Steering Committee Minutes: May 17, 2020

East Bay DSA, Steering Committee Meeting, May 17, 2020, 2-5pm, Zoom

Introductions/Opening Statements 

The meeting was called to order at 2:05pm via ZOOM. Keith BB and Abigail G-G chaired the meeting. The Recording Secretary was taking notes. Also present at the meeting were Marissa S, Hannah E, Matt S, Will S, Rex LC, Sean M, Allie L, Shane R, Annika B, and Maura M.

Committee representatives Andrew R, Eric R, Carlos O, Colin M, and Jess W were also in attendance. 

After amendment, the agenda was approved.

Consent Calendar

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

[SC.2020.67] Resolution to Endorse A Fundraiser for the National Network of Abortion Funds as Part of the National DSA Reproductive Freedom Campaign

Submitted by Marissa S, Maura M, and Claire B.

Whereas the National Network of Abortion Funds, aids the working class in accessing reproductive health care by “remov[ing] financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice”

Whereas, the EBDSA Steering Committee unanimously endorsed a resolution to participate in the National DSA Reproductive Freedom Campaign at our February meeting,

Whereas, our Steering Committee already approved on our February consent calendar a $400 budget for a SocFem Caucus social for International Working Women’s Day which apx $320 remains unused.

Whereas, in partnership with DSA SF and the National Reproductive Freedome Campaign the East Bay Campaign is organizing an online fundraiser screening of “Ask for Jane,” a film about the courageous Chicago feminist collective from the late 60’s and 70’s which provided access to abortion for working people and students before Roe v Wade, 

Whereas, the screening will also include a panel discussion and Q&A with the filmmakers and original members of the Jane Collective, and a DSA member, to provide invaluable political education for the local organizers participating in the National Campaign’s fight for reproductive freedom,   

Whereas, last year our Socialist Feminist Caucus was able to raise $4,000 through the annual bowl-a-thon fundraiser for the National Network of Abortion Funds, but this year it was cancelled due to Covid-19. This event will subsitute for the bowl-a-thon and provide an opportunity to support the NNAF which provides vital support to workers needing help to access their essential abortion rights, which continue to be under active attack during the crisis. 

Therefore be it resolved that EBDSA sponsor the film screening through our local National Reproductive Freedom Campaign organizing in coalition with SF DSA members.

Therefore be it further resolved, that EBDSA allocate $150 to pay for the filmmaker’s premium Vimeo account costs for the first 500 viewers of the screening and to rent the licensing rights for the film. An additional $100 will be allocated if the fundraiser reaches over 500 participants.

Therefore be it further resolved, EBDSA will be responsible for transferring the funds raised through Brown Paper Tickets or Eventbrite, to be donated to the National Network of Abortion Funds.

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

Committee Reports

Abigail G-G introduced committee reports.

• The treasurer report was delivered by Sean M.
• The Recording Secretary report was delivered by Mark G.
• The Member Engagement committee report was delivered by Andrew R.
• The Political Education committee report was delivered by Shane R.
• The Racial Solidarity committee report was delivered by Carlos O.
• The Green New Deal committee report was delivered by Eric R.

New Business

Abigail G-G chaired the new business portion of the meeting, which included the following resolutions.

[SC.2020.68] Recommendation to the Steering Committee to Form a Labor Census Working Group

Submitted on behalf of the Labor Committee by Aaron H.

Aaron H motivated the following resolution.

Whereas, it is necessary to understand the composition of one’s group to understand where and how it can best can act; and

Whereas, understanding where our members are positioned in the economy will present us with a clearer picture of where we as an organization have potential power, networks, and a material interest; and

Whereas, a labor census would be part of the Labor Committee’s efforts to survey and map our local labor conditions to identify organizing opportunities, pick priorities, and encourage workplace organizing in strategic sectors; and

Whereas, initiating, supporting, and developing workplace organizing is crucial to helping rebuild a militant minority; and

Whereas, the DSLC is undertaking a mapping of chapter labor formations, their activities and composition;

Whereas, neither the Labor Committee nor the Chapter currently has a system, such as a survey or a member intake process, to collect the comprehensive data on the relationship of members to particular workplaces, employers, industries, and unions or other labor organizations; and

Whereas, this data would allow the Labor Committee the ability to support and facilitate the cohesion and formation of workplace-, employer-, industrial-, and union-based groupings of our members as workers “to share experiences and ideas, with the goal of joint action in the future” based in the workplace; and

Whereas, this data would allow the Labor Committee to make a fully informed analysis of the strategic industries, employers, workplaces, and unions to which it wants to dedicate formal organizational resources to supporting and developing workplace organizing; and

Whereas, this data would allow the Labor Committee to better shape and develop interest in a jobs program whose goal is to cement the labor activities of the Chapter in workplace organizing; and

Whereas, an effort to collect, maintain, and use this data could extend beyond the scope of the Labor Committee itself, affecting the work of the Member Engagement, Operations, and Communications committees; and

Whereas, the Labor Committee at its April meeting unanimously passed a proposal to make a recommendation to the Steering Committee regarding the creation of a working group.

Therefore the Labor Committee recommends the adoption of the following resolution by the Steering Committee: 

Therefore be it resolved that a labor census working group shall be created to collect and maintain comprehensive data on the relationship of chapter members to workplaces, industries, economic sectors, labor organizations, and, if relevant to other goals of the Chapter, any other useful sets of data about the membership.

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

[SC.2020.69] Resolution to Fight the Closure of Richmond Libraries

Submitted by Will S.

Will S motivated the following resolution.

Whereas public libraries provide integral services for society, providing not just media and education but also food, legal advice, job support, childcare, warmth and safety for the public regardless of ability to pay;

Whereas the services provided by libraries are a crucial tool to address racial inequalities, particularly around public education and technology;

Whereas libraries and other social services were already drastically underfunded and understaffed and the workers in these crucial services were already underpaid;

Whereas the coming financial crisis brought on by COVID will allow capitalists to use the “shock doctrine”, cutting funding of crucial public services in the name of austerity and balancing the budget;

Whereas Tom Butt, Mayor of the City of Richmond, is threatening to close two of the city’s library branches (West Side Branch and Bay View Branch), leaving only the Main Library to serve the residents of Richmond;

Whereas the closure of these libraries would represent a massive loss of public services and support for the residents of Richmond and the surrounding area;

Whereas the closure of these libraries and other budget cuts would cause the layoffs of all (16) part-time library workers and 4 full-time workers;

Whereas the Richmond City Council is tentatively having a budget meeting to vote on the closures on June 8th;

Therefore be it resolved that the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America will join with the Richmond Progressive Alliance, public sector workers, and the Richmond community to stand against budget cuts to library services and the elimination of jobs, and to demand fully-funded universal social services;

Therefore be it further resolved that the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America will conduct a pressure campaign on Richmond city council, including petitions, phone zaps, protests at meetings and other tactics deemed important in the fight to keep the libraries open and stand against austerity;

Therefore be it further resolved that East Bay DSA and Majority will use their communications and platforms to uplift the working class struggle against austerity in Richmond and stand for fully-funded universal social programs free of racial discrimination and inequality;

Therefore be it further resolved that East Bay DSA will phonebank and mobilize its contacts in Richmond and the surrounding areas to bring them into this campaign and activate them as DSA members.

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

[SC.2020.70] Resolution to Endorse Yes2TOPA In Support of Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act

Submitted by Kelsey W, Eric P, & Isaac H.

The following resolution was motivated by Marissa S.

Whereas the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) is a locally-enacted policy that gives tenants the first opportunity to buy the home they live in when their landlord decides to sell;

Whereas effective TOPA legislation can bolster against displacement, chip away at the power of real estate capital, and take residential property off of the speculative market to keep it permanently affordable ㄧ approaching East Bay DSA’s concept of social housing;

Whereas the East Bay DSA Social Housing Committee voted unanimously in favor of the concept of TOPA during its meeting on March 18, 2020;

Whereas the Yes2TOPA Working Group is a coalition pushing for TOPA legislation in Berkeley and Oakland;

Whereas real estate transfers will likely increase during the pandemic-induced recession, and tenant organization has increased in response to the pandemic’s effects;

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA officially endorse the Yes2TOPA campaign;

Therefore be it further resolved that East Bay DSA officially participate in Community Partners gatherings of the Yes2TOPA Working Group, by designating a representative(s) the Social Housing Committee.

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

Matt S had to leave the meeting during questions.

[SC.2020.71] Emergency Resolution to Take Material Action in Solidarity with the Diné (Navajo) and Hopi Nations 

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

The following resolution was motivated by Colin M.

Whereas, the 2019 DSA National Convention almost unanimously endorsed the Ecosocialist Priority Resolution (No. 34) to launch a decolonial Green New Deal Campaign, which among other instructions, directs the national organization to “recognize the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples” and “build a powerful alliance” that includes movements for Indigenous liberation; and 

Whereas, with regards to that Resolution, the 2019 DSA Convention body further committed DSA to the cause of Indigenous liberation by ratifying an “Amendment on the Red Deal and Rejecting a Green Military,” which endorses the Red Deal (1, 2, 3), “a program for Indigenous liberation, life, and land—an affirmation that colonialism and capitalism must be overturned for this planet to be habitable for human and non-human relatives to live dignified lives;” and

Whereas, the national DSA “Guiding Principles for an Ecosocialist Green New Deal,” which the NPC and more than 40 DSA chapters have endorsed, and which undergirds our national Green New Deal Campaign, states in Principle 5: “Prioritize funding for projects that build community health and wealth, beginning with working class, racialized, and Indigenous communities that are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and collective struggles for environmental justice;” and

Whereas, the COVID-19 pandemic’s origin appears to be the result of the climate and ecological crises;

Whereas, East Bay DSA operates on and benefits from unceded Indigenous territories of the Chochenyo and Karkin tribes, members of whom still reside in EBDSA jurisdiction; and

Whereas, as a very well-resourced, large chapter of DSA, part of our mandate under the purview of these decolonial national resolutions should be to provide some material relief, where possible and practical, to Indigenous communities if and when they face immediate existential crises, because such crises are inimical to their liberation;

Whereas, the coronavirus pandemic has hit the Diné/Navajo and Hopi Indigenous nations especially hard, with the Diné/Navajo nation having the highest per-capita COVID-19 infection rate in the United States after the states of New York and New Jersey; and

Whereas, the Diné/Navajo and Hopi peoples are victims of a centuries-long fight for survival, cultural genocide, systemic racism, and severe health disparities. Fully one third (33%) of Diné/Navajo nation residents lack access to running water and 18% of households have “incomplete plumbing;” and

Whereas, both nations suffer considerable economic hardship, with the Hopi enduring an unemployment rate of 60% and the Diné/Navajo — whose population is mostly elders and children — having 50% unemployment; and

Whereas, of all Indigenous nations in the United States, the Diné/Navajo is the largest in terms of land and population, with a land area comparable to West Virginia (25,000 square miles) and a population of 175,000 people; and

Whereas, citizens of these nations have created a fundraiser to raise $5 million to provide food, water, PPE, diapers, and other essential goods to the Hopi and Diné/Navajo nations, to which, for example, 20,000 Irish citizens have contributed the equivalent of $670,000 so far in repayment of a historical debt;

Therefore Be It Resolved, that the East Bay DSA Steering Committee will authorize a solidarity expenditure of $1,000 to the Diné/Navajo and Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund and send it immediately.

More information

‘The Grief is so Unbearable:’ Virus takes toll on Diné/Navajo. Associated Press, 12 May 2020.

“How the Diné/Navajo Nation responds to the Coronavirus Pandemic.” Smithsonian, 24 April 2020.

Following debate the resolution FAILED by a vote of 10 against and 2 abstaining. 

[SC.2020.72] Resolution Endorsing “Recommendations for a Just COVID-19 Response & Recovery to Support Resilient Communities” 

Submitted by Ruwaida S and Benny Z.

The following resolution was motivated by Benny Z.

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, working-class communities of color have been hit the hardest by COVID-19, makeup both a large proportion of essential workers and those who have lost employment, and are feeling the impact of this crisis at a colossal rate; and

WHEREAS, there is an interlocking and enormous impact of the pandemic alongside climate change and climate-related crisis that mandates a targeted response prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities; and

WHEREAS, the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) is a trusted ally and partner in fighting for a more just society for working-class people and has asked the chapter to sign onto the letter and said that the signed letter will be submitted to lobby a number of members of the state legislature by the end of the month to influence the June budget decisions;

WHEREAS, the Democratic Socialists of America, East Bay chapter has previously endorsed the People's Bailout;

WHEREAS, the guiding principles in “Recommendations for a Just COVID-19 Response & Recovery to Support Resilient Communities” are consistent with the principles of the People’s Bailout;

WHEREAS, the People’s Bailout is directly relevant to how socialists pressure the State Legislature in California to prioritize a just recovery and relief to the current health and economic crisis; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that East Bay DSA endorses and signs on to a “Recommendations for a Just COVID-19 Response & Recovery to Support Resilient Communities”; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the co-chairs of the Green New Deal Committee, and other committees that they confirm interest with, shall submit East Bay DSA’s endorsement to APEN. 

Following motivation there was a period of questions and answers.

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

Discussion

Following new business, the Steering Committee entered into executive session for discussion.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:00pm.

Addenda

[SC.2020.59] Resolution to Sign Letter for Emergency Funding for Local Transit Workers

Submitted by Keith BB and Richard M.

On April 20, Keith BB called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, East Bay DSA has committed to supporting ATU 192 workers in their fight for a fair contract and good public transit for all,

Therefore be it resolved that the East Bay DSA Steering Committee will co-sign the letter (attached below) from ATU 192 and community allies, calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to distribute at least 5% of its federal emergency funding to support worker safety, hazard pay, and transit equity during the COVID-19 crisis.

To:

Scott Haggerty, Chair ([email protected]) 

Therese McMillan, Executive Director ([email protected])

Bay Area Metro Center

375 Beale Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

Re: Agenda Item 7 (f): Emergency FTA Transit Operating Support in the Federal CARES Act

Dear Chair Haggerty and Ms. McMillan:

With local tax revenues plummeting, the availability of $1.3 billion in federal funding “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19” (FTA guidance here) gives our Bay Area regional transportation agency the opportunity to protect the health and lives of millions of residents when local governments lack the financial ability to do so. 

In our initial letter (attached), we asked that MTC promptly allocate these emergency funds to transit agencies “based on each agency’s respective needs for funding to ensure that frontline workers and transit-dependent riders have access to healthy and safe transit service throughout and beyond the pandemic.”  

Four days after receiving that letter, MTC staff issued a proposed distribution of the first 60% of the Bay Area’s $1.3 billion share of federal emergency transit funds. Staff asserts that the principle guiding that distribution is to “Distribute funding in a manner that best addresses operators’ needs arising from the COVID-19 crisis.”

Shockingly, however, the actual distribution staff proposes does not specifically identify or sufficiently address the needs arising from the crisis. Staff, instead, proposes to divide the first 60% of the funding -- nearly $800 million -- on the basis of three factors that have nothing to do with the COVID-19-related needs of transit agencies, workers or riders. Two of those factors, in fact, are based directly or indirectly on the pre-pandemic farebox revenue collected by each agency.

Our goals during and after this pandemic must be (a) to provide essential workers and transit-dependent riders with safe transit service to access essential workplaces and services, and to save the lives of transit workers and riders alike, and (b) to ensure that all transit workers continue to receive full pay and benefits despite reduced service levels.

To do so, and to faithfully implement staff’s own principle, 5% of the funds should be distributed to a COVID-19 Response Fund, and the remainder should be distributed to transit agencies in proportion to each agency’s share of either labor costs or “of the total budgeted FY 2019-20 operating costs for systems across the Bay Area” (i.e., staff’s first proposed factor). 

The details and rationale for our proposed distribution are as follows:

1. Create a COVID-19 Response Fund with 5% of Phase 1 Federal Revenues. 

This fund will be made available to every agency based on its actual need for funding to address the health and safety issues facing transit workers and riders during the pandemic and its aftermath. As FTA notes, this was the purpose of the emergency funding. Our entire region is counting on MTC to deploy these emergency resources in a way that flattens the curve and saves the lives of our courageous frontline workers, and the millions who depend on them.

Eligible uses of the Bay Area COVID-19 Response Fund should include:

1. PPE for all transit workers, including masks, gloves, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer; and plexiglass dividers on vehicles to protect transit drivers
2. Masks for every rider who needs one, to protect riders and drivers, and the larger community
3. Disinfecting all transit vehicles to state-of-the-art standards of virus protection (including hiring new workers, training them in state-of-the-art sanitizing methods, and outfitting them with hazard suits, N95 masks, gloves, and goggles)
4. Hazard pay for our heroic transit workers
5. Recovery of fares foregone due to rear-door boarding
6. Meeting the specific needs of especially vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, seniors and paratransit riders

If any money remains in this Fund after all needs are met, it can be reallocated as part of Phase 2. If there is a shortfall, it can be augmented as part of that second Phase.

1. Distribute the remaining funding on the basis of total operating budgets or labor cost, not farebox. 

The bulk of the funds should be distributed solely on the basis of each agency’s operating or labor costs, without consideration of pre-COVID farebox recovery. There are two reasons:

Keep our transit workers on the payroll: Operating budgets or labor costs are the best indicator of the actual cost for each agency to keep its workers on the payroll over the coming months. The jobs and benefits of our courageous transit workers must be protected during this crisis, and funds should be distributed in proportion to that specific need. This will also support the system’s eventual recovery by ensuring sufficient staff is still on payroll.

Equity: Distribution based on farebox recovery disproportionately benefits high-fare systems, at the expense of low-fare systems that carry disproportionate numbers of riders of color, transit-dependent riders, and essential workers. (In some cases, high-fare systems that previously carried the highest number of riders now carry fewer riders than low-fare systems.)

1. If MTC withholds 1% for “regional transit programs,” those funds should be prioritized for pandemic assistance

This is not the time for MTC to take nearly $8 million off the top of the distribution with no pandemic-related specifics for its use. MTC must be transparent in its use of these funds and accountable to spending them to meet needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. MTC should focus its resources on providing free inter-system transfers, and identifying and filling gaps in lifeline transit service needed to provide essential workers and transit-dependent riders with access to critical destinations (e.g., hospitals, social services, grocery stores, etc).

In this historic crisis, the leadership of our regional transportation agency will literally spell the difference between life and death for workers and residents across the Bay Area. We urge you to take this opportunity to direct 5% of these emergency transit funds to address the crisis, especially at a time when local government resources are stretched so thin. 

Sincerely, 

See full resolution with signers here.

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

[SC.2020.60] Resolution to Endorse McDonalds Worker Action on Thursday 30th

Submitted by Kaela SH and Rex LC. 

On April 28, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following resolution.

WHEREAS, Five workers have been on strike at an East Oakland McDonalds store, 6300 E. 14th Street, Oakland, since Saturday April 18, 2020; and

WHEREAS, These five workers are ending this strike in response to management conceding to demands for PPE; and

WHEREAS, These five workers, as supported by Fight for $15, are asking for community support, fearing retaliation for their direct action; and

WHEREAS, One worker in San Francisco, 1100 Fillmore St, will strike because there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 among her co-workers; sufficient PPE nor hazard pay have been provided; now, therefore, be it

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That East Bay DSA will endorse two strike support actions, coordinated by Fight for $15 organizers, led by the striking McDonalds workers; one motorcade action in East Oakland at 10:30am to support workers in their demand for a safe and legitimate return to work; one motorcade action at 12pm in San Francisco to support a worker walking out on strike on Thursday April 30, 2020.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Kaela SH will reach out to DSA SF to coordinate an organized response for the San Francisco strike support.

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

[SC.2020.61] Resolution for EBDSA to Endorse OEA’s Internet4All Campaign

Submitted by Carlos O.

On April 28, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas, EBDSA has undertaken our Classroom Justice Campaign to fight the racist austerity in Oakland schools.

Whereas, the lack of access to the internet disproportionately affects families in the Oakland flatlands, with a higher population of low income and black and brown students.

Whereas, during the COVID-19 crisis, OUSD has moved all classes online.

Whereas, programs like XFinity/Comcast and AT&T have long wait times, aren’t taking appointments, require credit cards or other resources that undocumented families cannot provide, or promise one free month of access only to later start charging families for a service they can’t afford.  

Whereas,the paper packet offered by the Oakland Unified School district to families without internet access is finite, contains no differentiation for students, and is not adaptable to a situation that evolves rapidly, and will only stretch learning gaps.

Therefore be it resolved that, EBDSA sign and endorse the Oakland Education Association’s letter of demand.

Therefore further be it resolved, that EBDSA will endorse OEA’s Internet4All campaign and help support the campaign through social media and in other ways deemed possible and prudent by the Classroom Justice Campaign.

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

[SC.2020.62] Resolution for East Bay DSA participation in UC union coalition May Day remote actions

Submitted by Keith BB.

On April 30, Keith BB called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas many East Bay DSA members will be unable to attend in-person May Day events due to health risks and job duties,

Whereas a coalition of University of California worker unions, coordinated by graduate student workers represented by UAW 2865, will be conducting a May Day 2020 “Fight for the Public” day of Zoom panels with frontline workers and collective phonebanking, with schedule appended,

Therefore be it resolved, the East Bay DSA Steering Committee endorses chapter participation in these “Fight for the Public” actions, and will spread word to members through official social media, events calendar, and other communication channels.

Appendix: Fight for the Public schedule of events (subject to minor revision)

Schedule of Events

• 10am. Introductory Comments on International Workers Day
• 10:15am. Fund the Public: Fight for Public Education. 
• Teach-in on academic workers unions and the UC budget in times of austerity featuring leaders of UAW 2865 and UC-AFT, 
• 12pm. House the Public: Fight for Housing.
• Drive-in action at your city hall (safely distanced in vehicles), in coordination with ACCE and the ILWU sponsored May Day Caravan
• 3pm. Fight for Your Rights: Tenants Rights Teach-In
• 4pm. Fight for Representation: 
• Action: Phone-banking legislature with UAW 5810
• 6pm. Fight for Public Health: 
• Panel discussion with UC frontline workers from AFSCME 3299, CNA, CIR

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

[SC.2020.63] Resolution for Exception to Candidate Eligibility Criteria

Submitted by Sean M.

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

Whereas the the Steering Committee passed the Recommendations of the Election Method Working Group in March

Whereas that resolution requires candidates to have been members of the Chapter for three months to be eligible for Steering Committee elections

Whereas that criteria was in the spirit of restricting eligibility to people who have been active participants in the chapter

Whereas the criteria did not anticipate issues with National membership management

Whereas Miguel B was nominated for At-Large and has been an active participant in East Bay DSA since Fall 2019, but recently found out that his original attempt at joining DSA online did not work

Whereas the Steering Committee appointed Miguel B as co-chair of the 2020 Committee in February, recognizing him as an active participant and leader in the Chapter

Therefore be it resolved that the Steering Committee allow Miguel B to run in the 2020 Steering Committee elections and revisit the three month criteria for membership of candidates

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

[SC.2020.64] Resolution for Combined May 16 General Meeting and Steering Committee Candidate Forum

Submitted by Abigail G-G and Keith BB.

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

Whereas, dates for the May General Meeting and SC candidate forum have not yet been established on the East Bay DSA events calendar,

Therefore be it resolved, that East Bay DSA will hold its 2020 Steering Committee Candidate Forum at a May 16 General Meeting, 1pm-3:30pm, following this plan:

• The General Meeting will be 2 hours and 30 minutes in total, including:
• Committee announcements
• Member announcements
• A brief overview on the election process (instructions on how to vote, etc.)
• Candidate forum: Sorted by position, candidate speeches (2 minutes per person) and two member questions for each position (with candidates provided 1 minute each to answer each question)
• Members may submit questions via direct Zoom message to meeting chairs
• Co-chairs Abigail and Keith will facilitate the candidate forum

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

[SC.2020.65] Motion to Fund OpaVote for Chapter Elections

Submitted by Sean M.

On May 15, Abigail G-G called an email vote for the following resolution.

Whereas OpaVote charges for elections based on the number of voters and candidates.

Whereas East Bay DSA has about 1400 members eligible to vote in the upcoming Steering Committee Elections.

Therefore be it resolved that the Chapter allocate $720 for use of OpaVote in the 2020 Steering Committee elections

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

[SC.2020.66] Approval of Statement on Member Safety and Grievance Process

On May 15, Abigail G-G called an email vote to approve the following statement.

Title: Statement on Member Safety and Grievance Process

East Bay DSA stands in solidarity with survivors and strives to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for members of all genders, races, and abilities. As elected leaders, the safety and wellbeing of our members is of utmost importance and as a chapter we’ve established a code of conduct that all members are expected to abide by. East Bay DSA strives to create an environment in which everyone is safe, in which members are allowed to make informed and open decisions, and in which everyone can engage in socialist movement-building work without fear of harm, harassment, or intimidation. 

At DSA’s 2017 National Convention, we passed Resolution #33, which provides guidelines to ensure that everyone is able to organize without fear of harassment, abuse, or harm. The resolution also establishes a process to handle these types of charges between members, with the goals of fairness, political independence, and anonymity. Our local chapter has two trained and experienced Harassment and Grievance Officers (HGOs), and we take our democratically approved processes extremely seriously. If you want to file a grievance about a member’s conduct, please email: [email protected]. 

In solidarity,

East Bay DSA Steering Committee 

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