f1ab045b-dba3-44c1-aa28-b085ea6b5449.png
East Bay DSA Newsletter January 28, 2021
The current, financialized form of capitalism is systematically consuming our capacities to sustain social bonds, like a tiger that eats its own tail. The result is a "crisis of care" that is every bit as serious and systemic as the current ecological crisis, with which it is, in any case, intertwined.
Nancy Fraser
Comrades,

With rain throughout the Bay Area this week, we hope you're able to stay warm and dry. And as the state government lifts its lockdown orders and another surge of COVID-19 seems likely, we also hope you're able to stay healthy and safe. To that end, we'll share here the most valuable (and really the only) advice our leaders in government have provided: "Don't spend time indoors with people not from your household." And consider "[upgrading] to a two- or three-layer mask."

Does that confuse you at all, that they're advising us on how to not get the coronavirus, but meanwhile they're lifting major restrictions that prevent the spread of coronavirus? (Ah, suddenly two masks make perfect sense: two-faced corporate politicians need that many just to cover up!)

Just a joke, of course! We should all be extra careful, for ourselves and others, and double mask-wearing can certainly save lives. But so would paying people to stay home, rather than forcing them back to work in historically dangerous conditions, with widespread vaccinated immunity actually in sight. That would save a lot of lives!

Socialism would save lives. The conclusion is obvious, and the evidence is more and more ubiquitous. If we cared about saving lives, we would guarantee stable housing — not only during the pandemic, but always, for everyone. We would guarantee living wages and workplace safety.

We shouldn't even have to fight for these things; they should be guaranteed. But we must be prepared and organized and unafraid to fight for them. Not only during the pandemic, but always.

Solidarity!
Healthcare workers like RN Mawata Kamara understand intimately how private insurance hurts patients and undermines our entire healthcare system, and they express it perfectly. Hear Mawata and many others in the longer video here and then sign the petition to tell Gavin Newsom to lead on Medicare for All at ebdsa.petition.healthcare.
News and Information
Here's some of the latest news and information from East Bay Majority, East Bay DSA's news source with a socialist perspective

WHY SINGLE-PAYER HEALTHCARE CAN WIN IN CALIFORNIA: AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL LIGHTY

"[A] new set of electoral circumstances is colliding with a change in our political movements. The Bernie campaign popularized Medicare for All, making it the defining issue in the healthcare debate. Where you stand on Medicare for All defines where you stand on healthcare. It’s gone from the margins to the center; its support has exploded."

Read more
Featured Events
While we are still unable to meet face-to-face, events are still going on that you can be a part of. RSVP below to stay updated. You can also keep track on our Events page.

HEALTHCARE STRIKES DURING A PANDEMIC

Friday, January 29 | 5–6 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿
Fights for union demands such as safe staffing and struggles against privatization have taken on even more significance during a dire public health crisis.

Hear from worker leaders who organized with their co-workers to use their ultimate weapon—the strike—to fight for what they need not just during the pandemic, but beyond.
Come learn from organizers who were able to bring together their co-workers to go on strike under incredibly difficult circumstances.

Featuring speakers from:
  • New York State Nurses Association
  • SEIU 1021
  • Illinois Nurses Association
This event is organized by Labor Notes. RSVP for the registration link!

RSVP

(NATIONAL DSA) SOCIALIST FEMINIST DAY SCHOOL SESSION ONE

Saturday, January 30 | 1–3 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿
The Socialist Feminist Working Group of the Democratic Socialists of America invites you to the first session of an eight week Day School. Beginning January 30, and meeting every other Saturday (02/13, 02/27, 03/13, 03/27, 04/10, 04/24, and 05/08), we will discuss key issues for socialist feminists, including identity politics, social reproduction, socialist feminism and labor organizing, reproductive justice, queer and trans socialist feminisms, sex work, and anti-violence organizing. Find our full syllabus at bit.ly/SocFemDaySchool, and please RSVP for the Zoom link.

Our first session will provide an introduction to socialist feminist thinking and organizing. We will discuss the following readings:
RSVP

LABOR COMMITTEE MEETING

Sunday, January 31 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿
Please join the East Bay DSA Labor Committee for our regular monthly meeting. It's open to all DSA members who are interested in getting involved in labor work with their comrades! Learn more about how to get involved in the committee, our ongoing projects, and upcoming solidarity actions!

If you'd like to submit an item for the agenda, please email [email protected].

RSVP

CLASSROOM JUSTICE MEETING

Monday, February 1 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿
Join the Classroom Justice Campaign! Classroom Justice is a locally run campaign that seek to fight against the injustices happening in our public school system by a cabal of privatizers, whose sole purpose is the dismantling of every public service in this country. If you want to join in the fight against these gentrifiers or merely have questions, sign up or send your inquiries to [email protected].

https://classroomjustice.org/en/

RSVP

GREEN NEW DEAL FOR TRANSIT CAMPAIGN MEETING

Monday, February 1 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️
Join us to win power for:
  • Free Public Transit
  • Greatly expanded service, accessibility, and schedule
  • Protection of union workers and expansion of union jobs
  • Social equity to overcome transportation discrimination
  • Conversion of Public Transit to Zero Emissions vehicles

RSVP

VIRTUAL MASK BUILD

Wednesday, February 3 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿
Join the Green New Deal committee for a virtual mask assembly party! The COVID-19 pandemic is intensifying with hundreds of thousands of deaths likely over the coming months, and the U.S. continues to experience PPE shortages, especially of high-grade face masks. The failures of the capitalist system are devastating clear. But with mutual aid, we can take the safety and wellbeing of our community into our own hands, while developing relationships across the East Bay and building our own organizational power.

We will be assembling hundreds of no-sew, submicron "N85" masks for distribution with community partners. All we need is your help!

This is a great event for new members to attend. Training and materials are delivered to your door (!), no experience necessary. During the build, we'll hang out on a online call together to talk about mutual aid, socialism, and whatever else you'd like to!

Please RSVP at the link below several days before the build so we provide materials via a touchless kit drop-off at your door!

RSVP

(NATIONAL DSA) ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE PHILIPPINE LABOR MOVEMENT: WORKERS' STRUGGLES AMIDST THE PANDEMIC AND POLITICAL REPRESSION

Thursday, February 4 | 5–7 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️
Join the DSA International Committee for a webinar with "Kilusang Mayo Uno" trade union leaders on today's fights taking place between the Filipino working classes and corporate power, the ravages caused by COVID, and the government's abuse of the quarantine to crack down on dissidents, as well as the connection to US imperial power and what we can do about it. Join us virtually on February 4th, the Commemoration Day of the Philippine-American War.

RSVP

(NATIONAL DSA) DSA, BDS, AND PALESTINE SOLIDARITY: A PANEL DISCUSSION

Saturday, February 6 | noon–2 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿
Palestinian liberation and solidarity is not only a humanitarian issue, nor is it only a Palestinian issue. Palestine is a political issue with serious consequences at stake for both Palestinians and average US residents. As socialists, we recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles under capitalism.

In solidarity with Palestinian civil society’s nonviolent struggle for equality, human rights, and self-determination, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) adopted a resolution at its National Convention in 2017 in support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. In 2019, DSA reaffirmed its commitment to the BDS movement by voting to establish a BDS and Palestine Solidarity national working group.

Join us on February 6th for a moderated discussion and Q&A event with special guests, including co-founder of the BDS Movement Omar Barghouti, to discuss the growing and vibrant global BDS Movement, Palestine solidarity, censorship, and how you can fight back! Co-sponsored by the DSA National Political Education Committee.

RSVP

(NATIONAL DSA) DSA4USPS: THE POSTAL SERVICE AND THE GREEN NEW DEAL

Sunday, February 7 | 1–3 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿
In our third educational webinar, DSA4USPS will explore the Postal Service's potential within the Green New Deal. With its fleet of carriers who operate on foot, the US Postal Service is a very green federal agency, and plenty of people are organizing to make it, and its foreign counterparts, even more so.

Join Stephen Quirke, rank-and-file member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and DSA; Julee Sanderson, 1st national VP of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers; and David Yao, VP of the Seattle-area Postal Workers' Union, as they discuss the importance of greening infrastructure writ large, and how postal services specifically can join and forward the cause.

RSVP

THE ORGANIZER'S TOOLBOX: HOW TO HAVE A ONE-ON-ONE

Monday, February 8 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom ♿
In this training, we will discuss and practice the art of the one-on-one meeting. This is a powerful and foundational skill for any organizer—it helps us form a political relationship with somebody, understand more about who they are and what motivates them, and gives us an opportunity to make a concrete ask of them.

One-on-one meetings can help us develop political relationships with other working-class people, build leadership in your committee, and move people to action. Come to this training to learn the components of a one-on-one and get some real-life practice.

Note: While everybody is welcome, this training event is geared towards people who are already active in the Democratic Socialists of America or aligned organizations.

RSVP Join via Zoom
Upcoming Events

MOBILIZER TEAM PHONEBANKING

Tuesday, February 9 | 6–8 p.m.

Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️

The Mobilizer team's mission is to build the personal connections that help DSA members get more involved in our chapter and politically active. We have one on one conversations with both new members and existing members of our chapter where we learn about what drew them to the struggle for socialism and help them think about how they want to take the next step to get more engaged. In this weekly phone bank, we call our members and train new Mobilizers how to make calls. Come help us build a strong chapter and movement while having great conversations!

RSVP

GREEN NEW DEAL COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING (VIRTUAL)

Wednesday, February 10 | 6:45–8:45 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info ♿️
Our Green New Deal Committee meets on the second Wednesday each month. We will discuss eco-socialist issues, upcoming events and actions, committee priorities, and campaigns. All are welcome! Please RSVP to receive the URL to the meeting or email [email protected].

RSVP

FEBRUARY VIRTUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday, February 13 | 1–3 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Join us for our February General Meeting of East Bay DSA! The agenda will be published soon.

Join on Zoom
Catch up on Socialist Night School
CATCH UP ON NIGHT SCHOOL
With social distancing guidelines still in place, now's as good a time as any to catch up on our Socialist Night School.

Catch up on past night school readings and videos below.

Watch past Night School videos

Catch up on Night School readings
Not a Member Yet? Let's Fix That.
DSA now has 85,000 members nationally, and we're still growing. There's never been a better time to get involved than right now! Join our national organization by clicking below and become an official socialist organizer.

Join DSA
It’s almost February; don’t forget to bring a bunch of roses to that special someone: the person you’re trying to organize! Direct, one-on-one conversations are instrumental to understanding how capitalism shapes our lives and building a movement, and they’re in sadly short supply these days. Come to our training on Monday, February 8 to learn what One-on-Ones are all about and develop this crucial organizing skill.
Caucus Corner
Our caucuses organize events too! Check out the Caucus Corner of our website to learn more about the activities of East Bay DSA caucuses and how to participate.
Announcements
THE EBDSA LABOR CENSUS
Building working class power and the movement for socialism requires organizing in our workplaces. And knowledge is power—so, if you're a member, help us build it in 2021 by filling out the EBDSA Labor Census! The chapter-wide Labor Census is geared to help us better understand where members work, the kinds of jobs we do, the level of organization that exists in our respective workplaces, and interest in potential workplace organizing. The data will allow us to support comrades organizing in unionized as well as non-unionized workplaces, facilitate the formation of 'labor circles,' and inform strategic organizing campaigns. We have developed appropriate measures to ensure members' information remains confidential and secure. 

Take a few minutes to fill out the Labor Census if you are an EBDSA member and haven't already. If you would like to get involved with the census in other ways, please contact [email protected].
MEET WITH A MOBILIZER!
Are you a new DSA member? Or are you looking to get more involved with East Bay DSA's projects and campaigns? Sign up to talk to a mobilizer!

Here are three reasons to sign up to talk to a mobilizer:

  1. Meet a fellow socialist organizer
    We want to build a movement of millions of working class people and change the exploitative and oppressive system in which we live, but we do that first and foremost by building one-to-one connections with each other.
     
  2. Answer your questions
    Learn more about DSA, the local East Bay chapter, and our different committees and projects.
     
  3. Get more involved
    The main thing a mobilizer will help you with is getting more involved in DSA. Maybe there’s a campaign or project you’re particularly interested in, or maybe you’re a blank slate and you don’t really know what to do. Either way, a mobilizer will help you figure it out.
Sign up to talk to a mobilizer!
Communism is the riddle of history solved, and it knows itself to be this solution.
Karl Marx

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The current, financialized form of capitalism is systematically consuming our capacities to sustain social bonds, like a tiger that eats its own tail. The result is a "crisis of care" that is every bit as serious and systemic as the current ecological crisis, with which it is, in any case, intertwined.
-- Nancy Fraser
Comrades,
 
With rain throughout the Bay Area this week, we hope you're able to stay warm and dry. And as the state government lifts its lockdown orders and another surge of COVID-19 seems likely, we also hope you're able to stay healthy and safe. To that end, we'll share here the most valuable (and really the only) advice our leaders in government have provided: "Don't spend time indoors with people not from your household." And consider "[upgrading] to a two- or three-layer mask."
 
Does that confuse you at all, that they're advising us on how to not get the coronavirus, but meanwhile they're lifting major restrictions that prevent the spread of coronavirus? (Ah, suddenly two masks make perfect sense: two-faced corporate politicians need that many just to cover up!)
 
Just a joke, of course! We should all be extra careful, for ourselves and others, and double mask-wearing can certainly save lives. But so would paying people to stay home, rather than forcing them back to work in historically dangerous conditions, with widespread vaccinated immunity actually in sight. That would save a lot of lives!
 
Socialism would save lives. The conclusion is obvious, and the evidence is more and more ubiquitous. If we cared about saving lives, we would guarantee stable housing (https://twitter.com/lydiadepillis/status/1353673115214163969) — not only during the pandemic, but always, for everyone. We would guarantee living wages (https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/hunts-point-strike/) and workplace safety (https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/01/27/chicago-teachers-reopening/) .
 
We shouldn't even have to fight for these things; they should be guaranteed. But we must be prepared and organized and unafraid to fight for them. Not only during the pandemic, but always.
 
Solidarity! 
News and Information
Here's some of the latest news and information from East Bay Majority (https://eastbaymajority.com/) , East Bay DSA's news source with a socialist perspective
 
 
** WHY SINGLE-PAYER HEALTHCARE CAN WIN IN CALIFORNIA: AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL LIGHTY
------------------------------------------------------------
"[A] new set of electoral circumstances is colliding with a change in our political movements. The Bernie campaign popularized Medicare for All, making it the defining issue in the healthcare debate. Where you stand on Medicare for All defines where you stand on healthcare. It’s gone from the margins to the center; its support has exploded."
 
Read more (https://eastbaymajority.com/california-medicare-for-all-dsa-michael-lighty-force-the-vote-aoc/)
Featured Events
While we are still unable to meet face-to-face, events are still going on that you can be a part of. RSVP below to stay updated. You can also keep track on our Events page (http://eastbaydsa.org/events/) .
 
 
** HEALTHCARE STRIKES DURING A PANDEMIC
------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, January 29 | 5–6 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1803/2021-01-29-healthcare-strikes-during-a-pandemic/) ♿
Fights for union demands such as safe staffing and struggles against privatization have taken on even more significance during a dire public health crisis.
 
Hear from worker leaders who organized with their co-workers to use their ultimate weapon—the strike—to fight for what they need not just during the pandemic, but beyond.
Come learn from organizers who were able to bring together their co-workers to go on strike under incredibly difficult circumstances.
 
Featuring speakers from:
* New York State Nurses Association
* SEIU 1021
* Illinois Nurses Association
 
This event is organized by Labor Notes. RSVP for the registration link!
 
RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1803/2021-01-29-healthcare-strikes-during-a-pandemic/)
 
 
** (NATIONAL DSA) SOCIALIST FEMINIST DAY SCHOOL SESSION ONE
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, January 30 | 1–3 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://actionnetwork.org/events/socialist-feminist-day-school-session-one/) ♿
The Socialist Feminist Working Group of the Democratic Socialists of America invites you to the first session of an eight week Day School. Beginning January 30, and meeting every other Saturday (02/13, 02/27, 03/13, 03/27, 04/10, 04/24, and 05/08), we will discuss key issues for socialist feminists, including identity politics, social reproduction, socialist feminism and labor organizing, reproductive justice, queer and trans socialist feminisms, sex work, and anti-violence organizing. Find our full syllabus at bit.ly/SocFemDaySchool, and please RSVP for the Zoom link.
 
Our first session will provide an introduction to socialist feminist thinking and organizing. We will discuss the following readings:
* What is Socialist Feminism (https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-socialist-feminism) (2020) by Sarah Leonard
* "Aren't Socialism and Feminism Sometimes in Conflict?" (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B8QLCTSn_yVpq4sKke-KSwR1x0XDIr1_/view?usp=sharing) (2016) by Nicole Aschoff in the ABC's of Socialism
* Theses 1-3 from Feminism for the 99 Percent: A Manifesto (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GdXFYpYPS1yOrsbEGb9Z_09dZHWFKDKG) by Cinzia Arruzza, Tithi Bhattacharya, and Nancy Fraser (2019) pages 1-16
 
RSVP (https://actionnetwork.org/events/socialist-feminist-day-school-session-one/)
 
 
** LABOR COMMITTEE MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, January 31 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1647/2021-01-31-labor-committee-meeting/) ♿
Please join the East Bay DSA Labor Committee for our regular monthly meeting. It's open to all DSA members who are interested in getting involved in labor work with their comrades! Learn more about how to get involved in the committee, our ongoing projects, and upcoming solidarity actions!
 
If you'd like to submit an item for the agenda, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
 
RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1647/2021-01-31-labor-committee-meeting/)
 
 
** CLASSROOM JUSTICE MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, February 1 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1767/2021-02-01-classroom-justice-meeting/) ♿
Join the Classroom Justice Campaign! Classroom Justice is a locally run campaign that seek to fight against the injustices happening in our public school system by a cabal of privatizers, whose sole purpose is the dismantling of every public service in this country. If you want to join in the fight against these gentrifiers or merely have questions, sign up or send your inquiries to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
 
https://classroomjustice.org/en/
 
RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1767/2021-02-01-classroom-justice-meeting/)
 
 
** GREEN NEW DEAL FOR TRANSIT CAMPAIGN MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, February 1 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1742/2021-02-01-green-new-deal-for-transit-campaign-meeting/) ♿️
Join us to win power for:
* Free Public Transit
* Greatly expanded service, accessibility, and schedule
* Protection of union workers and expansion of union jobs
* Social equity to overcome transportation discrimination
* Conversion of Public Transit to Zero Emissions vehicles
 
RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1742/2021-02-01-green-new-deal-for-transit-campaign-meeting/)
 
 
** VIRTUAL MASK BUILD
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, February 3 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVBjNTB9QfPfSTrKOVEQcCsKFNtr4UAGrhqKY2d0C25_reTQ/viewform) ♿
Join the Green New Deal committee for a virtual mask assembly party! The COVID-19 pandemic is intensifying with hundreds of thousands of deaths likely over the coming months, and the U.S. continues to experience PPE shortages, especially of high-grade face masks. The failures of the capitalist system are devastating clear. But with mutual aid, we can take the safety and wellbeing of our community into our own hands, while developing relationships across the East Bay and building our own organizational power.
 
We will be assembling hundreds of no-sew, submicron "N85" masks for distribution with community partners. All we need is your help!
 
This is a great event for new members to attend. Training and materials are delivered to your door (!), no experience necessary. During the build, we'll hang out on a online call together to talk about mutual aid, socialism, and whatever else you'd like to!
 
Please RSVP at the link below several days before the build so we provide materials via a touchless kit drop-off at your door!
 
RSVP (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVBjNTB9QfPfSTrKOVEQcCsKFNtr4UAGrhqKY2d0C25_reTQ/viewform)
 
 
** (NATIONAL DSA) ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE PHILIPPINE LABOR MOVEMENT: WORKERS' STRUGGLES AMIDST THE PANDEMIC AND POLITICAL REPRESSION
------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 4 | 5–7 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://act.dsausa.org/survey/on-the-front-lines-of-the-philippine-labor-movement/) ♿️
Join the DSA International Committee for a webinar with "Kilusang Mayo Uno" trade union leaders on today's fights taking place between the Filipino working classes and corporate power, the ravages caused by COVID, and the government's abuse of the quarantine to crack down on dissidents, as well as the connection to US imperial power and what we can do about it. Join us virtually on February 4th, the Commemoration Day of the Philippine-American War.
 
RSVP (https://act.dsausa.org/survey/on-the-front-lines-of-the-philippine-labor-movement/)
 
 
** (NATIONAL DSA) DSA, BDS, AND PALESTINE SOLIDARITY: A PANEL DISCUSSION
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 6 | noon–2 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://act.dsausa.org/survey/dsa-bds-and-palestine-solidarity-panel/) ♿
Palestinian liberation and solidarity is not only a humanitarian issue, nor is it only a Palestinian issue. Palestine is a political issue with serious consequences at stake for both Palestinians and average US residents. As socialists, we recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles under capitalism.
 
In solidarity with Palestinian civil society’s nonviolent struggle for equality, human rights, and self-determination, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) adopted a resolution at its National Convention in 2017 in support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. In 2019, DSA reaffirmed its commitment to the BDS movement by voting to establish a BDS and Palestine Solidarity national working group.
 
Join us on February 6th for a moderated discussion and Q&A event with special guests, including co-founder of the BDS Movement Omar Barghouti, to discuss the growing and vibrant global BDS Movement, Palestine solidarity, censorship, and how you can fight back! Co-sponsored by the DSA National Political Education Committee.
 
RSVP (https://act.dsausa.org/survey/dsa-bds-and-palestine-solidarity-panel/)
 
 
** (NATIONAL DSA) DSA4USPS: THE POSTAL SERVICE AND THE GREEN NEW DEAL
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, February 7 | 1–3 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://actionnetwork.org/events/dsa4usps-the-postal-service-and-the-green-new-deal/) ♿
In our third educational webinar, DSA4USPS will explore the Postal Service's potential within the Green New Deal. With its fleet of carriers who operate on foot, the US Postal Service is a very green federal agency, and plenty of people are organizing to make it, and its foreign counterparts, even more so.
 
Join Stephen Quirke, rank-and-file member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and DSA; Julee Sanderson, 1st national VP of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers; and David Yao, VP of the Seattle-area Postal Workers' Union, as they discuss the importance of greening infrastructure writ large, and how postal services specifically can join and forward the cause.
 
RSVP (https://actionnetwork.org/events/dsa4usps-the-postal-service-and-the-green-new-deal/)
 
 
** THE ORGANIZER'S TOOLBOX: HOW TO HAVE A ONE-ON-ONE
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, February 8 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81605064410?pwd=V1U0Q1dod1dKLzZwOXRyMXVFdXIydz09) ♿
In this training, we will discuss and practice the art of the one-on-one meeting. This is a powerful and foundational skill for any organizer—it helps us form a political relationship with somebody, understand more about who they are and what motivates them, and gives us an opportunity to make a concrete ask of them.
 
One-on-one meetings can help us develop political relationships with other working-class people, build leadership in your committee, and move people to action. Come to this training to learn the components of a one-on-one and get some real-life practice.
 
Note: While everybody is welcome, this training event is geared towards people who are already active in the Democratic Socialists of America or aligned organizations.
 
RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1800/2021-02-08-the-organizer-s-toolbox-how-to-have-a-one-on-one/) Join via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81605064410?pwd=V1U0Q1dod1dKLzZwOXRyMXVFdXIydz09)
Upcoming Events
 
 
** MOBILIZER TEAM PHONEBANKING
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, February 9 | 6–8 p.m.
 
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1420/2021-02-09-mobilizer-team-phonebanking/) ♿️
The Mobilizer team's mission is to build the personal connections that help DSA members get more involved in our chapter and politically active. We have one on one conversations with both new members and existing members of our chapter where we learn about what drew them to the struggle for socialism and help them think about how they want to take the next step to get more engaged. In this weekly phone bank, we call our members and train new Mobilizers how to make calls. Come help us build a strong chapter and movement while having great conversations!
 
RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1420/2021-02-09-mobilizer-team-phonebanking/)
 
 
** GREEN NEW DEAL COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING (VIRTUAL)
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, February 10 | 6:45–8:45 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1697/2021-02-10-green-new-deal-committee-monthly-meeting-virtual/) ♿️
Our Green New Deal Committee meets on the second Wednesday each month. We will discuss eco-socialist issues, upcoming events and actions, committee priorities, and campaigns. All are welcome! Please RSVP to receive the URL to the meeting or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
 
RSVP (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1697/2021-02-10-green-new-deal-committee-monthly-meeting-virtual/)
 
 
** FEBRUARY VIRTUAL GENERAL MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 13 | 1–3 p.m.
Online via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88197589947?pwd=eDJvajZYdUF1VlRxd1loRGI0QThBdz09)
Join us for our February General Meeting of East Bay DSA! The agenda will be published soon.
 
Join on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88197589947?pwd=eDJvajZYdUF1VlRxd1loRGI0QThBdz09)
Catch up on Socialist Night School
CATCH UP ON NIGHT SCHOOL
With social distancing guidelines still in place, now's as good a time as any to catch up on our Socialist Night School.
 
Catch up on past night school readings and videos below.
 
Watch past Night School videos (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeMYhhCCTFq1jGdOt6lcF8l7HQJwnJndD)
 
Catch up on Night School readings (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/night-school/)
Not a Member Yet? Let's Fix That.
DSA now has 85,000 members nationally, and we're still growing. There's never been a better time to get involved than right now! Join our national organization by clicking below and become an official socialist organizer.
 
Join DSA (http://dsausa.org/join?source=East%20Bay)
** THE ORGANIZER'S TOOLBOX 
It’s almost February; don’t forget to bring a bunch of roses to that special someone: the person you’re trying to organize! Direct, one-on-one conversations are instrumental to understanding how capitalism shapes our lives and building a movement, and they’re in sadly short supply these days. Come to our training on Monday, February 8 (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1800/2021-02-08-the-organizer-s-toolbox-how-to-have-a-one-on-one/) to learn what One-on-Ones are all about and develop this crucial organizing skill.
Caucus Corner
Our caucuses organize events too! Check out the Caucus Corner of our website (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/about/caucuses/) to learn more about the activities of East Bay DSA caucuses and how to participate.
Announcements
THE EBDSA LABOR CENSUS
Building working class power and the movement for socialism requires organizing in our workplaces. And knowledge is power—so, if you're a member, help us build it in 2021 by filling out the EBDSA Labor Census (https://airtable.com/shrhYB12cv3OgiTJ9) ! The chapter-wide Labor Census is geared to help us better understand where members work, the kinds of jobs we do, the level of organization that exists in our respective workplaces, and interest in potential workplace organizing. The data will allow us to support comrades organizing in unionized as well as non-unionized workplaces, facilitate the formation of 'labor circles,' and inform strategic organizing campaigns. We have developed appropriate measures to ensure members' information remains confidential and secure.
 
Take a few minutes to fill out the Labor Census (https://airtable.com/shrhYB12cv3OgiTJ9) if you are an EBDSA member and haven't already. If you would like to get involved with the census in other ways, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
MEET WITH A MOBILIZER!
Are you a new DSA member? Or are you looking to get more involved with East Bay DSA's projects and campaigns? Sign up to talk to a mobilizer!
 
Here are three reasons to sign up to talk to a mobilizer:
1. Meet a fellow socialist organizer
We want to build a movement of millions of working class people and change the exploitative and oppressive system in which we live, but we do that first and foremost by building one-to-one connections with each other.
 
2. Answer your questions
Learn more about DSA, the local East Bay chapter, and our different committees and projects.
 
3. Get more involved
The main thing a mobilizer will help you with is getting more involved in DSA. Maybe there’s a campaign or project you’re particularly interested in, or maybe you’re a blank slate and you don’t really know what to do. Either way, a mobilizer will help you figure it out.
 
Sign up to talk to a mobilizer! (https://forms.gle/np21b7Jt225z4xmq5)
Communism is the riddle of history solved, and it knows itself to be this solution.
-- Karl Marx
 
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