Allie called the meeting to order at 1:05p

Will presented the “East Bay DSA Statement on Right-Wing Violence and Representative Bush’s Resolution”

5 minute breakout groups for “What did you make of the events at the Capitol? How do you think socialists can respond?”

Matt gave a brief overview of Robert’s Rules.

Should we approve the January General Meeting agenda? 113-2 passes

Should we approve the General Meeting Special Rules? 119-8 passes

Resolution to Support the Formation of CA DSA

Submitted by Reneé P and Will S, 

Whereas DSA chapters throughout California have worked in conjunction on state-wide campaigns, including but not limited to campaigns for Propositions 10 & 15, Bernie 2020, immigration solidarity, and labor organizing efforts;

Whereas new and small chapters need additional support beyond what National DSA is currently providing, while larger chapters are isolated from one another, leading to duplicating work and failure to share resources, workloads, and experience;

Whereas a formal state-wide DSA formation would be an important tool in sharing resources, determining political priorities across the state, liaising with larger organizations such as unions and elected officials, and increasing continuity between our various statewide organizing efforts;

Whereas DSA chapters throughout California are organizing to form a state organization that can best provide the tools to engage in statewide organizing, including but not limited to ballot initiatives and state legislation, endorsements as CA DSA, and governance of the existing CA DSA PAC, as well as labor organizing efforts, and other projects situated beyond the electoral and legislative processes of the capitalist state;

Whereas, East Bay DSA, as the second largest chapter in the state of California, has a responsibility to support and work alongside other chapters, especially those with fewer members, sharing resources that allow them to expand their capacity to organize and develop new leaders;

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA supports the formation of CA DSA as a formal body and supports the following in proposed bylaws:

• Proportional representation for chapters within the decision making body of CA DSA
• Required representatives for small chapters and procedural mechanisms to ensure wide support of statewide decisions
• A smaller group of elected officials to serve as a coordinating body
• Working in conjunction with National DSA to strengthen and supplement existing programs to help nurture developing chapters
• Foster the growth of YDSA chapters and help bridge relationships with their neighboring DSA chapters through shared work;
• CA DSA will maintain relationships with labor unions and progressive organizations in order to strategically collaborate on statewide campaigns. 

Therefore be it further resolved that East Bay DSA continue to liaise with other DSA chapters around the drafting of formal by-laws. Following this drafting process, the by-laws will be brought before our membership to ratify and call on the National Political Committee to recognize CA DSA.

Amendment: Resolution to Support the Formation of CA DSA

Amendments are in purple

Submitted by Casey B., Steph H., Eric R., Benny Z., Nick L., Katie F., Eric V., Chris A., Kevin S, Kelsey W., Carlos O., Yi W., Isaac H.

Whereas DSA chapters throughout California have worked in conjunction on state-wide campaigns, including but not limited to campaigns for Propositions 10 & 15, Bernie 2020, immigration solidarity, and labor organizing efforts;

Whereas new and small chapters need additional support beyond what National DSA is currently providing, while larger chapters are isolated from one another, leading to duplicating work and failure to share resources, workloads, and experience;

Whereas a formal state-wide DSA formation would be an important tool in sharing resources, determining political priorities across the state, liaising with larger organizations such as unions and elected officials, and increasing continuity between our various statewide organizing efforts;

Whereas DSA chapters throughout California are organizing to form a state organization that can best provide the tools to engage in statewide organizing, including but not limited to ballot initiatives and state legislation, endorsements as CA DSA, and governance of the existing CA DSA PAC, as well as labor organizing efforts, and other projects situated beyond the electoral and legislative processes of the capitalist state;

Whereas, East Bay DSA, as the second largest chapter in the state of California, has a responsibility to support and work alongside other chapters, especially those with fewer members, sharing resources that allow them to expand their capacity to organize and develop new leaders;

Whereas, given the party-like nature of a statewide organization, any elected representative(s) from East Bay DSA serving in CA-DSA will face immense pressure to adhere to capitalist party norms at the state level, and as a likely result, will coordinate with paid party and union staffers rather than rank-and-file union members—or the overwhelming majority of the working class who are not unionized;

Whereas, combatting entrenched Democratic Party power dynamics at the state level requires a proactive focus on building organizational processes to ensure transparency, democracy, and accountability to dues-paying DSA members and to the broader working class;

Therefore be it resolved that East Bay DSA supports the formation of CA DSA as a formal body and supports the following in proposed bylaws:

• Proportional representation for chapters within the decision making body of CA DSA
• Required representatives for small chapters and procedural mechanisms to ensure wide support of statewide decisions
• A smaller group of elected officials to serve as a coordinating body
• Working in conjunction with National DSA to strengthen and supplement existing programs to help nurture developing chapters
• Foster the growth of YDSA chapters and help bridge relationships with their neighboring DSA chapters through shared work;
• CA DSA will maintain relationships with labor unions and progressive organizations in order to strategically collaborate on statewide campaigns. 

Therefore be it further resolved that East Bay DSA continue to liaise with other DSA chapters around the drafting of formal by-laws. Following this drafting process, the by-laws will be brought before our membership to ratify and call on the National Political Committee to recognize CA DSA;

Therefore be it further resolved that any representative(s) of East Bay DSA to CA DSA shall be elected by the general membership of the chapter, and be held accountable by processes including but not limited to: 

• Bringing any a) endorsement; b) proposal for a financial commitment from East Bay DSA over an amount to be determined at the next voting general meeting c) ballot proposition; or d) new campaign, to a General Meeting for discussion and a vote by the general membership of the chapter;
• Monthly reports at General Meetings on voting, lobbying, PAC increases and expenditures, and membership-building activities, including links to notes from CA DSA meetings and explanation of political rationale for voting decisions.
• Quarterly town hall meetings open to all EBDSA members in good standing.
• A formal recall mechanism to be agreed upon in bylaws.

Renee motivated the resolution

Benny Z motivated the amendment

The question was called, it fails 95-50

Should we adopt the amendment? The amendment fails 61-98

Should we extend time 10 minutes? Passes 124-20

Should we end debate on the Resolution to Support the Formation of CA DSA? Passes 114-37

Should we adopt the Resolution to Support the Formation of CA DSA? Resolution passes 121-41 

Chris motivated SHOP (Social Housing Organizing Project).

Allie began the international update. Argentina is one of few countries where abortion is legal (up to 14 weeks). Ni Una Meno lead the organizing on the ground. In Poland, constitutional court ruled abortion illegal which caused massive uprisings which caused lawmakers to strike it down. These were all long term organizing efforts and fighting against the powerful political influence of the Catholic Church. 

Call to join DSA Socialist Feminist Working Group- SocFem interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6sWjRtOXWHp42BYCKgZAS-FDuIbKeHwD5HJqvRtQa26-SQQ/viewform?gxids=7628

Will updated the chapter on the grievance and code of conduct. To reach the HGO’s they can email “ grievance@eastbaydsa.org “

Code of Conduct: eastbaysa.org/conduct

Miguel gave an update on Pol Ed. Tues Jan 19th- “MLK in his Own Words”.

Raha gave an update for hte M4A campaign- M4A committee meeting

Single Payer Petition! www.ebdsa.petition.healthcare

Joseph gave an update on the Campaign Kickoff: Phonebanking for COVID relief in Navajo Nation, happening next Sunday from 4-6pm.

Molly gave an update on the Direct Actions training- RSVP for Training 1/16 & 1/17 . Direct Action Rapid Response .

Rachel gave an update on our mask building project. Over 2,000 masks made in total since onset of this project. You can sign up to participate here.

Zac gave an update on a car caravan, on Jan 25th, for CAR CARAVAN: DAY OF ACTION FOR YEMEN

Rex gave an update on a tenant organizing effort, you can get plugged in here

Dan E gave an update on the Classroom Justice Campaign, meeting next 1/21 at 7p.

Intro to DSA event happening 1/13

How to Give a Political Speech happening 1/16 at 11am.

Will adjourned the meeting at 3:24