The gay liberation movement helps demonstrate how deeply and
destructively capitalist institutions interfere with people’s lives…
History, and our own generation’s experience, have shown that human
dignity, free from all prejudice, is not possible without getting rid
of capitalism – without a socialist revolution.
-- Kipp Dawson, "Gay Liberation: A Socialist Perspective"
Comrades,
Last week, nine rank and file ATU members lost their lives to gun
violence on the job at Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). We are
horrified by this senseless act and stand in solidarity with ATU 265
as we collectively grieve this tragic loss of life.
In America in 2021, gun violence is a serious workplace safety
issue, just as COVID has been for over a year; VTA has been notably
negligent about both
(https://labornotes.org/blogs/2021/05/grieving-transit-local-has-been-leading-fights-safety-and-service-restoration)
. Days before the mass shooting, ATU Local 265 president John Courtney
wrote in a public statement that the agency’s “lip service to the
heroism of our frontline transit workers… has not translated into any
kind of hazard or hero compensation.” It still hasn’t.
Today at 5:30, in a show of solidarity, EBDSA will join Bay Area
unions and transit riders at a VTA board meeting
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1933/2021-06-03-turn-out-to-demand-back-hazard-pay-for-mourning-atu265-workers/)
to demand that VTA provide ATU 265 heroes with back-hazard pay. If you
are able to make a public comment of support at this meeting, please
fill out this Action Network form
(https://actionnetwork.org/events/tell-the-vta-board-to-offer-covid-hazard-pay-to-frontline-workers-now?clear_id=true&source=direct_link)
and we will share talking points and additional details. In this
essential industry, only strong unions like ATU have been able to
achieve and maintain any of the policies that have kept workers and
riders safe. Let’s show them our support during this difficult time
and give them the power to keep fighting for safe conditions on our
transit.
While there are always battles to be fought, and we look forward to
fighting those together, we also don’t want to miss a chance to
celebrate together – happy Pride to all of our queer and trans
comrades! The struggles for dignity and freedom for all genders and
sexualities are fundamental to the struggle for socialism, and LGBTQ+
comrades have led, taught, and strengthened this movement through
every era of history. So let’s celebrate together this month; the
weather is beautiful, and so are all of you.
Love and solidarity!
News and Information
Be sure to check out East Bay Majority
(https://eastbaymajority.com/) , East Bay DSA's news source with a
socialist perspective, for the latest news and information.
** WE STAND WITH GRIEVING ATU WORKERS, WHO GET LIP SERVICE FROM
THE BOSS BUT NO HAZARD PAY
------------------------------------------------------------
After
a shooting took the lives of 9 San Jose transit workers, the VTA still
owes the workers it calls “heroes” millions in hazard pay.
Read more
(https://eastbaymajority.com/vta-shooting-san-jose-transit-funding-covid-bailout-atu/)
** WHO IS HIDING $2B IN BAY AREA TRANSIT RESCUE FUNDS?
------------------------------------------------------------
The
Bay Area got $2b in federal rescue funds to save public transit. Why
is an unelected board hiding the money?
Read more
(https://eastbaymajority.com/bay-area-transit-stimulus-bailout-arp-mtc-ac-transit/)
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/) .
** TURN OUT TO DEMAND BACK HAZARD PAY FOR MOURNING ATU265
WORKERS
------------------------------------------------------------
Tonight!
June 3 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://actionnetwork.org/events/tell-the-vta-board-to-offer-covid-hazard-pay-to-frontline-workers-now?clear_id=true&source=direct_link)
♿️
Earlier this week, nine rank and file ATU members lost their lives
to gun violence on the job at Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).
We are horrified by this senseless act and stand in solidarity with
ATU 265 as we collectively grieve this tragic loss of life. Transit
workers are heroes and have risked everything to ensure that working
class riders have been able to go about their daily lives throughout
the pandemic; the fact that the lives of so many essential workers
were cut short at the workplace is tragic beyond words. Yet even
before this fatal violence, VTA routinely neglected the safety of
frontline workers on the job.
Just days before the mass shooting, ATU Local 265 president John
Courtney wrote in a public statement that the agency’s “lip service to
the heroism of our frontline transit workers still has not translated
into any kind of hazard or hero compensation.” In a show of
solidarity, EBDSA alongside unions and transit riders across the Bay
Area will demand that VTA provide ATU 265 heroes with back-hazard pay
at a VTA board meeting. If you are able to make a public comment of
support at this meeting, please fill out the Action Network form
linked below and we will share talking points and additional
details.
RSVP
(https://actionnetwork.org/events/tell-the-vta-board-to-offer-covid-hazard-pay-to-frontline-workers-now?clear_id=true&source=direct_link)
Donate
(https://act.wpusa.org/vta_victims_support_fund?utm_campaign=vta_solidarity_fund)
** DEFUND OPD/REFUND OAKLAND PHONEBANK!
------------------------------------------------------------
Tonight!
June 3 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1925/2021-06-03-defund-opd-refund-oakland-phonebank/)
♿️
The Oakland budget is currently being negotiated in City Hall and
we have until June 30th to make sure elected officials support
defunding the police and refunding of services, housing, education,
arts, mental health services, and other programs that enhance Black
lives and Oakland's working class communities.
No experience is necessary! Making calls is easy, and there will be
zoom training before you start. This is a great event for anyone
whether you're new to political campaigns or a seasoned organizer!
Phone banking is also a great activity you can do from the safety of
your home, during COVID!
RSVP below to join the virtual phone bank at 6 p.m. You will need a
camera and microphone on your computer, as well as a phone or headset
to make the calls. Instructions will be provided once you join!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1925/2021-06-03-defund-opd-refund-oakland-phonebank/)
** NAPA AND SOLANO COUNTY SOCIAL
------------------------------------------------------------
Friday,
June 4 | 6–7:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86762238861?pwd=ZjdMMDgvakpjU0VHSjU3RjZPdkwxZz09)
♿️
Take an important step with us in overcoming the social
alienation of capitalism! Within the EBDSA, unique opportunities and
challenges confront active members in Napa and Solano Counties. High
on the scale of the challenge is our displacement from one another, as
well as our distance from on-the-ground organizing across the bridge
in Oakland and Berkeley. Help us overcome that in our monthly social!
Connect with one another, share priorities and projects, and help
brainstorm future events with us!
Join on Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86762238861?pwd=ZjdMMDgvakpjU0VHSjU3RjZPdkwxZz09)
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1890/2021-06-04-napa-and-solano-county-social/)
** GREEN NEW DEAL TEACH-IN
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday,
June 7 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1776/2021-06-07-classroom-justice-meeting/)
♿️
Join ecosocialist comrades for a Green New Deal Teach-In at our
newly established community garden at FM Smith Park (1969 Park Blvd.)
starting at noon on June 6! We will discuss our vision for a Green New
Deal and how a community garden can help us get there. Snacks and
child supervision will be provided!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1932/2021-06-06-green-new-deal-teach-in/)
** CLASSROOM JUSTICE MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday,
May 24 | 7–9 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81869433453?pwd=RXpoRnYwR200K21STDkzYzlpM1NMdz09)
♿️
Join the Classroom Justice Campaign! Classroom Justice is a
locally-run campaign that seeks 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
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1776/2021-06-07-classroom-justice-meeting/)
** SOCIALIST NIGHT SCHOOL: BLACK RECONSTRUCTION IN AMERICA –
THE GENERAL
STRIKE
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday,
June 8 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84352872381?pwd=KzhMS0RsWlllZ0t3SzNSYkJ2a2daQT09)
♿️
With Juneteenth quickly approaching, we’ll dive into WEB
DuBois’s classic book Black Reconstruction in America, specifically
looking at the chapter “The General Strike.” Join us as we discuss
this important part of American history and how we can apply these
lessons today.
Reading:
The General Strike
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oxu2OmMt2hgNQZ5jTc72fVHn0tnu-4eK/view)
Join on Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84352872381?pwd=KzhMS0RsWlllZ0t3SzNSYkJ2a2daQT09)
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1934/2021-06-08-socialist-night-school-black-reconstruction-in-america-the-general-strike/)
** GREEN NEW DEAL COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING (VIRTUAL)
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday,
June 9 | 6:45–8:45 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1701/2021-06-09-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].
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1701/2021-06-09-green-new-deal-committee-monthly-meeting-virtual/)
** DEFUND OPD/REFUND OAKLAND PHONEBANK!
------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday,
June 10 | 6–8 p.m.
Online via Zoom – RSVP for info
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1926/2021-06-10-defund-opd-refund-oakland-phonebank/)
♿️
See details above for the June 3 phonebank. No experience is
necessary!
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1926/2021-06-10-defund-opd-refund-oakland-phonebank/)
Upcoming
Events
** ABOLITION AND SOCIALISM
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday,
June 12 | noon–1:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82881422882?pwd=YTZoZVlNWXJHVUdHU2dnQ1RxTVk1QT09)
♿️
As both socialism and abolition grow in popularity and relevance,
this event seeks to explore the connection between the two. Come join
the EBDSA political education committee and racial solidarity
committee for this event and discuss the connection between the fight
for a world without police and prisons and a world without capitalism.
It is suggested to do the readings beforehand, but not required.
The Abolitionist Road to Socialism
(https://rampantmag.com/2020/07/the-abolitionist-road-to-socialism/)
Full
Abolition, the Highest Stage of Socialism
(https://midwestsocialist.com/2020/11/15/full-abolitionism%E2%80%8A-%E2%80%8Athe-highest-stage-of-socialism/)
From
Detroit to Minneapolis: Police Brutality is Key to Containing
Revolutionary Possibilities
(https://newpol.org/from-detroit-to-minneapolis-police-brutality-is-key-to-containing-revolutionary-possibilities/)
Join on Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82881422882?pwd=YTZoZVlNWXJHVUdHU2dnQ1RxTVk1QT09)
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1916/2021-06-12-abolition-and-socialism/)
** LET'S OWN PG&E CAMPAIGN
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday,
June 16 | 6:45–8:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://dsausa.zoom.us/j/93277685636) ♿️
Learn about why a for-profit PG&E will never work for the
people or the planet and be a part of winning a Community-owned,
Community-controlled PG&E.
Join on Zoom (https://dsausa.zoom.us/j/93277685636)
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1600/2021-06-16-let-s-own-pg-e-campaign/)
** SOCIAL HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday,
June 16 | 7–8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85023852802?pwd=V0VaZEgvZTJxQXZ5c1I2K1FLQlQxdz09)
♿️
Monthly meeting for the EBDSA Social Housing committee. Come to
hear updates about our upcoming projects, and have a political
discussion about the decommodification of housing in the Bay Area!
Join on Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85023852802?pwd=V0VaZEgvZTJxQXZ5c1I2K1FLQlQxdz09)
RSVP
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1731/2021-06-16-social-housing-committee-meeting/)
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 more than
90,000 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)
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
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)
Just as racist stereotypes are the problem of the white people who
believe them, so also are homophobic stereotypes the problem of the
heterosexuals who believe them. In other words, those problems are
yours to solve, not mine, and they are a terrible and wasteful barrier
to our working together. I am not your enemy… I am a Black Lesbian,
and I am your sister.
-- Audre Lorde