Philly DSA’s Labor Branch and Local Initiative and Local Action Committee were at City Hall this morning for a press conference with Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and the Pennsylvania Domestic Workers Alliance as they introduced the Philadelphia Domestic Worker Bill of Rights in City Council.
In addition to helping fill the hall, members of the Labor Branch were there filming the event and conducting interviews for an ongoing labor documentary project.
The Philly bill follows proposed national legislation as well as ordinances in New York state and Seattle, though, as we did with Fair Workweek, Philly seems poised to go beyond existing legislation by passing a stronger, more comprehensive bill. (It’s not a competition, of course, but @SeattleDSA…We’re coming for you.)
Obviously, we’re still in the early stages of this effort, and our involvement with the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights campaign will extend well beyond today. As the bill advances through committee and toward a final vote, it’ll undoubtedly face attacks from business interests (in Massachusetts, an au pair service sued to have their Domestic Worker Bill of Rights overturned, though the suit was ultimately thrown out) and unfriendly amendments from City Council’s finest. So, watch this space, friends. Domestic workers are some of the most vulnerable workers in the country. They deserve labor protections, written contracts, health and safety standards, and the right to unionize. Philly DSA can and will help win these rights!
What is What is Democracy?
“Capitalism is the number one threat to democracy today. Of course it’s ahistorical to say the capitalism was the problem when Plato was writing, because capitalism as we know it didn’t exist, but the film is trying to draw attention to the fact that economics has always been central to democratic struggle and the corruption of democratic ideals.” -- Director and longtime activist Astra Taylor, to Jacobin’s Meagan Day
What is Democracy? is a new film by Astra Taylor. It’s receiving good review from all the people you like (“a deliberate challenge to complacency,” says The Guardian; “a series of powerful, often messy encounters with a variety of experts and laypeople,” explains The Nation; “If these aren’t the seeds of democratic culture, then I don’t know what is,” insists The Intercept), and Philly DSA is excited to be co-hosting the local premiere with CinéSPEAK, Reclaim, and Taylor herself. It’s at Lightbox on Chestnut tonight, it starts at 7:00 pm, and it includes a Q&A discussion with Taylor after the screening. Don’t miss it!
The Results are In: The People, They Want Bernie
Graphic design is my passion
At our last GM, Philly DSA voted to endorse Bernie Sanders for President in 2020. A few days later, the National Political Committee sent an advisory poll to all DSA members for a straight up or down vote. Thirteen thousand members responded; 76% voted in favor of an endorsement. Expect an announcement from the NPC next Thursday!
What is Democracy? Film Premiere and Discussion
Thursday, March 14 | 7:00 - 10:00 | Lightbox Film Center | 3701 Chestnut Street
BuxMont DSA Happy Hour
Thursday, March 14 | 7:00 pm | Maxwell on Main (M.O.M.s) | 37 N Main St, Doylestown, PA
Norristown Medicare for All Canvass
Saturday, March 16 | 12:00 - 4:30 pm | 2308 Carol Lane, Norristown, PA 19403
Post-Canvass Data Entry
Monday, March 18 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm | Penn Bookstore | 3601 Walnut St | *Please Bring a Laptop!*
PHL DSA Movie Night: Harlan County, USA
Tuesday, March 19 | 7:00 - 10:00 pm | Monkey Club | 2101 E York Street
Center City Happy Hour
Wednesday, March 20 | 6:30 - 9:00 pm | Strangelove's | 216 S 11th St
Socialist Night School: Education
Thursday, March 21 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm | Ben Franklin Room, Houston Hall | 3417 Spruce Street
Stand With Philly Students: Tell Penn to Pay Pilots!
Thursday, March 21 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm | College Green | University of Pennsylvania
New Members Meeting
Saturday, March 23 | 12:00 - 3:00 pm | DIYRE | 4244 Lancaster Avenue
Marxism and Politics Reading Group
Monday, March 25 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm | Chapterhouse Cafe | 620 S 9th St
Weeknight Medicare for All Canvass
Tuesday, March 26 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm | 2543 Kern St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Diversity and Engagement Committee
The Steering Committee voted to pass resolution 2018.12.04 to create a Diversity and Engagement Committee which will evaluate the demographics of our chapter and deliver a report to the general membership. The committee is seeking three more members to begin its work. If you are interested in helping this effort, please email Eamon Caddigan ([email protected]) or the Philly DSA co-chairs ([email protected]).
Harassment-Grievance Officers: Volunteers Needed
At our November General Meeting, we voted to adopt a Temporary Harassment Grievance Policy. According to the policy, Philly DSA must appoint at least three members to serve as Harassment Grievance Officers (“HGOs”). Responsibilities of HGOs include: receiving and archiving all documents related to grievance charges; processing complaints according to the process detailed in the policy; handling communications related to filed grievances; investigating charges and reporting recommendations to the Steering Committee; handling the appeals process; and reporting yearly to the Local. HGOs must be able to maintain strict confidentiality in relation to charges filed within the local, maintain impartiality during investigations, and to be ready to handle difficult matters in a sensitive and effective manner. If you would like to be considered for appointment as an HGO, please write to [email protected], subject line “HGO,” with a description of why you believe you would be a good fit for this role, and detailing any related experience and skills.
Member Surveys: Childcare and Policy
At our November 2018 General Meeting, the local established a childcare committee in order to implement more consistent childcare practices for the organization. We also established a Policy Committee to research policy and present Philly DSA members with the opportunity to engage in discussions about the kinds of policies that we would like to see pursued at all levels of government. Both of these committees have prepared initial surveys to assess member needs and interests in order to guide their work. Please take a moment to fill out the two surveys:
Committee & Branch Meetings
Steering // Outreach // Pol Ed // LILAC // OCOS // Social // Canvassing // Policy// Labor // Housing // Childcare // DelCo // BuxMont // BuxMont Electoral WG
Support Philly DSA
Local Dues - support our campaign work and cover everyday operating costs like meeting space // Contribute to Philly DSA PAC - help fund our independent electoral campaigns // Accommodations, Accessibility, Childcare - let us know what you need to stay involved // Moved away from Philly? - update your address on the DSA national database.
In Solidarity,
Philly DSA Bulletin Team
Isn’t it time to do something? Get involved with the Local.
