JUNE 21, 2024
CONTENTS
UP FRONT
Shift the narrative on police and policing in DC — Abolition working group to hold training on public engagement on June 27
MDC DSA Political Engagement Committee to hold online Electoral Accountability Forum — Tuesday, June 25 at 7pm
- Activists organizing in defiance of Dobbs decision on second anniversary — Monday, June 24
Shift the narrative on police and policing in DC — Abolition working group to hold training on public engagement on June 27
Metro DC DSA’s Abolition working group will be holding a training seminar on June 27 focused on turning out socialists and abolitionists at DC Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) and other local community meetings. The event is taking place at MLK Library at 7pm, room 401-E.
ANC and community meetings will be targeted over the next year in order to expand socialist messaging, develop constituencies for socialism in public spaces and to confront opposition on their turf. The training will focus on curating the tools and strategies needed to empower our socialists and abolitionists to engage in community spaces to advocate for police abolition and other chapter-wide priorities in a continuous and sustainable way.
This event is hybrid, and interested attendees can sign up here; free food and childcare will be made available, and non-DSA members are always welcome.
Elected leftists (be it in unions or civic organizations, ANC Commissioners, etc.) are also invited to come and share their expertise and experience in engaging in public discourse. DSA members involved in working group campaigns in the District are also encouraged to attend to brainstorm and begin coordinating across issue areas. The fight for abolition and reduced police budgets is also the fight for investment in healthcare, housing, education and other realms of public influence.
MDC DSA Political Engagement Committee to hold online Electoral Accountability Forum — Tuesday, June 25 at 7pm
With Janeese Lewis George’s victory in Ward 4, the socialist electoral project enters its next phase: future electoral planning and a return to accountability for socialist electeds. This project is being coordinated by the chapter’s Political Engagement Committee, a five-member body appointed by the Metro DC DSA Steering committee.
The PEC will be holding a conversation on the chapter’s strategy around accountability for endorsed elected officials at their next bi-weekly meeting on June 25; all chapter members are invited to attend and can RSVP here. This event will be a great opportunity to learn about — and comment — on a set of important chapter decisions, and will help to guide our electoral approach over the rest of this year. Whether you are a DSA member, new, old or returning, input and engagement on this process is strongly encouraged.
The PEC has also kicked off the general election endorsement process for 2024, with candidate questionnaires due soon and debate to occur at the July general body meeting. The timeline can be found here. Members on Slack are encouraged to reach out to committee in #2024-pec with any questions.
Activists organizing in defiance of Dobbs decision on second anniversary — Monday, June 24
Join Metro DC DSA’s Reproductive Justice and Labor working groups on Monday, June 24 at 10am as labor takes action for reproductive justice. Unionists and feminists from DC and across the country will speak out on the need for labor leadership in the fight to secure reproductive rights on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision that eliminated the constitutional right to abortion. The outdoor press conference will take place at 10am in front of AFL-CIO headquarters at Black Lives Matter Plaza. Activists will raise the call for labor to be mobilized in defense of reproductive justice and deliver an open letter urging AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler to convene a national labor conference on the subject. Click here for more information.
Afterwards, join the Repro Justice working group in rallying for our #Right2Abortion in Washington, DC, to demand President Biden publish the Equal Rights Amendment and restore our constitutional right to abortion. RSVP by filling out this form.
BRIEFS
Virginia socialists planning interruption of Virginia Democratic Convention on June 22 in Richmond
June 22 is the statewide Virginia Democratic Convention, and comrades in Richmond are calling for everyone to turn out for a rally for Gaza outside the convention. Socialists and leftists of conscience must send a message to statewide Democrats that there is mass support for a ceasefire and end to Israel’s illegal occupation. Carpools are being organized — Metro DC DSA members can find the post in #northern-virginia for more details and to sign up to attend.
Closer to home, allies with Fairfax 4 Palestine are organizing to pack the June 25 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting. Public commentary usually starts sometime after 3pm, and attendees are encouraged to bring signs and wear keffiyehs. Prospective attendees can sign up to attend or receive additional information here. Comrades in Loudoun County should also stay tuned for upcoming actions.
Rockville rent stabilization canvass — this Saturday, June 22 at 12:30pm
Tenants in the City of Rockville are not covered by the new Montgomery County rent stabilization law, leaving them vulnerable to unlimited rent increases. However, the Rockville City Council has the opportunity to pass its own, even stronger law. Join the Montgomery County branch to talk to tenants in the Twinbrook area about passing rent stabilization in Rockville this Saturday, June 22. RSVP here.
On the evening of Monday, July 8, the Rockville City Council will hold a hearing to discuss a potential rent stabilization policy for the city. Before the hearing, tenants and allies will rally outside of the City Council and then attend the hearing to let the City Council know that we are watching. RSVP here.
Join MDC DSA at Pride at the Plaza in downtown Silver Spring — Sunday, June 30
MDC DSA will table at Pride at the Plaza in downtown Silver Spring to talk about our Trans Rights and Bodily Autonomy campaign, as well as our other social and economic justice campaigns. No experience required — just enthusiasm for socialism and LGBTQIA+ organizing. The tabling time is 12 to 5pm; feel free to sign up for a two-hour shift or stay the entire time. RSVP here.
Veterans Plaza is about a 10-minute walk from the Silver Spring Metro, and Montgomery County parking garages are located around the festival. Parking is free in county garages on Sundays.
July General Body Meeting to take place online only — Sunday, July 21
Metro DC DSA’s next General Body Meeting will be on July 21 from 2 to 4pm. This GBM will be online only, so please RSVP here to receive the Zoom link. If members would like to submit a resolution for consideration at this upcoming general body meeting, it will need to be brought for a first read at the Steering Committee meeting on July 2nd. Resolutions can be submitted for their first read via Red Desk by selecting “Agenda Item/Steering Meeting” and must be submitted ahead of the Steering Committee meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, July 2. For additional information, review our chapter’s standing rules for business at membership meetings. We will have an in person happy hour following the GBM. Stay tuned (and RSVP) for the location. Members on Slack can reach out in #steering, email steering-all@mdcdsa.org or reach out to any individual member of the Steering Committee.
Metro DC DSA Book Exchange and writing workshop — Sunday, July 14
The Metro DC DSA Book Exchange and After The Storm are partnering for an afternoon of anticapitalist reading and writing on Sunday, July 14 from 2 to 4pm at Malcolm X Park. Bring, read and swap books and write in community with others. This open event is for everyone who wants to carve out some intentional time this summer and spend it in good company. Writing prompts will be available, with optional sharing time in a low-key, drop-in space. RSVP here.
INFO ACCESS
MDC DSA Publications is information central for not just MDC DSA but the entire DMV left. The Washington Socialist publishes on a quarterly schedule; the Spring 2024 edition is now live and will be updated on a rolling basis until Summer’s issue ca. July 14. Added recently: a socialist evaluation of TOPA, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. Anyone, MDC DSA members or not, interested in contributing to the Washington Socialist can email submissions or questions to washingtonsocialist@mdcdsa.org. Get your socialist self on the record.
Weekly Updates are scheduled and emailed on Fridays — one more this month, the 28th, then July 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. Current and past Updates are on the web here. We’re proud that the wider DMV left sees the Update as a utility for activists: Our Weekly Updates attract over 5k readers a week. Want more INFO ACCESS? Submit your Update suggestions to the tip line, including nominating articles for ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES.
Find out in depth about our MDC DSA chapter — structure, campaigns and working groups, Night School and reading groups — HERE. And live from our studio, Wednesday, July 3, 7 – 8pm | Why You Should Join DSA/New Member Orientation (with Q&A). Slack-sess for new members (or long-timers): If you are not on the chapter’s Slack, you may be missing important organizing info and inspiration. Email slack@mdcdsa.org with your most recent DSA dues receipt to get Slack access.
Participate in MDC DSA’s Publications effort. We write, we edit, we design, we do the tech — there are so many ways your hand could lighten the load in 2024 and beyond. Check us out on #publications and let us know what you would like to contribute. You can even donate to our Comradery page if you would like to financially support socialist publishing in the DMV.
DSA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Saturday, June 22
12:30pm | Rockville Rent Stabilization Canvass – Twinbrook
1pm | Pride Picnic in the Park by Community Builders
Monday, June 24
10am – 12pm | Labor Takes Action for Reproductive Justice
4:30 – 6pm | Right to Abortion Rally
7 – 8pm | TRBA Bi-weekly Organizing Call
Tuesday, June 25
7 – 8pm | Abolition Working Group Biweekly Meeting
7 – 8:30pm | PEC Electoral Accountability Forum
Thursday, June 27
6pm | Social Housing Organizing Meeting
6 – 7:30pm | Queer Socialist Film Screening: Paris is Burning
7 – 9pm | ANC/Community Meetings 101
Sunday, June 30
11:30am – 5:30pm | MDC DSA Tabling at Pride at the Plaza
Wednesday, July 3
7 – 8pm | Why You Should Join DSA / New Member Orientation
Friday, July 5
6:30pm | NoVA DSA Gamenite
Sunday, July 7
2 – 4pm | Montgomery County DSA Branch Meeting
Monday, July 8
5pm | Rockville Rent Stabilization Hearing & Rally
7 – 8pm | TRBA Bi-weekly Organizing Call
Tuesday, July 9
7 – 8pm | Abolition Working Group Biweekly Meeting
Thursday, July 11
COMMUNITY BULLETIN
Second Annual Juneteenth Cookout | Baldwin House
This Sunday, June 22, head to Baldwin House for a potluck, cookout and community celebration. At its Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration, learn from their political education speakers and be grounded in the radical, abolitionist, Black history of Juneteenth. RSVP here.
Capital Free Pride at Wangari Gardens, June 22 | Food Not Bombs
Food Not Bombs is catering Capital Free Pride at Wangari Gardens on Sunday, June 22, from 6pm to sunset. Anticapitalist and community-organized, this event will include zines, people playing music, food and conversations about Demolition Derbys. Visit Food Not Bombs’ Instagram (story highlight) to learn more.
From DC to Gaza, All Politics Is Local | DC Ceasefire Now Coalition
On Thursday, June 27 from 6 to 9pm, join the DC for Ceasefire Now Coalition, Retirees for Accountability, the Ward 1 DC Democrats and other DC community leaders at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Services (1816 12th St. NW) to continue a community conversation on how to get a ceasefire resolution passed through the DC Council. More information here.
Transit & Transition: a free coloring book release event on June 28 | Transverse Cooperative
Join local artist worker co-op Transverse Cooperative at a distribution event for their latest project, “Transit & Transition: A Bridge to Rapid Change.” This hand-drawn coloring book tells the story of Riverdale residents navigating neighborhood changes and uncertainty brought on by the Purple Line development, and organizing for a positive future. On June 28 at University of Maryland, they will highlight a short “making-of” documentary, an artist talk, art time, and discussion about participants’ experience with the new development. RSVP here.
Solidarity Economy Social Hour on June 29 | Beloved Community Incubator
Whether you’re a co-op member, mutual aid-er, union member, community organizer or solidarity economy curious, join this first of many solidarity economy happy hours. The social hour is an informal space to build relationships with fellow organizers in the solidarity economy in hopes of linking communities and projects together into a wider regional force. Attendees are encouraged to bring stickers, postcards, zines or anything else related to solidarity economy work or about a specific co-op to share with others. Sign-up for reminders and notices of the event on BCI’s Eventbrite here.
DMV Leftist Writers Social on June 30 | After The Storm
After The Storm magazine is hosting a DMV Leftist Writers Social on Sunday, June 30, from 2 to 5pm at Sudhouse DC. Everyone interested in reading, writing, editing and/or discussing anticapitalist stories is invited to come mingle. RSVP here.
Summer Youth Organizing Institute | Black Swan Academy
Black Swan Academy, a local nonprofit creating a pipeline of Black youth civic leaders, is hosting its Summer Youth Organizing Institute from July 16 to August 24. This seven-week institute will focus on direct actions, campaign development, strategic planning and power mapping. Learn more here.
CCP Film Series | Suns Cinema Battle of Orgreave
CCP is a monthly, Sunday film series dedicated to presenting politically left-wing cinema, currently hosted by Suns Cinema in Washington, DC, covering a vast array of socialist, communist, anarchist, trade unionist, anti-imperialist, and other revolutionary movements featured in lesser-known left-wing films. This Sunday, June 23 will feature: The Battle of Orgreave, dir. Mike Figgis, 2001, English, 63 mins. The 1984-85 UK miners’ strike was one of the largest, longest and most brutal labor disputes to occur in the UK in the late-20th century. Today the strike is seen by many historians as one of the first major confrontations between capital and labor of the neoliberal era. Police attacks and miners’ fightbacks are illustrated by original participants in a “re-enactment” format. The 6pm showing is followed at 8pm Sunday by the better-known classic State of Siege, dir. Costa-Gavras, 1972, English & French, 121 mins. “… hard-hitting left-wing political commentary in an entertaining, blockbuster style.” Tickets are available here.
Film: Love & Solidarity | Labor Heritage Foundation
On Tuesday, June 25 at 7pm, Busboys & Poets in Takoma (235 Carroll Street NW, Washington, DC) will host a special screening of Love & Solidarity by the Labor Heritage Foundation’s monthly Bread and Roses series in honor and memory of Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., the “greatest teacher of nonviolence in America” and a mentor to generations of activists, who died June 9. RSVP here.
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES
After a Judge Paused the University of California Strike, Questions About ‘No Strike’ Provisions Remain: No strike agreements are almost ubiquitous in union contracts these days, according to labor studies professor Jeff Schuhrke at SUNY Empire State. But workers may have the right to violate no strike agreements in certain cases, according to Rebecca Givan, a professor of labor studies at Rutgers. Marketplace.org via Portside.
How Turning Point, once spurned by the RNC, is becoming Trump’s ‘force multiplier’ in battleground states: The organization has become a powerful ally of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Our old friends at Turning Point USA are touting a ground game for November. From Politico.
Maryland PSC rejects Exelon utility’s $213.6M multiyear rate plan
“Instead, Pepco will be able to increase its rates by $44.6 million for a year while the state agency assesses the benefits of multiyear rate plans.” Utility Dive Maryland’s kissy-kissy utility regulators get some (but only some) spine. Will DC follow?
How politically worrisome is online disinformation? This article from WIRED shows no matter how much you are worried, you are not worried enough …
… and WIRED shares more bad news about exploiters in Neo-Nazis are All-in on AI: “Extremists are now moving beyond simply using third-party applications and towards creating their own tools — without any guard rails. The development of inherently extremist and hateful AI engines, being developed by extremists who have experience in the tech world, that’s the most concerning trend, because that’s where the content moderation filters come off.”
News avoidance at record levels as four in ten ‘worn out’ by news — “Report says news is not just ‘depressing’ but people are also finding it ‘relentless’. The proportion of people selectively avoiding the news is now ten percentage points higher than it was seven years ago, reaching a new high of 39% across 20 key markets. This is the highest level of news avoidance recorded since the Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism [UK] began in 2012. Previously the high was 38% in 2022.” Press Gazette via Adweek Morning Media Newsfeed. These are the people we socialists need to reach, needless to say.
The European elections proved to be a victory for the authoritarian and neo-fascist right in Europe. Not only did they make significant gains in Germany, France, Italy and elsewhere, the politics they advocate have become increasingly acceptable to traditional conservative parties. Moreover, traditional Social Democratic and Green parties lost ground, and parties grouped around the European Left failed to make significant gains. All in all, much to think about as we face our own challenges. Two articles that address this are: From Italia: Behind the Curtain of the EU Elections All is Not What it Seems Stansbury Forum; A Right-Wing Turn to Nowhere In These Times.
The elections in Mexico — with Claudia Sheinbaum’s election victory [she is a climate scientist with a Ph.D. in energy engineering] — presents a more hopeful possibility. New President in Mexico to Accelerate the Energy Transition Trade Unions for Energy Democracy in Socialist Project’s The Bullet; and Claudia Sheinbaum is the Next President of Mexico from People’s Dispatch.
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES are articles and opinion pieces of interest to DMV leftists but not, generally, appearing in local media. They should have links without paywalls. Readers are invited to submit candidates at our tip line.
The flame of thought, the magnificence of art, the wonder of discovery, and the audacity of invention all belong to revolutionary periods when humanity, tired of the chains of its restrictions, shatters them, and stops inebriated to breathe the breeze of a vaster and freer horizon.
–Virgilia D’Andrea