Queer & Feminist Reading Group: October Song
2020-03-18 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual: Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/932925026 or call (669) 900-6833, meeting ID: 932 925 026#
In addition to building movements in the streets and supporting workers in Seattle, we want to study the history of movements across the world. Let’s learn from the comrades who came before us, while building community in a supportive space! Today we’ll discuss Chapter 3 of Paul LeBlanc’s October Song, an account of the Russian Revolution.
Email sdsaqueerandfeminist@gmail.com to get a copy of the reading.

Coronavirus Crisis Response: What can Seattle DSA do? District 5 ZOOM / Phone Meeting
2020-03-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 5 members for a special phone meeting this WEDNESDAY to discuss the broadening impact of the coronavirus and what we can do as DSA in our communities and/or city to address the potential economic and social crisis for working people.
We’ll also be discussing this week’s debate between Bernie and Biden and perspectives for the primaries.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/355822003
Meeting ID: 355 822 003
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
669-900-9128 355822003# US (San Jose)
346-[REDACTED]# US (Houston)

Tenant Organizing Collective (El Grupo para Organizar su Edificio) UPDATE: Online Meeting (Zoom)
2020-03-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Does your building management take too long to make repairs? Are you concerned that your lease could be illegal? Does your landlord charge you too much rent? You’re not alone.
The Tenant Organizing Collective is a group of Seattle DSA members, including experienced housing rights activists, who meet every month to teach each other concrete, effective organizing skills to build power at home. This collective is open to everyone who wants to improve the lives of their families and communities by organizing for economic justice.
Email info@seattledsa.org if you would like to contact the organizers of this event.

District 4 Meet-up (via zoom)
2020-03-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Join us for our monthly District 4 meet-up – online for this month, but we hope to return to meeting in person in April. We’ll discuss upcoming DSA events, including the convention, and ongoing campaigns. We’ll also talk about how we can support our neighbors through our current public health crisis.
See local_district_4 channel in Slack or email elisabeth.elin@gmail.com for zoom details.
District 4 hosts these meet-ups on the third Thursday of every month. This event is open to DSA members from other districts and anyone curious about DSA.

Coronavirus Crisis Response: What can Seattle DSA do? District 3 Zoom/Phone Meeting
2020-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 members for a special Zoom/phone meeting this THURSDAY to discuss the broadening social, economic, and political impact of the coronavirus and what we can do as DSA in our communities and/or city to address the potential economic and social crisis for working people.
Mayor Durkan, under pressure from Socialist Councilmember Kshama Sawant and Councilmember Tammy Morales, recently passed a moratorium on evictions. This is the same Mayor Durkan who raked in massive campaign contributions in 2017 from the biggest developers and landlords in the city. This points to a potential opportunity to force big business to shoulder the burden rather than working people, it may be like pushing on an open door. What demands can DSA make to further alleviate the burden on working people and the poor who will be forced to pay for this crisis through layoffs, lost wages, and healthcare costs? What other initiatives can DSA take to help working people self-organize relief efforts in our communities?
We’ll also be discussing this week’s debate between Bernie and Biden and perspectives for the primaries.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/749457614
Meeting ID: 749 457 614
One tap mobile
+13462487799 (Houston)
+16699009128 (San Jose)

Reform & Revolution Open Meeting (Virtual): Towards a New Party of the 99%
2020-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual. RSVP for details, WA, United States
Reform and Revolution is a Marxist caucus of DSA. We are organized on the basis of our view that for the transformation of society we seek, on the basis of racial, gender, environmental, and economic justice, we need to prepare our forces for the dismantling of the profit system as a whole — while fighting tooth and nail for every concession we can win under capitalism.
We meet regularly to discuss our ideas — where we agree and where we don’t — and share ideas about how we help build DSA into a vibrant, democratic organization that acts as a decisive force in U.S. politics.
This meeting we are inviting non-R&R DSA members to join us for our regular discussion. We will be discussing the openings that exist for a new democratic socialist party and the role that we in DSA can play in building toward that goal. There is a debate taking place throughout DSA and the Sanders movement about what way forward for our movement: Is this the moment to declare a new party, or would this go too far in alienating socialists from the broader movement? What does a dirty break from the Democratic Party look like in the era of Trump? How do we build up our class’ strength to be sufficiently independent of the two corporate parties?
Suggested readings (not required):
-Where Do We Go After Last Night’s Defeat? https://jacobinmag.com/2020/03/bernie-sanders-democratic-primary-results-joe-biden
A Blueprint for a New Party https://jacobinmag.com/2016/11/bernie-sanders-democratic-labor-party-ackerman
#DemExit: Time to Launch a New Party Of, By, and For Working People https://www.socialistalternative.org/2020/03/11/demexit-time-to-launch-a-new-party-of-by-and-for-working-people/
Please RSVP to attend: info@reformandrevolution.org

Tax Amazon Committee Virtual Meeting
2020-03-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual: Hangouts
Yesterday the ballot initiative to tax Amazon and other big business to fund social housing and sustainability programs was officially filed! The COVID19 crisis means that we will need to find creative and safe ways of organizing support for this initiative, while recognizing that this humanitarian crisis makes the fight for affordable, quality social housing and action toward a Green New Deal that much more urgent.
Join us for a Tax Amazon committee meeting to get updates on the campaign, and exchange creative ways we can build our Green New Homes: Tax Amazon to Get It Done campaign and build DSA and the socialist movement.
We will be meeting by google hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/calendar/Y25hdGFsZUBnbWFpbC5jb20.c4o38p1hcpj68bb16gojib9k6oqm6b9p6sq3eb9p6gp38c1lcdj66o9j6c

Chapter Convention RESCHEDULED to 3/29
2020-03-22 13:30 - 16:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA

Covid19 Action Meeting (Zoom Call)
2020-03-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
These meetings will be primarily focused on actions we can take in the immediate term. We will start by pressuring our local electeds.
We will discuss

People’s progress from prior meetings.
Our demands (TODO: link these)
Different tactics we can use to pressure elected officials, including

US Congress
Governor, State Senator and State Reps
King County Council
City Council, Mayor

We will then agree on a short message that we, as DSA members, can send out to our elected representatives (most likely just Governor and State Reps), and send this out before the meeting ends.
Finally, we will plan some actions for people to take after the meeting, and try to hold each other accountable from week to week.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/706194694?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 706 194 694
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,706194694# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,706194694# US (San Jose)

Ecosocialist Reading Group
2020-03-23 18:00 - 20:00 | On Zoom, WA, United States
Join Seattle DSA’s Ecosocialist Caucus to learn more about sustainable socialism for people and the planet. Enjoy casual, lively discussion and help to envision a better future for life on Earth. Join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/303249945
This week, let’s learn and evaluate the principles of Ecomodernism: http://www.ecomodernism.org/manifesto-english
Also, we’ll vote on the next book!

Coronavirus Crisis Response: What can Seattle DSA do? District 6 Zoom/Phone Meeting
2020-03-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 6 members for a special Zoom/phone meeting this MONDAY to discuss the broadening social, economic, and political impact of the coronavirus and what we can do as DSA in our communities and/or city to address the economic and social crisis for working people.
Mayor Durkan, under pressure from Socialist Councilmember Kshama Sawant and Councilmember Tammy Morales, recently passed a moratorium on evictions. And nope Inslee has announced a month long statewide moratorium! This is the same Mayor Durkan who raked in massive campaign contributions in 2017 from the biggest developers and landlords in the city. This points to a potential opportunity to force big business to shoulder the burden rather than working people through bold demands, it may be like pushing on an open door.
What demands can DSA make to further alleviate the burden on working people and the poor who will be forced to pay for this crisis through layoffs, lost wages, and healthcare costs? What other initiatives can DSA take to help working people self-organize relief efforts in our communities?

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/859930007
Meeting ID: 859 930 007
One tap mobile
+16699009128 (San Jose)
+13462487799. (Houston)

D2 Meeting: Covid-19 and the Crisis of Capitalism (Zoom Call)
2020-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | RSVP here (https://bit.ly/3bdpov9), WA, United States
As the COVID-19 crisis makes it plain to see, we are in a class war, and the ruling class would rather work us to the bone than take a profit cut. In what new ways are we currently exploited, and what new ways do we see to act with solidarity and fight back to reclaim our class power? And as the Bernie campaign continues, how would and wouldn’t his campaign platform address our issues and help our fight? How can we as socialists help continue the fight for our basic needs during the crisis, while pointing a way forward toward an end to the system of capitalism that enables crises like this in the first place? RSVP below to join our online discussion on Thursday, March 26th at 6PM!
RSVP here (https://bit.ly/3bdpov9) for call-in details.
If you’re in need during this time, there are various mutual aid groups active to help. Several SDSA members are active with Covid19MutualAid, which has a number of resources available here (https://tinyurl.com/ted9e3c).
Additionally, in case you find yourself with some extra spare time, the Washington Bernie campaign is looking for volunteers to do ballot chasing after ~70K ballots were denied.
Check your ballot at https://bernie2020.quickbase.com/db/bqc5vjqrx, and to sign up as an online volunteer here! (https://bit.ly/2WuyGPc).

COVID-19 & Capitalism - District 2 Online Meeting
2020-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
As the COVID-19 situation makes it plain to see, we are in a class war, and the ruling class would rather work us to actual death than take a profit cut. In what ways are we currently exploited, and what ways do we see to act with solidarity and fight back to reclaim our class power? And as the Bernie campaign continues, how would and wouldn’t his platform address our issues and help our fight? Join our online discussion on Thursday, March 26th at 6PM.
RSVP here (https://forms.gle/wKbgjUAQs2JBRfzk8) for call-in details.
If you’re in need during this time, there are various mutual aid groups active to help. Several SDSA members are active with Covid19MutualAid, links here:
Request form in English: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rOkXW6ElVT0MH9oSI-TuW8L5szCt-ULbZhWebARRZNI/viewform
Request form in Spanish: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Peh9KEnZ0EFF7j4mV8opmG345hpo5s49DnsBJbVAiBY/viewform
Volunteer form in English: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16ESS-9g9S58wpEGavsGu3aj6LnhvVYNdJJd-Qp_PfUY/viewform
Volunteer form in Spanish: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MzBXABqWfHFQNwGcczVBb8r41OLBgojYO706PzlAAPs/viewform

Online: District 4 Reading Group
2020-03-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Join us in reading two articles on the same theme: “The Left Needs a Statewide Strategy” by Eric Blanc and Puya Gerami in Jacobin, and “The Left needs a united front in every state” by Anthony Thigpenn and Joh Liss in Organizing Upgrade. Come ready with your own thoughts on how the Left can gain power in the coming years.
See local_district_4 channel in Slack or email 3eshaw@gmail.com for zoom details.
This event is open to DSA members from other districts and anyone curious about DSA.

Organizing Relief Efforts in Our Neighborhoods & DSA response to Trump/Dem Party COVID19 Economic Relief?
2020-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 members for a Zoom/phone ACTION meeting this THURSDAY to discuss what we can do in our neighborhoods and city to organize relief efforts in our communities and if there are any CAMPAIGNS or actions we can take to defend working people’s jobs or tenets ORGANIZING rent strikes.
We also plan to discuss, what should DSA’s response be to Trump and the Democratic Party’s COVID19 economic relief packages? What should socialists put forward?
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/995386944
Meeting ID: 995 386 944
One tap mobile
+1346-248-7799 (Houston)
+1669-900-9128 (San Jose)

Green New Deal and Ecosocialism CANCELLED
2020-03-29 13:00 | Beacon Hill Branch – Seattle Public Library, 2821 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98144, United States
See you in 2 weeks!
We envision a fair and effective Green New Deal to halt climate change and win environmental justice. In the short term, Seattle DSA’s Green New Deal Committee is developing a campaign to win Free Transit county-wide. Join us and the Ecosocialism Caucus, which offers a reading group every other Monday evening.
Questions? Ask GreenNewDeal@seattledsa.org.

2020 Seattle DSA Chapter Convention (adapted)
2020-03-29 13:30 - 15:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
2020 Seattle DSA Convention

** NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the convention and LC election will be held online. Bylaws and resolutions will be postponed. **
All members of Seattle DSA both active and inactive are encouraged to attend this partial 2020 annual convention, adjusted for the coronavirus. Among other things, we will have a Q/A with the candidates for the the 13-member local council for 2020. In order for the results to be binding a minimum quorom of 10% of members is required.
The bylaws amendments and resolutions portion of the 2020 Convention have been postponed to the next in-person membership meeting.
2020 Local Council Elections
The Local Council is our thirteen-member, democratically elected leadership body of Seattle DSA. Positions are elected annually, so all thirteen positions are up for election on March 29nd. According to our bylaws, “The Local Council shall carry out actions which advance the principles, policies, strategies, and campaigns enumerated by the Membership in General Meetings. The Local Council shall manage the day-to-day affairs of the Local between General Meetings.”

Meeting Information

Non-members permitted but ineligible to vote.
Questions? E-mail info@seattledsa.org

Covid19 Action Meeting (ZoomCall)
2020-03-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
These meetings will be primarily focused on actions we can take in the immediate term. We will start by pressuring our local electeds.
We will discuss progress from prior meetings, as well as different tactics we can take.
We will then agree on a short message that we, as DSA members, can send out to our elected representatives (most likely just Governor and State Reps), and send this out before the meeting ends.
Finally, we will plan some actions for people to take after the meeting, and try to hold each other accountable from week to week.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/706194694?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 706 194 694
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,706194694# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,706194694# US (San Jose)

Join Got Green to PhoneZap City Council for a Rent Freeze
2020-03-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
TODAY, the Seattle City Council will be voting on a resolution to call on Governor Inslee to institute a state-wide rent freeze during the Covid-19 crisis. The POC led group Got Green has asked people to call their councilmembers and ask them to vote in favor of this resolution. We are calling on Seattle DSA members to join Got Green’s Efforts. Read more about Got Green’s call to action here

Demand a Moratorium on Rent! District 3 Phonebank!
2020-03-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 members in phonebanking other SDSA D3 members to reach out and connect during these trying times and to sign a letter petition to demand WA Gov.Inslee and the Seattle City Council place a moratorium on rent. With Gov. Inslee announcing a moratorium on evictions, which is positive, we need to go further and push for a moratorium on rent!
We’ll have a zoom call to prepare and get everyone on the auto-dialer system.
https://zoom.us/j/644322681
Meeting ID: 644 322 681
One tap mobile
+16699009128 (San Jose)
+13462487799 (Houston)

Demand a Moratorium on Rent! District 5 Phonebank!
2020-03-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 5 members in phonebanking other SDSA D5 members to reach out and connect during these trying times and to sign a letter petition to demand WA Gov.Inslee and the Seattle City Council place a moratorium on rent. With Gov. Inslee having announced a moratorium on evictions, which is positive, we need to go further and push for a moratorium on rent.
We’ll have a zoom call to prepare and get everyone on the auto-dialer system.
https://zoom.us/j/644322681
Meeting ID: 644 322 681
One tap mobile
+16699009128 (San Jose)
+13462487799 (Houston)

Help create a Seattle Socialist Podcast (Zoom Call)
2020-03-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
As Seattle DSA continues to grow (especially as class consciousness shoots through the roof in the coronavirus era), we need more ways to reach our members. A couple of your comrades are planning to create a podcast that covers all things SDSA. Please join us to discuss everything from what topics we should cover to what the podcast should be named.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/333811406?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 333 811 406
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,333811406# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,333811406# US (San Jose)

Tenant Organizing Collective (El Grupo para Organizar su Edificio) - Online Meeting
2020-04-01 17:30 - 19:00, 2020-04-08 17:30 - 19:00, 2020-04-15 17:30 - 19:00, 2020-04-22 17:30 - 19:00, 2020-04-29 17:30 - 19:00, 2020-05-06 17:30 - 19:00, 2020-05-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Does your building management take too long to make repairs? Are you concerned that your lease could be illegal? Does your landlord charge you too much rent? You’re not alone.
The Tenant Organizing Collective is a group of Seattle area residents, including experienced housing rights activists, who meet every week to teach each other concrete, effective organizing skills to build power at home. This collective is open to everyone who wants to improve the lives of their families and communities by organizing for economic justice.
Email housing@seattledsa.org to contact the event organizers.
Zoom Call Info available upon signing up here.

Seattle DSA Political Education Working Group Monthly Meeting
2020-04-01 18:30 - 19:30, 2020-05-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Cafe Solstice (Capitol Hill), 925 E Thomas St, Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
Monthly meeting of the SDSA Political Education Working Group. If you’re interested in working on member political education efforts, come on by! Look for us at the reserved table in the back or upstairs.

COVid19 Organizing In Our Neighborhoods For a Rent Moratorium & DSA response to Trump/Dem Party Economic Relief? District 5 Mtg
2020-04-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 5 members for a Zoom/phone ACTION meeting this WEDNESDAY to discuss what we can do in our neighborhoods and city to organize relief efforts in our communities and if there are any CAMPAIGNS or actions we can take to defend working people’s jobs or tenets ORGANIZING rent strikes.
We also plan to discuss, what should DSA’s response be to Trump and the Democratic Party’s COVID19 economic relief packages? What should socialists put forward? Should socialists support bailing out corporations?
https://zoom.us/j/147016351
Meeting ID: 147 016 351
One tap mobile
+16699009128 (San Jose)
+13462487799 (Houston)

Suspend the Rent! COVID19 Organizing in District 3 & Nationalize Amazon, Boeing, Delta and other bailed-out big biz? Next D3 ZOOM Mtg
2020-04-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 members for a Zoom/phone meeting this THURSDAY to discuss the excellent petition/letter campaign by several DSA members that demands Gov. Inslee decree a rent suspension and how we can build that pressure campaign in District 3.
As well as discuss the demand of taking into public democratic ownership corporations like American Airlines, Boeing, Comcast and other corporations that get bailed out in the $2.2 trillion economic rescue bill.
What does it mean, “take into public democratic ownership” or “nationalize” corporations? Why would we need to do that, couldn’t we just pass stringent regulations instead, similar to what Bernie calls for? Who can fight and win against the power of the corporations?

https://zoom.us/j/631822283
Meeting ID: 631 822 283
One tap mobile
+16699009128 (San Jose)
+13462487799 (Houston)

Member Engagement Team Meeting
2020-04-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Monthly meeting of the Member Engagement Team: we work on welcoming new and prospective DSA members, and connecting them to organizing projects in the chapter. This month we will be discussing how to continue work during the Covid19 crisis!

How do we change society? The Communist Manifesto: District 5
2020-04-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
While we are on lockdown for the foreseeable future we can take advantage of this time at home to catch up on some reading and to join a riveting discussion group!
Join District 5 members this SATURDAY 4/4 at 10:30am over ZOOM to discuss THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO, Chapter 1. This is a foundational reading for socialists to understand the capitalist system, the scientific socialist theory of change, the class division in the capitalist system, the source for our political, economic, and social exploitation, and why the working class is the only force that can end all classes.
It’s a short, powerful, engaging read! Fun fact – it’s the most read book in the history of the world, second to only the Bible! If you can’t read all of it (or any of it!), please come anyway! You can still participate in the discussion,.
Communist Manifesto Chapter 1:
https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/ch01.htm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/681510744
Meeting ID: 681 510 744
One tap mobile
+13462487799 (Houston)
+16699009128 (San Jose)

April Jacobin Reading Group Video Chat
2020-04-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
We’ll be doing another video chat version of SDSA’s Jacobin Reading Group this month. The readings are:
Was Keynes a Socialist?
Gary Mongiovi
p. 131
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1N4WWDlwx3PTyycy_ta6C6tBMhypUSbaB
Medicare for All is the One in a Million Shot We Have to Make Happen
Natalie Shure
https://jacobinmag.com/2020/02/medicare-for-all-is-the-one-in-a-million-shot-we-have-to-make-happen
Video chat link: https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/calendar/Y25hdGFsZUBnbWFpbC5jb20.06ni5kimj3he6horspcvli1n7l?authuser=0

Online New Member Orientation
2020-04-05 12:30 - 14:00 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Come to learn about what Democratic Socialism is all about, what we can learn about capitalism and socialism from the current pandemic, and how YOU can get involved with Seattle DSA’s efforts to engage in mutual aid and building power for a socialist future in which people come before profits. While it’s called a
“New Member Orientation,” you don’t need to be an official member to attend; “DSA curious” folks are welcome!
Link to join this meeting: https://zoom.us/j/525610042
Phone number to call into meeting: 1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 525 610 042
Password: [REDACTED]
If you have not used Zoom before, it’s very easy — here’s a one minute video which explains how to join a Zoom meeting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIkCmbvAHQQ

COVid19 Organizing In Our Neighborhoods in District 6 & Socialist Response to Trumps/Dems Economic Rescue Bills? District 6 Mtg
2020-04-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 6 members for a Zoom/phone ACTION meeting this SUNDAY to discuss what we can do in our neighborhoods and city to organize relief efforts in our communities and if there are any CAMPAIGNS or actions we can take to defend working people’s jobs or tenets ORGANIZINGrent strikes.
We also plan to discuss, what should DSA’s response be to Trump and the Democratic Party’s COVID19 economic relief packages? What should socialists put forward? Should socialists support bailing out corporations?
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/857864059
Meeting ID: 857 864 059
One tap mobile
+16699009128 (San Jose)
+13462487799 (Houston)

Covid-19 Action Meeting 3 (Virtual)
2020-04-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
These meetings will be primarily focused on actions we can take in the immediate term. We will start by pressuring state electeds.
We will discuss progress from prior meetings, as well as different tactics we can take. This will include pressuring electeds, tenant organizing, and mutual aid.
Finally, we will plan some actions for people to take after the meeting, and try to hold each other accountable from week to week.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/706194694?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 706 194 694
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,706194694# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,706194694# US (San Jose)

Socialist Night School - Online!
2020-04-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Socialist Night School is an open course that provides a chance to develop our politics together, regardless of background knowledge or whether you’ve attended a class before. New members and lifelong socialists, all are welcome! To sign up for our mailing list or to find out more, e-mail us at SeaNightSchool@gmail.com
We’re making the transition to online political education! Our first Socialist Night School Zoom call will be next Monday, April 6th @ 7PM! We hope to be able to do online sessions of Socialist Night School every 2-3 weeks, and we plan for each session to be about an hour and a half.
The theme for this session is solidarity. We’ll discuss the Oakland Teachers Strike and Bread for Ed (a mutual aid effort to support educators and students during the strike), and some of the current labor actions occurring in response to the pandemic. If questions you’d like to ask come to mind while you’re doing the readings or thinking about the topic, keep those in mind and we’ll work them into the discussion.
If you would like the Zoom call info, e-mail SeaNightSchool@gmail.com
Readings:

Why Oakland’s Striking Teachers Won by Eric Blanc
Go On Strike for Your Health & Safety, by Ryan Bruckenthal
Walkouts Spread as Workers Seek Coronavirus Protections, by Dan DiMaggio & Saurav Sarkar

Optional Readings:

Chicago Teachers Won Public Support for Their Strike. Here’s How. by Jeff Shuhrke
‘Solidarity Schools’ Feed Students, Support Educators by Cirrus Wood

SDSA Mutual Aid Phonebank
2020-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
In this time of unprecedented crisis it’s especially important that we stand in solidarity with each other. So we’re going to check in with members, see how they’re doing, and make sure that they know about the mutual aid fund and how to request funds.
We’ll start with a Zoom meeting and we’ll discuss the mutual aid fund and do some training on how to phonebank before starting the calls.

To join the call, go to https://chat.seattledsa.org/Membercheckinphonebank

D3 COVID-19 Action Phone-Bank For Rent Suspension
2020-04-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join your D3 comrades in phonebanking SDSA D3 members to reach out and connect during these trying times and to talk about the campaign and petition demanding Governor Inslee and other officials to decree a rent suspension/forgiveness.
We’ll also be plugging our weekly D3 meetings (Thursday nights at 7). Now more than ever, it’s critical that we stay engaged and grow our movement. The only solution to the pandemic is mass solidarity!
We’ll have a Zoom call to prepare and get everyone on the auto-dialer the chapter uses to make calls.
Zoom Meeting Info:
https://zoom.us/j/839618203?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 839 618 203
Password: [REDACTED]
+16699009128 (San Jose)
+13462487799 (Houston)

POSTPONED: A 2nd Great Depression? Worse? & Suspend the Rent! COVID19 D3 Organizing Next District 3 mtg
2020-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 members to discuss…
COVID19 has unleashed a global economic and social catastrophe, the devastating impact of which will be disproportionately borne by working people. This comes on the backs of four decades of neoliberalism which meted out savage cuts to working people’s living standards to the point that 12% of the US population is in poverty (a family of 4 making $24,000 a year), 40 million are without healthcare coverage, and 40% of workers couldn’t absorb an unexpected bill of $400.
As COVID19 tightens its grip on society, global stock markets have collapsed by 30%. Unemployment is soaring, 10 million in the last 2 weeks, and threatens to crest double digits, as high as 20% according to Goldman Sachs. This will disproportionately impact women and people of color who make up the majority of low wage, no benefits jobs, and who are least likely to have paid sick leave. We don’t know what the full impact will be but what we do know is, like the last crisis, this will come down to who pays for the crisis, working people or big business.
How did we get here? Are we headed towards a second Great Depression? We know that capitalism is to blame, but how exactly? What is capitalism? How are profits made? Who are the ruling class? And the working class? What’s the role of the state in all this? And how would socialism be any different?
We’ll also be discussing next steps in the Suspend the Rent! Campaign to pressure Gov. Inslee to decree and rent suspension/forgiveness.
https://zoom.us/j/238193960
Meeting ID: 238 193 960
+16699009128 (San Jose)

SDSA Public Forum: Bernie Ends His Campaign - Where Do We Go From Here?
2020-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | https://zoom.us/j/344675151, WA, United States
Join Seattle DSA to review all that we achieved through Bernie’s campaign and discuss how we can capture the energy we built over the last months to continue building our power and building towards a democratic socialist future. We’ll review the strengths of Bernie’s campaign, chiefly realigning the entire U.S. political balance of forces — no small feat! — and coalescing a new generation of socialist-minded activists. We’ll also assess where we are still weak and what it will take to overcome these weaknesses.
We’ll hear from organizers of Democratic Socialists for Bernie; members of Bernie Sanders’ campaign team; activists organizing to take steps towards launching a Democratic Socialist Party; and members organizing for change in their unions, workplaces, and communities. There will be ample time for discussion and for attendees to share their ideas.
This meeting is open to the public.
https://zoom.us/j/344675151
Meeting ID: 344 675 151
One tap mobile: +16699009128,,344675151# US (San Jose)

Suspend the Rent! Phone Zap
2020-04-10 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
We need to suspend rents now! The covid-19 situation becomes both a housing crisis and a health crisis. Join us in phone zapping the Governor’s phonelines until he takes action on our demands.
What do we mean by phone zap? We will be calling in to the Governor’s office in shifts. If we get through to somebody, we will tell them our demands: suspend rents, cancel late fees, and use vacant property to house people experiencing homelessness. If we don’t get through, we keep calling. We will do this in shifts throughout the day on Friday, April 10th.
This makes it different from the typical advocacy, in that it will put pressure on the Governor, and force him to acknowledge our demands.
We invite you to join Seattle DSA, Tacoma DSA, Spokane DSA, and SnoCo DSA, and sign up for a shift making calls on FRIDAY, APRIL 10th. Training and a sample script will be provided.

Bernie dropped out - what now? & Next Steps For COVID19 Organizing in District 5
2020-04-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 5 members to discuss the sad news of Bernie dropping out, what we think and feel about it, potential lessons we can draw from the campaign and how we can continue the political revolution against the billionaire class. We’ll also be discussing how we can organize in our neighborhoods in District 5 for COVID 19 relief.
https://zoom.us/j/492446735
Meeting ID: 492 446 735
+16699009128 (San Jose)

How do we change society? The Communist Manifesto Ch.2 & 3: District 5
2020-04-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 5 members this SATURDAY 4/11 at 10:30am over ZOOM to discuss THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO, Chapter 2-3. This is a foundational reading for socialists to understand the capitalist system, the scientific socialist theory of change, the class division in the capitalist system, the source for our political, economic, and social exploitation, and why the working class is the only force that can end all classes.
It’s a short, powerful, engaging read! Fun fact – it’s the most read book in the history of the world, second to only the Bible! If you can’t read all of it (or any of it!), please come anyway! You can still participate in the discussion,.
Communist Manifesto Chapter 2-3:
https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/ch02.htm
https://zoom.us/j/336713531
Meeting ID: 336 713 531
+16699009128 (San Jose)

SDSA Local Council Meeting
2020-04-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
The Local Council is the leadership body of Seattle DSA elected every year at our annual convention.
This meeting is open only to Seattle DSA members in good standing.
For location information and agenda, e-mail info@seattledsa.org

Bernie dropped out - what now? & COVID19 Relief Neighborhood Organizing in District 1
2020-04-11 16:00 - 17:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 1 members to discuss the sad news of Bernie dropping out, what we think and feel about it, potential lessons we can draw from the campaign and how we can continue the political revolution against the billionaire class. We’ll also be discussing how we can organize in our neighborhoods in District 1 for COVID 19 relief and how we want to organize the DSA District 1 group.
https://zoom.us/j/335048692
Meeting ID: 335 048 692
+16699009128 (San Jose)

Special District 3: Bernie dropped out - what now?
2020-04-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 members for a special District 3 meeting to grapple with the sad news of Bernie dropping out, what we think and feel about it, potential lessons we can draw from the campaign and how we can continue the political revolution against the billionaire class.
https://zoom.us/j/618188882
Meeting ID: 618 188 882
+16699009128 (San Jose)

Green New Deal and Ecosocialism Virtual Meeting
2020-04-12 13:00 - 15:00 | On Zoom, WA, United States
We envision a fair and effective Green New Deal to halt climate change and win environmental justice. In the short term, Seattle DSA’s Green New Deal Committee is developing a campaign to win Free Transit county-wide. Join us and the Ecosocialism Caucus, which offers a reading group every other Monday evening.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/341647403?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 341 647 403
Password: On slack or email GreenNewDeal@seattledsa.org for password
One tap mobile
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+13462487799,,341647403# US (Houston)
Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 341 647 403
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ac9ifhGUUB
Questions? Ask GreenNewDeal@seattledsa.org.

Bernie dropped out - what now? Next District 6 meeting
2020-04-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 6 members to discuss the sad news of Bernie dropping out, what we think and feel about it, potential lessons we can draw from the campaign and how we can continue the political revolution against the billionaire class. We’ll also be discussing how we can organize in our neighborhoods in District 6 for COVID 19 relief.
https://zoom.us/j/571335718
Meeting ID: 571 335 718
+16699009128 (San Jose)

Covid-19 Action Meeting 4 (Virtual)
2020-04-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States

Rosa Luxemburg Reading Group
2020-04-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join the brand new Seattle DSA District 2 reading group on the biography of Rosa Luxemberg by Paul Frölich. Rosa Luxemburg was an inspirational revolutionary leader, socialist theoretician, and tireless fighter for the working class right up until the moment when she was tragically murdered during the German Revolution.
While Lenin and the Russian socialists faced brutal oppression which left little room for reformist hopes, in Germany the situation was far different. The Social-Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) included labor unionists, social democrats, democratic socialists, revolutionaries of all stripes, and many who hoped that socialism could be achieved through a peaceful and democratic path.
The situation was made immeasurably more complex by the collapse of the 2nd International at the onset of the first World War, as well as the Russian Revolution which followed shortly. In this confusing situation, the clarity of thought and the fighting spirit of Rosa Luxemberg were completely unmatched. She expanded Marxist theory with important works on imperialism and economics and fought ceaselessly for social revolution. Ultimately, she was betrayed and murdered on orders from reformist leaders of the SPD during the failed German Revolution.
Paul Frölich, the author, was a contemporary and comrade of Red Rosa. While many would have settled for a simple hagiography, his work takes a serious look at Rosa Luxemberg’s politics and the thinking behind it. In a time where the socialist left is once again at a crossroads between the dual pull of reformist and revolutionary tendencies, Frölich’s work raises essential questions on the nature of capitalism and the road to socialist transformation.
In her famous work Reform or Revolution, Rosa Luxemburg concluded that “Between social reforms and revolution there exists for an inseparable connection. The struggle for reforms is its means; the social revolution, its aim.” This group is hosted by Seattle DSA District 2. All socialists in any place are welcome to join.
First Meeting:
Monday, 4/13/2020
5:00 to 6:30 PST
Reading: Chapter 1 and 2 required, Introduction and Preface optional but strongly recommended
Video and voice chat at: https://chat.seattledsa.org/LuxemburgStudy
Future Meetings:
Weekly meetings on Mondays, although day of week and time are adjustable based on what works for comrades interested.
Reading expectation is 30 to 60 pages per week based on participants
Want to help organize the meetings? We are happy to share the work of planning, promoting, chairing, writing and giving the five to ten minute introduction, or coming up with discussion questions. We will help and offer feedback for any comrade who wants to share the load.

General Membership Meeting: How do we organize under COVID-19?
2020-04-14 19:00 - 21:00 | https://zoom.us/j/369540336, WA, United States
Join Seattle DSA for our April General Membership Meeting where we’ll be joined by guest DSA member Eric Blanc, author of Red State Revolt and Bernie Sanders surrogate. Eric will share about how workers are organizing in this moment of crisis, including the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee, a joint project of DSA and the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America. We’ll also hear from other DSA members organizing in their workplaces, buildings, and communities, with space to discuss the role Seattle DSA can play to build working class power during this crisis.
If you are looking for ways to get involved in Seattle DSA’s COVID-19 response, including workplace organizing, tenant organizing, fighting for a rent moratorium, Tax Amazon, and mutual aid – join us Tuesday to learn more!
Please see the full agenda here: http://bit.ly/SDSA-Agenda
The meeting will take place via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/369540336
Meeting ID: 369 540 336
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,369540336# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,369540336# US (San Jose)

Queer and Feminist Reading Group: October Song
2020-04-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual: Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/932925026 or call (669) 900-6833, meeting ID: 932 925 026#
Join us as we read Chapter 5 of Paul LeBlanc’s account of the Russian Revolution, October Song. What lessons can the Russian Revolution give to us today? What actually happened before and after the working class took power? How do conditions in society dictate our strategies and tactics? How would we, in a modern context, wrest power from the ruling class?
This week, we’ll be discussing Chapter 5 (“Global Context”) and the importance of internationalism for socialist revolutionaries. What was the global context that the fledgling Soviet Republic, immediately after the revolution, had to grapple with? What working class struggles were going on elsewhere in the world? What were the Communist Internationals?
All are welcome to join for lively discussion and comradely community. This reading group meets every two weeks. If you haven’t been to one of our previous discussions, that’s OK! We’d love to have you. Email sdsaqueerandfeminist@gmail.com to get a copy of the reading.
We’ll meet over Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/932925026 or call (669) 900-6833, meeting ID: 932 925 026#

Suspend the Rent! District 3 Membership Outreach Phonebank
2020-04-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join your D3 comrades in phonebanking SDSA D3 members to reach out and connect during these trying times and to talk about the campaign and petition demanding Governor Inslee and other officials to decree a rent suspension/forgiveness.
We’ll also be plugging our weekly D3 meetings (Thursday nights at 7). Now more than ever, it’s critical that we stay engaged and grow our movement. The only solution to the pandemic is mass solidarity!
We’ll have a Zoom call to prepare and get everyone on the auto-dialer the chapter uses to make calls.
https://zoom.us/j/97298909362
Meeting ID: 972 9890 9362
+16699009128 (San Jose)

District 4 Reading Group: Discuss how the socialist movement can build power through coalition building, organizing and building dual power structures.
2020-04-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join us in reading two articles on the types of strategies socialists should employ to gain power in society. The first is the DSA strategy document https://www.dsausa.org/strategy/resistance_rising_socialist_strategy_in_the_age_of_political_revolution/. The second is “Where does power come from?” by Amelia Davenport in cosmonaut https://cosmonaut.blog/2018/09/03/where-does-power-come-from/. It discusses building institutions independent of the state at length.
See local_district_4 channel in Slack or email 3eshaw@gmail.com for zoom details.
This event is open to DSA members from other districts and anyone curious about DSA.

Should DSA endorse Biden? & Are we heading for a 2nd Great Depression? (and Suspend the Rent! COVID19 Organizing) Next District 3 Mtg
2020-04-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
As COVID19 tightens its grip on society, global stock markets have collapsed by 30%. Unemployment is soaring, 16 million in the last 3 weeks, and threatens to crest double digits, as high as 20% according to Goldman Sachs.
We don’t know what the full impact will be but what we do know is, like the last crisis, this will come down to who pays for the crisis, working people or big business.
Should DSA endorse Biden? Are we headed towards a second Great Depression? How did we get here? We know that capitalism is to blame, but how exactly? How are profits made? Who are the ruling class? And the working class? What’s the role of the state in all this? And how would socialism be any different?
We’ll also be discussing next steps in the Suspend the Rent! Campaign to pressure Gov. Inslee to decree and rent suspension/forgiveness.
https://zoom.us/j/238193960
Meeting ID: 238 193 960
+16699009128 (San Jose)

Mask Making Project meeting
2020-04-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Please come if you are interested in getting involved with the work to provide masks for workers whose employers don’t provide them with personal protective equipment. No one should have to risk dying to make a living! Zoom link to attend: https://zoom.us/j/628243862
If you aren’t interested in being involved in the work of planning / coordinating on this project but want to find a simple way to contribute to this project (donating / cutting fabric / sewing masks / pick up + drop off of materials to fabric cutters + sewers / ideas for workers that may need these masks) please check out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/wEvencokrGAWtta68

COVID19 D5 Organizing Tactics & Are we heading for a 2nd Great Depression? Who Should Pay for the Crisis? Next District 5 Meeting
2020-04-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 5 this Saturday at 3:00pm for a covid-19 organizing strategy session followed by a discussion about who should pay for this crisis.
During the COVID-19 strategy session we want to discuss what we can do to apply pressure to elected officials / employers now. What tactics should we take as a group to pressure elected officials, as well as tenant organizing, and mutual aid? People can no longer congregate publicly, how does that affect our ability to build a socialist movement?
Our strategy session will be followed by a discussion regarding the capitalist classes response to COVID-19.
Are we headed towards a second Great Depression? How did we get here? We know that capitalism is to blame, but how exactly? How are profits made? Who are the 1%? And the working class? How would socialism be any different?
Meeting Zoom Info:
https://zoom.us/j/91936661437
Meeting ID: 919 3666 1437
+16699009128 (San Jose)

Suspend the Rent! District 1 Membership Outreach Phonebank
2020-04-18 16:00 - 17:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Seattle DSA helped score a win! SDSA helped pressure Inslee through phone zaps and a petition/letter campaign to extend the eviction moratorium by 7 weeks, a ban on late fees, and a freeze on rent increases! Let’s keep up the pressure for a rent suspension/forgiveness!
Join D1 members in phonebanking SDSA members in District 1 to reach out and connect during these trying times and to talk about the win and continuing the campaign to demand Governor Inslee and other officials decree a rent suspension/forgiveness.
We’ll also be plugging our weekly D1 meetings (Saturdays at 4pm). Now more than ever, it’s critical that we stay engaged and grow our movement. The only solution to the pandemic is mass solidarity!
We’ll have a call to prepare and get everyone on the auto-dialer the chapter uses to make calls.
https://chat.seattledsa.org/D1Meeting

State and Revolution: District 5 Discussion Group
2020-04-19 12:00 - 13:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
What is the state? What is the role of the state in capitalist society? What is the role of political parties? Can we reform our way to socialism through the state? If we agree the current state must be replaced, what should replace it and how do we replace it? Do socialists support violent revolution?
Join District 5 members for a dynamic discussion group on the foundational reading “State and Revolution” by Lenin this coming SUNDAY at NOON. We’ll be reading and discussing the Chapters 1-2.
Bring your thoughts, ideas, and questions! Even if you don’t have time to read all of it (or any of it!), come anyway!
State and Revolution: https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/
https://zoom.us/j/93915471250
Meeting ID: 939 1547 1250
+16699009128 (San Jose)

Domestic Violence, Household Work, and Essential Work: Why COVID-19 is a Socialist Feminist Issue Next District 6 mtg
2020-04-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
COVID 19 has universally affected our neighbors and communities. Even relatively well-off workers are suddenly coping with working from home and childcare, while the most vulnerable now find themselves competing for ever scarcer resources. While we are all feeling the effects of this crisis, some workers are disproportionately affected.

Frontline and essential workers, who are more likely to be women and people of color (working class jobs — healthcare, sanitation, grocery stores, etc)

People who were already unemployed, self-employed, working domestically under the table- will not be getting unemployment- and undocumented workers will not be getting a stimulous check.

Homeless resources stretched past breaking point- shelters closing up to half of their bed space, soup kitchens and food banks over-taxed: all issues linked to intersectionality/DV/poverty

Join us to discuss how COVID-19 has further exposed the injustices of Capitalism and the Socialist demands that we can build towards in DSA
https://zoom.us/j/96185383614

Meeting ID: 961 8538 3614
+16699009128 (San Jose)

Covid-19 Action Meeting 5
2020-04-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States

Suspend the Rent! PhoneZap 2
2020-04-20 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
We need to suspend rents now! The covid-19 situation becomes both a housing crisis and a health crisis. Join us in phone zapping the Governor’s phonelines until he takes action on our demands.
What do we mean by phone zap? We will be calling in to the Governor’s office in shifts. If we get through to somebody, we will tell them our demands: suspend rents, increase tenant protections, and use vacant property to house people experiencing homelessness. If we don’t get through, we keep calling. We will do this in shifts throughout the day on Monday, April 20th, and, if our demands aren’t met, Friday, April 24th.
This makes it different from the typical advocacy, in that it will put pressure on the Governor, and force him to acknowledge our demands.
We invite you to join Seattle DSA, Tacoma DSA, Spokane DSA, and SnoCo DSA, Whatcom DSA, Olympia DSA and many working people in making these calls. Training and a sample script will be provided.

Rosa Luxemburg Biography Reading Group
2020-04-20 17:00 - 18:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join the Seattle DSA District 2 reading group on the biography of Rosa Luxemberg by Paul Frölich. Rosa Luxemburg was an inspirational revolutionary leader, socialist theoretician, and tireless fighter for the working class right up until the moment when she was tragically murdered during the German Revolution.
While Lenin and the Russian socialists faced brutal oppression which left little room for reformist hopes, in Germany the situation was far different. The Social-Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) included labor unionists, social democrats, democratic socialists, revolutionaries of all stripes, and many who hoped that socialism could be achieved through a peaceful and democratic path.
The situation was made immeasurably more complex by the collapse of the 2nd International at the onset of the first World War, as well as the Russian Revolution which followed shortly. In this confusing situation, the clarity of thought and the fighting spirit of Rosa Luxemberg were completely unmatched. She expanded Marxist theory with important works on imperialism and economics and fought ceaselessly for social revolution. Ultimately, she was betrayed and murdered on orders from reformist leaders of the SPD during the failed German Revolution.
Paul Frölich, the author, was a contemporary and comrade of Red Rosa. While many would have settled for a simple hagiography, his work takes a serious look at Rosa Luxemberg’s politics and the thinking behind it. In a time where the socialist left is once again at a crossroads between the dual pull of reformist and revolutionary tendencies, Frölich’s work raises essential questions on the nature of capitalism and the road to socialist transformation.
In her famous work Reform or Revolution, Rosa Luxemburg concluded that “Between social reforms and revolution there exists for an inseparable connection. The struggle for reforms is its means; the social revolution, its aim.” This group is hosted by Seattle DSA District 2. All socialists in any place are welcome to join.
Reading: Chapter 3 required
Meet time: 5:00 to 6:30 PST
https://zoom.us/j/94759328597
Meeting ID: 947 5932 8597
Agenda
5:30 – 5:40 Introductions and current events
5:40 – 5:50 Summary of the reading by our volunteers
5:50 – 6:50 Main discussion
6:50 – 7:00 Planning the next meeting

Questions? email the organizer at robertclambertz@gmail.com

SDSA Community Forum with Councilmember Tammy Morales: Fighting for Housing Rights and Workers' Rights During Covid-19
2020-04-21 17:00 - 19:00 | https://zoom.us/j/92591379196, WA, United States
Fighting for Housing Rights and Workers’ Rights During Covid-19: A District 2 Virtual Community Forum with Councilmember Tammy Morales hosted by Seattle DSA
The COVID-19 pandemic has our community on edge. Renters and homeowners are struggling to get by and frontline workers are facing impossible decisions between job security and personal safety. Join Seattle DSA and Councilmember Tammy Morales for a Zoom forum about how our community can respond to this crisis to make sure South Seattle residents and workers have what we need.
We’ll hear from Councilmember Morales and Seattle DSA, who are calling on Governor Jay Inslee for a rent and mortgage moratorium during the crisis. We’ll also hear from Violet Lavatai, Executive Director of the Tenants Union of Washington State, PCC workers demanding safe conditions, and other community members organizing for action. Please join us!

COVID19 Crisis: What is a Socialist Feminist View and Response? Next District 3
2020-04-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Politicians like to say that we are all in this together, that this crisis hits rich and poor alike, and while we know this virus will strike any and all, we also know that working people will face the brunt of the crisis and will be forced to pay for it long after its gone. We also know that within the working class, women and people of color are and will continue to be disproportionately impacted. From being on the frontlines as essential workers, to the main caregiver to the family, to experiencing spikes in domestic violence – women, and in particular women of color, are impacted by the crisis in a uniquely terrible way.
Join District 3 members to discuss, how and why are women disproportionately impacted by the economic and social catastrophe of coronavirus? Why are women oppressed under capitalism? What does this tell us about capitalism? How would socialism be different? What socialist feminist demands for COVID19 relief could DSA make?
We’ll also discuss COVID19 Organizing in District 3, Suspend the Rent! Campaign, and District 3 tenant organizing.
https://zoom.us/j/97427558223
Meeting ID: 974 2755 8223
+16699009128 (San Jose)
**For security purposes we have set a password for the zoom call. You can get the password in the SDSA’s District 3 slack channel or if you aren’t on slack you can text 402-915-1242 for the password. Please include your name so we can verify membership – thanks!

District 4 Meeting: How can we support our neighbors in this public health crisis?
2020-04-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Join us for our monthly District 4 meet-up. We’ll discuss upcoming DSA events and ongoing campaigns. We’ll also talk about how we can support our neighbors through our current public health crisis.
See local_district_4 channel in Slack or email d4sdsa@gmail.com for zoom details.
This event is open to DSA members from other districts – or anyone curious about DSA.
District 4 typically hosts these meet-ups on the third Thursday of every month (although this one is on the fourth Thursday)
District 4 is roughly U District, Eastlake, Fremont, Wallingford, Roosevelt, Ravenna, Bryant, Laurelhurst, Sand Point, View Ridge, and Wedgwood.

District 4 Virtual Meet-Up
2020-04-23 18:30 - 20:30 | https://washington.zoom.us/j/91708325322
Join us for our monthly District 4 meet-up. We’ll discuss upcoming DSA events and ongoing campaigns. We’ll also talk about how we can support our neighbors through our current public health crisis.
See local_district_4 channel in Slack or email elisabeth.elin@gmail.com for zoom meeting details.
District 4 hosts these meet-ups on the third Thursday of every month. This event is open to DSA members from other districts and anyone curious about DSA.
(District 4 is roughly U District, Eastlake, Fremont, Wallingford (South), Roosevelt, Ravenna, Bryant, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Sand Point, View Ridge, and Wedgwood.)

Amazon Sick Out livestream! Justice for workers and climate
2020-04-24 09:00 - 17:00 | Online, Seattle, WA, United States
Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ) sent a meeting invitation to fellow employees internally on April 10 to hear from warehouse workers about conditions in warehouses during COVID-19 and about the intersections between the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis from author and climate justice advocate Naomi Klein.
Hours after the invitation was sent, Amazon fired Emily Cunningham and Maren Costa, two leaders with Amazon Employees for Climate Justice who had over 20 years of tenure at Amazon between them.
Demand Amazon stop firing workers for speaking up about their work conditions; make temporary workplace improvements permanent; and make commitments to climate justice in their business dealings. Learn how to support the Amazon workers’ effort here.

May 1st (International Workers Day): International Perspectives in COVID19 Next District 5 Mtg
2020-04-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 5 members to discuss…
May 1st – International Workers Day – presents us the opportunity to discuss the impact of COVID19 on the liberal capitalist world order, immigration, prospects for struggle, how the global economic and social catastrophe unleashed by the coronavirus will disproportionately impact developing and poor countries, and how we can rebuild the global economy on the basis of an international Green New Deal.
We’ll also discuss ongoing COVID19 organizing efforts in District 5, as well as other DSA campaigns that could be taken up in D5.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89643613212
Meeting ID: 896 4361 3212
+16699009128 (San Jose)
**For security purposes we have set a password for the zoom call. You can get the password in the SDSA’s District 5 slack channel or if you aren’t on slack you can text 402-915-1242 for the password. Please include your name so we can verify membership – thanks!

Online New Member Orientation
2020-04-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Come to learn about what Democratic Socialism is all about, what we can learn about capitalism and socialism from the current pandemic, and how YOU can get involved with Seattle DSA’s efforts to engage in mutual aid and building power for a socialist future in which people come before profits. While it’s called a “New Member Orientation,” you don’t need to be an official member to attend; “DSA curious” folks are welcome!
If you’re interested in joining, please RSVP here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/sdsa-online-new-member-orientation

State and Revolution: District 5 Discussion Group
2020-04-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
What is the state? What is the role of the state in capitalist society? What is the role of political parties? Can we reform our way to socialism through the state? If we agree the current state must be replaced, what should replace it and how do we replace it? Do socialists support violent revolution?
Join District 5 members for a dynamic discussion group on the foundational reading “State and Revolution” by Lenin this coming SUNDAY at NOON. We’ll be reading and discussing Chapters 3-4.
Bring your thoughts, ideas, and questions! Even if you don’t have time to read all of it (or any of it!), come anyway!
State and Revolution: https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/
https://zoom.us/j/95586038160
Meeting ID: 955 8603 8160
+16699009128
**For security purposes we have set a password for the zoom call. You can get the password in the SDSA’s District 5 slack channel or if you aren’t on slack you can text 402-915-1242 for the password. Please include your name so we can verify membership – thanks!

Green New Deal and Ecosocialism Meeting NOTE TIME CHANGE!
2020-04-26 14:30 - 16:00 | Capitol Hill Branch Library, 425 Harvard Ave E, Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
We pursue a fair and effective Green New Deal to halt climate change and win environmental justice. We explore ecosocialist theory, and are developing a campaign for fare-free transit. Email GreenNewDeal@seattledsa.org for password (or see slack) and join us via zoom info below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89248900517?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 892 4890 0517
Dial in:
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
Meeting ID: 892 4890 0517
Questions? Ask GreenNewDeal@seattledsa.org.

Lesser Evilism: How to Engage with Socialism during Biden v. Trump 2020 District 6 Mtg
2020-04-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join DSA District 6 members in discussing…
DSA voted Bernie or Bust! What does that mean for us now? How can we continue to raise expectations towards a socialist democracy when we are confronted with the logic of lesser Evilism? What position should DSA take toward democrats and liberals who rightly want to be free of Trump? Is there a difference between Trump and Biden? If so, what does that mean for the socialist movement moving forward? We are looking forward to hearing your questions and discussing these complicated issues on Sunday!
https://zoom.us/j/97715312237
Meeting ID: 977 1531 2237

One tap mobile +16699009128 (san jose)
**For security purposes we have set a password for the zoom call. You can get the password in the SDSA’s District 6 slack channel on Sunday or if you aren’t on slack you can text 402-915-1242 for the password. Please include your name so we can verify membership – thanks!

Rosa Luxemburg Biography Reading Group
2020-04-27 17:30 - 19:00, 2020-05-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join the Seattle DSA District 2 reading group on the biography of Rosa Luxemberg by Paul Frölich. Rosa Luxemburg was an inspirational revolutionary leader, socialist theoretician, and tireless fighter for the working class right up until the moment when she was tragically murdered during the German Revolution.
While Lenin and the Russian socialists faced brutal oppression which left little room for reformist hopes, in Germany the situation was far different. The Social-Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) included labor unionists, social democrats, democratic socialists, revolutionaries of all stripes, and many who hoped that socialism could be achieved through a peaceful and democratic path.
The situation was made immeasurably more complex by the collapse of the 2nd International at the onset of the first World War, as well as the Russian Revolution which followed shortly. In this confusing situation, the clarity of thought and the fighting spirit of Rosa Luxemberg were completely unmatched. She expanded Marxist theory with important works on imperialism and economics and fought ceaselessly for social revolution. Ultimately, she was betrayed and murdered on orders from reformist leaders of the SPD during the failed German Revolution.
Paul Frölich, the author, was a contemporary and comrade of Red Rosa. While many would have settled for a simple hagiography, his work takes a serious look at Rosa Luxemberg’s politics and the thinking behind it. In a time where the socialist left is once again at a crossroads between the dual pull of reformist and revolutionary tendencies, Frölich’s work raises essential questions on the nature of capitalism and the road to socialist transformation.
In her famous work Reform or Revolution, Rosa Luxemburg concluded that “Between social reforms and revolution there exists for an inseparable connection. The struggle for reforms is its means; the social revolution, its aim.” This group is hosted by Seattle DSA District 2. All socialists in any place are welcome to join.
Reading: Chapter 6 required
Meet time: 5:30 to 7:00 PST
https://zoom.us/j/94759328597
Meeting ID: 947 5932 8597
Agenda
5:30 – 5:40 Introductions and current events
5:40 – 5:50 Summary of the reading by our volunteers
5:50 – 6:50 Main discussion
6:50 – 7:00 Planning the next meeting

Questions? email the organizer at robertclambertz@gmail.com

Teamster Rebellion: District 3 Reading Discussion Group
2020-04-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 members to discuss…
“Teamster Rebellion” is the dynamic story of one of the most important strikes in modern labor history, from one of the main organizers. The Teamsters strike in Minneapolis in 1934 was an all out war between the workers and the entire ruling class, their corporate media, armed thugs, and the police. The National Guard was even mobilized! And the union drive and strike was led by socialists! And the workers won! Their victory set the standard for militancy, rank and file democracy, and how socialists can effectively engage in the labor movement, and more! And the gains they won inspired other enormous gains for working people through struggle and, not for nothing, the contract they won set the standard for the next 70 years! This struggle is rich with lessons for us now as we enter a period that will be inflamed with the potential to build the socialist movement!
Here is the link to a PDF of the book: https://b-ok.cc/book/2226373/5d5e69
https://zoom.us/j/92961976501
Meeting ID: 929 6197 6501
+16699009128 (San Jose)
**For security purposes we have set a password for the zoom call. You can get the password in the SDSA’s District 3 slack channel or if you aren’t on slack you can text 402-915-1242 for the password. Please include your name so we can verify membership – thanks!

Renters Rising! From Tax Amazon, Rent Strikes to D3 Tenant Organizing Next District 3 mtg
2020-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 meeting to discuss….
“People are making a choice between rent and food, and that’s not a choice they should have to make,”
Across Seattle and beyond, working people are facing this grim choice as they are being forced to bear the brunt of the economic calamity unleashed by the Covid-19 response. Meanwhile, landlords are raising rents, politicians are enriching themselves through insider trading, and big corporations are benefitting from the bailout package. A critical question the economic crisis poses is: who is going to pay for this crisis, working people or big business?
Join District 3 members to discuss these campaigns and how we can build a movement to win concrete victories on rent and other badly needed reforms. We’ll also be continuing our discussion on organizing in District 3 and how we do that.
** Please check the District 3 SDSA slack channel for Zoom info. Or text 402-915-1242. Thanks!**
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87425149299

Member Engagement Team Monthly Meeting
2020-05-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Monthly meeting of the Member Engagement Team: we work on welcoming new and prospective DSA members, and connecting them to organizing projects in the chapter.

Jacobin Reading Group: Bigger Than Bernie
2020-05-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join us for a special Jacobin Reading Group in which we discuss what it will take to advance the American socialist movement beyond the Bernie Sanders campaign.
The discussion will be framed around three chapters of Meagan Day and Micah Uetricht’s book, Bigger Than Bernie.
Please read the following chapters prior to the event:

Chapter 4, The Dirty Break. The Democratic Party is a barrier for socialist organizing, but there are unique structural impediments to starting a mass workers’ party in the United States. How should this be navigated by the socialist movement?
Chapter 5, Engines of Solidarity. Which reforms are worth fighting for?
Chapter 6, Rank-and-File Revolution. How should socialists approach labor organizing?

This will be a video chat event available at the following url: https://hangouts.google.com/call/X9AZyRVFFM5BZrc6kXXeAEEE?no_rd

Book link (please purchase if you have the ability, though): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RlOc3T5-jfc6qiqs-h02SFgbKkXg2L3e

District 2 informal Zoom get-together
2020-05-03 11:00 - 13:00 | 14963
Some Seattle DSA members in district 2 have been holding weekly informal calls on Zoom since the lock-down, in lieu of tabling and other on-the-ground organizing we had been doing before COVID-19.
We would like to invite all SDSA D2 members to join these calls and participate in ongoing discussions about our changing political landscape and how DSA can have an impact in South Seattle.
Sundays 11 AM – 1 PM
https://zoom.us/j/94759328597
Meeting ID: 947 5932 8597
For more info, contact Aram at active@aramfalsafi.com

State and Revolution: District 5 Discussion Group
2020-05-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
What is the state? What is the role of the state in capitalist society? What is the role of political parties? Can we reform our way to socialism through the state? If we agree the current state must be replaced, what should replace it and how do we replace it? Do socialists support violent revolution?
Join District 5 members for a dynamic discussion group on the foundational reading “State and Revolution” by Lenin this coming SUNDAY at NOON. We’ll be reading and discussing the Chapters 5-6.
Bring your thoughts, ideas, and questions! Even if you don’t have time to read all of it (or any of it!), come anyway!
State and Revolution: https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/
**For zoom info please check the SDSA District 5 Slack channel or text 402-915-1242.

Covid19 Action Meeting
2020-05-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
In these action meetings, we will discuss our current pressure pressure campaign to suspend rent.
We will discuss the results of the prior phonezap, as well as an exciting new action against a large landlord.
Finally, we will plan out future actions for the campaign and determine action items.
Zoom Info: Check Slack!

Socialist Night School - Disaster Capitalism
2020-05-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Online, Seattle, WA, United States
Socialist Night School is an open course that provides a chance to develop our politics together, regardless of background knowledge or whether you’ve attended a class before. New members and lifelong socialists, all are welcome! To sign up for our mailing list or to find out more, e-mail us at SeaNightSchool@gmail.com

—> RSVP here! <—

The next Socialist Night School will meet on Monday, May 4th at 7PM. We’ll be discussing disaster capitalism. We’ve seen it in action before, and we’re watching it happen again. Things are starting to feel a bit like a bad remake of 2008, now with special guest: global pandemic. For this session we’ll explore some of how we got here, and try to figure out how it might be possible to break free of this pattern.
There were some great questions that people asked during April’s session, so definitely share your questions during the discussion on Monday. As you’re doing the readings, think of questions you’d like to ask the group! 🙂

Readings:
Naomi Klein, The Rise of Disaster Capitalism
Thomas J. Adams, How the Ruling Class Remade New Orleans
Mike Davis, The Coronavirus Crisis is a Monster Fueled by Capitalism

Video:
Naomi Klein, Coronavirus Capitalism – And How to Beat It

—> RSVP here! <—

May General Membership Meeting - We Can't Go Back to "Normal": Rebuilding Society with a Green New Deal
2020-05-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Online, Seattle, WA, United States
Join Seattle DSA for our May General Membership Meeting! We will discuss how to build towards a Green New Deal in the face of the dual crises of COVID-19 and capitalism.
Politicians and corporations push to re-open businesses and lift shelter-in-place orders, claiming that we can “get back to normal.” Yet we know that we cannot go back, that “normal” is a deadly and exploitative capitalist system. So what can we fight for to preserve and expand our wins during this time, like fare-free transit and renter and worker protections? What is a socialist vision of how to transform society out of this crisis toward a sustainable and just future?
We’ll hear from climate change activists and organizers about our current political moment, the contradictions of capitalism that it reveals, and what it will take to transform society in this moment, from policy change to public ownership of major corporations. We’ll share opportunities to get involved in the fight for COVID-19 relief, Green New Homes, and a Green New Deal to rebuild society.
The meeting will take place via Zoom. If you are not yet a DSA member, please register HERE to access the link!

District 4 Reading Group: should DSA work towards forming a socialist party?
2020-05-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Online (Zoom Call), WA
Join District 4 SDSA to discuss forming a Democratic Socialist Party. Recently, a petition was made to push the national political committee of the DSA to hold conferences to discuss this issue and to start working towards building such a party. Why/how should we work towards building a party? What can we learn from the most successful US labor party in history? These sorts of questions are probably already being discussed in chapters around the country and there may be national conferences in the near future. Join in the conversation!
Recommended readings:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/04/23/after-bernie-its-time-to-start-talking-about-a-democratic-socialist-party/ (10 min read time).
https://www.jacobinmag.com/2017/12/democratic-party-minnesota-farmer-labor-floyd-olson (20 min read time).
See local_district_4 channel in Slack or email d4sdsa@gmail.com for zoom details.
This event is open to DSA members from other districts and anyone curious about DSA.

Teamster Rebellion: District 3 Reading Discussion Group
2020-05-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join District 3 members to discus Chapters 4-7 of Teamster Rebellion.
“Teamster Rebellion” is the dynamic story of one of the most important strikes in modern labor history, from one of the main organizers. The Teamsters strike in Minneapolis in 1934 was an all out war between the workers and the entire ruling class, their corporate media, armed thugs, and the police. The National Guard was even mobilized! And the union drive and strike was led by socialists! And the workers won! Their victory set the standard for militancy, rank and file democracy, and how socialists can effectively engage in the labor movement, and more! And the gains they won inspired other enormous gains for working people through struggle and, not for nothing, the contract they won set the standard for the next 70 years! This struggle is rich with lessons for us now as we enter a period that will be inflamed with the potential to build the socialist movement!
Here is the link to a PDF of the book: https://b-ok.cc/book/2226373/5d5e69
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87257288446

Renters Rising! From Tax Amazon to Rent Suspension Next District 5 Mtg
2020-05-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
“People are making a choice between rent and food, and that’s not a choice they should have to make,”
Across Seattle and beyond, working people are facing this grim choice as they are being forced to bear the brunt of the economic calamity unleashed by the Covid-19 response. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos’ wealth increased by $15 billion in April, landlords are raising rents, politicians are enriching themselves through insider trading, and big corporations are benefitting from the bailout package. A critical question the economic crisis poses is: who is going to pay for this crisis, working people or big business?
Right now Seattle DSA, under the banner Green New Homes, is actively involved in the Tax Amazon coalition and movement and is currently preparing to ramp up petition signature gathering to get Tax Amazon on the ballot in November.
Just yesterday the majority of the Seattle City Council, led by Counncilmembers Herbold, Mosqueda, and Gonzalez essentiallY killed the Tax Amazon legislation by Sawant and Morales that would have taxed Amazon and other big corporations to help struggling working people pay rent and other vital life expenses.
So it’s critical we do our part to get the 30,000 signatures needed to get Tax Amazon on the ballot.
Join District 5 members to discuss this development in the Tax Amazon campaign and how we can help build the movement needed to win.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81047149675
Meeting ID: 810 4714 9675
+12532158782 (Tacoma)

Tax Amazon for Green New Homes Committee Emergency Meeting
2020-05-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Since January, the Tax Amazon coalition has been fighting for Seattle to pass a tax on the 800 richest corporations to provide immediate financial aid to the 100,000 Seattleites most in need and to fund the construction of union-built green housing and home retrofitting. On Thursday though, three Democrat Seattle City Councilmembers shelved the bill the Tax Amazon coalition has been fighting for. The Council’s decision is a wake-up call that we need to ramp up pressure on them by preparing to take this matter directly to the voters — and we need all SDSA members’ help to go all out to collect the required signatures by July 1st.
Join the Seattle DSA Tax Amazon/Green New Homes Committee Saturday, May 9, to discuss what these recent events mean for our movement and strategize together how we move forward. Winning a big business tax for green housing is not only vital for Seattle’s working class, but is an important step toward winning a Green New Deal. This is how we build our power, get organized, and raise expectations!
We’ve sent out the ballot petition to all of our Seattle DSA members. On Saturday, after discussing this week’s events, we will text and phone bank our members to make sure they received the ballot petition and ask them to sign on and share with their family and friends. Please read Seattle DSA’s press statement, which we just sent to the media, for more details and join us on Saturday!
Come to our emergency committee meeting to:

Discuss the City Council’s hypocritical shelving of the Tax Amazon legislation and strategize how we build our pressure and take matters directly to the voters.
Prepare for upcoming events, like the action conference on May 16.
Text and phone bank Seattle DSA members to make sure they send in their ballot petition and share it with family and friends.
Discuss other creative ideas for collecting signatures and building this campaign

Zoom link can be found on the Tax Amazon channel on Seattle DSA slack if you are a member, or by registering here.

Queer and Feminist Labor Happy Hour: The Pawtucket Mill Strike of 1824
2020-05-09 17:00 - 18:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Looking for community and inspiration during COVID-19? Join the Queer & Feminist caucus for our Zoom happy hours and discussions on labor history. We want to explore the rich history of women and queer folks in the US labor movement together!
RSVP here and we’ll send you the link!
This week we’ll learn about the Pawtucket Mill Strike in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It was the first textile strike in the US, and was primarily organized by women. We’ll learn from and about our comrades who fought for us, drawing lessons for the organizing opportunities that present themselves in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.
Optional reading here!
Each week we’ll discuss a different historical event, through the eyes of those on the ground (when material is available). Don’t worry, readings will be short, interesting, and optional — or sometimes in the form of movies or music! We’ll follow the labor movement in chronological order, because we think this gives us a fuller view of the changing conditions in US society. Feel free to pop-in for one or another, but we encourage you to come as much as you can, and create this (for now, virtual) community with us.

CANCELLED: SDSA District 2 - Weekly Call
2020-05-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Until further notice, the D2 weekly call is being replaced by a table at the Monday evening Columbia City demonstration in support of black lives. Check out Monday’s calendar listings for details.

Green New Deal and Ecosocialism Meeting
2020-05-10 15:30 - 17:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join us to pursue a fair and effective Green New Deal to halt climate change and win environmental justice. We explore ecosocialist theory, organize with climate groups, and are developing a campaign for fare-free transit.
Zoom info below. Email GreenNewDeal@seattledsa.org for password or see Green New Deal channel in slack.
Time: May 10, 2020 03:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84547330004?pwd=[REDACTED]
Dial in +1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 845 4733 0004

Covid19 Action Meeting
2020-05-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
In these action meetings, we will discuss our current pressure pressure campaign to suspend rent.
We will discuss the results of the prior phonezap, as well as an exciting new action against a large landlord.
Finally, we will plan out future actions for the campaign and determine action items.
Zoom Info: Check Slack! Or sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeznozu1DVJFVJsuluGOuRjcLJQkYxDmbF9dllEh0F-Jn16eA/viewform

Rosa Luxemburg Biography Reading Group
2020-05-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Join the Seattle DSA District 2 reading group on the biography of Rosa Luxemberg by Paul Frölich. Rosa Luxemburg was an inspirational revolutionary leader, socialist theoretician, and tireless fighter for the working class right up until the moment when she was tragically murdered during the German Revolution.
While Lenin and the Russian socialists faced brutal oppression which left little room for reformist hopes, in Germany the situation was far different. The Social-Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) included labor unionists, social democrats, democratic socialists, revolutionaries of all stripes, and many who hoped that socialism could be achieved through a peaceful and democratic path.
The situation was made immeasurably more complex by the collapse of the 2nd International at the onset of the first World War, as well as the Russian Revolution which followed shortly. In this confusing situation, the clarity of thought and the fighting spirit of Rosa Luxemberg were completely unmatched. She expanded Marxist theory with important works on imperialism and economics and fought ceaselessly for social revolution. Ultimately, she was betrayed and murdered on orders from reformist leaders of the SPD during the failed German Revolution.
Paul Frölich, the author, was a contemporary and comrade of Red Rosa. While many would have settled for a simple hagiography, his work takes a serious look at Rosa Luxemberg’s politics and the thinking behind it. In a time where the socialist left is once again at a crossroads between the dual pull of reformist and revolutionary tendencies, Frölich’s work raises essential questions on the nature of capitalism and the road to socialist transformation.
In her famous work Reform or Revolution, Rosa Luxemburg concluded that “Between social reforms and revolution there exists for an inseparable connection. The struggle for reforms is its means; the social revolution, its aim.” This group is hosted by Seattle DSA District 2. All socialists in any place are welcome to join.
For this week we are taking a reading detour away from the Frölich reading to dive a little deeper into the question of party organization. We are reading the chapter from Paul Le Blanc’s 2019 biography of Rosa Luxemburg, “Living Flame”. The chapter is linked here: https://web.tresorit.com/l#rQZrVSsberGhUO7kA1fvQQ
Meet time: 5:30 to 7:00 PST
Zoom Info: https://zoom.us/j/94759328597
Meeting ID: 947 5932 8597
Agenda
5:30 – 5:35 Introductions and current events
5:35 – 5:45 Summary of the reading by our volunteers
5:50 – 6:50 Main discussion
6:50 – 7:00 Planning the next meeting

Questions? email the organizer at robertclambertz@gmail.com

Tax Amazon/Green New Homes Phone Bank
2020-05-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Since January, the Tax Amazon coalition has been fighting for Seattle to pass a tax on the 800 richest corporations to provide immediate financial aid to the 100,000 Seattleites most in need and to fund the construction of union-built green housing and home retrofitting. On Thursday though, three Democrat Seattle City Councilmembers shelved the bill the Tax Amazon coalition has been fighting for. The Council’s decision is a wake-up call that we need to ramp up pressure on them by preparing to take this matter directly to the voters — and we need all SDSA members’ help to go all out to collect the required signatures by July 1st.
On Saturday we met to discuss what these recent events mean for our movement and strategize together how we move forward. On Tuesday, May 12 we’ll be phone banking our members about the ballot petition we sent out to them. We’ll make sure they received the ballot petition and ask them to sign on and share with their family and friends.
Zoom link can be found on the Tax Amazon channel on Seattle DSA slack if you are a member. If you’re not on SDSA Slack, you can register here to get the zoom link.

SDSA Online New Member Orientation
2020-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Eightball Cafe in Everett, 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, WA, United States
Come to learn about what Democratic Socialism is all about, what we can learn about capitalism and socialism from the current pandemic, and how YOU can get involved with Seattle DSA’s efforts to engage in mutual aid and building power for a socialist future in which people come before profits. You don’t need to be an official member to attend – “DSA curious” folks are welcome!
RSVP here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/online-new-member-orientation

Queer and Feminist Reading Group: October Song
2020-05-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom link will be posted shortly, WA, United States
Join us as we read Paul LeBlanc’s account of the Russian Revolution, October Song. What lessons can the Russian Revolution give to us today? What actually happened before and after the working class took power? How do conditions in society dictate our strategies and tactics? How would we, in a modern context, wrest power from the ruling class?
This week, we’ll be discussing Chapter 7, Majority of the People, about the debate between a populist and Marxist revolutionary view of how the movement towards socialism could be accomplished, particularly in pre-Revolutionary Russia and beyond. Would a revolution occur based on the peasantry or the working class?
All are welcome to join for lively discussion and comradely community. This reading group meets every two weeks. If you haven’t been to one of our previous discussions, that’s OK! We’d love to have you. Email sdsaqueerandfeminist@gmail.com to get a copy of the reading.
