Steering Committee Meeting: August 19, 2018

East Bay DSA Steering Committee Meeting, August 19, 2018, 3–5:30 p.m.

Introductions and Opening Statements

The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m. by co-chair Zach M., who chaired the meeting. The recording secretary Mark G. took notes. Also present at the meeting were Abigail G.-G., Megan S., Dominic D., Aaron H., Hannah E., Nestor C., Hasan A., Keith B. B., and Jeremy G.

Committee chairs Dan D., Coleman L., Graham D., Jack M., Andrew R., Will S., Robbie N., Ashley P., and Joey K. were also present.

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was amended and approved by general consent.

Committee Reports

Mark G. delivered the finance report on behalf of the treasurer who was unable to attend the meeting. The report included announcements of the chapter's financial state and information regarding the new dues-sharing program with the national organization. The chapter has begun receiving a 20 percent portion of monthly dues that are paid to national organization by chapter members. The national organization will also share a portion of dues from members who pay annually, but that has not yet begun. Members are encouraged to shift to paying monthly dues, as they are able.

Following the finance report, Mark G. delivered the secretaries' report. The report outlined the list of email votes taken by the Steering Committee, which are addended to these minutes, and included an announcement that a group of committee secretaries have begun informally meeting together to coordinate and improve recordkeeping across the chapter.

Following the finance and secretaries' reports, committee chairs were asked to deliver a report of committee activities.

• The Communications Committee report was delivered by communications secretary Dominic D.
• The Operations Committee report was delivered by Andrew R.
• The Meetings Committee report was delivered by Joey K.
• The Resolutions Committee report was delivered by Graham D.
• The Political Education Committee report was delivered by Dan D.
• The Member Engagement Committee report was delivered by Coleman L.
• The Medicare for All Campaign Committee report was delivered by Abigail G.-G.
• The Labor Committee report was delivered by Robbie N.
• The Social Housing Campaign Committee report was delivered by Will S.
• The Electoral Campaigns Committee report was delivered by Jack M.

Following the committee reports, Steering Committee member Hasan A. delivered a report on the progress of support for the National Prison Strike. Anyone who is interested in learning more can reach out at prisonstrike@eastbaydsa.org.

Recess

Following the reports, a five-minute recess was called by the chair at 4:10 p.m. and approved by general consent.

Suspension of Rules

The meeting reconvened at 4:15 p.m., at which point committee chairs were dismissed but allowed to stay if they chose to. Steering Committee member Jeremy G. had to leave the meeting at this point, and chapter member Regina L. joined the meeting in order to motivate the resolution to endorse the Socialist Feminist Caucus's homeless voting registration and electoral advocacy campaign.

A motion to suspend the rules and change the order of the agenda, allowing for the resolution that Regina had arrived to motivate to be heard first, PASSED by unanimous vote.

New Business

Resolution to Endorse the Socialist Feminist Caucus' Homeless Voting Registration and Electoral Advocacy Campaign

Submitted by Dominic D., motivated by Regina L.

Whereas the housing crisis in the Bay Area and beyond is a wholly preventable disaster, created and maintained by the notion that housing is a commodity and not a human right.

Whereas EBDSA has prioritized fighting for the repeal of ​Costa-Hawkins​ and for universal rent control in California, ending ​market-based solutions​ to the housing crisis, and demanding public housing as the only way to end homelessness and displacement.

Whereas Measures such as Costa Hawkins have deeply exacerbated social disparities, displaced longtime communities, driven homelessness, and dealt a blow to working class power by making housing ever more insecure and inaccessible. Homelessness also inhibits one’s ability to maintain stable employment and access to services.

Whereas Oakland -the largest city in the EBDSA jurisdiction- has a homeless population of 2,761 people, according to conservative estimates. This crisis disparately affects the black residents of the city (68% of the homeless population). According to the 2018 Oakland Equity Report, African American residents are 6.69 times more likely to be homeless than their white counterparts, and 41.8 times more likely than Asian populations.

Whereas the electoral canvassing tactics of our chapter rely primarily on “door-knocking” and thus exclude the growing unhoused populations most violently affected by the for profit housing industry and the housing policies of corporate politicians such as Libby Schaaf.

Whereas voting rights are crucial to a democratic society, and access can be deeply inhibited by houselessness.

Whereas no other houseless advocacy group in Oakland is currently registering the homeless population to vote.

Whereas as Socialist Feminists, we understand that the experience of homelessness can often look very different for women, femmes, and girls, who are often driven out of their homes because of domestic violence and financial manipulation.

Whereas the Socialist Feminist Caucus has begun collaborating and planning with organizations such as the East Oakland Collective, West Oakland Punks with Lunch and the Alameda County Registrar of Voters in order to develop a plan to register unhoused voters and educate them about important socialist campaigns in the area.

Whereas this campaign would fall under the diversity, electoral, housing and healthcare areas of our priorities resolutions. Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the EBDSA will endorse the voter registration and homeless canvassing campaign of the Socialist Feminist Caucus with minimal resources.

Be it further resolved, that the minimal resources will include the use of online media platforms to publicize the project, eg. newsletter, facebook, instagram, twitter and the online calendar.

There was a question-and-answer period in which the motivator was present to answer questions from the Steering Committee and committee co-chairs that were in attendance. Following the question-and-answer period, Regina L. was asked to leave so that the Steering Committee could move into debate.

During debate, the resolution was amended, and a motion to extend the time of the meeting until 6 p.m. was PASSED by unanimous vote.

A motion to INDEFINITELY POSTPONE a vote on this resolution PASSED by a vote of 9 in favor, and 1 abstaining. Dominic D., the submitter of the resolution, agreed to work with the group that drafted it to either bring the proposal directly to the Electoral Committee, as discussed during debate, or alter the language of the resolution to provide clarity and re-submit for future review by the Steering Committee.

Resolution to Formalize Media Request Protocols

Submitted and motivated by Mark G.

Whereas Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's high profile victory, and the rapid growth in membership for the Democratic Socialists of America on a national scale, has brought significant media attention to the organization;

Whereas East Bay Democratic Socialists of America has received interview requests from various media outlets both local and national;

Whereas media coverage provides an opportunity to expand East Bay DSA’s reach into the working class with a message of Democratic Socialism;

Whereas media requests often require a very quick turnaround time in order to be a viable opportunity;

Whereas a designated process for handling media requests can help to ensure that requests are dealt with in an efficient and timely manner;

Whereas East Bay DSA should ensure that media requests for interviews or information regarding the chapter in an official capacity are handled by those democratically elected officials who are responsible for representing the chapter;

Whereas Article III of East Bay DSA’s bylaws designate the Steering Committee Co-chairs as the “chief spokespeople” for the chapter;

Whereas the chapter Co-chairs may require the input of other members when communicating with external press representatives,

Whereas the chapter Co-chairs are charged with representing the chapters’ democratically established priorities, as listed in the Priorities Resolution;

Whereas media requests may be received through any of the chapter’s official communication channels, including but not limited to social media, Committee contact emails, personal emails, and in-person requests;

Therefore be it resolved that the chapter Co-chairs shall act in their responsibility as the chapter’s “Chief Spokespeople” to take responsibility for reviewing media requests, and determining the appropriate course of action;

Therefore be it resolved that all media requests that seek the direct input of the East Bay DSA chapter shall be directed or forwarded to the chapter Co-chairs via email at info@eastbaydsa.org, regardless of their initial point of contact;

Therefore be it resolved that information shall be added to the website regarding media requests and the proper channels for communication;

Therefore be it resolved that, while East Bay DSA members are welcome to speak with the press in a personal capacity, those communications should be clearly identified as being representative of that individual, and not representative of the organization as a whole;

Therefore be it resolved that the chapter Co-chairs will work in collaboration with the Editorial Subcommittee of the Communications Committee to establish best practices for interacting with the press and criteria by which to evaluate the strategic value of a media engagement, as it relates to the advancement of East Bay DSA’s goals and priorities.

Following discussion, the resolution passed with a vote of 9 in favor and 1 abstaining.

To Fund the Purchase of a Printer

Submitted and motivated by Jack M.

Whereas the SC previously authorized upwards of $400 for a chapter printer

Whereas the printers that will best suit our needs for large scale color printing are more than $400

Whereas we will save money in the long-term by printing our own materials and a quality printer will last years

Therefore be it further resolved

That the Steering Committee will increase the budget for the purchase of a color laser printer by $100 to total $500

Following discussion and amendment, the resolution PASSED by a unanimous vote of 10 in favor and none opposed. 

Steering Committee Discussion

Preparations for September 9 Special Meeting

Zach M. opened a discussion, and Jack M. shared a vision from the Electoral Committee regarding the endorsements portion of the meeting.

• Proposal for Jovanka to attend the meeting, as the chapter's first already-endorsed candidate and to re-engage excitement amongst the membership
• Proposal that "yes" and "no recommendation" recommendations from the subcommittee will automatically be agendized and those candidates will be invited to speak to the membership in advance of debate
• Candidates will be asked to leave once the membership moves into debate and a vote
• If the subcommittee offers a "no" recommendation, that candidate or proposition will not be agendized

The expectation is that the Electoral Committee will be in close communication with the Steering Committee, Meetings Committee, and any other relevant stakeholders in the planning and operations of this meeting.

Caucus Discussion

Zach M. opened the discussion, which focused on a concern that was raised that an expelled member was present at caucus events and involved in the organizing of that work. During discussion, it was decided that the co-chairs will draft a letter to the caucuses, reiterating that expelled members are not allowed to participate in chapter activities. The letter will be reviewed by the Steering Committee and sent out within the next week.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.

Addenda

The following resolutions were voted on via email in the interim period between regularly scheduled monthly meetings of the Steering Committee.

Resolution to Fill Vacant Vice-Chair Seat at September 2018 General Membership Meeting

Submitted by Megan S. and Abigail G.-G.

On July 29, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for this resolution, along with a competing resolution that presented a different option for filling the vacant Vice-Chair seat, submitted by Hasan A.

Whereas, there is currently a vacant vice-chair seat on the Steering Committee of East Bay DSA (EBDSA).

Whereas, the EBDSA bylaws require that we follow Robert’s Rules when election procedures are not specified in the bylaws.

Whereas, Robert’s Rules requires that a vacant co-chair seat is filled by the elected vice-chair and the elected body specifies how the vacant vice-chair position is to be filled (Robert’s Rules of Order, 11th Edition, p. 458, 575).

Whereas, at the July 24th, 2018 meeting, the EBDSA Steering Committee discussed next steps for the seat, and there was strong support to hold a general membership election for the vacant vice-chair seat.

Whereas, the next EBDSA monthly general membership meeting is happening in September 2018.

Whereas, the vacant officer chair will have been empty for 4 months by September 2018.

Whereas, the membership was already informed via email that we would be holding a special election in September 2018.

Therefore, be it resolved that EBDSA will hold a special election to fill the vacant vice-chair seat at the September 2018 general membership meeting.

Therefore, be it resolved that a special committee will be established by the Steering Committee to prepare for and monitor the vice-chair special elections.

Therefore, be it further resolved that the membership will be emailed nomination and voting instructions during the week of August 6th.

The resolution PASSED with a vote of 10 in favor and 1 opposed.

Resolution for East Bay DSA Support for the National Prison Strike

Submitted by Hasan A.

On August 4, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following proposal.

Whereas, the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America Steering Committee approved a resolution at its July 22, 2018 meeting to endorse the National Prison Strike, with the expectation of a second resolution outlining specific chapter actions and communications to support the strike;

Be it resolved, the chapter will support the National Prison Strike (planned for August 21st - September 9th, 2018) through the following means:

• Announcements and calls for member participation in solidarity actions with the Prison Strike through official online channels of the chapter, and an announcement of the upcoming Strike at Socialist Night School or other chapter events (with consent from those event organizers).
• Chapter engagement may also include an educational event or informational meeting during or before the week of actions, and editorial content that advances a socialist vision for action to dismantle the carceral system (such as articles by members for the chapter website, pamphlets for distribution at the march, or videos).
• Hasan A. will take the lead role on coordinating or delegating these tasks, with support from interested members and committees (e.g., Communications and Political Education committees).

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

Motion to Endorse the Let Our People Go Protest

Motivated by Abigail G.-G. and Muller G.

On August 6, Abigail G.-G. called an email vote for the following proposal.

Whereas Let Our People Go has organized a protest outside a detention center in Richmond used to detain immigrants on August 12th at 11 am.

Whereas the conditions of detention centers are cruel, inhumane, and exemplify a world where capital is valued over human lives;

Whereas the EBDSA chapter is committed to protecting immigrant communities, having previously endorse the Bay Resistance Coalition, the Oakland Sin Frontera’s May Day March and the Families Belong Together protest.

Whereas the Contra Costa Sheriff’s office has declined to renew their contract with ICE but has not released those immigrants still detained in the West County Detention facility.

Therefore be it resolved that the EBDSA Steering Committee will endorse the Let Our People Go protest on August 12th 11am-2pm;

That the membership of the EBDSA chapter will be informed of the time and place of the protest and how to participate, through social media, the newsletter, and email.

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

EBDSA 2018 Electoral Endorsement Questionnaire

Submitted by Sandy B. on behalf of the Electoral Endorsement Subcommittee

On August 6, Abigail G.-G. called for the Steering Committee to review the following questionnaire and vote on its approval.

General

1. Why do you want East Bay DSA's endorsement?
2. Are you a democratic socialist? How do you define democratic socialism?
3. If elected, how would you relate to East Bay DSA?
4. Describe your top priorities and the policy areas that will be of most interest to you if elected.
5. Please describe your plan to win this race. What is your “win number”? How will you get there?
6. If endorsed, what participation would you like to see from East Bay DSA in your campaign?
7. What is your campaign budget, and how much have you raised thus far? What is your average donation size? What is your strategy to continue fundraising?
8. Do you use public financing?
9. Have you ever, during this race, or in a previous electoral race, accepted campaign contributions from a corporation, corporate PAC, or lobbyist? If yes, please explain in detail.
10. Is your race partisan? What is your relationship to your political party, if any? Why?
11. What community organizations are you a part of?
12. What is your profession? Is a significant portion of your income derived from capital holdings (e.g. investments, property, etc.)
13. Describe your record of public service.
14. Please list other major endorsements.

Housing

1. Do you support Proposition 10, the Affordable Housing Act?
2. What are the causes of the housing crisis in California and the Bay Area?
3. Describe your vision for housing justice. If elected, how will you use your position to advocate for this vision? Please cite any specific policy examples.

Healthcare

1. Do you support Medicare for All, and what would such a system entail?
2. If elected, how will you use your position to fight for Medicare for All?

Education

1. What’s wrong with the current education system? What reforms would you like to see, and has the contemporary educational reform movement been effective at achieving them?
2. What is the role of charter schools in your desired education system? Would you support a immediate, statewide moratorium on charter schools in California?
3. What role do teachers’ unions play in the education system? What role should they play, and what policies would you pursue to achieve this vision?

Anti-Militarism

1. How will you use your office to oppose war and imperialism?
2. Do you support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement to oppose the occupation of Palestine?

Police & Prisons

1. How will you use your office to fight against police brutality and other forms of state violence?
2. What policies do you support to reduce and end mass incarceration?

The Environment

1. What’s your ideal timetable for phasing out fossil fuel production and consumption including coal, oil and natural gas?
2. Please describe your vision for combating climate change, both globally and locally. How will you use your office to fight climate change?

Immigration

1. How will you use your office to fight against deportations and other attacks on immigrant communities?
2. How would you use your office to strengthen the rights of immigrants and their access to public services and quality of life?

Anti-Racism

1. How would you use your office to strengthen the rights of people of color and their access to public services and quality of life?
2. How would you fight against the criminalization of people of color?

Taxation

1. How do you propose to change our budget and tax structure (on the federal, state, or municipal level) to better fund public services?

Labor Movement

1. Are you a member of a union? Have you ever been? Please provide specifics and describe and leadership roles you have played.
2. What is the role of the labor movement in achieving your policy priorities?
3. What specific labor or workers rights policies will you pursue?

The questionnaire was APPROVED with a vote of 8 in favor and none opposed.