Organize yourself out of a job by empowering rank-and-file members of your union to step up and lead.

The post How do I inspire leadership in my union? appeared first on EWOC.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, December 17 (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Ecosocialist Monthly Meeting (Zoom)

Wednesday, December 18 (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.): What is DSA? (In person at 1916 McAllister)

Thursday, December 19 (5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.): Education Board Open Meeting (Zoom)

Thursday, December 19 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.): Palestine Solidarity and Anti-Imperialist Working Group (Zoom)

Monday, December 23 (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Labor Board Meeting (Zoom)

Check out https://dsasf.org/events for more events and updates.

Events & Actions

DSA SF Education Board: 2025 Planning Survey

What did you come to DSA to learn about? What types of educational events do you think would help our organizing work as a chapter? Help the ed board shape our 2025 educational offerings by taking this three minute survey.

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No Appetite for Apartheid in SF!

Inspired by long-standing Palestinian boycott tactics and the BDS call, the Palestine Solidarity Anti-Imperialist Working Group are canvassing local stores and asking them to pledge to become Apartheid-Free by dropping products from companies complicit in the genocide of Palestinians and colonization of Palestine. It’s time to turn up the heat on this apartheid regime and take apartheid off our plates!

Want to show your support? Sign our Apartheid-Free Pledge so business owners know how popular this movement is with their local customers. After signing the pledge, we would love to see you at any of our upcoming canvassing. Check dsasf.org/events for updates.

Behind the Scenes

The Chapter Coordination Committee (CCC) regularly rotates duties among chapter members. This allows us to train new members in key duties that help keep the chapter running like organizing chapter meetings, keeping records updated, office cleanup, updating the DSA SF website and newsletter, etc. Members can view current CCC rotations.

To help with the day-to-day tasks that keep the chapter running, fill out the CCC help form.

Are you a progressive running for office? ROC DSA may be willing to endorse and assist you.

You do not need to identify as a socialist to apply. We are seeking candidates whose policy stances align with ROC DSA’s goals. If you have anti-capitalist sentiments and support socialist policies, such as unions, housing as a human right, and improved city schools, we may be a good fit.

We can potentially provide both a formal endorsement and mobilize our membership to assist with your campaign.

To begin the process, fill out the form to the extent you are able. We will be in contact shortly.

APPLY HERE: bit.ly/endorserocdsa

DEADLINE: January 7th

The post Apply for ROC DSA’s Electoral Campaign Endorsement first appeared on Rochester Red Star.

In an era when democratic institutions face mounting threats, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) offers something invaluable: a space where people can come together not just to resist deteriorating conditions, but to actively build a better world. This combination of practical organizing and genuine community provides essential support for personal well-being and effective political action.

Walking into your first DSA meeting can feel like finding an oasis in a desert of political despair. Here are people who not only share your concerns about the direction of society but are actively working to change it. Whether it’s your local DSA chapter’s mutual aid program, tenant organizing efforts, or labor solidarity initiatives, you’ll find concrete ways to channel your anxiety into action.

The mental health benefits of joining DSA extend far beyond political engagement. Research consistently shows that feelings of powerlessness contribute significantly to depression and anxiety – feelings that are particularly acute when witnessing the rise of antidemocratic movements. DSA membership offers a powerful antidote through collective agency. Rather than doom-scrolling through news alone, you’re working shoulder-to-shoulder with comrades on tangible projects that make a real difference in your community.

“In times like these, it’s pretty easy to feel alone. Joining DSA, attending meetings, coming to social events, all of these have helped me see that I’m not actually alone. There are people out there who value solidarity, equality, and democracy, and DSA is where they connect with each other.”
– Anonymous, member since 2024

The structure of DSA chapters combines social connection with political purpose. A typical month might include formal organizing meetings, but also movie nights, shared meals, or informal gatherings where members can relax and build genuine friendships. These social bonds strengthen the organization’s political work while providing vital emotional support. There’s something profoundly comforting about knowing that your concerns are shared by others who are willing to work alongside you for change.

The physical aspect of DSA gatherings shouldn’t be underestimated. In an age of increasing digital isolation, coming together in actual spaces to both socialize and organize creates connections that online interaction simply can’t match. Whether you’re planning a campaign, joining a reading group, or sharing a potluck dinner, the simple act of being physically present with others who share your values helps combat the alienation that makes authoritarian movements possible.

DSA’s democratic structure provides members with genuine agency in shaping both the organization and its initiatives. Unlike traditional political organizations where decisions come from the top down, DSA chapters empower members to propose and lead projects they’re passionate about. This participatory approach not only leads to more effective organizing but also helps members develop practical skills in leadership, project management, and collective decision-making.

The intergenerational nature of DSA provides unique opportunities for learning and growth. Newer members can learn from those with decades of organizing experience while bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the organization. This creates a living tradition of solidarity and collective action, where knowledge and skills are constantly shared and refined.

Working within DSA also provides an important counter to the feeling of historical inevitability that authoritarian movements try to create. When you’re actively building alternatives – whether through mutual aid networks, tenant unions, or labor organizing – you demonstrate in practice that other ways of organizing society are possible. Each successful project, no matter how small, becomes evidence that collective, democratic action works. The regular rhythm of meetings and actions helps maintain hope and purpose, while the concrete achievements of collective work provide tangible evidence that change is possible.

“I joined DSA because I was tired of feeling powerless to stop the world from getting worse. The moment when you commit to joining an organization – to doing politics together with other people rather than simply thinking the right thing – is such a powerful one. Working with comrades has given me hope and prepared me to be a better member of the society we hope to build.”
– Luke, member since 2018

DSA chapters also serve as crucial hubs of information and rapid response in times of crisis. When communities face threats – whether from hostile legislation, corporate exploitation, or direct attacks on vulnerable populations – DSA members learn to work together to properly analyze the moment, and develop tactics and strategies that drive successes, rather than simply respond in a way that is itself status quo.

For many members, DSA becomes not just a political organization but a central part of their social world. The friendships formed through shared struggle and celebration create bonds that extend beyond political work. These relationships provide emotional sustenance during difficult times while strengthening the organization’s capacity for long-term organizing.

Joining DSA offers a powerful combination of political engagement and personal connection that’s particularly vital in challenging times. By bringing people together in physical spaces to both socialize and work toward concrete political goals, DSA provides the community, agency, and purpose that people need to maintain their mental health while building effective resistance to anti-democratic movements. The path to a better world isn’t found in isolation but in coming together with others to actively create the future we want to see.

For decades now the federal government has, to a certain extent, mediated relations between the classes through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the National Mediation Board (NMB), the Department of Labor (DOL), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc. The Labor Bureaucracy has been fine with that because it kind of keeps them […]

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 11 (6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.): December General Meeting (Zoom and in person at 2948 16th St.)

Thursday, December 12 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.): Palestine Solidarity and Anti-Imperialist Working Group (Zoom and in person at 1916 McAllister)

Saturday, December 14 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.): No Appetite for Apartheid Training & Canvass (Location TBD)

Saturday, December 14 (5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): DSA SF Community Dinner (In person at 1916 McAllister)

Monday, December 16 (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Labor Board Meeting (Zoom)

Monday, December 16 (7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.): Maker Monday (In person at 1916 McAllister)

Tuesday, December 17 (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Ecosocialist Monthly Meeting (Zoom)

Wednesday, December 18 (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.): What is DSA? (Location TBD)

Check out https://dsasf.org/events for more events and updates.

Events & Actions

Support the Appeal of the SFMTA RV Ban!

The Homelessness Working Group is helping fight SFMTA’s ban on RVs parking overnight around the city, and we need your assistance! RVs are critical homes for those who would otherwise be on the street — but the city keeps punishing vulnerable people.

Speak out by filling out this form to email the Board of Supervisors, asking them to overturn the RV ban. If you can, please show up to make a public comment TODAY, December 10!

DSA SF Holiday Dinner

Join DSA SF for a holiday dinner on Saturday, December 14, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at 1916 McAllister. Come wind down with your favorite socialists before we recharge for the struggle to come in the new year. Bring friends, family and something small to share.

Maker Monday

Maker Monday is next week (December 16th) at the office at 1916 McAllister from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.! We’ll be writing notes of appreciation to our fellow comrades, reflecting on our 2024 wins, and crafting welcome packets for our new members. Masks are required and will be provided. See you there!

Pre-Order Your 2025 DSA SF Pet Calendar

New merch alert! The chapter’s 2025 pet calendar features photos of our cutest comrades. They’re $20 each and will be available for pickup at the December chapter meeting tomorrow and the office. Pre-order yours now!

No Appetite for Apartheid in SF!

Inspired by long-standing Palestinian boycott tactics and the BDS call, the Palestine Solidarity Anti-Imperialist Working Group are canvassing local stores and asking them to pledge to become Apartheid-Free by dropping products from companies complicit in the genocide of Palestinians and colonization of Palestine. It’s time to turn up the heat on this apartheid regime and take apartheid off our plates!

Want to show your support? Sign our Apartheid-Free Pledge so business owners know how popular this movement is with their local customers. After signing the pledge, we would love to see you at any of our upcoming canvassing. Check dsasf.org/events for updates.

Behind the Scenes

The Chapter Coordination Committee (CCC) regularly rotates duties among chapter members. This allows us to train new members in key duties that help keep the chapter running like organizing chapter meetings, keeping records updated, office cleanup, updating the DSA SF website and newsletter, etc. Members can view current CCC rotations.

To help with the day-to-day tasks that keep the chapter running, fill out the CCC help form.

We condemn the recent actions of South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol implementing the now-lifted martial law. We affirm our support for the people of South Korea in their resistance to authoritarianism and join them in calling for Yoon’s resignation or impeachment.

On 11pm Dec 3rd (local time), South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol decreed unconstitutional martial law on baseless claims that his political opponents are scheming against the country. 

The decree of martial law is a devastating blow to democracy that suspends all political activities, suppresses the free exercise of the press, and allows the military to arbitrarily arrest and imprison its citizens.

This is a blatant display of an undemocratic and unjustifiable exercise of power, and sets a dangerous precedent that we must never allow abroad or at home.

We affirm the South Korean people and trade unions who immediately mobilized against the martial law decree. We support their calls for the resignation or impeachment of the president.

We stand with our Seattle members who have family in South Korea that deserve to live their  lives free from arbitrary arrest and suspension of hard-earned democratic order.

The post Statement on South Korean Martial Law appeared first on Seattle Democratic Socialists of America.

A union is an organization of co-workers who join together to improve their working conditions.

The post What Is a Union? appeared first on EWOC.