consistently involved in leadership development and organizing training for our chapter since early 2017,

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA establish the appointed leadership position of "YDSA Liaison", with the following roles:

provide ongoing communication and support for students organizing new or existing YDSA chapters;
connect YDSA organizers with East Bay DSA resources and events;
organize meetings of YDSA organizers and leaders in the East Bay;
report to the East Bay DSA Steering Committee with a regular update on YDSA organizing efforts and support needed from East Bay DSA.

Therefore be it resolved that the East Bay DSA Steering Committee appoints Ari M. to be YDSA Liaison going forward, until he or the Steering Committee decide a replacement or change of the position is needed.

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

[SC.2019.92] Resolution for an Initial YDSA Starter Fund

Submitted by Ari M.

On September 10, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the Liaison is facilitating the formation of new chapters at CSUEB, Laney, Los Medanos, Mills, and Diablo Valley College.

Therefore be it resolved that an initial budget of $200 YDSA starter fund be distributed through the Liaison to be spent on food, beverages, and other materials as the need may arise to facilitate the above tasks.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 11 in favor and none against.