Twin Cities
Democratic Socialists of America
Little Red Letter #125
2024 Compression Week of Action (and more!), St. Paul Ceasefire Resolution, and Uncommitted Makes Waves
2024 Compression Week of Action (and more!)
Last weekend started the 2024 Compression Week of Action, and it has indeed been jam packed with action, contracts, and working people flexing their muscles. Some highlights have been:
- The largest nursing home strike in Minnesota history, against unlivable and unsustainable pay and working conditions, while the employers prioritize profit margins and expansion.
- Non-union construction workers connected with CTUL marched on the developer Solheim Companies to demand an independent monitoring program over wage theft on their projects.
- A community solidarity action of 700 workers shut down the departure level at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport for an hour, and resulted in 15 people being arrested at MSP. Coinciding with a strike by janitors at the airport, people rallied in support of other airport service workers blocked from striking by federal law, as they bargain to improve their health care benefits, currently unaffordable and inaccessible for many of the workers.
- Over 4,000 other janitors went on a three day strike at over 100 buildings across the metro, rallying in front of Ameriprise Financial on Monday and picketing there and at several other buildings in downtown Minneapolis, including IDS Center, Hennepin County Government Center and the Minneapolis Public Service Building. Yesterday it was announced a tentative deal was reached, which if adopted by members would provide immediate raises to $20/hr and create an employer funded retirement plan, among other things.
We’ve also seen numerous other tentative agreements reached in the run up to and during this week, including St. Paul Educators with SPFE 28, security guards with SEIU 26, transit workers with ATU 1005, and Minneapolis public works employees with LIUNA 363. Still bargaining, and still in need of our active support, are nursing home workers, airport service workers and some 4,500 Minneapolis educators. MFT/ESP 59 are currently in mediation and have not yet taken a strike vote.
And while not part of the week of action, other big things to happen this week include passage of a rideshare driver’s minimum compensation ordinance, which would establish compensation floors per minute and per mile for drivers. This is a reintroduction of the ordinance that Mayor Frey vetoed last year, following the lead of Gov. Walz in bowing to pressure from rideshare companies. As expected, Frey once again vetoed the measure, but while last year it passed with a 7-5 majority, this year it passed 9-4, capable of overriding the mayor if all votes stay the same. In a strange move, Frey has called a special meeting March 14th at 1pm for the council to consider overriding his veto.
A St Paul Ceasefire Resolution, and Uncommitted Makes Waves
This past Wednesday, the St. Paul City Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to unconditional U.S. aid to Israel, the release of the thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and facilitation of the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. While a positive change, overall the language of the resolution does not reach the same clarity as the Minneapolis ceasefire resolution. This lack of clarity was mirrored in the process, with this council vote happening without much advance awareness of organizers, and coming after weeks of resistance to passing the resolution, with Council President Jalali ending the Feb. 28th council meeting abruptly when Council Member Yang attempted to introduce a different version. Community pressure did not relent however, and will not relent as organizers continue the fight in all avenues for justice.
On March 5th, “Super Tuesday”, Minnesotans showed up in the tens of thousands to Vote Uncommitted in the presidential primary elections. Through phone-banking, text-banking, flyering, and relational organizing, members of our local Twin Cities chapter and DSA national joined in the effort, which garnered 19% of the vote in the Democratic Party primary with 45,000 votes. All of this was to send a message to Biden’s administration: Stop the genocide in Gaza, now. As socialists, we know voting won’t save us, but we also understand it’s a lever of power we can effectively wield alongside a broader movement to gain concessions from the ruling class. In less than two weeks, the Vote Uncommitted Minnesota campaign reached thousands across the state, and put national attention on Minnesotans’ efforts to liberate Palestine. This is only one piece of that struggle, and the work doesn’t end here. Join in our ongoing efforts by connecting with the TCDSA Palestine Solidarity working group (Slack #palestine-solidarity).
From Austin B, announcing the revival of our official Union Working Groups, which will be the organs we use to build socialist power inside the labor movement.
Argentina Ignites the Fire of Rebellion Against the Far Right
From Carlos B, on the current state of affairs in Argentina after the working class forced newly-elected president Javier Milei’s to drop a key pillar of his proposed austerity program.
From Brooke B, a look at Twin Cities DSA’s involvement in the Vote Uncommitted campaign and where our our Palestine solidarity work goes from here.
For Social Movements – Here’s How To Win
From Kip H, thoughts on the tactics and dynamics in the campaign for a ceasefire resolution in St. Paul, and lessons for efforts down the line.
- ABCs of Capitalism (Labor Branch Hybrid Reading Group) – 1600 University Ave W
- Thursday, 3/14, 5:30p – 7:30p – RSVP Here
Thursday, 3/21, 5:30p – 7:30p – RSVP Here
Thursday, 3/28, 5:30p – 7:30p – RSVP Here
Political organizing is hard — political education shouldn’t have to be. These 3 pamphlets, written by Vivek Chibber, focus on “Understanding Capitalism,” “Capitalism and the State,” and “Capitalism and the Class Struggle.” We’ll be meeting three Thursdays in March (the 14th, 21st, and 28th) in person and hybrid.
- Thursday, 3/14, 5:30p – 7:30p – RSVP Here
- Movie Night: Israelism – 1600 University Ave W
- Friday, 3/15, 7:00p – 9:00p – RSVP Here
This is a showing of the documentary Israelism. “ISRAELISM uniquely explores how Jewish attitudes towards Israel are changing dramatically, with massive consequences for the region and for Judaism itself.”
- Friday, 3/15, 7:00p – 9:00p – RSVP Here
- TCDSA 101 – 1600 University Ave W
- Saturday, 3/16, 10:00a – 12:00p – RSVP Here
Join us for an introduction to Twin Cities DSA! Designed mainly for new members but any member might benefit. This event will acquaint you with the ideas behind socialism, the structure, culture, and history of Twin Cities DSA, its position in the national and local left ecosystem, and help you discern where you might find the most rewarding opportunities to get involved.Join YDSA-ers across the metro area for a fun social so we can all get to know each other better
- Saturday, 3/16, 10:00a – 12:00p – RSVP Here
- Cross-YDSA Social – 1600 University Ave W
- Friday, 3/22, 5:00p – 7:30p – RSVP Here
Join YDSA-ers across the metro area for a fun social so we can all get to know each other better
- Friday, 3/22, 5:00p – 7:30p – RSVP Here
- Secrets of a Successful Organizer Training Hybrid Training – 1600 University Ave W
- Saturday, 3/23, 11:00a – 2:00p – RSVP Here
Secrets of a Successful Organizer is based on a training program developed by Labor Notes and will be led by experienced organizers from the TCDSA Labor Branch. No organizing experience necessary. Come as you are to get a kick start to organizing your workplace or building your union into the fighting, democratic organization the working class needs!
- Saturday, 3/23, 11:00a – 2:00p – RSVP Here
- Twin Cities DSA Budget, Finance, and Fundraising
- As many of you have heard about, we have an office! As you may also have heard about, DSA is in a budget crunch. Both of these factors make it all the more important that our chapter is on top of our finances, proactive with our fundraising, and prepared for transition, as our chapter treasurer is in their last term in office. If you want help ensure our chapter’s financial stability as we continue our development, if you want to learn about and help manage our budget, if you want to help take our fundraising to the next level, consider joining the B.F.F. Committee. Reach out to Tim H on slack directly or email tcdsatreasurer@gmail.com.
- Tech Ops Committee – Monday, 3/11, 7:00p – 8:00p – Zoom Registration
- The Tech Ops Committee meets on the 2nd Monday of the month.
To see the latest agenda: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zfAdnONBZmlCrWIG2-07kLdxRAnHZjfO
- The Tech Ops Committee meets on the 2nd Monday of the month.
- Environmental Justice Group (f/k/a East Phillips Urban Farm Group) – Monday, 3/11, 7:00p – 8:30p – Zoom Registration
- The Environmental Justice group meets every other week on Monday at 7p. Right now we are focusing most on shutting down the HERC, supporting Camp Nenookaasi Ikwe in East Phillips, and are also helping with the Reimagining of I-94 and shutting down major polluters in East Phillips such as Smith Foundry. Join us to discuss how best to support the residents and realize this environmental and economic justice vision.
This group’s meetings are on Zoom, and occasionally in person.
- The Environmental Justice group meets every other week on Monday at 7p. Right now we are focusing most on shutting down the HERC, supporting Camp Nenookaasi Ikwe in East Phillips, and are also helping with the Reimagining of I-94 and shutting down major polluters in East Phillips such as Smith Foundry. Join us to discuss how best to support the residents and realize this environmental and economic justice vision.
- Political Education Committee – Tuesday, 3/12, 6:30p – 8:00p – Zoom Registration
- All members are welcome to join the Political Education Committee or to attend any of our meetings to discuss the continuation of programming like TCDSA 101, debate nights, and Solidarity School, and lifting up Poli Ed for new, curious, and established TCDSA members. This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. For more information, check out the #politicaleducation Slack channel. Not on Slack? Submit tcdsa.org/slack to verify you’re on the member list.
- Bodily Autonomy Campaign Meeting – Tuesday, 3/12, 7:00p – 8:00p – Zoom Registration
- At this meeting we’ll be taking a deeper dive into each of our building blocks for our chapter’s work in reproductive justice and trans liberation: coalition partnership, regional DSA outreach, and planning actions in March.
Please come to this meeting if you are interested in contributing or just learning more about what we’re working on!
- At this meeting we’ll be taking a deeper dive into each of our building blocks for our chapter’s work in reproductive justice and trans liberation: coalition partnership, regional DSA outreach, and planning actions in March.
- Internal Organizing Committee – Wednesday, 3/13, 6:30p – 8:00p – Zoom Registration
- All are welcome to join our monthly meetings of the TCDSA Internal Organizing Committee (IOC).
This committee works to create the spaces, structures, and resources to initiate and sustain members’ active and healthy participation in chapter work. Through internal organizing, we strive to grow our capacity by developing confident and skilled organizers and leaders who are empowered to turn their resources into collective power to make socialist change. Join the #internal-organizing channel on Slack for more info.
- All are welcome to join our monthly meetings of the TCDSA Internal Organizing Committee (IOC).
- Pickup Basketball
- Saturday, 3/16, 1:30p – 3:30p
Saturday, 3/23, 1:30p – 3:30p
We’ve found a place to play basketball indoors during the winter! Super informal, please come out if you’re interested in playing and meeting other comrades. All skill levels welcome, we’re a very casual group!
For location details and to spot check that we’re on for the session each week, as some weeks we might have overlapping events that would motivate us to cancel, check out the #socialists-play-sports-basketball channel on Slack.
- Saturday, 3/16, 1:30p – 3:30p
- Steering Committee Meeting – Sunday, 3/17, 2:30p – 4:00p
- Steering Committee Meetings are held at our Spruce Tree office (1600 University Ave St Paul) and hybrid on Zoom
Check #steeringcommittee for the zoom link and agenda. If you are a member and need access to slack, sign up at tcdsa.org/slack
Log on early for a “Leadership Operations Skill-Share” where a leader in TCDSA does a skill-share about skill that is important for chapter operations. These skill-shares will be from 2:10-2:30pm before the SC meeting begins
- Steering Committee Meetings are held at our Spruce Tree office (1600 University Ave St Paul) and hybrid on Zoom
- Minneapolis Rent Control Working Group – Tuesday, 3/19, 6:00p – 7:00p – Zoom Registration
- Join the Minneapolis Rent Control Working Group as we fight for strong rent control in our city! Meetings on Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month at 6pm.
- East Phillips Health Team – Tuesday, 3/19 6:00p – 7:30p
- Note, this is NOT the DSA Health Justice WG.
Goal: To improve health outcomes in East Phillips by reducing air pollution in the neighborhood. Jointly led by TCDSA, Seward Vaccine Equity Project (SVEP), and East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI).
This group meets every other Tuesday from 6:00p to 7:30p. It is on Zoom, but not always on DSA accounts. Please email eastphillips@twincitiesdsa.org for access to the Zoom link.
- Note, this is NOT the DSA Health Justice WG.
- Labor Branch Meeting – Tuesday, 3/19, 7:00p – 8:30p – Zoom Registration
- The TCDSA Labor Branch meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. For information about this meeting, see the #labor channel on Slack. Not on Slack? Submit tcdsa.org/slack to verify you’re on the member list.
- Communications Committee Meeting – Thursday, 3/7, 6:00p – 7:30p – Zoom Registration
- Communications Committee handles chapter Social Media accounts and the Little Red Letter Newsletter
- Palestine Solidarity Working Group – Thursday, 3/21, 7:00p – 8:00p – Zoom Registration
- Regular biweekly meeting of the TCDSA Palestine Solidarity Working Group. Join us as TCDSA organizes with allies in the community towards Palestinian liberation.
Check the #palestine-solidarity Slack channel for the zoom link and agenda. If you are a member and need access to slack, sign up at tcdsa.org/slack
- Regular biweekly meeting of the TCDSA Palestine Solidarity Working Group. Join us as TCDSA organizes with allies in the community towards Palestinian liberation.
- Local Elected Socialists in Office: Administrative Meeting – Thursday, 3/7, 6:00p – 7:30p – Zoom Registration
- All branches, committees, and working groups are encouraged to bring ideas for how we can collaborate with electeds.
In-person: Spruce Tree Center, 1600 University Ave W, Suite 3, St Paul, MN 55104
- All branches, committees, and working groups are encouraged to bring ideas for how we can collaborate with electeds.
Go to tcdsa.org/events to see everything!
What Minnesota’s Uncommitted vote could mean for the November elections
A 3-person team writes in Sahan Journal: Nearly 46,000 of the state’s Democratic voters marked “uncommitted” on their ballots instead of Biden, making up 19 percent of all Democrats who turned out at the polls Tuesday. The strong turnout shocked political analysts, and organizers who urged Democrats to reject the president because of his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. – From: Deb K R
Jacobin: Support for “Uncommitted” runs deep enough to threaten Biden
Organized over the space of a week and on what could at times only generously be called shoestring budgets, the hundreds of thousands of voters that antiwar activists were able to turn out for the effort across the country is a testament to the deep dissatisfaction among key parts of the Democratic base with President Biden only eight months out from the election, particularly over his handling of Israel’s war. – From: Deb K R
How is the State of Israel Like A US Aircraft Carrier?
On a speech given aboard US aircraft carrier USS George H W Bush in 2017, Benjamin Netanyahu likened Israel itself to an aircraft carrier. Alan Wagman, in Common Dreams, says he is not far off, and says that Israel’s actual status as a military colony of the US explains a lot. – From: Deb K R
‘It’s Life or Death for My Son’: 3 Queer Families Explain Why They Relocated to MN
Em Cassell of Racket : After fleeing the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ laws in their home states, these families report the Twin Cities has provided safety at school, better access to gender-affirming care, and the opportunity to live ‘loud and proud.’ – From: Deb K R
Mille Lacs Band building a large marijuana cultivation business
Sovereign nations in Minnesota are poised to become early leaders in Minnesota’s emerging marijuana market. Last month, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe passed its own marijuana marketing bill, but the tribe’s business arm, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV), has its eye on a different part of the market: cultivation. – From: Deb K R
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