Steering Committee Minutes: February 16, 2020

East Bay DSA, Steering Committee Meeting, February 16, 2020, 2pm-5pm

Introduction and approval of the agenda

The meeting was called to order at 2:00pm by Abigail G-G who chaired the meeting. The Recording Secretary was taking notes. Also present at the meeting were Marissa S, Annika B, Rex LC, Matt S, Will S, Hannah E, Allie L, Maura M, and Sean M

Committee chairs Kelsey W and Eric R were also in attendance. 

Following opening statements, the agenda was amended and approved. 

Political Discussion

There was a political discussion amongst the Steering Committee and Committee chairs based on a reading of Chris Maisano’s Electoral Politics, Class Formation, and Socialist Strategy.

Committee Reports

Abigail G-G introduced committee reports, which will be taking a new form in Steering Committee meetings moving forward — with a more in depth discussion and focus on specific committees at each meeting.

• Finance Report was delivered by Sean M
• Recording Secretary Report delivered by Mark G
• 2020 Committee Report delivered by Will S
• Ops Committee Report by Sean M
• Housing Committee Report by Kelsey W
• Communications Committee Report delivered by Rex LC

Following committee reports, there was a brief break. During the break, Hannah E had to leave the meeting.

Consent Calendar

The consent calendar was ADOPTED and included the following resolutions.

[SC.2020.24] Resolution to Reimburse the Racial Solidarity Committee

Submitted by Lew to RSC co-chairs for approval.

Whereas, it was decided that specific RSC members would bottomline asking for funding on the campaign kickoff.

Whereas, certain committee members spend money on the assumption of reimbursement.

Whereas, it was decided that a certain amount of money was to be spent on food and printing.

Whereas, the Billionaires Can’t Teach Our Kids is an active campaign within East Bay DSA, meeting several times a month and with several active projects;

Whereas, the campaign has had a kickoff event with food cost and printing costs;

Whereas, the members of the campaign, Hillary and Lew, have been providing food and printing from their own personal money;

Whereas, the campaign coordinating team agreed that such funding was necessary;

Therefore be it resolved, that the chapter shall reimburse the Billionaires Can’t Teach Our Kids campaign of Racial Solidarity Committee for expenses for food and printing from the February 1rst kickoff event. 

[SC.2020.25] Resolution to Endorse an International Working Women's Day Social 

Submitted by Maura M.

Whereas, the Socialist Feminist Caucus of the East Bay DSA works to bring awareness of the socialist feminist history, and the understanding of the current feminist struggle

Therefore be it resolved, that the Socialist Feminist Caucus of the EBDSA hold a social on March 8th that has a program to understand the history of this day, and how it informs our current work within our chapter as well as the national work of DSA. Some examples of such work are teachers strikes, health care worker organizing, and the fight for universal child care.

Therefore be it further resolved, that a budget of $400 be used to secure a venue, and help provide materials, and food for the social.

Therefore be it further resolved, that EBDSA promote the event on social media, and our chapters calendar.

[SC.2020.26] Resolution to Send a Representative to Bernin’ for You

Submitted by Will S.

Whereas the Firehouse Art Collective is hosting an event called Bernin’ for You, a joint phonebank and art show for Bernie Sanders with the express intention of having attendee’s join local organizations;

Whereas East Bay DSA has been invited to speak about our chapter’s work and recruit people for 10-20 minutes;

Therefore be it resolved East Bay DSA will send one or more representatives to speak on the organization’s behalf;

Therefore be it further resolved that we will share the event on facebook and encourage our members to attend.

New Business

We are proposing the creation of an ongoing, issue-based working group under the Socialist Feminist Caucus of the East Bay DSA to campaign for abortion access and reproductive justice. This working group will be responsible for enacting locally Resolution #38: Fight for Abortion Access which was passed at the 2019 DSA National Convention.

[SC.2020.27] Resolution for the EBDSA to Create a Working Group for the National DSA Reproductive Freedom Campaign 

Submitted by Maura M and Jackie A.

Whereas, abortion rights are under attack in the United States, both on the federal level and in California. Throughout 2019, 25 new abortion bans were signed into law, particularly in states in the South and Midwest. While many of these laws remain temporarily enjoined, if they are enacted, legal abortion will be dramatically prohibited, either altogether (in AL), after six weeks from the first date of the last menstrual period (in OH, KY, MS, & GA), or after eight weeks (in MO). Most of these cases will be held up in state courts until they are heard by the Supreme Court. The first of Supreme Court cases will be deliberated on in March 2020, and arguments will be made in June 2020.

Whereas, these bans are the result of decades of attacks — increasing restrictive TRAP laws, firebombs at abortion clinics, the assassination of providers, the prosecution of miscarriage, and the setting of a legal framework to bestow “personhood” on fetuses. The intention of these orchestrated attacks is explicit: to challenge the right to abortion at the Supreme Court. As socialists, we must see these attacks as what they are: an act of class war targeting the most vulnerable.

Whereas, in many places where abortion is technically legal, financial and logistic barriers to accessing abortion care creates an intolerable hardship for many members of the working class needing abortions. As long as abortion is treated as a separate category of healthcare, the difficulties inherent in navigating the legal restrictions, waiting periods, shortages of providers, and expense of abortions blatantly discriminates against people who are already oppressed by capitalism. 

Whereas, the abortion bans do not protect the sanctity of life — they conscript people to give birth against their will and criminalize normal behaviors while pregnant. Not only have we seen the degradation of our reproductive rights, but we have also seen the erosion of our access to affordable housing, child care, good public schools, and a clean and safe environment. Reproductive labor is largely an unpaid and unrecognized contribution to society and abortion is our right to strike from these unfair working conditions. Issues of reproduction exist in all arenas where we must challenge capitalism. We affirm the bodily autonomy of migrants, not only to have access to abortion care, to safely deliver their babies, and to remain with their children, but to move freely to seek a better life. We affirm the right of all people across the globe to live without the threat of U.S. imperialism. All people have the right to control the conditions of their reproduction, including the rights of those who have children to deliver them safely into the world, and care for them as they grow. Abortion bans do not protect life—only socialist feminism does.

Therefore be it resolved, that the Steering Committee form a working group to interface with the National DSA Reproductive Freedom Campaign, and that Maura M and Jackie A be appointed as representatives of EBDSA who will make reports to the Steering Committee and encourage leadership of new members.

Therefore be it further resolved, that all local candidates endorsed by EBDSA vocally, enthusiastically, and unequivocally support abortion rights, access to abortion, the repeal of the Hyde amendment, and full federal, state and/or local funding of abortion.

Therefore be it further resolved, that the Reproductive Freedom campaign work with the Medicare for All Committee to ensure that free-at-the-point-of-service reproductive healthcare for all people, including unrestricted access to abortion, repeal of the Hyde Amendment and the Title-X gag rule continues to be a top priority as the Medicare for All legislation works its way through the legislature.

Therefore be it further resolved, that the Reproductive Freedom Working Group hold socials, events, direct actions, and conciousness-raising groups, to discuss how issues in their workplace relate to issues of unpaid carework, universal social services, and the resurgence of feminist struggle around the world and that helps workers draw connections between issues at their paid work and broader political issues. These demands could include: parental leave, sexual harassment, equal pay, healthcare, and scheduling control. 

Therefore be it further resolved, that East Bay DSA promote Reproductive Freedom Campaign events on social media and the chapters calendar.

Therefore be it further resolved, that this working group participate in the national webinar/strategy sessions. Hosting watch parties for webinars, and participating in the follow up calls to relay these discussions to our chapter. 

Priorities and Campaign Messaging

1. To challenge the dominant narrative that abortion should be “safe, legal, and rare” and replace it with the call for abortion, birth control, and all other reproductive care to be fully funded and freely available without stigma.
2. The committee shall engage in a strategy that strengthens already existing local relations and brings other organized entities relevant to our struggle such as local abortion funds, reproductive justice organizations, sex worker rights organizations, immigrant rights groups, among others, into a process of coalition building. Organizing for working class people capable of protecting themselves.
3. Build the campaign infrastructure and relationships to coalition partners needed to create a mass movement for reproductive rights capable of creating mass unrest, political disruption, and potential damage to capital.  
4. Work with the Labor Committee and labor activists, we will identify potential union partners as well as particular rank and file members interested in participating in a series of demonstrations to agitate against the repeal of Roe v. Wade. Since a substantial amount of paid care-work around the country is non-unionized, we will equally prioritize bringing on board worker centers, cooperatives, and other low wage workers organizations, which are some of the main entities organizing a precarious, feminized and mostly undocumented workforce. We should keep in mind the most massive political strike in the United States in recent years took place within the 2006 Mass Immigration Protests, also known as “A Day Without Immigrants”.  
5. We will frame our demand for free and unrestricted abortion within an overall vision grounded in reproductive justice. Consistent with the framework developed by Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice and SisterSong, we envision reproductive justice to encompass our right to not have children, to have children, to be treated with dignity and respect in accessing all forms of reproductive healthcare freely and without restriction, and to be able to parent the children that we do have in safe and sustainable communities. We also advocate for centering and uplifting the marginalized voices of working class people of color that are most affected by abortion restrictions.

Following amendment, the resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote.

Discussion

Garrick R visit Feb. 23-28  

Will S introduced a discussion regarding Garrick R, the new National staff organizer for our region. Garrick will be visiting EBDSA in the coming weeks to meet with chapter leaders and understand our activities. Will S will help to coordinate meetings during the visit.

OEA/DSA Canvass on Feb. 22 (Abigail)

Abigail GG introduced a conversation about the upcoming OEA Bernie canvass. OEA has endorsed a candidate for county commissioner and wants to pass out literature at our jointly hosted canvass. 

Check in about Feb GM Resolutions (Abigail)

Abigail GG introduced a discussion of the February general meeting. 

Following discussion, the steering committee entered executive session by a unanimous vote.

Adjournments

The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 pm.

Addenda 

[SC.2020.16] Resolution to Appoint EBDSA Office Managers

Submitted by Allie L and Sean M.

On January 21, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas East Bay DSA has opened up an office to serve as an event location and hub for socialist organizing, 

Whereas the Steering Committee passed the Resolution to Establish Office Operations on 1/16 committing to finding Office Managers, 

Whereas the Office Managers are needed to order to ensure the basic functions of the East Bay DSA office, 

Therefore be it resolved that Jennifer A. and AJ A. are the new East Bay DSA Office Managers, with a 6 month term with possibly of extension, with the following responsibilities: 

• Process and confirm all scheduling requests 
• Regularly check in on supplies and work with Treasurer to order more as needed 
• Checking in with the cleaning schedule to ensure that it’s being adhered to 
• Sending updates to committees when it’s their turn to be a part of the cleaning schedule
• Maintain the socialist library
• Work with the Treasurer to process any bills or work with the landlord for repairs
• Send out needed updates or requests to committee leaders and organizers about the space (for example, if people are parking in the wrong areas) 
• Take out trash and recycling
• Coordinate member access to stored materials

Therefore be it further resolved that Jennifer A and AJ A provide an update to the Steering Committee within 2 months of progress of the office and any updates needed to their responsibilities or additional capacity. 

Therefore be it further resolved that the Office Managers report under the Steering Committee.

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

[SC.2020.17] Resolution for General Meeting Funding for February 2020

Submitted by Maura M and the Meetings Committee.

On January 21, the Steering Committee voted by email on the following resolution.

Whereas the chapter voted to schedule monthly General Meetings beginning in September 2018

Therefore be it resolved that the Chapter fund the February 2020 General Meetings booking at the Omni Commons for $195.75.

Therefore be it resolved that the funds for food, printing and other materials also be covered, including but not limited to $60 for toner cartridges and apx $125 for a new drum for the printer.

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

[SC.2020.18] Resolution to Increase YDSA Fundraising Limit

Submitted by Ari M and Sean M.

On January 25, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the Steering Committee authorized the Chapter to raise up to $5000 to cover the cost of travel and registration for the 2020 YDSA Convention.

Whereas YDSA members have successfully reached that goal through their fundraising efforts

Whereas YDSA members had already planned to host a phone bank for 1/29. 

Whereas this phonebank is a good organizing opportunity for YDSA members and the Chapter could benefit from general fundraising requests.

Therefore be it resolved that YDSA members may make fundraising requests for general East Bay DSA non-electoral activities, including YDSA work, at this phone bank, with a goal of raising $1000.

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

[SC.2020.19] Resolution to Co-Sponsor “The First Rainbow Coalition” Screening

Submitted by the Racial Solidarity Committee Co-chairs.

On February 10, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, the Afrosocialists and Socialists of Color Caucus is encouraging local chapters to host screenings of PBS’s new documentary “The First Rainbow Coalition” for Black History Month,

Whereas, the original Rainbow Coalition was a broad coalition of diverse, freedom struggle organizations--from the Black Panthers and Young Lords to working class white groups like the Young Patriots--that formed in solidarity in their collective class struggle against economic and racial injustice,

Whereas, this is an example of the sort of multiracial movement we want to organize,

Whereas, DSA SF is organizing a screening of the documentary at the Tenderloin Museum (398 Eddy St, San Francisco, California 94102) on Thursday, February 20th, and has reached out to Jovanka Beckles to be a panelist, and to the Racial Solidarity Committee for co-sponsorship,

Therefore be it resolved, that the East Bay DSA co-sponsor the event,

Be it further resolved, co-sponsorship means 1) no associated fee; 2) that we have the option to use our EBDSA logo on outreach media; and 3) that we help turn people out to the event if we have capacity within the Racial Solidarity Committee. 

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

[SC.2020.20] Resolution to Endorse Event with Branko Marcetic on Joe Biden

Submitted by Will S and Nick F.

On February 11, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, East Bay DSA's 2019 Priorities Resolution committed our chapter to engaging in class-struggle electoral campaigns, and specifically to prioritizing the Bernie Sanders campaign for president;

Whereas, East Bay DSA’s Priorities Resolution also commits us to using class-struggle electoral campaigns to “sharpen conflicts between establishment party elites and working-class voters, building toward the ultimate goal of establishing an independent workers’ party,” 

Whereas, meeting the above goal in the context of the Bernie campaign requires political education about establishment candidates’ allegiance to capital and their attacks on the working class; 

Whereas, Jacobin magazine has offered to co-host an event with East Bay DSA on Feb. 17 with Jacobin staff writer Branko Marcetic, whose book “Yesterday’s News: The Case against Joe Biden,” tracing Biden’s role in the Democratic Party’s neoliberal turn, was released last month;

Whereas, B4bel4b in Oakland has tentatively agreed to rent their space to us for 7-9pm on Feb. 17, for the cost of whatever donations we collect at the event;

Therefore be it resolved, East Bay DSA will sponsor the Feb. 17 event with announcements about these events in our newsletter, meetings, social media, and events calendar.

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

[SC.2020.21] Resolution to Sponsor Guest Speaker Event with Christian Parenti

Submitted by Luke T.

On February 12, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, our priorities resolution states: “All of our campaigns are connected through the program of a socialist Green New Deal.”

Whereas, Christian Parenti is a DSA member and prominent Marxist author who has published books and articles on the climate crisis and the Green New Deal.

Whereas, Christian Parenti has been a guest speaker for East Bay DSA in the past.

Whereas, Christian Parenti is only in town until Tuesday.

Therefore be it resolved, East Bay DSA sponsor an event this weekend titled, “A Conversation with Christian Parenti: Bernie Sanders and the Green New Deal.”

Therefore be it further resolved, Luke Thibault will bottomline organizing event seeking support from Political Education and Green New Deal committees.

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

[SC.2020.22] Resolution to promote Unite Here Local 2 SFO Action on Feb 14th

Submitted by Rex LC.

On February 13, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas: American Airlines made $1.9B in 2018, but the airline catering workers who put food and drinks on its planes face poverty wages and unaffordable health care.

Whereas: Unite Here Local 2 organizer Ted W. reached out for support publicizing the National Day of Action for Airline Catering Workers tomorrow February 14th from 2-6pm at SFO Terminal 2.

Whereas: This is set to be the latest and largest in a series of demonstrations by airline catering workers at U.S. airports. In November, 50 airline catering workers and supporters–including Supervisors Matt Haney, Gordon Mar, and Ahsha Safaí–were arrested in a nonviolent sit-in inside the American Airlines terminal at SFO.

Whereas: Less than 50 percent of workers at the SFO airline catering kitchens where workers have authorized a strike had employer-provided health insurance in 2018, and 10 percent had a child or other family member covered. Monthly premiums are up to $800.

Be it resolved: That East Bay DSA will promote the action and encourage members to attend through social media posts and mentions in relevant chats. 

Be it resolved: That social media posts will highlight the unions fight for medical care paired with posts regarding #Medicare4All. 

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

[SC.2020.23] Resolution to disrupt Buttigieg fundraiser in SF

Submitted by Rex LC.

On February 13, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas: East Bay DSA’s Priorities Resolution states “sharpening the conflicts between establishment party elites and working-class voters” as a goal of our electoral campaigns. 

Whereas:Billionaire backed Presidential Candidate P. Buttigieg is hosting a high dollar fundraiser at SF this Friday, February 14th at 8am, yet he is not holding any public events where working class people can hold him accountable for his damaging policies.

Whereas: Other organizations who have endorsed Bernie Sanders and are running independent expenditures (Bay Rising Action, CPD Action and People’s Action),have invited us to support the disruption of said fundraiser. 

Whereas: Buttigieg’s policies are particularly damaging to people of color, immigrants, trans people and people with traditionally underrepresented identities, and potential coalition partners are lining up speakers with powerful stories to confront Buttigieg. 

Whereas: Bringing Bernie Sanders apparel might fuel the right wing narrative that Sanders supporters are hostile. 

Therefore be it resolved: that’s East Bay DSA will share the Facebook event and details on social media and through its Bernie chats. 

Be it further resolved: That East Bay DSA will propose members to confront Buttigieg if they have strong stories to counter Buttigieg’s messaging.

Be it further resolved: That we will instruct our members not to bring Bernie signs. 

Be it further resolved: That photos and interviews from the action will be shared through social media 

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