11.18.21 Bulletin

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!

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 calendar
Unless otherwise specified, all events are held via Zoom. 

Our City Our Schools Coalition Rally, today at 4pm
We'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 6pm
Join 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 Fishtown
Join 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 3pm
Join 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 6pm
Join 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 6:30pm
Hear 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 6pm
In 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 DSA
Bucks Cancel Lunch Debt Coalition Meeting, November 19 at 5pm
Join 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

  • We’ll be joining comrades from Baltimore DSA at the Kellogg's strike line on Saturday, 11/20. Sign up!
    • Please use this form if you can give a ride or if you need a ride.
    • We are proud to share that our chapter donated $400 to the Kellogg’s workers strike fund. Keep it coming!
  • Our Labor Branch has worked hard to put together a Troublemakers School with Labor Notes. If you’re a union member or workplace activist, register here to sharpen your organizing skills.

UNIONS IN THE NEWS

  • SEPTA workers may strike in the suburbs. Stay tuned for updates on how to support these workers from the DelCo Branch and Labor Branch.
  • The International Brotherhood of the Teamsters election is coming to a close. It looks like the reform slate, Teamsters United (also known as the OZ slate), will win. It’s hard to understate how huge this is for the future of UPS, Amazon, and the logistics sector as a whole. Read the details.
  • Philly DSA members joined Unite Here on the picket line at the Wyndham hotel earlier this week. If they strike, the Labor Branch will keep you posted on how to support.
  • After a credible strike threat and an uptick in internal organizing, IATSE contracts were ratified - but more workers voted against it than for it. Read Alex Press in Jacobin on the Electoral College-style vote and what it may mean for the union.

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]


On the bulletin

  • During the December General Meeting, we’ll vote on a new PHL DSA logo! You can submit a design for a logo, t-shirt, or any other merch now through this form, by December 1. The design does not need to be finalized or perfected in any way; a sketch or concept are more than sufficient. Please tell your design-curious friends! 
  • The Housing Committee is still collecting survey responses to help identify landlord and property management companies that DSA members have in common. 🏡
  • Join us on Slack: If you’re a Philly DSA member and you’d like to join our Slack workspace, please email [email protected].
  • Harassment and Grievance Process: Read about the process to file a grievance here.
  • Did you know? You can check out all of our past bulletins on our website.

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 DSA
http://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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