The Nomination Committee will do our best to publish these statements in Spanish as well, however the translation and proofreading will take additional time, so we’ve decided to release the statements in English for now, especially with the Candidate Forum coming up on Sunday, January 21 at 2pm!

Administrative Committee Candidates

Lydia C

Climate Justice Committee Candidates

Aura V

Ed K

Electoral Committee Candidates

Collin B

Ryan T

Edgar O

Benina S

Marissa A

Housing and Homelessness Committee Candidates

Alex S

Liz D

Labor Committee Candidates

Flynn N

Juan G

Gabriel O

Preeti S

Daniel D

Natalie B

Mutual Aid Committee Candidates

Rich R

Maya B

Ivan N

Zachary F

Brian E

Political Education Committee Candidates

Max B

Willie W

Administrative Committee Candidates

Lydia C

What has been your experience with the Administrative Committee and with organizing as a whole?

I have been an active member since June, organizing around Growth and Development.

What is your vision for AdCom for 2024 and/or what are your current leadership goals?

My vision is to support the goals of this year’s Steering. I also wish to expand AdCom.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee reach its goals?

I have a background in project management and a willingness to learn.

Climate Justice Committee Candidates

Aura V

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Co-Chair (at least 1, maximum of 2 elected) // Presidente (al menos 1, máximo 2 elegidos)

What is the #1 lesson that the climate justice movement should draw from the past ~5 years? How should that inform our organizing? // ¿Cuál es la lección número uno que el movimiento por la justicia climática debería extraer de los últimos 5 años? ¿Cómo debería informar nuestra organización?

One crucial lesson that the climate justice movement can draw from the past five years is the need for intersectionality. Climate justice is deeply interconnected with social and economic justice issues. Recognizing and addressing the diverse impacts of climate change on different communities is essential. This lesson should inform Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) organizing by emphasizing the integration of climate justice into broader social and economic justice initiatives.

DSA should strive to build coalitions with various community groups, acknowledging that marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental degradation. By incorporating climate justice into a comprehensive socialist agenda, DSA can foster a more inclusive movement that addresses the root causes of inequality and environmental injustice. In essence, the lesson is to approach climate justice with a holistic perspective that considers the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues.

What’s a climate-related action that you’ve been involved in? What did you learn from this effort? // ¿En qué acción relacionada con el clima has participado? ¿Qué aprendiste de este esfuerzo?

I have been actively involved in the Beyond Coal campaign, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transitioning Los Angeles away from coal dependency. This multifaceted effort involved organizing communities, advocating for policy changes, and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Through this campaign, I learned the power of community engagement and grassroots organizing in driving environmental change. Building alliances with diverse groups, from local residents to environmental organizations, proved instrumental in gaining support for cleaner energy policies. Additionally, the campaign highlighted the importance of political advocacy to influence policy decisions, showcasing that a collective voice can shape and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.

The experience reinforced the significance of addressing environmental challenges at both the local and systemic levels. It underscored that meaningful climate action requires collaboration, persistence, and a comprehensive approach that considers the broader socio-economic implications of transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives. This lesson continues to guide my commitment to climate activism and informs my advocacy for sustainable practices at every level of governance.

What is your experience with climate-related actions, and what skills can you bring to the committee? Please provide examples of your skills and experience. // ¿Cuál es su experiencia en acciones relacionadas con el clima y qué habilidades puede aportar al comité? Por favor, facilite ejemplos de sus habilidades y experiencia.

my experience with climate-related actions spans over a decade, beginning with grassroots organizing in Colombia as a child inspired by environmental awareness. In recent years, I played a pivotal role in the Beyond Coal campaign, spearheading efforts to transition Los Angeles away from coal dependency. This involved community engagement, policy advocacy, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to drive sustainable energy solutions.

My skills in community organizing have been honed through initiatives such as organizing town hall meetings, rallying support for environmental causes, and fostering connections between local residents and decision-makers. I have a proven track record of mobilizing communities for a common cause, demonstrated by successful outcomes in campaigns to ban single-use plastic bags and create solar options for renters.

Additionally, my leadership as an LADWP commissioner showcases my ability to navigate and influence policy decisions at a systemic level. I have effectively worked within bureaucratic structures to advocate for environmentally responsible policies and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for the city.

My decision to transition from personal car use to eco-friendly transportation, such as a Vespa, reflects a commitment to embodying the principles of sustainability in my own lifestyle. This personal choice aligns with my broader dedication to advocating for environmentally conscious practices and policies.

In essence, my experiences and skills include community mobilization, policy advocacy, leadership within bureaucratic structures, and personal commitment to sustainable living. These attributes position me well to contribute effectively to the committee’s efforts in addressing climate-related challenges and fostering positive environmental change.

What is your time commitment to the committee? // ¿Cuál es su compromiso de tiempo con el comité?

My commitment to the Climate Justice Committee is unwavering. I am dedicated to investing the necessary time and effort to actively participate in committee activities, meetings, and initiatives. Recognizing the urgency of climate-related challenges, I am prepared to allocate significant time to collaborate with fellow committee members, engage in strategic planning, and contribute to the development and implementation of effective climate justice initiatives.

Understanding that the work of the committee may involve various time-sensitive tasks, I am committed to maintaining flexibility in my schedule to address emergent issues and support the ongoing efforts of the committee. My goal is to be an active and engaged member, ensuring that my time commitment aligns with the committee’s objectives and the broader mission of advancing climate justice.

Ultimately, my dedication extends beyond mere participation; I am committed to making a meaningful impact through consistent involvement and collaborative efforts with the committee and the community it serves.

Ed K

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Co-Chair (at least 1, maximum of 2 elected) // Presidente (al menos 1, máximo 2 elegidos)

After years of essentially useless COP negotiations, the Paris Climate accords seemed to represent a real hope for enforceable global pollution policy. Since then, we have seen two US presidents (from both parties) break away from the plan, increasing domestic oil production, under the guise of lowering fuel costs for working people.

In the city of Los Angeles it is all but a requirement to own a car and spend a significant part of ones income on fuel. This material reality has been propagandized by the far right: “vote for us and we will lower your fuel costs” As socialists, we know that this is a farce that will cause more fossil fuel burn off and more global heating, which will of course harm the working class in the long run. The question is: what measures and strategies could our local chapter take in this struggle that are most likely to lead to material wins?

to me the answer is clear: we spend a lot of money just to get around. working people ought to have a quicker, cheaper, more convenient option than the personal vehicle. Metro has made significant improvements but needs to pick up the pace. A robust transition to transit would not only save Angelenos time and money but would also put our city on track toward climate neutrality and set an example for the world. If such a thing could happen in car centric LA, it could work in any city.

As we discuss cutting back fossil fuel use we must not forget that that Los Angeles has a major oil industry. In our county there are 7 oil refineries, 2100 gas stations and countless drilling sites that employ a lot of people: 5,000 work in extraction and drilling, another 5,000 work in pipelining and transport, 5,000 work at the refineries, and 12,000 work at gas stations. Needless to say our plan must include a just transition for these workers.

I have been a part of many climate protests and actions over the years going back to the days of Occupy. Actions and protests are great for building networks with activists who participate in other orgs or in no org at all, however they have limited utility to actually change the minds of those in power or the policies. Power only respects power, and any protest powerful enough to actually compel the state to act is incredibly risky volatile and would not guarantee the outcome we seek. On the other hand, I will always respect and honor the righteous anger of the youth, and I will still participate in protests when I can.

I have participated in climate actions as both a regular protestor and later on as a marshal. I have also spoken at public meetings over the years (i.e. Torrance City Council, Manhattan Beach School Board) to support better climate policy. I also have a lot of experience speaking directly to voters in my work as a canvasser for Unite Here Local 11’s political team. The threat of climate is unequivically the number one reason that voting age youth check out of our political process, bar none. We must give them hope. We must show them a path toward a better future, a future of Democratic Socialism.

What is your time commitment to the committee? // ¿Cuál es su compromiso de tiempo con el comité?

16 hours per month

Electoral Committee Candidates

Collin B

What would be your top 3 priorities in this role? How would you define success for each of those priorities? // ¿Cuáles serían sus tres prioridades principales? ¿Cómo definiría el éxito para cada una de esas prioridades?

My priorities for the Electoral Politics committee are:
1) Expanding the scope of our Socialists in Office (SIO) program to allow for more rank-and-file member interaction in determining policy and positions that our chapter should directly move with our electeds as well as getting our current electeds more ingrained in the chapter; 2) Growing more chapter leaders in the electoral space who can run/be leads in electoral working groups when the chapter makes endorsements and meaningfully contribute to broader chapter projects, that are not necessarily electoral, using the experience they gain running/working along side campaigns;
3) Update the Democratic Socialist Program for Los Angeles (DSP) to reflect the gains we’ve made as well as reassess sections that are either dated with language from lockdown and incorporate member feedback to account for the changing conditions we are in since we first wrote and adopted the DSP.

Success takes varying forms and are quantifiable to different degrees. But at the end of the day, success takes the form of having more members take part in our chapter and become ingrained in discussions with leadership so they can learn “why” we do things as well as “how” we do them. We can win elections, but growing our base is what allows us to build a longterm strategy for to set up future wins.

What is your experience with electoral politics and/or organizing? // ¿Cuál es su experiencia con la política electoral y con su experencia para organizar?

I have been an active lead in the Chapter’s Electoral Politics committee since I co-chaired the campaign working group for Konstantine Anthony’s Burbank City Council election in 2020. In addition to being a current member on the committee, I co-chaired the working group for Hugo Soto-Martínez in 2022 where we ran our own field program in Echo Park and knocked over 11,000 doors from the Primary through the General while engaging hundreds of individual DSA-LA members. I was also one of the members who researched and wrote the Democratic Socialist Program for Los Angeles to help set out our chapter’s strategy and determine where we can win locally in the electoral space to push the city towards a socialist future.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

I’m a glutton for punishment???

As I mentioned, I’ve been an active member in this space for a while now and have dealt with the myriad of issues that come up around electoralism. I’ve learned to not take things personally and how to balance political disagreements internally.

Ryan T

My top 3 priorities would be 1. maintaining the size of the socialist/leftist block on the LA city council 2. growing the socialist presence on the LAUSD school board 3. doubling the number of DSA-LA members volunteering or funding our endorsed candidates in 2024 compared to 2023.

Success would be 1. maintaining the 3 reliable votes we have on the city council 2. electing at least one of our endorsed candidates for LAUSD school board 3. achieving the desired number of members participating.

What is your experience with electoral politics and/or organizing? // ¿Cuál es su experiencia con la política electoral y con su experencia para organizar?

My experience with electoral politics began in 2015. I was a core volunteer for a ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour in Tacoma, Washington. In 2017, I was a core volunteer on a campaign to elect one of the co-chairs of the minimum wage campaign to the Tacoma City Council.

In 2020, I co-chaired a ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage in Tacoma to link it to the cost of housing in the city, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign had to end because we were not able to do in-person organizing.

Afterward, I moved to Seattle and was involved in Seattle DSA electoral work. I was a member of the electoral committee and volunteered extensively on their current Raise the Wage Renton ballot initiative which is currently up for a vote in February 2024.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

I currently work as a registered nurse, and one of the most important skills a nurse must have is the ability to work productively with a wide variety of people’s personalities, attitudes, and perspectives. I offer to this committee a deep love for the wide variety of people that one must work with to succeed electorally, as well as, the flexibility and tenacity necessary to achieve the goals of this committee.

Edgar O

Member Engagement – engage DSA-LA members across our chapter to increase understanding of the purpose of ElPol, how and why our processes are set up the way they are, and to create more opportunities for members to interact with DSA-LA’s endorsed elected officials.

Detailed Electoral Analysis – as this term falls on an election year, one of my priorities will be to ensure that our voter guide provides comprehensive information about the elections, and thoughtful recommendations. In particular, I hope to spotlight key electoral opportunities outside of LA City for this year.

Intercommittee Coordination – work closely with our committee infrastructure to ensure that recommendations on electoral races are done so based on assessments of on-the-ground conditions around specific issue areas.

What is your experience with electoral politics and/or organizing? // ¿Cuál es su experiencia con la política electoral y con su experencia para organizar?

In my current role on the electoral politics committee, I have worked with my fellow comrades to vet prospective DSA-LA candidates, and provide our chapter with endorsement recommendations for electoral races in LA city and LAUSD. As a member of the Green New Deal for Public Schools working group, I had the opportunity to support Rocio Rivas’ successful campaign for LAUSD in 2022. My experience uplifting Rivas’ candidacy, along with important environmental data and testimonies to community members during canvasses, reinforced the importance of a strong electoral strategy grounded in grassroots activism. I hope to leverage my personal and professional experiences to continue to support our electoral committee in doing incredible work in this year’s elections to build socialist power in Los Angeles.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

I am currently a member of the committee, and hope to continue to help us advance our chapter goals for the 2024 elections.

Benina S

1. Ensure the success of our endorsed electoral campaigns in 2024. To me, a campaign’s success goes beyond achieving a win at the ballot box. A successful campaign for a DSA-endorsed candidate means training and deepening the experience of campaign working group leaders, so we can run bigger, more ambitious, but sustainable, campaigns in the future. It means empowering leaders to recruit and develop more leaders, through engaging paper membership, and by bringing in new DSA members through these campaigns—and then developing a clear process to engage members into our chapter’s work that involves the newly electeds’ offices. An electoral campaign that activates members and creates new leaders will strengthen our branches and neighborhood groups and also sets the stage for member engagement and organizing needed to win socialist policy once in office.

2. Co-governance and growing Socialists in Office member engagement. These two go hand in hand in terms of fostering accountability with our endorsed elected officials. SIO serves as a way to bring member-led mass organizing within the halls of governance in Los Angeles, and through an organized and engaged membership, where we are able to show a highly-organized working class that are engaged around specific issues that can be moved though their respective legislative bodies. This involves engaging SIO more with the branches (ie bringing electeds into branch meetings/structure more), ensuring SIO has a clear way to connect with our chapter’s priorities campaigns, and making sure that all members are updated and aware of the SIO processes.

3. Lead an amendment process of our chapter’s Democratic Socialist Program (DSP). The DSP for our chapter outlines our socialist demands for the city/county, DSA-LA’s condition and position in the city, and an analysis of the historical moments that got the left in LA to this point. A lot of this document was written during the height of the pandemic in 2021, and conditions may have altered the demands listed in the document. The document also serves as an anchor for prioritizing policy to push through with our electeds as well as to organize the chapter membership around. An engaged amendment process democratically activates the membership around shared priorities to win.

What is your experience with electoral politics and/or organizing? // ¿Cuál es su experiencia con la política electoral y con su experencia para organizar?

I’ve served on our electoral committee in 2022 and 2023, overseeing endorsement processes, our incredibly successful 2022 electoral cycle, and learning how to launch a SIO program that brings our electeds together around a shared DSA vision. In our chapter, I have also helped write and facilitate organizing trainings and been a branch organizer for the westside.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

I’ve been in DSA-LA since 2018 and I’m Los Angeles born and raised—I care deeply about creating a socialist LA in my lifetime and I believe that a strong and thriving DSA-LA is the best opportunity to get us there. My whole life, I’ve seen how the revolving door of the same few political figures (and how these figures have interacted with non-elected leaders in my community) has created an inequitable city for LA’s multiracial working class. I think my lifetime spent in LA and my longtime ties across our chapter make me personally equipped to serve on the Electoral Committee.

Marissa A

First, completing a successful election cycle this year and ensuring we expand our growing socialist blocks in Los Angeles City politics.

Second, bringing more members into our ongoing Socialists in Office work, and rapidly expanding education and understanding for members of how City Council and School Board function. Members should have more opportunities to provide input about the direction our collective work takes, and should build closer relationships with electeds in the process.

Third, refocusing for 2026 and future cycles on ‘Building a Bench’ by proactively training and developing leaders in DSA to run for office. In order to function more like a party and solidify power, we must put candidates forward, rather than simply hoping qualified and aligned candidates enter the race.

What is your experience with electoral politics and/or organizing? // ¿Cuál es su experiencia con la política electoral y con su experencia para organizar?

I am a current member of the electoral politics committee, looking to continue another year in the role. This past year the committee oversaw the endorsement and candidate consideration process for the 23-24 electoral cycle, was tasked with creation of a Socialist in Office (SIO) program, began revisions to the Democratic Socialist Program (DSP), and hosted organizing trainings for members that included elected city council members.

Prior to this term, I spent the 2021-2022 cycle organizing as a co-chair of the working group to elect Hugo Soto-Martínez. That working group ensured that DSA-LA backed up our endorsement with real force and numbers, played a meaningful part in his eventual win, and developed our membership through skill development and training.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

I am prepared to spend significant hours each week making sure the committee can deliver on its numerous tasks in the upcoming year (voter guide, endorsement process revisions, SIO work, member engagement, election working groups, etc.), and can get started immediately as a continuing member. I have a background and day job in public policy which has been useful in understanding the Los Angeles political landscape and assessing the role that DSA plays in that system.

Housing and Homelessness Committee Candidates

Alex S

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Co-Chair (2 will be elected) // Copresidente (se elegirán 2)

What has been your experience with the Housing and Homelessness Committee and/or organizing in general? // ¿Cuál ha sido su experiencia con el Comité Housing and Homelessness y/o la organización en general?

I have been an active member of the HnH committee since 2022. In addition, I worked as an eviction defense attorney between 2020 and 2021, and I have organized with the Hollywood Chapter of the Los Angeles Tenant Union since 2021

What is your vision for the Housing and Homelessness Committee in 2024 and/or what are your leadership goals? // ¿Cuál es su visión para el Comité Housing and Homelessness en 2024 y/o cuáles son sus objetivos de liderazgo?

Primarily I would like to continue and expand the committee’s work in promoting independent tenant organizing, coordinating with and promoting LA Tenants Union events and campaigns. I would also like to advance the chapter’s work in helping people organize their buildings. I believe that DSA is a stronger organization when more of its members have firsthand organizing experience, whether that be in labor, tenant, or campaign organizing.

On a more administrative level, I aim to have the committee meetings occur in person on a more regular basis, and to grow a base of active members of the committee. I am also interested in coordinating more with the Power to the Tenants Campaign, and I imagine HnH playing a complementary role, as a place to promote the campaign, and discuss housing/homelessness issues that are outside the campaign’s remit. I would also like to improve the committee’s engagement and connection with the rest of the chapter, and I will work with branch coordinators to have an HnH presence at branch meetings.

Finally, I am interested in expanding the chapter’s advocacy around ending homelessness and stopping mistreatment of our homeless neighbors. Landlord/tenant issues, skyrocketing rents, and the so-called homelessness crisis are all intimately linked, and I would like to work with other HnH members to figure out how the chapter might engage on this terrain.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

I have experience organizing tenants and fighting evictions, and I have assisted the HnH committee in organizing its meetings over the last year.

How would you like to see the chapter engage with the LA Tenants Union? // ¿Cómo le gustaría que el capítulo interactúe con LA Tenants Union?

I think DSA LA should primarily view LATU as an extremely successful example of independent working class organizing, and see it as providing an opportunity for DSA LA members to gain experience in working class organizing that is difficult to find for those outside of a union organizing campaign. There are political differences between the two organizations, but I do not believe that these differences mean that the chapter should avoid working too closely with LATU – we’re adults, and we can take criticism, especially when it is deserved (and some of it is). In addition, LATU is a socialist organization with a socialist analysis of the housing crisis, and this makes them natural allies in our efforts to fight runaway gentrification, negligent and abusive landlords, and the crisis facing our homeless neighbors.

To that end, I think it would be worthwhile for the chapter to put effort into building a cohort of tenant organizers, through workshops teaching our members how to organize their building, and through encouraging our members to join LATU and help LATU organizers in their organizing campaigns. This should be done with the understanding that the goal of this effort should not be to convince organized tenants to support chapter candidates or campaigns, but because learning how to organize with working class people, to earn their trust and fight alongside them, is an extremely rewarding and inherently political experience in its own right. We should view with suspicion any socialist who presents themselves as a leader, but who does not know how to work with the people who experience the brunt of capitalist exploitation and abuse, whether that be from the bosses, the police, or from their landlords.

Liz D

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Co-Chair (2 will be elected) // Copresidente (se elegirán 2)

I’ve been deeply involved with DSA-LA’s Power to the Tenants (PT) priority campaign for the past six months, and am running for HnH co-chair to better coordinate our efforts between the Housing & Homelessness Committee and our priority campaign.

The city council debate on whether / how to change LA’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) upcoming in March-April 2024 has the potential to either provide material relief to tenants across our city, or to continue allowing landlords to make our city increasingly unaffordable. Landlords and their lobbyists are working hard on this urgent issue, and tenants can’t afford to sit out this legislative fight. Housing & Homelessness and the Power to the Tenants campaign should be working in full force together on this issue– to organize tenants on the collective goal of more favorable RSO terms (this would be the first revision since 1985) that will have impacts for decades to come.

I know some think that organizing towards legislative goals is a separate task than organizing one’s neighbors but I disagree. My experience in workplace organizing showed me that relevant news is a great way to strike up conversations and get new people to start asking questions on the topic. This urgent, short-term campaign can be a stepping stone for tenants who want to organize their building and it can be a great opportunity for organizers to expand their skills to do so.

The Nov 2024 statewide ballot will also once again feature a Costa-Hawkins repeal initiative, the Justice for Renters Act, which would eliminate the incentive for landlords to harass tenants out of their units (by eliminating vacancy de-control). It’s an important fight against tenant harassment and displacement, and would be a good legislative goal following the citywide RSO fight.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

Since I’m deeply involved in the Power to the Tenants priority campaign, I am well positioned to coordinate efforts between HnH + PT.

How would you like to see the chapter engage with the LA Tenants Union? // ¿Cómo le gustaría que el capítulo interactúe con LA Tenants Union?

LA Tenants Union does amazing work and DSA-LA should play an important complimentary role to theirs in the housing space. There are a lot of incredible comrades who are members of both orgs and all DSA-LA members should be aware of and encouraged to join LATU if they’re interested in organizing their buildings. I don’t think DSA-LA has the capacity or experience to duplicate LATU’s work, and it would be irresponsible to suggest otherwise to tenants who need help. Instead, I’d like DSA-LA to focus on the near term legislative battles in 2024 and for us to make the case to LATU members on why these initiatives are important and how they can support more direct tenant organizing in both the near and long term.

Labor Committee Candidates

Flynn N

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidat@?

Co-Chair (2 will be elected) // Copresidente (se elegirán 2)

What is your experience with the labor movement, and how can it contribute to developing DSA-LA’s labor program? // ¿Cuál es su experiencia con el movimiento obrero y cómo puede contribuir a desarrollar el programa laboral de DSA-LA?

I started the union drive at Donut Friend in 2020 while I was still in foodservice. Organizing during pre-vaccine COVID in a small business with no official union support was an uphill battle, but we won sorely-needed health and safety protections. I’ve left restaurant work for a union job in LAUSD, but I’ve gained a lot of practical knowledge about workplace organizing and starting a union from the ground up. I’d love to spend my term as co-chair empowering DSA members to take the fight to their workplace.

What is your assessment of the Labor Committee’s work over the past year and DSA-LA’s current position within the labor movement? // ¿Cómo valora el trabajo del Comité Laboral en el último año y la posición actual de DSA-LA dentro del movimiento laboral?

DSA-LA has successfully developed a lot of important union ties in Los Angeles and we’ve proven that we can successfully and reliably run strike support and show up to picket lines. I think the Strike Hype series this year was a great way to let people know about labor struggles in Los Angeles and drive turnout to support those struggles when necessary. I’d like more DSA members to think of themselves as workers rather than supporters of workers.

What goals do you have for the committee for the next year? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene el comité para el próximo año?

I’d like to make sure people can fill out the Labor Survey at every chapter and branch meeting as a means to build our labor circles. We should continue Strike Hype and direct energy from that into labor trainings for our members. The labor committee should also work alongside the Palestine Solidarity Working Group to further develop relationships with unions and worker formations opposing Palestinian genocide. I’d also like to end my term having organized multiple people into running for leadership.

Juan G

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidat@?

Coordinator (2 will be elected) // Coordinador (se elegirán 2)

I am a policy analyst who advocates for labor standards in renewable energy projects to ensure a just transition. I joined DSA-LA after my coworkers and I were supported by the Labor Committee in our fight to form a union at my former nonprofit workplace, LAANE. I currently sit in the bargaining committee to negotiate a first union contract at my current job at CJNRC. I am inspired by the many strikes in LA and across the country. I am excited to build leadership among the Labor Circles alongside Gabriel, Preeti, and Daniel.

I value the Labor Committee’s work in assisting DSA-LA members and workers in organizing to form labor unions in their workplaces. If elected as a coordinator under the Strike to Strength slate, with Gabriel, Preeti, and Daniel, we plan to expand on this effort by building leadership in and through the Labor Circles, activating members through the Socialist Workplace Survey and improved Chapter engagement, and furthering our relationship with the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (EWOC). we recognize our position in the labor movement, that is, to keep on moving it forward. We plan to strengthen our relationships with local unions by supporting them in their organizing efforts and strikes.

What goals do you have for the committee for the next year? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene el comité para el próximo año?

I am running on the Strike to Strength slate with Gabriel, Preeti, and Daniel. Please read our shared vision at: https://bit.ly/StriketoStrength

Gabriel O

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidat@?

Co-Chair (2 will be elected) // Copresidente (se elegirán 2)

My experience in the labor movement involves leading organizing efforts at two immigration nonprofits. One of which, Kids in Need of Defense ran an aggressive anti-union campaign. Consequently, I understand the tactics bosses use to quash labor organizing, divide workers, and maintain power. Additionally, I was a member of the bargaining committee at both workplaces and was essential in their first contract. I have extensive experience in collective bargaining and labor law in my paid work. I would like to use my experience as an attorney and workplace organizer to further support workers wanting to organize and growing DSA-LA’s presence in the LA Labor Movement.

The Labor Committee has done great work over the past year and played a key role in LA’s Labor Movement. Last year, we engaged in prolonged strike support with at least one strike every month. DSA-LA supported SBWU, SEIU 99 x UTLA, WGA x SAG-AFTRA, UNITE-HERE Local 11, UAW, CFA and more. The Labor Circles and Branches were instrumental in supporting workers in all industries in fighting the boss. We worked directly with unions in planning and supporting actions. We also created our new “Strike Hype Series” allowing workers in organizing campaigns, contract negotiations, or those on strike, to connect to our chapter membership. I would like to continue supporting growing our labor circles including our new Higher Ed Labor Circle with consistent communication. We must continue strengthening our relationship with the LA Labor Movement and be seen as partners.

What goals do you have for the committee for the next year? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene el comité para el próximo año?

I would like to focus this year on internal leadership and development. This year focused heavily on strike solidarity because there were so many contracts expiring. We must continue to develop leaders in DSA and in their workplace. This year we will focus on: (1) Building Labor Circle Infrastructure and Communication, (2) Strengthening Chapter Relationships and Communication, (3) Maintaining and Fortifying DSA-LA’s position in LA’s Labor Movement, (4) Integrating the Socialist Workplace Survey, and (5) Strengthening our Relationship with the National Labor Committee (NLC). I am running for Labor Committee leadership on the From Strike to Strength slate with Preeti S., Daniel D., and Juan G. Please see our platform here: bit.ly/StriketoStrength.

Preeti S

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidat@?

Co-Chair (2 will be elected) // Copresidente (se elegirán 2)

My initial experience with facets of the Los Angeles labor movement began as a staff member at the early formation of a worker center, but it soon shifted into research. Through strategic campaign research, participatory research, and storytelling, I have supported young workers, retail workers, nail salon workers, fast food workers, and workers who attend school on policy briefs and reports. Such research has had an impact on institutional as well as municipal, county, and even national policy. Now, as a member of my union’s executive board, I have experienced the way a racial- and social justice-aligned union can play a powerful role in impacting a workplace, as it developed open-style bargaining and demands for the common good, anchored in our membership’s unique social justice and equity-based needs. Last, in the past year, I took on a leadership role with the Labor Committee, as a coordinator, focusing on internal programming, where I developed our Strike Hype series, but I feel that this scratched the surface on what is possible. All of this contributes to DSA-LA’s labor committee, and my shared vision for the next year, where we aim to strengthen the committee’s internal processes, culture, and practices, from our Labor Circles, to overall entry-level chapter programming.

With our Labor Circles and relationships to unions, DSA-LA Labor Committee turned out and/or held strike support for 100s of strikes across Los Angeles County in 2023. Called “The Year of the Strike,” “Hot Labor Summer,” or “Hot Strike Summer,” the committee put forth much energy in supporting SBWU, SEIU 99 x UTLA, WGA x SAG-AFTRA, UNITE-HERE 11, UAW, CFA and more (in chronological order lol). The emphasis was on solidarity, and we collaborated with branches, worker circles, and partners to send new and longtime chapter members to various picket lines. We did our best to also support bigger worker circles with meal deliveries, though there is much room for improvement. We also created our new “Strike Hype Series” so labor campaign organizers preparing for contract negotiations, currently bargaining, or those on strike, could connect to our chapter membership. This series has consistently brought out 50-75 chapter members to meet with writers, hotel workers, teachers, faculty, film workers, truck drivers, and more and learn ways to support. We also held two retreats with worker circles and started our first ever Higher Ed Worker Circle. All of this was quite strong, and invigorated our relationships with multiple unions who have come to see us as a thought partner and mass organization, over being just a mobilizer, but there is much work to be done.

What goals do you have for the committee for the next year? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene el comité para el próximo año?

Next year, I would like us to strengthen our internal culture through processes and practices that not only relate to our chapter’s DSP, but to also help us develop our new and existing members and leaders in unionized and non-unionized workplaces. I believe in feminist, relational organizing, and think the way we care for and build each other up matters as we practice the worlds we seek to create. For DSA, we can continue to strengthen our Labor Circles with: 1) hopeful infrastructure, 2) space for branch leaders, Labor Circle coordinators, and any interested members to attend committee meetings once a month to contribute to visioning, 3) biannual Labor Circle retreats, and 4) general support. We can also continue our Strike Hype series, and also offer any Strike Support. I am running for Labor Committee leadership with Gabriel O., Daniel D., and Juan G. Please see our From Strike to Strength platform: bit.ly/StriketoStrength.

Daniel D

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidat@?

Coordinator (2 will be elected) // Coordinador (se elegirán 2)

In 2018, when I joined DSA, workers across Los Angeles were gearing up to walk off the job in major industries like education and healthcare. Participating in DSA-LA’s strike support for these workers provided me with my first lesson in the pivotal role of unions in advancing the struggle for a dignified life for all. That period also served as the impetus for me becoming a union organizer. I now have 4 years of experience helping workers in the healthcare industry to form their union, bargain contracts, and fight for power in the workplace. I have also served on the bargaining committee for my staff union and I’m currently a shop steward. One of the key lessons I learned in both of these contexts is that building a strong organization requires moving people into action, developing leaders, and increasing member participation in their organization.

I’ve been able to take the lessons I’ve learned in union organizing into the work I do in the chapter to advance our priorities. I’ve served on our chapter’s Steering Committee and I’ve served two terms in the leadership of the Labor Committee. Most recently I served as coordinator during the most recent term. During that time I: helped to facilitate workplace organizer trainings; guide Labor Circle members in order to develop their leadership; assisted in programming that highlighted local labor struggles and the workers at the forefront of those struggles; and organized chapter members to support striking workers in Southern California.

Year after year, our chapter’s Labor Committee has strengthened our relationships with labor unions in Los Angeles. Much of that has been achieved through our well-known strike support program that has been developed over many years. In 2023 workers across various industries engaged in major work stoppages like the United Auto Workers, WGA, SAG-AFTRA, Unite Here Local 11, Starbucks Workers United, UTLA and SEIU, and many more. It was a critical period for organized workers. As a result our work was oriented toward meeting the moment by providing strike support in the form of fundraising, bringing food to the picket lines, and extending our solidarity.

Importantly, a key pillar of our chapter’s labor strategy has been to give DSA members the tools and skills that they need to organize. As a result of our labor program DSA-LA members have become shop stewards, they have gone on to serve as delegates to the LA Federation of Labor, they have organized unions in their workplaces, and stood next to other workers engaged in their own fights. In the coming year, the Labor Committee needs to recommit to strengthening the Labor Circles by expanding leadership development and broadening the reach of the circles program to get more of our members to organize together based on their common union, employer, or industry.

What goals do you have for the committee for the next year? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene el comité para el próximo año?

I am running for Labor Committee leadership on the From Strike to Strength slate with Preeti S, Gabe O, and Juan G. Please see our platform here: bit.ly/StriketoStrength.

Natalie B

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidat@?

Coordinator (2 will be elected) // Coordinador (se elegirán 2)

My first significant experiences as a socialist organizer came after I realized, while working as a middle school teacher and then later as a university teaching assistant, that the only real power workers have is through collective action. I became a UAW 2865 union steward, and organized in that capacity alongside other workers to double our membership and establish an organizing committee to build deep relationships on campus. I also became a DSA member, and learned the importance of building relationships across sectors to coordinate our discrete workplace fights.

Recently, I helped organize the largest ever strike in higher education: 48,000 academic workers at the University of California went on strike last fall, leading to some of the best contracts in higher ed. These experiences have convinced me that increasing membership and participation is essential for any mass movement.

While my experiences have shown me that worker organizing is our most powerful tool to build socialism, I also believe that a strong electoral strategy is essential. Last year, I canvassed for Hugo Soto-Martinez alongside other DSA and union members. Hugo won the election in large part because of the socialist coalition that supported him. I believe we need to replicate this strategy in other races. Building socialism will not happen overnight – it takes hard work and a stable organization committed to bringing more people into the movement. The best and most dedicated organizers I know are organizing with DSA, which is why I believe our organization is uniquely positioned to support long term socialist organizing.

In 2023 the Labor Committee led excellent strike support for several major contract fights: UTLA, WGA, SAG-Aftra, UAW, and Unite Here (ongoing). These efforts significantly contributed to morale on the picket line and demonstrated DSA’s solidarity and commitment to advancing the labor movement. It also, however, illustrated our shortcomings when it comes to advancing critical labor strategy. DSA-LA members should be as present in bargaining units and reform efforts as they are on picket lines. That means, in part, organizing more union members who share our vision to both join DSA and actively participate in their unions. While unions like UTLA credits DSA-LA for our electoral victories, the same has yet to be said for contract fights–both at the local and national level.

What goals do you have for the committee for the next year? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene el comité para el próximo año?

Building a mass socialist movement must entail deep organizing in our workplaces, and I believe that DSA has an important role to play in equipping members to take collective action to stand up to the boss and improve working lives. Looking ahead, we need to expand our presence in high volume, high participation unions in strategically significant sectors, in part by organizing more union members to participate in this vision. Our organizing efforts within these unions, particularly in reform caucuses, should bring the movement farther left and bring more workers into DSA-LA’s organizing plans. Labor Committee leadership should play strategically significant roles in identifying who to support, how, and to what extent. Our analysis for deploying limited resources should consider the level of effort involved, along with the return a victory would have on the labor movement. Concretely, the committee should analyze the terrain and identify high priority contract fights at the beginning of the year, consider our relationships with the unions, the strength and resources of each, and how winnable the fight will be. We should set out clear metrics for assessing organizing efforts with union members, and clearly evaluate gains made. Just as Electoral Politics is carefully considering co-governance with our elected officials, so should the Labor Committee solidify relationships with unions to ensure ongoing coordination and continued support. Internally, there also needs to be stronger lines of communication between the Labor and Electoral Politics Committee to bring our organization closer to our vision of building a labor party.

Mutual Aid Committee Candidates

Rich R

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Coordinator (up to 3 elected) // Coordinador (se elegirán hasta 3)

Have you attended 10 MA Committee Meetings, Events, and/or Actions in the past year, with 5 being in the last six months and 2 being in the last three months (Or received the appropriate approval from Committee via vote as outlined in the Committee by-laws)? // ¿Ha asistido a 10 reuniones, eventos y/o acciones del Comité de AM en el último año, siendo 5 en los últimos seis meses y 2 en los últimos tres meses?

Yes/Sí

What has been your prior involvement with the Mutual Aid Committee? // ¿Cuál ha sido su participación anterior con el Comité de Mutual Aid?

I have been involved in the Mutual Aid Committee since 2017.

What is your assessment of the Mutual Aid Committee’s work over the past year? // ¿Cuál es su evaluación del trabajo del Comité de Mutual Aid durante el año pasado?

I think we did a lot of good work. Looking forward to doing more Free Stores, Free Brake Light Clinics, and more Skill Shares.

What goals do you have for the Mutual Aid Committee in 2024? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene para el Comité de Mutual Aid en 2024?

As Coordinator for the Mutual Aid Committee, my goals for 2024 are:

(1) Facilitate ongoing Mutual Aid Committee work and meetings and bring Mutual Aid Committee activity to the Branches, including providing regular child watch and organizing extended carpools.

(2) Building stronger relationships between the Committee, other Chapter structures and external mutual aid groups.

(3) Continue our ongoing Medic Skill Share series with alternating monthly trainings and drills and expand the Skill Share training roster to include other regular trainings like security and direct action best practices for those interested in developing those skills.

(4) Continue our newly revamped Definitive Readings about Mutual Aid series into 2024.

How are you personally equipped to support the Mutual Aid Committee in achieving those goals? // ¿Cómo está usted personalmente equipado para apoyar al Comité de Mutual Aid en el logro de esos objetivos?

I have been involved in Mutual Aid leadership off and on for the last five years. I have already been elected SFV Branch Coordinator. I plan on directly bringing more mutual aid activity to the SFV Branch, and I plan on working with other Branch Coordinators to do mutual aid work with them. It’s great for recruitment and engagement!

I have been organizing in LA since 2013. I am a registered nurse with a lot of field experience, and I was an EMT before that. I am prepared to share my expertise with the Committee and with people in the other structures that I will be coordinating with.

Maya B

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Administrator (up to 3 elected) // Administrador (se elegirán hasta 3)

Yes/Sí

What has been your prior involvement with the Mutual Aid Committee? // ¿Cuál ha sido su participación anterior con el Comité de Mutual Aid?

I have been on and off involved with the Mutual Aid committee since 2020. I have volunteered for Free Brake Light Clincics and more recently I’ve been participating in meetings and in medic trainings hosted by the Mutual Aid Committee.

What is your assessment of the Mutual Aid Committee’s work over the past year? // ¿Cuál es su evaluación del trabajo del Comité de Mutual Aid durante el año pasado?

I feel that the Mutual Aid committee has made good progress in rebounding from the social isolation of the pandemic enabling them to reestablish old projects. Some such projects include the Brake Lights Clinics, medic and trainings, and initiatives like Red Hot Summer which provides support to the unhoused community.

What goals do you have for the Mutual Aid Committee in 2024? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene para el Comité de Mutual Aid en 2024?

My goals include maintaining currently existing projects such as those I mentioned previously and expanding on them to solidify our connection with our community.

I have held administrative positions in the past and I am very organized. I am also very committed to the success of this committee as a support for the committee members and a support for the community.

Ivan N

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Chair (up to 3 elected) // Presidente (se elegirán hasta 3)

Yes/Sí

What has been your prior involvement with the Mutual Aid Committee? // ¿Cuál ha sido su participación anterior con el Comité de Mutual Aid?

I was an active member of the committee from early 2019 to 2021 and have recently returned and been an active member since late 2022/early 2023. I have participated in many Mutual Aid committee events, including brake light clinics, blood donations, educational trainings such as the street medic training, and others. I have played an important role in the committee at various times, and have regularly helped in leading meetings and organizing actions as much as my schedule has permitted.

What is your assessment of the Mutual Aid Committee’s work over the past year? // ¿Cuál es su evaluación del trabajo del Comité de Mutual Aid durante el año pasado?

Mutual Aid is, and in my opinion should be, one of the core parts of this and any self respecting socialist organization. It not only functions as a method of building active membership, but also as a method of retaining that active membership. People want to do things, they want to feel like their efforts are making real differences on the individual level.

The Committee continues to organize important actions, in spite of the crises this organizing finds itself in. We’ve been working to bring back the brake light clinics, we’ve held trainings, and we’ve participated in community efforts such as giving out water to our neighbors on the streets.But it’s been hard, clearly. Getting this work done requires not only passion, but active work from membership. Mutual Aid can and should do more, but it can only do it with full support.

What goals do you have for the Mutual Aid Committee in 2024? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene para el Comité de Mutual Aid en 2024?

I would like to see Mutual Aid rebuild a large and dedicated group of members to engage in this ever important work.
In addition, I think it’s vital that Mutual Aid get the organizational drive that it needs. As part of leadership, I don’t see myself as a controller or one “in charge”—instead, I want to give direction and support to those interested in doing our work. Mutual Aid needs to exist, and it needs to get work done.

I am knowledgeable of the committee and have background in its parliamentary procedure and functions. I know what we can do, as I’ve seen it done before.

Most importantly, I truly believe in what Mutual Aid stands for—I see it as the soul of this organization, a part that needs to be taken care of and developed. I will stand as a passionate supporter of that ideal.

Zachary F

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Administrator (up to 3 elected) // Administrador (se elegirán hasta 3)

Yes/Sí

What has been your prior involvement with the Mutual Aid Committee? // ¿Cuál ha sido su participación anterior con el Comité de Mutual Aid?

I have been regularly attending and helping facilitate meetings since Fall of 2022, I have attended and helped prepare for Free Brake Light Clinics, and I have organized several Free Stores within the community.

What is your assessment of the Mutual Aid Committee’s work over the past year? // ¿Cuál es su evaluación del trabajo del Comité de Mutual Aid durante el año pasado?

Some personal and larger organizational issues and setbacks have held us from reaching our full potential of helping build a mass movement through mutual aid efforts. Despite these challenges, the committee has maintained resolve and dedication to providing material benefits to the community at large through network building, solidarity, and direct project contributions.

What goals do you have for the Mutual Aid Committee in 2024? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene para el Comité de Mutual Aid en 2024?

I want the committee to grow in scale and in scope. Not just the number of active members, but the reach of the members in their communities and the reach of mutual aid in the chapter. There is no reason for our projects and for mutual aid work to stay inside the committee, and past projects have already proven to be inclusive of people not active within the committee. When provided with the opportunity to help distribute resources, people rarely hesitate – as was shown when non-committee members gladly helped with distribution of excess food after the chapter convention in April 2022. Extending mutual aid work into the branches and into the streets is an opportunity to help create a better world, both directly and by showing others that it is possible.

I am equipped with a passion bred from the apathy of so many around me, armed with the knowledge that apathy is all too many times a deathwish. I am equipped with the knowledge that a better world is possible, when we’re armed with the shared responsibility for compassion.

I know what I lack and how human flaws get carried into the work we do, and I know all the work I’ve put in to make sure that failures become plantings and not burials. I bring the best facets of my mutual aid work into other parts of my life, just as I intend to bring the best skills from my paid work into helping achieve the goals of the committee.

I am detail-focused, an excellent communicator, pride myself in knowing when to take space or make space, and above all else, I care.

Brian E

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Chair (up to 3 elected) // Presidente (se elegirán hasta 3)

Yes/Sí

What has been your prior involvement with the Mutual Aid Committee? // ¿Cuál ha sido su participación anterior con el Comité de Mutual Aid?

Mutual Aid Committee Admin

What is your assessment of the Mutual Aid Committee’s work over the past year? // ¿Cuál es su evaluación del trabajo del Comité de Mutual Aid durante el año pasado?

The Mutual Aid Committee had a number of successes over the last year including a Free Brake Light Clinic, a Free Store, and First Aid Training among others. While there have been a number of unavoidable roadblocks – this did present an opportunity to learn from, and plan for, future events.

What goals do you have for the Mutual Aid Committee in 2024? // ¿Qué objetivos tiene para el Comité de Mutual Aid en 2024?

Goals would include increasing active participation both for DSA and the Mutual Aid committee through ease of access of information. To reduce the silo effect committee participation sometimes have.

While I’ve been the Admin for the Mutual Aid Committee over the last year — I’ve also worked with a number of Mutual Aid organizations outside of DSA. This has presented me with a number of important insights as to how resources are managed, the need for information to be easily accessible, and the possibility of expanding our efforts within the spirit of mutual aid.

Political Education Committee Candidates

Max B

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Co-Chair (at least 1, maximum of 2 elected) // Presidente (al menos 1, máximo 2 elegidos)

Have you attended at least three (3) committee meetings and two (2) external facing events in the last year? ¿Ha asistido al menos a tres (3) reuniones de comité y a dos (2) actos de cara al exterior en el último año?

Yes

What has been your experience with the Pol-Ed Committee and/or organizing in general? // ¿Cuál ha sido su experiencia con el Comité Pol-Ed y/o la organización en general?

Before joining the Political Education Committee I served two terms in chapter leadership, first on the chapter’s Executive Committee during the 2017 surge in membership and as an elected at-large Steering Committee member in 2018. During this tenure I helped lead the chapter through its exponential growth, the implementation of the chapter’s movement into the three-branch model, and the development of the convention model of decision making.

I also was one of the founding co-chairs of DSA-LA’s Labor Committee, and served three terms leading the chapter’s strategic orientation towards labor. I had the honor of developing the chapter’s strike solidarity program through 2018 and 2019, coordinating in the mass mobilization of the chapter for the 2019 UTLA strike. I also help shepherd the Labor Circles program into maturity, taking the model of success found in Hollywood Labor to other sectors.

I have served two terms as co-chair of Political Education. My work with the committee has been related to membership development programs, working specifically on our successful DSA 101 program. I have also had the pleasure of organizing night schools and curriculum around a radical history of Los Angeles and Black Leftist Thought. I have also served as a lead coordinator for the chapter’s Day School on Logistics in the Fall, drawing 100 attendees to discuss logistics at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

What is your vision for the Pol-Ed Committee in 2024 and/or what are your leadership goals? // ¿Cuál es su visión para el Comité Pol-Ed en 2024 y/o cuáles son sus objetivos de liderazgo?

Los Angeles is in desperate need of a mass political organization that can ground a solid socialist analysis into working class politics, and I believe that DSA-LA can be that organization. We are well positioned as a group not beholden to the restrictions placed by labor law, election calendars, or foundation funding cycles to be developing the class consciousness of workers across Los Angeles county. We are also well-positioned to be the conduit that channels that consciousness into political action that leads to material gains for workers and social transformation.

Building that class consciousness requires that as members of the largest socialist organization we take seriously the need to develop our own analysis and provide new members with the tools they need to participate in chapter decision making. Our Political Education program aims to provide that so from their first attendance at a DSA 101 to the next Night School course they attend, members can get opportunities to sharpen their analysis in an organization that does not see new members as just more activist bodies to fill up a photograph, but as political actors worth developing into effective organizers for our project.

I would like to expand our Political Education Program with these guiding principles in mind:
1. Expansion of the DSA 101 program so that all Branch Coordinators and selected Branch Organizers get trained in providing orientations and introducing our theory of change.
2. Ongoing education programs that cover the fundamentals of socialist analysis in the form of our Night School courses, and using current events from Los Angeles to help highlight some of these principles in an accessible way.
3. More one-off events that provide members the chance to learn more about major political events and have opportunities to discuss with comrades.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

Beyond a commitment to membership development and political education, my experience as a union steward and elected officer in my union has given me the experience to be an effective coordinator among different bodies and groups of people with varying priorities. I feel this would be helpful in coordinating education events across varying working groups and subgroups of the chapter, allowing Political Education to be a strong connective tissue for the internal life of the organization.

I also believe strongly in not just recruiting new members but taking the time to provide advice and guidance, mentoring them into effective political actors and participants in chapter life. Taking the time to talk over the phone, sharing readings that can provide guidance, and connecting comrades are all activities I relish doing in furthering chapter work.

Willie W

What position are you running for? // ¿A qué posición se presenta para candidata/o?

Co-Chair (at least 1, maximum of 2 elected) // Presidente (al menos 1, máximo 2 elegidos)

Yes

What has been your experience with the Pol-Ed Committee and/or organizing in general? // ¿Cuál ha sido su experiencia con el Comité Pol-Ed y/o la organización en general?

I’m proud to say that much of my political work over the past seven years has been with DSA-LA’s Political Education Committee. Since co-founding the committee in 2017 and serving two initial leadership terms, I’ve remained an active member of the Committee and worked to ensure ongoing spaces for deeply participatory, working class self-education. Over the years, I’ve contributed to designing and facilitating: 1) ongoing Night Schools on a range of fundamental topics (including: the Class on Class, Imperialism, Socialism & Electoralism, Socialist Strategy, and a radical history of Los Angeles), 2) regular introductory orientations to our organization, and 3) special educational events, such as our recent regional Logistics Day School in September 2023.

In addition to my work on the Political Education Committee, I have served as an At-Large Member of the DSA-LA Steering Committee where I co-led early organization-building efforts, including: drafting bylaws, organizing our chapter’s first Annual Convention, and supporting development of three initial DSA-LA Branches in Central, Westside, and the San Fernando Valley. In 2021, I served a term as a Westside Branch Coordinator, where I worked to embed membership development, generative political study, and priority campaign work into core branch functions.

What is your vision for the Pol-Ed Committee in 2024 and/or what are your leadership goals? // ¿Cuál es su visión para el Comité Pol-Ed en 2024 y/o cuáles son sus objetivos de liderazgo?

Overall, my vision for the Political Education Committee is that we ensure that all new and long-time members have a strong theoretical foundation for interpreting the world in order to change it. Our educational work should equip our members with an understanding of capitalist social relations and our historic methods of struggle—to ultimately bring theoretical clarity and rigorous analysis to our collective decision-making and campaign work.

To this end, the Political Education Committee has designed a strong catalog of political education resources over the years. We have also maintained a core of active members committed to both ongoing knowledge-building and actively supporting new members in taking on more responsibilities. If elected to lead the Committee in 2024, I would ensure the Committee maintains and strengthens our commitment to these critical areas of work:
1) offering ongoing Night Schools focused on socialist fundamentals; and
2) generating new educational resources that meet the political moment—including resources linked to our chapter’s priority campaigns, and events that respond to sudden political ruptures (for example, as we have done in response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the 2022 repeal of Roe, and the COVID-19 pandemic).

As a Committee leader, I would also be excited to expand collaborative Political Education work with other chapter institutions in service of recruitment and membership development. For example, I would very much like to think creatively and collaboratively with Branch Coordinators and Labor Circle leaders about the types of resources and spaces that we could co-create to build members’ knowledge and ownership of our movement, and strengthen members’ ability to meaningfully participate in deliberative decision-making.

How are you personally equipped to help this committee meet its goals? // ¿Cómo está equipado personalmente para ayudar a este comité a cumplir sus objetivos?

Success in emancipatory politics requires an analysis that breaks the conceptual and theoretical habits endemic to capitalist social relations. Any organization with ambitious aims will encounter problems and limitations, and without a strong, socialist analysis, it’s easy to turn towards solutions within the ideological framework that dominates society.

In addition to my years of experience on the Committee, I think my fundamental qualification for this leadership role is my commitment to rigorous political education as a central, embedded component of our political struggle.

Finally, I’m committed to ongoing, proactive communication with members (including prompt responses to member emails, calls, and concerns). I reliably honor my responsibilities, I’m skilled at coordinating timelines, and I have years of experience collaboratively planning and promoting small & large events for members and non-members alike.