The rundown: Philly DSA members held a demonstration in support of ending the blockade on medical supplies to Cuba; we’re rallying today at 4pm in front of the Board of Ed meeting to demand repairs to our toxic schools; and on Saturday, we’re heading to Lancaster with Baltimore DSA to support Kellogg’s workers who are still striking. Details below!
Friend -
The DSA National Platform passed at the 2021 National Convention affirms our opposition to economic and financial sanctions on foreign nations and our support for normalizing relations with Cuba. On Monday, Philly DSA members in coordination with Miami, Washington DC, and New York City DSA staged a counter-demonstration to a right-wing, anti-Cuban government protest planned at the Liberty Bell. A lone, angry protester tried to shout us down, but they were utterly ignored and overwhelmed by the voices calling for peace, prosperity, and self-determination for Cuba. Our action even led to a shout out from the Cuban Consulate and the head of the Cuban Embassy. Check out the photos and press release from the demonstration.
The US Government has imposed an inhumane, illegal embargo on trade with Cuba for 60 years, costing the Cuban economy at least $130 billion and leading to a shortage of medical supplies during the pandemic. With the combined effects of the blockade and COVID shutdowns, economic hardship in Cuba has reached unbearable heights. Right-wing Cuban exiles want you to believe this is the fault of the Cuban Revolution, but it’s not; it is an intentional, imperialist act taken by the US government. Learn more about the history of US intervention in Cuba in this resource packet created by DSA’s International Committee.
Given the urgency of the Monday action, the Philly DSA Steering Committee voted to voice support for a complete end to the blockade against Cuba and full normalization of relations. The Steering Committee also voted to support a set of demands from Metro DC DSA that President Biden use his executive powers to reverse the blockade of medical supplies. Please consider donating to the Global Health Partners fundraiser to send much-needed supplies to Cuba.
-Luke M, Philly DSA member
On the calendarUnless otherwise specified, all events are held via Zoom.
Our City Our Schools Coalition Rally, today at 4pmWe're fighting to repair our toxic school buildings with input and oversight from every school community, and we need you with us! Join us outside the Board of Ed meeting (440 N Broad St) as we #RingTheAlarm.
Dues Drive Phonebank, tonight at 6pmJoin us to ask our members to renew their dues and register to attend our next chapter General Meeting!
Housing Committee Open Meeting, tonight at 8pm Discuss our ongoing projects, including our Stomp Out Slumlords tenant organizing campaign and the city-wide legislative campaign for rent control.
Potluck, November 21 at 11am in FishtownJoin us for a DSA potluck in Fishtown! Please plan to bring a dish to share and enjoy the day with comrades. RSVP to receive the address before the date of the event.
Education Justice Committee Meeting, November 21 at 3pmJoin us to learn more about our current work on facilities conditions, public school funding, school board accountability, and support for parent organizing.
Accessibility Committee Meeting, November 22 at 6pmJoin for a discussion of accessibility in our organizing spaces. We'll get updates on projects including accessibility resources, accommodation requests, and language justice!
Green New Deal Commission Meeting, November 22 at 6:30pmHear updates on the chapter's Green New Deal campaigns and ways to get involved in our exciting work!
Pre-GM Resolution Discussion and Brainstorming, November 23 at 6pmIn preparation for the GM, we’ll discuss submitted resolutions. Authors will introduce their proposals and members can ask questions and make suggestions to improve the resolutions.
View the full calendar
Updates from the branches
BuxMont DSABucks Cancel Lunch Debt Coalition Meeting, November 19 at 5pmJoin this strategy session to discuss ways to end school lunch debt, specifically in the Bristol Borough School District.
In-Person Social, November 19 at 7pm at Imprint Beer Co. (Hatfield)Cooped up at home? Join your comrades for our in-person social event! Catch up and discuss local issues and organizing for socialism in the suburbs over food and drinks.
View all events
This week in unions
LABOR BRANCH - EVENTS
UNIONS IN THE NEWS
To get involved: If you’re interested in supporting workers who want to organize, organizing your workplace, supporting workers and unions taking collective action, or in building relationships with rank and file union members and leaders, email [email protected].
What we’re reading
One of our Housing Committee co-chairs, Sam D., wrote an analysis for Democratic Left (DSA’s publication) on how the law impacts us less so through the rulings of the Supreme Court and more directly on a local level. Read why one way to protect ourselves is organizing our neighbors to take collective action.
A lawsuit against the Philadelphia Department of Prisons exposes dire conditions in Northeast Philly jails, including lack of access to fresh air and showers, deteriorating infrastructure, and violence. The Philadelphia Inquirer has the details.
Philly DSA was featured in a Philly Voice article on Monday’s rally in front of the Wyndham Hotel with Unite Here Local 274. Black and Brown hospitality workers were hit hardest by the pandemic, and we stand in solidarity with them as they negotiate a fair contract.
Finally, here's a perk of being in DSA: In These Times is generously offering DSA members a free 12-month print subscription and special issue all about our organization, to anyone who signs up by December 15.
In solidarity,
Philly DSAhttp://www.phillydsa.org/
“The fact is, when men carry the same ideals in their hearts, nothing can isolate them - neither prison walls nor the sod of cemeteries. For a single memory, a single spirit, a single idea, a single conscience, a single dignity will sustain them all.” - Fidel Castro
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