JANUARY 12, 2024
CONTENTS
UP FRONT
Mass march on Washington for Gaza — tomorrow, January 13
MDC DSA members consider electoral campaigning in 2024: January General Body Meeting scheduled for the 28th — to include final debate on endorsements
- Candidate Q&As scheduled, Political Engagement Committee applications open
Mass march on Washington for Gaza — tomorrow, January 13
As Israel continues its indiscriminate assault on the people of Gaza, socialists are standing in solidarity with Palestine to demand a full ceasefire and a free Palestine. Metro DC DSA and National DSA have both voted to endorse tomorrow’s march on Washington, and we encourage members to wear keffiyehs and other pro-Palestine items, wear any DSA gear, bring signs and join us to protest the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Socialists from Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Lancaster and New York are also set to augment a wide socialist presence in the march.
The DSA contingent will meet ahead of the march at Judiciary Square at 12:30pm. From there, the group will march over to Freedom Plaza to join the wider march, set to begin at 1pm.
- What: March on Washington for Gaza
- Where: Judiciary Square to converge with Democratic Socialists
- When: Saturday, January 13 at 12:30pm to meet up, with plan to meet with full march in Freedom Plaza at 1pm
Members interested in connecting beforehand can check out the #internationalism channel in the chapter slack to organize beforehand.
Want to learn more about Palestine? Watch (or listen) to Metro DC DSA’s Palestine 101 Night School.
MDC DSA members consider electoral campaigning in 2024: January General Body Meeting scheduled for the 28th — to include final debate on endorsements
Metro DC DSA’s first GBM of 2024 will conclude our chapter’s discussion on electoral endorsements for the 2024 primary ballots. It’s set for Sunday, January 28 from 2pm to 4pm, and will be hybrid, just like convention. At this meeting, we will have actual debate, so members will get to argue for and against endorsing the campaigns. SIGN UP for the January 28th General Body Meeting here!
Members are highly encouraged to attend and make their voice heard. Voting to endorse will take place via OpaVote after the GBM, and a two-thirds majority is required to endorse any campaign or ballot initiative. Prior to the GBM, candidates will have their Q&A sessions with the chapter — more info on that below. Candidate questionnaires as well as recordings of the Q&As will be shared in the Slack.
Members can find a tentative 2024 general body meeting schedule here.
Candidate Q&As scheduled, Political Engagement Committee applications open
Before the GBM debate, Metro DC DSA is holding question and answer sessions over Zoom with all of the candidates and campaigns who are seeking the chapter’s endorsement. Q&As will be viewable to chapter members both live and recorded, debate for and against endorsing each campaign will be held during the January GBM and OpaVote ballots to vote on chapter endorsements will go out one week following the GBM. The endorsement Q&A schedule is as follows:
- Sunday, January 14 at 1:15pm: Andrea Crooms (MD-5 congressional race) — which will be taking place at the PG County DSA GBM.
- Monday, January 15 at 7pm: Initiative 83 for DC Ranked Choice Voting (DC Ballot Initiative)
- Wednesday, January 17 at 6pm: Janeese Lewis George (Ward 4 DC Council race)
- Yesterday, Thursday, January 11 at 6:45pm: Ibraheem Samirah (VA-10 congressional race) — a recording will be made available to members shortly.
Chapter members should have received an email with sign-up links for the Q&As, and can also find discussion, debate and links to sign-ups in the #electoral channel on the chapter Slack. Members can also email pec@mdcdsa.org to ask for links or clarifying information.
Have questions for candidates or campaigns? Fill out this form with questions for candidates and campaign representatives (in order to ask questions to multiple candidates/campaigns, you will need to fill out the form multiple times).
Much of this work is done by the chapter’s Political Engagement Committee, which oversees our electoral organizing and legislative advocacy work, and is also seeking new members. The PEC works to ensure our endorsement process runs smoothly, coordinate electoral canvasses and fundraisers and maintain relationships with socialist electeds in the DMV. The five-person body must have three current Steering members (including branch delegates and the YDSA delegate) as well as at least one member who resides in DC, MD and VA. The Steering Committee will consider applications and intends to vote on the new PEC members at the January 30 meeting. Those interested should reach out to pec@mdcdsa.org with questions, ask in #steering on Slack, or message Bakari W about the process. Apply by January 24 at 11:59pm ET using this form.
BRIEFS
DC Council releases performance oversight schedule and Chairman’s Mark dropped
The DC Council quietly released its Performance Oversight schedule — a series of public hearings at which agency leadership is called before Council to report out and answer questions about programs, budgets, and performance — this week. The schedule is not yet online, and only available in PDF format. The first oversight hearing (the Department of Health, reporting to the Committee on Health) is next week, on January 18, starting at 9:30am. Performance Oversight hearings are an important opportunity for public testimony and engagement. While specific instructions for participation from individual committees have not yet been issued, the Council voted to simplify the hearing engagement process last year, and general guidance (including how to find hearings, once posted) can be found online here. Additionally, on January 5, 2024, the DC Tax Revision Commission released its “Chairman’s Mark,” which lays out the Commission’s tentative proposals for changes to the District’s tax structure.
Montgomery County DSA hosting first General Body Meeting on Sunday, January 14; branch leadership elections to take place on Saturday, February 3
The first Montgomery County DSA GBM of 2024 will be taking place virtually on Sunday, January 14 from 2 to 3:30pm. In the spirit of the new year, there will be time for reconnection with comrades new and old and discussion on the branch’s plans and goals. There will also be updates on the Steering Committee election timeline and ways to get involved with the branch’s work on housing and renter protections, fully funding restorative justice in schools as part of the Decriminalize MoCo coalition and Palestine solidarity. RSVP here.
The branch will also be hosting a game night on Friday, January 19. There will be some food and feel free to bring a favorite game and a snack. RSVP here.
Branch steering elections will take place on Saturday, February 3. Email montgomerycountydsa@gmail.com or post in #montgomery-county on Slack to get in contact with the branch steering elections committee and to learn more about the Steering Committee before deciding to run.
Prince George’s County DSA hosting first General Body Meeting on Sunday, January 14 from 12 to 2pm; Electoral endorsement Q&A for Andrea Crooms starting at 1:15 pm
The Prince George’s branch will likewise be hosting their first GBM of the year on Sunday, January 14 from 12 to 2pm. There will be a discussion of branch goals for the year. This month will be dedicated to building the structure of our rent stabilization campaign, Palestinian solidarity canvassing, and learning about the structure of and running for the branch steering committee. At 1:15pm, the meeting will transition to a Q&A with Andrea Crooms regarding her MD-5 congressional race. Please RSVP here.
Learn to organize your workplace at the Inside Organizer School — January 19 – 21
The Northern Virginia Labor Federation will be hosting a three-day Inside Organizer School from January 19 to 21 for people who are interested in, or already in the process of, organizing their workplace. The curriculum will include organizing timelines, how to encourage diverse leadership, how to build majority support and how to recognize the anti-union strategies you will face. DSA members can check the #labor channel in Slack for more details, or reach out to NoVALaborNews@gmail.com for information including about how to register.
Spies and US Imperialism Walking Tour on January 27; Outreach Events This Weekend
Sign up now for the Spies and US Imperialism walking tour at 1pm on Saturday, January 27 at Gateway Park in Rosslyn. Walking tours are great ways to learn about socialism, bring friends to DSA events, start volunteering for events and get connected to local organizing. The tour will explore three sites (including two about to be demolished) connected to how imperialism and spycraft have shaped the landscape and architecture of the region over the past century — specifically, how global reactionary networks were forged in Rosslyn and Langley by the Reagan CIA, how the “Watergate Scandal” reflected larger systems of repression against the Left and the history behind why the region is a hub for the internet’s infrastructure. Hot chocolate and hand warmers will be provided — make sure to sign up in advance for weather updates and to volunteer at the tour.
MDC DSA is also hosting two outreach events this MLK Day weekend, at 1pm on both Saturday, January 13 at Farragut Square and Monday, January 15 in Rosslyn, to spread the word about DSA and its upcoming educational work. Come out to help put up posters around the area — no experience is required and it is a perfect event for new members or those trying to get more involved. The outings will put up posters related to the chapter’s upcoming walking tour and Spring 2024 reading groups — all you need to do to help is sign up in advance through either the walking tour form (for either date) or the January 13 event specifically, and then show up in light-colored clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dirty.
Publications team begins fundraising for media expansion
The chapter’s Publications team — which produces this newsletter, the chapter long-form Washington Socialist and the affiliate publication After the Storm — can now be supported directly through Comradery, a democratic, creator-controlled subscription platform. You can help support this newsletter, as well as Washington Socialist, by subscribing to the Publication’s Comradery page here.
Disbursement of funds raised will be decided on collectively by Metro DC DSA’s Publications Cooperative, a collection of more than 20 members responsible for managing Metro DC DSA’s publications infrastructure. Access to fundraising opens up the possibility of expanding the scope and quality of chapter publications, compensating beat writers or researchers, purchasing production systems (button-makers, presses and materials) for propaganda or launching mass submission contests to inspire writers and artists in the region to produce more local socialist art. Members interested in getting involved in this project can email washingtonsocialist@mdcdsa.org to learn more.
Spring 2024 reading group sign-ups from Metro DC DSA now open
Sign-ups are now open for Spring 2024 reading groups through Metro DC DSA. These reading groups are a great way to meet new people, learn core works connected to socialism, build our capacity to learn and debate ideas and get connected to political education in the chapter. Spring reading groups include cultural readings in Late Capitalism, a group reading through Marx’s Capital Vol. 1, Liberation Theology, the Radical Climate Fiction group reading Parable of the Sower, the If We Burn group reading about 2010s social movements, a group covering two key works related to The Nonprofit Industrial Complex, the Palestinian Liberation Film and Reading Group alternating films with readings, and groups sponsored by formations such as the Socialist Feminist section, the Migrant Justice working group and Public Power (We Power DC). Most groups will meet online but with regular in-person social meet-ups to build group camaraderie.
INFO ACCESS
Support this publication: The Weekly Update and Washington Socialist relies on the work of volunteers, and to continue our efforts and expand our coverage, we need your help. Subscribe to our Publication’s Comradery page to make this work possible.
MDC DSA Publications Schedule: Remaining Updates for January 2024 will appear Fridays, January 19th and 26th. The February Washington Socialist zine/newsletter appears with the Friday, February 2nd Update. Submit articles by January 27th at washingtonsocialist@mdcdsa.org.
Would you like to participate in MDC DSA’s publications? 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 write, or write about, or …? If you would like to see something included in the Update, submit your suggestions to the tip line.
Quick reference links for MDC DSA:
- On MDC DSA’s public website, the DSA-curious can find:
- Our local structure — campaigns, working groups, etc.
- Capsule introduction to the chapter including our branches covering the DMV
- A home-grown history of our local chapter
- Archive of our MDC DSA Socialist Night School (recordings and some transcriptions)
- On a linked site, Archive of the Washington Socialist including current issue
- Here is National DSA’s website
- DSA Feed, an RSS feed that aggregates multiple DSA publications — including our own Washington Socialist — in one convenient place. More from the National Tech Committee here.
And, live from our studio: Wednesday, January 17th from 7 to 8pm* | Why You Should Join DSA / New Member Orientation — including Q&A. *note new, earlier time
DSA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Saturday, January 13
10 – 11:30am | Medicare 4 All Alexandria Petition Outreach
1 – 3pm | Wheatpasting for Spies and US Imperialism Walking Tour (Farragut Square)
Sunday, January 14
12 – 2pm | PG County Branch General Meeting
2 – 4pm | MoCo January Branch Meeting
Monday, January 15
1 – 3pm | Wheatpasting for Spies and US Imperialism Walking Tour (Rosslyn)
Tuesday, January 16
6 – 7pm | M4All Alexandria/Arlington Third Tuesday Update
Wednesday, January 17
7 – 8pm | Why You Should Join DSA / New Member Orientation
Thursday, January 18
6:30 – 8:30pm | Social Meetup – NoVa Branch DSA
Friday, January 19
7pm | MoCo DSA Game Night
Saturday, January 20
1 – 3:30pm | Abolition Working Group January ’24 Retreat
1:30 – 4:30pm | Stomp Out Slumlords Anti-Eviction Canvass
Monday, January 22
6:00 – 8:30pm | Socialist Feminist Section January Happy Hour
Saturday, January 27
1 – 3pm | Spies and US Imperialism Walking Tour
Sunday, January 28
2 – 4pm | MDC DSA January General Body Meeting
COMMUNITY BULLETIN
Sign the Petition: Kids Deserve Safe Schools | Washington Teachers Union
It is day 105 of the teachers and staff at the Washington Teachers Union (AFT Local 6) not yet having a new contract with DC Public Schools. Adding insult to injury is the fact DCPS Chancellor Lewis Farabee was absent from the first bargaining session. As part of their plan to put pressure on the school district to return to the table and give our teachers a fair contract, the WTU humbly asks that individuals sign its Kids Deserve Safe Schools petition. Sign it here.
Baba Oduno Tarik 40th Day Ascension Ceremony | Africulture
On January 13, from 11am to 3pm, DC community members will celebrate the life and work of Baba Oduno A. Tarik, a prominent Garveyite, master teacher and horticulturist who died this past November at the age of 76. For nearly 60 years, Tarik, affectionately known as Baba Oduno, maintained a significant presence in the DMV and national Pan-Africanist, agricultural and Rastafari communities. This event is free and being held at the Shaw Community Center (1701 11 Street NW). RSVP here.
Restorative Processes and Global Warfare | DC Peace Team
This January 13 online session hosted by DC Peace Team will serve as a space in which attendees can openly share how global conflict is impacting how they show up. This space will NOT be an exchange for political or religious ideology, rather a safe place for expression and how war in other areas of the world is affecting us respectively. The space will also allow for reflection on how to utilize restorative processes as a means to move towards personal and global healing. Registration is based on a sliding scale. Details here.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service | Soul Trak Outdoors
Soul Trak Outdoors will be leading a community cleanup at Fort Dupont in honor of MLK Jr. Day on Monday, January 15 from 9am – 12pm at Ridge Road Community Center (830 Ridge Rd SE). Volunteers will be picking up trash and clearing the path along the Fort Dupont Hiker Biker Trail. Tools and supplies such as gloves, trash grabbers, and trash bags will be supplied. Click here to register and to see Soul Trak’s full lineup of January events.
2024 MLK Holiday DC Annual Peace Walk & Parade | MLK Holiday DC
DC’s MLK Day parade began in 1979, six years before King’s birthday became a federal holiday. The tradition and celebration that the Rolarks and Petey Greene started continues through to today, as DC honors Dr. King and keeps his message alive. Click here for details and registration for the parade and peace walk, prayer breakfast, and volunteer opportunities.
GOOD READS / ESSENTIAL TRAFFIC
Direct Elections for Labor Leaders Make for More Militant Unions
An essential thread uniting recent winning campaigns is that the top union officers were all directly elected by the members, a basic democratic right denied to many union members in the United States. Labor Notes via Portside
DC Council’s rejection of voters’ tipped-wage ballot win was not an isolated outrage
Legislatures and governors have, in recent years, ignored, rewritten to their taste, or outright rejected citizen initiatives in many states throughout the US. From The Conversation.
Coverage of Gaza War in the New York Times and Other Major Newspapers Heavily Favored Israel, Analysis Shows
A quantitative analysis shows major newspapers skewed their coverage toward Israeli narratives in the first six weeks of the assault on Gaza. “Major U.S. newspapers disproportionately emphasized Israeli deaths in the conflict; used emotive language to describe the killings of Israelis, but not Palestinians; and offered lopsided coverage of antisemitic acts in the U.S., while largely ignoring anti-Muslim racism in the wake of October 7.” An article from The Intercept reposted by Harvard’s Nieman Lab newsletter.
What the New Wealth Tax in Massachusetts Is Paying For
Massachusetts voters approved an additional tax on incomes of more than a million dollars. At least a billion extra dollars will support transportation and education projects this year. Governing magazine via Portside
What Do John Gotti and Donald Trump Have in Common?
“Wouldn’t people have understood precisely who he [called the ‘Teflon Don’] was? The answer is simple: Yes, they understood who he was, and they did not care–until two things happened. First, he fell out of style. And second, the brutality of the man became undeniable.” Our DMV comrade Bill Fletcher, Jr. writes in Liberation Road (via Portside)
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