Steering Committee Minutes: April 19, 2020

East Bay DSA, Steering Committee Meeting, April 19, 2020, 2-5pm, Zoom

Introduction and opening statements

The meeting was called to order at 2:10pm via ZOOM. Abigail G-G and Keith BB chaired the meeting. The Secretary was taking notes. Also present at the meeting were Sean M, Shane R, Matt S, Maura M, Hannah E, Will S, Allie L, Annika B, Marissa S, and Rex LC.

Committee representatives K M, Nick F, Esperanza F, Hasan A, Lindsey M, Frances R, Benny Z, Colin M, Jaime G, and Aaron H were also in attendance.

After amendment, the agenda was approved.

Committee reports

Abigail G-G introduced committee reports.

The Treasurer’s report was delivered by Sean M
The Recording Secretary’s report was delivered by Mark G
The Operations Committee report was delivered by Sean M
The Housing Committee report was delivered by Eric P (secretary of Housing Committee)
The Communications Committee report was delivered by Nick F
The Labor Committee report was delivered by Aaron H
The 2020 Committee report was delivered by Will S
The Covid-19 Committee report was delivered by Esperanza F

There was a brief recess following committee reports.

Consent calendar

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

[SC.2020.55] Resolution to Appoint A Replacement Co-Chair of Political Education Committee

Submitted by Avir W on behalf of the Political Education Committee.

Whereas, the Political Education Committee (“the Committee”) co-chair Meagan D. has stepped down from the co-chair position due to her intended departure from the chapter;

Whereas, the Committee voted unanimously at its meeting on March 31, 2020 to elect Miguel D. as replacement co-chair;

Whereas, Miguel D. has been an active and committed member of the Committee;

Therefore be it resolved, that Miguel D. be appointed co-chair of the Committee to replace Meagan D.

[SC.2020.56] Resolution to Make Katy S. 2020 Cochair

Submitted by Will S.

Whereas, Molly A. has stepped back to work on our COVID-19 organizing and the AHS campaign;

Whereas, Katy S. has been a key leader in our 2020 Committee and the Big Canvassing Team;

Therefore be it resolved, that Molly A. is no longer a 2020 Co-chair and Katy S. is a 2020 co-chair along with Miguel B., Lindsey M. and Will S.

New Business

Keith BB introduced New Business.

The following resolution was motivated by Benny Z.

[SC.2020.57] Resolution Endorsing “ThePeoplesBailout.org” Principles

Submitted by Benny Z and Richard M.

Whereas, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to massive and growing unemployment on a scale not seen since the Great Depression; and

Whereas, the federal government is slowly responding with revenues, some of which are benefiting the working class, and most of which are bailing out sectors of the capitalist class; and

Whereas, a set of principles, known as The People’s Bailout, was developed by national groups that include groups that have allied with DSA in our independent Bernie Sanders campaign, including Sunrise Movement, People’s Action, It Takes Roots, and the Center for Popular Democracy; and

Whereas, those principles call on the federal government to ensure all of the following principles are adhered to in its response to the pandemic and economic crisis:

1. Health is the top priority, for all people, with no exceptions

2. Economic relief must be provided directly to the people

3. Rescue workers and communities, not corporate executives

4. Make a downpayment on a regenerative economy while preventing future crises

5. Protect our democratic process while protecting each other

Whereas, DSA’s National Political Committee has endorsed The People’s Bailout, as have hundreds of other organizations, and members of Congress including Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Jayapal; and

Whereas, the principles of The People’s Bailout are directly relevant to how socialists pressure government at the state and local level here in California to prioritize stimulus funding; and

Therefore be it resolved, that East Bay DSA endorses the principles of The People’s Bailout, and

Therefore be it further resolved, that the co-chairs of the Green New Deal Committee shall submit East Bay DSA’s endorsement on thepeoplesbailout.org website.

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

[SC.2020.58] Resolution to Grant Hillary Chen of Classroom Justice Campaign Nation Builder Access

Submitted by Lew L and Hasan A.

The following resolution was motivated by Hasan A.

Whereas, the Classroom Justice Campaign will need to put many new entries into Nation Builder once canvassing starts.

Whereas, a campaign text system will need to be set up through the Operations Committee,

Therefore be it resolved, that Hillary C, campaign co-lead for the Classroom Justice Campaign will have access to Nation Builder.

Following amendment, the motion PASSED by a unanimous vote.

Discussion

Endorsements Subcommittee report

Allie L and Jaime G introduced a report of the Endorsements Subcommittee regarding the needs of the subcommittee, their processes, and candidates who may be under consideration. The current membership of the subcommittee includes Allie L, Isaac H, Katy S, Will S, and Jaime G.

2020 Steering Committee elections

Keith BB introduced a discussion about the upcoming Steering Committee election. Sean M, Abigail G-G, and Keith BB are working to set up infrastructure for the election voting using OpaVote. There was discussion of how to facilitate the candidate forum and how to spread information about the election and encourage interested members to run.

Organizing Bernie activists into DSA for the long-term

The conversation was introduced by Keith BB and included discussion of ways to bring Bernie activists into the ongoing work of the chapter, priority work areas, and the next steps for the Big Bernie Chat.

Office protocols

There was a conversation about the East Bay DSA office, including protocols for checking on it during the Covid-19 related shut down. The conversation included a discussion of a recent act of vandalism.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm.

Addenda

[SC.2020.33] Resolution to Endorse Event with Tobita Chow on Bernie and the US-China Trade War

Submitted by Rex LC.

On February 19, 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 Internationalism and using class-struggle electoral campaigns to “expose dividing lines between socialists and liberal imperialists on international crises that gain mass attention”

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 international working class;

Whereas, Tobita Chow, director of Justice Is Global, who has written extensively about a left alternative to the US-China Trade War has offered to speak at an event with East Bay DSA on Sunday, February 23rd.

Whereas, Justice is Global is a special project of People’s Action, who has also endorsed Bernie, is a member of the national People Power PAC and co-organized the Buttigieg disruption on Friday, February 14th.

Whereas, This event would offer a progressive internationalist alternative for the left to promote a solidaristic answer to the rising tensions in the US, China, and the rising sinophobia across the globe.

Whereas, East Bay Community Space in Oakland has tentatively agreed to rent their side space to us for East Bay DSA free of cost from now until the Primary (March 3rd)

Therefore be it resolved, East Bay DSA will sponsor a Sunday, February 23rd event with Tobita Chow with announcements about these events in our newsletter, meetings, social media, and events calendar.

Be it further resolved, that East Bay DSA will reach out to DSA SF and other organizations such as Chinese Progressive Association, the Center for Political Education, and the Asian Pacific Environmental Network to promote the event.

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

[SC.2020.34] Resolution to Fund the 2020 Committee During Get Out the Vote

Submitted by Will S, Molly A, Sean M.

On February 24, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the 2020 Committee is actively campaigning for Bernie Sanders to win the California Democratic primary and the campaign has escalated rapidly, now with over 800 unique volunteers and covering large parts of our chapter’s geographic territory;

Whereas the campaign has large financial needs, predominantly for literature and propaganda accounting for roughly 80% of its costs;

Whereas the 2020 Committee has spent approximately $22000 to date and raised over $11000 so far leaving roughly $1500 in allocated funding left;

Whereas the financial needs of Get Out the Vote require us to be adaptable and not be put in a position where we need an emergency order and we have no available funding to purchase it with;

Whereas we raised $3800 last week at the Bernie is for Lovers Fundraiser and that money goes to the IE (though can be transferred to the chapter via a process with National);

Therefore be it resolved that the Steering Committee approves an additional $4000 of funding for the 2020 Committee expenditures through March 3rd.

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

[SC.2020.35] Resolution to Make Lindsey M. and Miguel B. 2020 Committee Cochairs

Submitted by Molly A and Will S.

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

Whereas the needs of Get Out the Vote for the campaign to elect Bernie Sanders are heavy and both current chairs are beyond capacity in their current work;

Whereas one of the goals of the Bernie campaign is to bring new leaders up through the organization;

Whereas Miguel B. and Lindsey M. have done extraordinary work leading organizing work for our Bernie Sanders campaign;

Therefore be it resolved that Lindsey M. and Miguel B. are co-chairs of the 2020 Committee in addition to Will S. and Molly A.

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

[SC.2020.36] Resolution to fund rental of Oakland Peace Center for March General Meeting

Submitted by Andrew R.

On February 27, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas East Bay DSA general meetings are typically held the second weekend of each month,

Whereas East Bay DSA had not previously booked a venue for the March general meeting, and the usual meeting space (Omni Commons) is unavailable,

Whereas the Member Engagement Committee is responsible for programming and promotion of the March general meeting and,

Whereas Andrew R., co-chair of the Member Engagement Committee, reserved the Fellowship Hall space at Oakland Peace Center for Saturday, March 7 from 12:30–4 p.m. for a general meeting running 1–3:30 p.m.,

Whereas paying for venues for General Meetings is not included in the Member Engagement Committee budget,

Therefore be it resolved that the East Bay DSA steering committee direct the East Bay DSA treasurer to allocate $260 to be paid to the order of First Christian Church of Oakland,

Be it further resolved that the Treasurer arrange with the Member Engagement Committee chairs to disperse payment to Oakland Peace Center (aka First Chrisitan Church of Oakland) as soon as possible in order to finalize our reservation

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

[SC.2020.37] Resolution to Endorse ACTION 2020’s Defies Measurement Film Screening

Submitted by Shane R.

On February 28, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, OEA has endorsed ACTION 2020’s film screening of the documentary Defies Measurement.

Whereas, ACTION 2020 is a coalition partner of OEA.

Whereas, the event will consist of a film screening, panel and breakout group that is specifically geared towards engaging parents from Oakland’s school district in conversations about the school board issues and candidates.

Whereas, the film specifically addresses the role charter schools play in dismantling and defunding public education.

Therefore let it be resolved that EBDSA will co-host the Defies Measurement film screening on March 6th at Red Bay Coffee.

Therefore be it resolved EBDSA will provide our childcare kit for this event.

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

[SC.2020.38] EBDSA Earth Day 2020 Mobilization

Submitted by Eric R, Benny Z, Colin M, Michael K, Ted F, and Bonnie L.

On March 4, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

WHEREAS, The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted 16 months ago, using facts discovered by the world's leading climate scientists, that urgent, transformative, and unprecedented changes are needed by 2030 to provide humanity’s best chance at preventing irreversible, runaway climate breakdown; and

WHEREAS, these oncoming catastrophes are being caused by human-generated greenhouse gases produced by the products of the fossil fuel industries of the world such that these GHGs have increased every year since the beginning of the industrial revolution of the 17th century, with this increase accelerating year after year; and

WHEREAS, the world has been warming for decades with each decade warmer than the last and with this January, 2020, having been the hottest January the world has experienced since record keeping began; and

WHEREAS, California, Australia and Brazil have experienced the largest, deadliest fires they have seen; and

WHEREAS, droughts, floods, hurricanes and rising sea levels are hitting humanity all over the world in strength and severity never seen before by humans; and

WHEREAS, climate change and other destructive processes of capitalism are causing the greatest extinction of species in the last million years; and

WHEREAS, this climate crisis threatens the ability of human beings to continue to live in our societies; and

WHEREAS, the United States has not taken necessary steps to counteract the disastrous effects of GHG emissions due to capitalism's economic control of the banks, insurance companies and fossil fuel industries, and due to the political control of the US government by Republicans and the neo-liberal wing of the Democratic Party; and

WHEREAS, climate change first and foremost threatens the working class, people of color, front line communities, and youth throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, EBDSA recognizes that capitalist power is fundamentally driving climate change, and that the current power of capitalists and fossil fuel corporations threatens our socialist vision of a habitable and just future; and

WHEREAS, EBDSA's Priorities Resolution voted on by the chapter included a provision, "On the Fight Against Capitalism's Catastrophic Climate Change," which pledged that "as we fight for those universal social programs of healthcare, education and housing, we will also include messaging that capitalism's fossil fuel production and consumption is causing the pollution that is severely impacting our health, and causing climate change's rising seas, massive fires and floods that are destroying our housing"; and

WHEREAS, many climate, environmental justice, labor movement, and socialist activists are planning actions around the time of Earth Day, 2020, to provide opportunities for voices besides those of billionaires and politicians to be heard; and

WHEREAS, among these activities are:

WED APRIL 22 (EARTH DAY): Rally at noon at San Francisco civic center/ city hall, and then march to state and federal offices. This will leave time for people to gather at their local city offices in the morning. It is expected that there will be a rally at Oakland City Hall from 9 am to 11 am. There may be other local actions as well. These actions will center the voices of youth AND frontline leaders.

THURSDAY APRIL 23: A national focus on financial targets will focus on banks to stop the money pipeline including Chase Bank. Additional actions will support the Canadian Wet'suwet'en indigenous people’s struggles against pipelines. Youth will be supporting school based actions focused on awareness and CalSTRS (California Teachers’ Retirement System), divestment of fossil fuels.

FRIDAY APRIL 24: During this first day of Ramadan youth are planning to reach out to Muslim allies and those who observe Ramadan. There will be many actions as part of the observance of Ramadan. One possibility is an action targeting the US military for their combination of Islamophobia and climate destruction.

WHEREAS, these actions are explicitly critical of market-based, capitalist solutions to climate change, are based on demands for more democratic control of the economy and ecological systems, and include workers and working-class organizations as a central components of the coalitions planning these actions; and

WHEREAS, challenging capitalist power requires the development of working class power and a sustained movement that connects the ecological crisis to other crises impacting the working class, such as racism, sexism, wealth inequality, homelessness, unemployment, mass incarceration, student debt, endless wars, lack of affordable care, and exploitation of labor, paid or unpaid; and

WHEREAS, the goals stated above are consistent with the principles of the Ecosocialist Green New Deal as endorsed at the DSA National Convention in 2019 and the Public Housing and Green New Deal endorsed by YDSA in November of 2019; and

WHEREAS, young people and youth-led organizations are already playing a crucial role in organizing a response to the climate crisis; and

WHEREAS, the leadership of the new Green New Deal Committee of East Bay DSA is bringing this resolution to the Steering Committee;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

East Bay DSA endorses the local Earth Day week of climate actions; and

East Bay DSA will work with other Northern California DSA and YDSA chapters to build a vibrant Ecosocialist contingent and presence in these actions; and

East Bay DSA will seek to communicate an analysis of the climate crisis that names our class enemies and builds class solidarity; and

East Bay DSA will use the Earth Day mobilizations as organizing opportunities to build power for a long term struggle against fossil fuel capitalists and their allies; and

This official chapter support will include:

A budget of no more than $600 to produce propaganda for the events
An art build organized by the EBDSA design team
Access to EBDSA flags, banners, and other pre-existing chapter materials
One or more dedicated YDSA liaisons
Events on the EBDSA event calendar and on Facebook
A communications strategy, including social media outreach and coverage of the events to broadcast our analysis and signal boost our allies
Phonebanking to mobilize members and non-members with relevant interest flags in Nationbuilder
Announcements at both the March and April General Membership Meetings, and at each of our regular Socialist Night School meetings through the months of February, March and April, 2020

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

[SC.2020.39] Resolution to Send a Representative to the East Bay Community Forum

submitted by Will S.

On March 4, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the East Bay DSA campaign to elect Bernie Sanders through the 2020 committee has been a source of a massive amount of new members;

Whereas Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign has massively increased the profile of democratic socialism, particularly in California where he won my a sizable number on March 3rd;

Whereas the official Bernie campaign is hosting an event on Thursday, March 4th titled East Bay Community Forum where local leftist groups can give brief speeches and recruit for their organization;

Therefore be it resolved that Molly A. (or another co chair of the 2020 Committee) will act as East Bay DSA’s representative at said event, explaining DSA and our chapter’s work, and encouraging the attendees to become members and get involved.

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

[SC.2020.40] Resolution to Fundraise to Send East Bay DSA Members to Support Michigan DSA Bernie Campaigns

Submitted by Abigail GG and the 2020 Committee.

On March 5, Abigail GG called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, Bernie Sanders is currently tied for delegates and faces a critical juncture in his campaign for president.

Whereas, the CA primary concluded on March 3 and many of our local Bernie 2020 DSA organizers are interested in supporting DSA for Bernie efforts in other states.

Whereas, Michigan, the next biggest delegate rich state is having its primary March 10.

Whereas, there’s currently DSA for Bernie campaigns in Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.

Therefore be it resolved, that East Bay DSA will set up a donor box to receive donations up to $5,000 to send local members to DSA chapters in Michigan.

Therefore be it further resolved, that members who can take off work ASAP and stay in Michigan for the longest period of time will be prioritized to receive funding.

Therefore be it further resolved, we will publicize the fundraiser through social media and local phonebanks.

Therefore be it further resolved, that any excess funds will be allocated to other chapter projects as needed.

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

[SC.2020.41] Resolution for EBDSA to Join the California Green New Deal Coalition

Submitted by Benny Z, Colin M, and Eric R.

On March 6, Keith BB called an email vote for the following resolution.

WHEREAS, the climate crisis first and foremost threatens the working class, people of color, front line communities, and youth throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, EBDSA recognizes that capitalist power is fundamentally driving the climate emergency, and that the current power of capitalists and fossil fuel corporations threatens our socialist vision of a habitable and just future; and

WHEREAS, many climate, environmental justice, labor movement, and socialist activists have signed on to the California Green New Deal Coalition, whose vision for the Coalition can be found here, and

WHEREAS, it will take a broad coalition of working class people to fight the power of capitalists and fossil fuel corporations in our vision for a radical Green New Deal and that California can serve as an test case and example of that fight that is also happening nationally and internationally;

WHEREAS, the leadership of the new Green New Deal Committee of East Bay DSA is bringing this resolution to the Steering Committee;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

East Bay DSA endorses and joins California Green New Deal Coalition; and

East Bay DSA will work with the Alliance to organize and mobilize for a California Green New Deal that aligns with the National Ecosocialist Principles for a Green New Deal and the California Green New Deal platform.

East Bay DSA will use the California Green New Deal Coalition as organizing opportunities to build power for a long term struggle against fossil fuel capitalists and their allies.

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

[SC.2020.42] Resolution to Hold a Mass Meeting Post-Bernie

Submitted by Will S and Matt S.

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

Whereas the Bernie Sanders campaign has galvanized the American multi-racial working-class more than any other political movement in a generation. Besides hundreds of thousands of volunteers volunteers and recurring donors, many of who have never been politically active before;

Whereas the Sanders campaign has received the endorsements of a broad group of left-wing groups and unions including UTLA, Sunrise Movement, the Center for Popular Democracy, NNU, and of course DSA and YDSA;

Whereas the Sanders campaign has not indicated that it will maintain what it has built after the election, leaving a massive gap where a unifying force was. After March 3rd the Sanders campaign will move on from CA and it likely won’t be organizing here significantly for the general election;

Whereas DSA has been a central figure in the Sanders movement with dozens of chapters participating across the country, and many of its organizers leading efforts in the official campaign. DSA has also helped cohere a group of progressive national groups and unions to run an independent campaign called “People Power for Bernie,” several of which have local branches in the Bay Area;

Whereas on our local campaign East Bay DSA had hundreds of volunteers and talked to thousands of people about socialism and we should seek to continue those people’s political education and involvement;

Whereas our role in the campaign and the number of local coalition partners who we’re close to, we should cohere these groups on a local level;

Therefore be it resolved that EBDSA will reach out to coalition partners — especially those who support Sanders but also those who have not formally endorsed — about holding a mass meeting in Oakland tentatively on March 28th to celebrate the Sanders campaign, the multi-racial working-class and strengthen the ties between local unions and left-wing movements around Sanders’ radical agenda;

Therefore be it further resolved this meeting will also serve as an introduction to democratic socialism as well as act as a conduit for working-class people who we’ve talked to on our campaigns to get involved in local struggles associated with the unions and movement organizations represented at the event;

Therefore be it further resolved that Matt S. and Will S. shall cohere a team to organize the meeting, create a program, and reach out to unions and other organizations that supported Sanders and/or major parts of his agenda‍, including: OEA, ATU 192, UPTE, AFSCME 3299, NUHW, NNU, ILWU (especially the Tartine Union), UNITE HERE 2850 and Local 2, Sunrise, ACCE, Our Revolution among others at the discretion of the organizers;

Therefore be it further resolved that the Steering Committee shall designate $600 for food, space, literature, interpretures, and whatever financial needs the meeting might have;

Therefore be it further resolved we will do outreach to the public and through social media and our lists.

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

[SC.2020.43] Resolution to ask East Bay DSA members and supporters to call Alameda County to stop scheduled evictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Submitted by Kelsey W, Esperanza S, Molly A, Marissa S, Eric P, K M.

On March 16, Keith BB called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the East Bay DSA Priorities Resolution states that the Social Housing agitational campaign will “work on strategic near-term housing campaigns” to “seize power from landlords and capitalists” to “to end devastating housing displacement.”

Whereas Governor Newsom, in his press release on March 15, 2020, Gavin Newsom specifically identified the homeless population as a vulnerable population during this COVID-19 pandemic. He also required that anyone over 65 years old and anyone with a chronic illness remain isolated in their homes and that other less vulnerable people must practice social distancing when in public, even hospital visits are limited to end of life visitation only,

Whereas the public health crisis of COVID-19 exacerbates the strain on the working class and our society’s most vulnerable in terms safety and economic precarity,

Whereas the Sheriff of Alameda County has evictions scheduled for tomorrow, March 17, 2020, at 6:00am,

Whereas East Bay Community Law Center, ACCE, Centro Legal de la Raza, Eviction Defense Collaborative, Family Violence Law Center, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Legal Assistance for Seniors are asking the Sheriff’s office to stop the execution of all evictions (see attached letter),

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA will ask its members and supporters to call the Sheriff of Alameda County, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and the Alameda County Courts to ask the Sheriff to stop all evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the recent order to shelter in place, this effort will be conducted through remote means, such as through the internet and phone.

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

[SC.2020.44] East Bay DSA Stands with the University of California COLA Wildcat Strikes and UAW 2865!

On March 17, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following statement.

East Bay DSA stands in solidarity with UAW 2865 and the University of California student-workers in their courageous wildcat strikes for a cost-of-living-adjustment for a living wage and their union organizing in response to unfair labor practices by the University of California.

Since December, University of California graduate student workers on at least four campuses — including UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, UC Berkeley — have conducted wildcat work stoppages, pickets, or grading strikes seeking a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in the face of crushing austerity from Sacramento and skyrocketing rents across California.

In response to these actions, the University of California administration has retaliated with firings of over fifty striking workers and a lawsuit against UAW 2865, seeking to bankrupt or decertify the union. These attempts to punish student-workers for these actions are a political decision meant to divide workers and break the wildcat strike.

Now, UAW 2865 is escalating towards a potential systemwide strike of student-workers at the University of California in response to these unfair labor practices, pending a strike authorization vote. We stand in solidarity with the union and the wildcat strikers as they seek to spread the strike, and build power across all UC campuses to overturn the firings, win living wages, and protect their union.

These actions illustrate the power of public sector workers to fight for public goods like education, and that these graduate student-workers are fighting not just for better wages and in defense of their union, but for a decent and just world for every person on this planet.

East Bay DSA denounces the University of California administration’s firing of striking student-workers, as well as administration attacks on the student-workers union, and demands that they be reinstated immediately. We stand in solidarity with UAW 2865 and the striking student-workers, as with all workers who put their jobs on the line to fight for themselves, their families, and their communities.

We believe that we will win!

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 13 in favor and none opposed.

[SC.2020.45] Resolution for Initial DSA COVID-19 Response Platform and Action Plan

Submitted by Keith BB, Abigail G-G, and Hannah E.

On March 17, Keith BB called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is creating a global health and economic crisis, unprecedented in the last century, on the foundation of disastrous capitalist inequality and oppression;

Whereas this pandemic poses enormous obstacles and threats to the organizing tactics and working-class lives on which East Bay DSA’s organizing depends;

Whereas the DSA National Political Committee has adopted a national DSA COVID-19 response platform, which overlaps closely with East Bay DSA’s chapter priorities for housing for all, worker power, Medicare for All, migrant justice, and electing Bernie Sanders,

Whereas a coordinated national DSA response will build mass and allow for collaboration with other chapters,

Whereas the Steering Committee on March 15, 2020 passed the Resolution on Organizing Response to COVID-19 Outbreak, creating a COVID-19 Committee, but did not provide specific direction to this Committee on political platform or potential action plans, nor did it appoint co-chairs for this Committee,

Whereas the East Bay DSA Steering Committee has the elected duty to “operate as the governing board of the Chapter” (under Chapter bylaws), and is responsible to provide leadership and urgent direction during crises such as this pandemic,

Therefore be it resolved, East Bay DSA adopts the national DSA COVID-19 response platform in its entirety, as appended to this resolution.

Therefore be it resolved, as part of adopting this national platform, directs the COVID-19 committee to adopt these national points as its initial platform, and to research and propose strategic potential allies (particularly including other DSA chapters, labor unions, and political advocacy organizations), a specific set of local & regional demands connected to this platform, and organize actions to advance this platform.

Therefore be it resolved, the Steering Committee appoints Molly A, Esperanza F, and K M as initial co-chairs of the COVID-19 Committee,

Therefore be it resolved, the Steering Committee directs the COVID-19 Committee and the East Bay DSA chapter to pursue an initial four part action plan, along this outline:

Expanded mobilizers: As a project of the Member Engagement Committee in collaboration with the COVID-19 Committee, provide phone and digital-based outreach to all possible East Bay DSA members and recent volunteers; offer check-ins, a resource guide, and tracking of member crisis support needs; and encourage members and volunteers to participate in our action plan.
Expanded political education: As a project of the Political Education Committee in collaboration with the COVID-19 Committee, provide online political education opportunities, including Night Schools, reading lists, and discussion groups.
Mass pressure campaigns: As a project of our external political action committees (Social Housing, etc.) in collaboration with the COVID-19 Committee, coordinate members and join with allies for phonebanking, petitioning, and other safe mass pressure actions to help win the DSA platform.
Labor organizing: As a project of the Labor Committee in collaboration with the COVID-19 Committee, support worker organizing during the crisis.
Crisis resource guide: As a project of the COVID-19 Committee with participation from interested members, research and provide a directory of existing East Bay crisis resources (for housing, healthcare, food and other assistance), which can be safely distributed to connect members, neighbors, coworkers and others with aid they need.

Therefore be it resolved, this initial platform and action plan for East Bay DSA may be revised at any time by future SC or general membership resolutions, and the COVID-19 Committee and members at large are encouraged to propose those changes when they believe necessary or strategic. This resolution directs our chapter and the COVID-19 Committee to pursue this action plan and platform as initial steps for the coming weeks, until lessons from these initial efforts or unforeseen developments in conditions lead to new action and platform proposals.

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

[SC.2020.46] Resolution to Sign Housing Now! COVID-19 Letter to Governor Newsom

Submitted by Isaac H.

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

Whereas East Bay DSA is a member of the Housing Now! coalition, which is comprised of tenant organizations, NGOs, and direct service providers throughout California,

Whereas the Housing Now! coalition has drafted a demand letter to Governor Gavin Newsom to go further in instituting protections for tenants, unhoused people and homeowners during the COVID-19 crisis,

Whereas the demands are aligned with the chapter’s Priorities Resolution, which calls for “statewide bills for strong rent control and tenant protections,”

Therefore it be resolved that East Bay DSA sign on to the Housing Now! letter, entitled: “Need for Bold Leadership on Coronavirus’ Impact on California Housing Crisis, Not Half-Measures.”

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

[SC.2020.47] Resolution to Endorse Oakland Not for Sale’s Community Letter to Cease School Mergers, Closures, and Charter Co-Locations

Submitted by Hillary C and the Racial Solidarity Committee.

On March 25, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, EBDSA has passed a resolution to fight against school closures,

Whereas, the school board and superintendent are continuing planned board meetings amid the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss cohort 3 of the Blueprint Plan and Proposition 39 charter co-location offers,

Whereas, Governor Newsom has suspended safeguards of the Brown Act for the public when state or local agencies meet by teleconference, including:

A. State and local bodies notice each teleconference location from which a member will be participating in a public meeting;

B. Each teleconference location be accessible to the public;

C. Members of the public may address the body at each teleconference conference location.

D. State and local bodies post agendas at all teleconference locations;

E. At least one member of the state body be physically present at the location specified in the notice of the meeting; and

F. During teleconference meetings, at least a quorum of the members of the local body participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local body exercises jurisdiction.

Whereas, Oakland Not For Sale is a parent led community group formed around the closure of Kaiser elementary and dedicated to stopping the Blueprint Plan and charter takeover,

Therefore let it be resolved, that EBDSA will sign on to Oakland Not For Sale’s community letter to the school board and superintendent, FCMAT, Alameda County Supervisor Karen Monroes, and State Supervisor Tony Thurmond’s to cease planned school closures, mergers, and charter co-locations.

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

[SC.2020.48] Video Team Budget Proposal

Submitted by Molly Stuart, Justin Wong, Kat O’tool, Eriq Wities, and Quinn Costello (members of the Video Team)

On March 25, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following proposal.

The newly formed EBDSA Video Team would like to request $635 to fund equipment and materials to be able to establish efficient collective workflows and increase our production capacity.

One 8TB hard drive — Total: $119

Purpose: To archive everything we shoot in one central location. Will also make sharing media among us more efficient.

8TB Seagate

Four Media Cards — Total: $116

Purpose: To record media on easily shareable cards.

128gb SD

64gb Compact Flash

Expendables (ie. batteries, tape, small props, snacks) — Total: $400

Purpose: To cover small costs of production during film shoots over the next three months.

Total Budget request: $635

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

[SC.2020.49] Resolution to endorse immigration action

Submitted by Jaime G.

On March 27, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, DSA has an ongoing commitment to protecting the lives and freedom of immigrants, and

Whereas, the Covid-19 pandemic presents a serious threat to the lives of those detained in crowded facilities provided with inadequate sanitation measures, and

Whereas, Cal. Gov't Code § 8658 allows for the release of prisoners during life-threatening emergencies, therefore,

Be it Resolved, EBDSA calls on Gov Newsom to use his emergency powers to order the release of immigrants detained in local and state facilities, and to lobby for the release of those detained in federal facilities, and,

Be it Resolved, EBDSA co-endorses the Covid-safe in-car protest scheduled for 3/31/2020 in San Francisco, and,

Be it Resolved, the chapter will use its social media and internal communications resources (eg committee listservs) to promote this demand, to drive turnout to the event, and to report back from it.

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

[SC.2020.50] Resolution to Endorse the CA Healthcare Worker Demands to Fight the Pandemic

Submitted by Matt S.

On March 29, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, East Bay DSA resolved to stand in solidarity with the Alameda Health System workers of SEIU 1021 in preparation for their April strike, and has been supporting healthcare workers as they organize in response to the COVID-19 crisis instead.

Whereas, California healthcare workers, including members of SEIU 1021, recently released a set of statewide demands in response to the COVID-19 crisis, calling for Governor Newsom to use his powers to increase equipment and supplies, reduce virus transmission and risk of death, expand healthcare capacity, take care of all Californians, and build a rapid economic recovery.

Whereas, the demands put forward by the healthcare workers represent a clear pro-worker and working-class response to the COVID-19 crisis that includes calls to win stronger worker protections, establish universal health coverage in CA, house the houseless, released detained immigrants and the incarcerated, provide stipends to affected workers, and begin to implement a Green New Deal as part of the recovery.

Therefore be it resolved, that East Bay DSA stands in solidarity with California healthcare workers in calling for a pro-worker response to the COVID-19 crisis and endorses their demands and petition to the Governor.

Be it further resolved, that East Bay DSA will support these demands by publicly circulating the petition, mobilizing our members and supporters to pressure public officials around the demands, and collaborating with healthcare workers to organize for these demands.

Be it further resolved, that the Labor Committee and COVID-19 Committee will be tasked with leading East Bay DSA’s work to organize around these demands and petition.

The resolution PASSED by a vote of 12 in favor and none opposed.

[SC.2020.51] East Bay DSA Bernie Campaign Statement

Submitted by 2020 Committee Co-Chairs.

On April 9, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following statement.

The Bernie Sanders campaign raised the expectations of the American working-class and pointed out the absurdity and horror of our racist, capitalist system. It demonstrated the broad and expansive popularity of programs deemed “too radical” for working-class voters, like Medicare For All, free college, an end to deportations and mass incarceration, and a Green New Deal. Millions of working-class people across the country donated to the campaign and spent countless hours volunteering to fight side by side in solidarity with people they do not know and will never meet.

Just like in 2016, Bernie Sanders’ campaign has led to an explosive growth of the Democratic Socialists of America. Over 50 DSA chapters, representing thousands of socialist organizers, across the country knocked over half a million doors, expanding their membership numbers and training new organizers in the process.

Locally, East Bay DSA ran a massive independent campaign that bolstered Bernie’s performance in the Bay Area and grew and developed hundreds of new organizers. Over 730 volunteers and new members stepped up to help develop and run a vibrant campaign of canvasses, phonebanks, fundraisers, debate watch parties and more that resulted in countless conversations with Bay Area residents about issues affecting them and their families, such as crushing medical debt, astronomical rents, and the most extreme income inequality in American history. East Bay DSA volunteers knocked over 30k doors and met and spoke with over 5,000 of

our Bay Area neighbors and community members who committed to voting for Bernie Sanders. It’s time to welcome them into our democratic socialist movement.

Though Bernie’s presidential campaign is over, our work in fighting for the issues that his campaign centered around continue, both on a national and local scale.

With the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the incipient economic devastation it will bring, we again see the inability of capitalism, and the governments it controls, to defend the lives and livelihoods of the global, multi-racial working-class. Like Bernie says, only a mass movement of the working-class can bring about the change we need. As we organize side-by-side with workers and renters, unions and communities, in this unprecedented crisis, brought on by a capitalist system, we ask you to join us.

Join DSA. We have a world to win!

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

[SC.2020.52] Emergency Resolution to Endorse Oakland-Wide Rent Strike In Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

Submitted by Maura M, Casey B, Isaac H, Allie L, Kelsey W, Eric P, Ashton H, Justin T.

On April 9, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas the State of California has issued an unprecedented shelter-in-place order in response to the coronavirus pandemic;

Whereas thousands of working class people have already lost their jobs or had their hours reduced in Oakland, including many East Bay DSA members, and a dramatic rise in layoffs is still expected;

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly spreading in the midst of a housing affordability and homelessness crisis;

Whereas rent is still due, and rent debt will still accrue for tenants in Oakland, while Governor Newsom has instituted mortgage payment relief for borrowers of major banks in California;

Whereas a coalition known as the Oakland Rent Strike Committee has formed in response to these conditions, in order to organize tenants who are unable to pay rent, and with the immediate goal of winning rent forgiveness for the duration of the crisis;

Whereas the Oakland Rent Strike Committee is composed of experienced tenant organizers and attorneys, including Oakland ACCE, which has an established relationship with East Bay DSA;

Whereas an organized rent strike can politicize the individual circumstance of a tenant’s inability to pay rent, and a coordinated mass of rent strikes city-wide can shift the balance of power toward tenants, opening up possibilities of transformation in the housing market;

Whereas the City of Oakland has instituted the strongest eviction moratorium in the state, creating the most favorable conditions for tenants to withhold rent;

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA shall participate as a coalition partner with the organizations in the Oakland Rent Strike Committee. This shall include, but not be limited to, sharing information such as the amount of EBDSA members participating in the Oakland Rent Strike and the total amount of rent being withheld;

Be it further resolved that the co-chairs of the Social Housing Committee serve as chapter representatives in meetings of the Oakland Rent Strike Committee, with a goal of developing a coalition strategy for tenants to be well organized and connected with access to sufficient protective resources like legal support before launching a strike;

Be it further resolved that the Social Housing Committee shall mobilize EBDSA members who rent in Oakland to participate in the Oakland Rent Strike, by conducting a survey of Oakland renters in EBDSA, supporting members who are organizing their buildings, and sharing resources and training offered by the Oakland Rent Strike Committee;

Be it further resolved that the Social Housing Committee shall have access to EBDSA social media, databases, contact lists, and email service, in order to disseminate information to members renting in Oakland;

Be it finally resolved that the Social Housing Committee shall have access to the Design Working Group in order to create effective propaganda that offers a democratic socialist analysis to the crisis of housing insecurity in the time of COVID-19 and builds toward a socialist understanding of housing as a human right.

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

[SC.2020.53] Resolution to Endorse Letter Demanding that Newsom Release ICE Detainees

Submitted by Racial Solidarity Committee Co-chairs and Dan E.

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

Whereas, East Bay DSA has passed a resolution to endorse the demand for Open Borders,

Whereas, EBDSA’s Open Borders campaign includes demands to close detention centers and abolish ICE under the direction of the Racial Solidarity Committee,

Whereas, the current crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic will have a detrimental health impact on people housed in overcrowded, understaffed, and dangerously maintained detention centers throughout California,

Whereas, the Governor of California has emergency power to free all immigrants currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Borders Protection (CBP).

Whereas, without immediate action to close the detention camps and release people held in immigration detention at all state and federal levels it will lead to massive spread of the virus and untold deaths.

Therefore be it resolved, that EBDSA endorse the following letter (http://bit.ly/newsomclosethecampsletter) demanding Governor Newsom use the emergency powers of his office to free all detained immigrants and to close down detention centers in California.

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

[SC.2020.54] Proposal to fund Quickbooks for Chapter

Submitted by Sean M.

On April 14, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, the Treasurer uses Quickbooks to track the Chapters revenue and expenses

Whereas, the semi-annual billing amount of our Quickbooks has increased to $210

Whereas, the Chapter has kept the East Bay DSA PAC Quickbooks account active to support tax filing

Therefore be it resolved, that East Bay DSA fund up to $840 annually Quickbooks

Therefore be it resolved, that the Treasurer will look into closing the PAC Quickbooks account while still maintaining necessary records

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