November 6th is only three months away, and we have a rare and exciting opportunity to unseat an incumbent Republican and send an exceptional and principled Democratic Socialist woman -- Kristin Seale -- into office in Harrisburg. It’ll be a hard fight, but we can make it happen if we all commit to carrying through our endorsement by turning out as Kristin Seale’s ground game for canvassing voters in DelCo.
November 6th is only three months away, and we have a rare and exciting opportunity to unseat an incumbent Republican and send an exceptional and principled Democratic Socialist woman -- Kristin Seale -- into office in Harrisburg. It’ll be a hard fight, but we can make it happen if we all commit to carrying through our endorsement by turning out as Kristin Seale’s ground game for canvassing voters in DelCo. Without this ground game, we simply can’t win -- but with it, we can score a victory as huge as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’ in New York! Get involved in this political movement by committing an afternoon to canvass for Kristin, and bring your friends!
In addition, we have new campaigns organizing to fight for budget reform and more with Our City Our Schools, as well as Fair Work Week Philadelphia. There are many ways to get involved in the direct political work of the local, and as an all-volunteer, membership organization, making a commitment is only the first step. We must follow through with our political action in order to win andcontinue to build power and scope for democratic socialist demands.
Finally, a brief note from Outreach Committee about our communications policy. Recently, communications in email and on social media falsely claiming to be from Philly DSA have been circulating (we think it might be ze Russians!) Please be aware that all official chapter communications come from [email protected]. If you have any questions about the authenticity of a message claiming to be from Philly DSA on any platform, please reach out to [email protected].
While Philly DSA does not have an official online code of conduct, we ask everyone to be comradely to fellow members. Information posted in a public forum is accessible to anyone, so please post with care.
Thank you to everyone who came out to participate in last Saturday’s General Meeting! It was our largest ever. A big thanks also to the large group of volunteers that made the meeting possible. The General Meeting Packet can be found here. A summary of the results are listed below, and meeting minutes will be available soon.
Resolution 7:18:00
Temporary Harassment Grievance Policy: TABLED
Resolution 7:18:01
Extension of the Ad Hoc Canvassing Committee: PASSED
Resolution 7:18:02
Extension of the Ad Hoc Electoral Evaluation Committee: PASSED
Resolution 7:18:03
Establish Delaware County Branch: PASSED
Resolution 7:18:04
Establish Bucks/Montgomery County Branch: PASSED
Resolution 7:18:05
Endorse and Recommit to Kristin Seale for State Representative: PASSED
Resolution 7:18:06
Joint Resolution for Medicare for All Campaign Work: PASSED
Resolution 7:18:07
Endorse the OCOS Budget and Join the OCOS Coalition: PASSED
Resolution 7:18:08
Support Fair Work Week Campaign: PASSED
Resolution 7:18:09
Providing Childcare at All Meetings: TABLED
Resolution 7:18:10
Support Mike Doyle’s Campaign: FAILED
Saturday, August 11 | 12:00 pm | Marconi Plaza | 2800 S Broad Street
The weekend of August 11-12 will be the second National Weekend of Action for DSA's Medicare for All Campaign! 40+ chapters across the country will be participating by hosting canvasses, educational events, tabling and more. This will be the first Medicare for All canvass hosted by Philly DSA since the start of primary season, and it should be the biggest canvass yet! New and veteran canvassers welcomed alike. We will hit the doors after a thorough (and fun) training.
Reach out to [email protected] if you’re interested or have any questions.
Sunday, August 19 | 1:00 pm | 521 N Monroe St, Media, PA
Whether you're a veteran canvasser or this is your first time hitting the pavement, join Philly DSA at our next general election canvass! Let's start off the campaign strong, and build the momentum we need to ensure Kristin wins in November.
We will meet up at 1:00 PM, have a brief training, and then head out. Reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in carpooling or can offer rides to others!
Monday, August 6 | 5:30-8:00 | TBD
Monday, August 13 | 5:30-8:00 | TBD
Can’t make the canvass but want to get involved? Join us at our next phonebank. Phonebanking is one of the best ways to reach out to our membership and get them involved with our campaign work. Plus it’s a lot more fun with comrades!
Email [email protected] to RSVP.
On July 27, after weeks of mobilizations from Anti-ICE activists in Philadelphia, Mayor Kenney announced that the city of Philadelphia would not renew the PARS contract with ICE. This victory brings Philadelphia another step closer to being a true sanctuary city, and would not have been possible without the tireless work put in by a coalition of socialists, immigrant rights groups, and community organizations. But ending PARS is just the first step: let’s press our demands further!
March For A Sanctuary City
Saturday, Aug 4 | 11:00 am | Liberty Bell, 6th and Chestnut
Following the recent victory to #EndPARS, activists in the OccupyICE coalition will rally and march this Saturday to keep the pressure on Mayor Kenney and Gov. Wolf and to demand an end to the Berks Family Detention Center. Come stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors in Philadelphia and around the country!
Reach out to Jameson Rush [email protected] if you are planning to attend so that we can coordinate a Philly DSA contingent.
Rally to Support Fired Parking Attendants Fighting for a Union
Thursday, August 9 | 12:00 | HUP | 34th and Spruce, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143
For more information see here.
Labor United to Free the Children
Wednesday, August 15 | 4:00 pm | Penn’s Landing
On Wednesday, August 15th @4pm (Penn's Landing) the labor movement in Philadelphia will be holding the largest labor-led demonstration on immigration in the nation. "Labor United to Free the Children" will show the power of a united, mobilized labor movement insisting with one voice on liberty and justice for all. Facebook event here.
Reach out to our Labor Branch leaders Paul and Sandra at [email protected] with any questions.
Saturday, August 18 | 10:00 -4:00 pm | International House Philadelphia | 3701 Chestnut Street
Socialism is experiencing a resurgence in the wake of the 2016 election. Though once widely rejected in the US, people are once again asking: can socialism guide us to a better world? And, what actions will actually help us get there?
The Philadelphia DSA/Solidarity Day School will explore these and a range of other questions. Featuring panels by a number of prominent writers, organizers, and scholars, as well as workshops exploring the theories and histories informing socialist organizing, we’ll discuss the strategies that can lead to real working class power.
Throughout the day, we’ll consider a range of key programs, from the labor movement to electoral politics and the viability of alternative socialist parties. Whether you’re new to socialism or a longtime organizer, join us to discuss goals for the socialist movement in the years leading up to the 2020 election–and beyond.
More information is available on our flyer. To register, click here.
August 25 | 12:00 pm | DIYRE | 4244 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA
If you're a new member of Philly DSA or are thinking about joining, come to our upcoming New Member Orientation! Our Local chapter continues to grow and as new members join these orientations help make clear what it means to be a member of a democratic-socialist, dues funded, volunteer run, membership organization.
There will be time to chat informally with other new members, meet committee persons and campaign organizers, as well as hear speakers cover major topics:
Orientation meetings will take place monthly going forward to supplement general meetings with more informal space for becoming familiar with the organization.
Please contact Peterson Goodwyn via [email protected] if you have any questions.
Wednesday, August 8 | 6:30 | Booker's Restaurant and Bar | 5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143
A special Happy Hour hosted by the Philly DSA Social Committee and open to anyone who identifies as a woman, trans person, or non-binary person.
Whether you're someone who's curious about the kind of work we do but has never been to a DSA event, or a long-time member who'd like to hang out with your comrades in a more casual setting, this will be a great chance to hang out and learn about the exciting projects we're working on this summer.
Every Other Monday (next August 13) | 7:00-9:00 pm | Chapterhouse Cafe & Gallery | 620 S 9th St
This group approaches Karl Marx’s basic theory of society and critique of capitalism through a reading of Capital in an open and informal setting. In our discussions we will review the text, assess the claims that Marx makes about history, society, and structure, and reflect on the relevance of systematic social understanding to politics. Each session includes review, so don’t worry if you’ve missed previous meetings.
Please email Scott and Jarek at [email protected] with the subject line CAPITAL if you have questions, would like access to the readings, or would like to get involved.
Thursday, August 9 | 7:00-9:00 pm | Houston Hall Room TBD | 3417 Spruce Street
The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Local and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the General Meetings; it may also create policy in-between Local Conventions. Steering Committee meetings are open to all Philly DSA members, although only Steering Committee members have voting privileges.
Canvassing Committee
Tuesday, August 7 | 6:30 PM | UPenn Bookstore | 3601 Walnut St
Social Committee
Thursday, August 9 | 6:45 PM | Message [email protected]for address
Outreach Committee
Friday, August 10 | 6-8pm | DIYRE | 4244 Lancaster Ave
Labor Branch
Sunday, August 19| 2:00 pm | 910 S. 49th Street
As a membership organization, we are only as strong as members are active, participating and mobilized. Philly DSA is committed to making all aspects of its work available and accessible to all members. If you require any accommodations or resources in order to participate, please reach out via [email protected]. The more we understand about the needs of our chapter, the stronger of an organization we can become.
Philly DSA is seeking members interested in becoming parliamentarians to help run our General Meetings and other official business meetings of the local. Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking and facilitation and have a willingness to learn the basics of Robert’s Rules of Order, which are used to administer large meetings of the DSA at the national level and local level in Philadelphia. If you are interested, please fill out this brief application here.
Philly DSA receives no funding from the National DSA, so local dues are crucial to the health of our chapter. They support our campaign work and cover everyday operating costs like meeting space, web hosting, and communication tools. Local dues can be paid in the form of quarterly donations of $10, $20, $30, or $50; a custom amount can also be arranged. Getting our finances in order lets us plan ahead to effectively implement the kinds of political activities that we decide on as a local. If we can get even 50% of our Philly membership paying local dues, we will be on a path to really shake things up! Please sign up here to contribute quarterly. For a one-time donation, please click here. Thank you for your support!
In Solidarity,
Philly DSA Outreach Committee
Inquiries: [email protected]
Website: phillydsa.com
Isn’t it time to do something? Get involved with the Local.
