On-Boarding Monthly Meeting
The National Online On-Boarding Socialists Meeting takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at 9 PM Eastern / 6 PM Pacific.
Please share the Mobilize link: https://www.mobilize.us/socialists/event/773488.
The purpose of this meeting is not to cover 146 years of Socialist theory or review the rich history of our movement. Instead, the goal is simple: to introduce the basics of Socialism and explain how we use the consensus-building Ben Franklin Circle Salon model instead of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Lobbying for a Socialist Caucus in the Democratic Party
To establish a Socialist Caucus inside the Democratic Party, we must demonstrate that our values are fully compatible with the Democratic Party’s “Big Tent.”
Since 2016, I have been working to present Socialism to Democratic Party members who often misunderstand its history. What I quickly realized is that, in the streets of the United States, Socialism is widely mischaracterized.
I never imagined this effort would be such a roller coaster. Yet today, after years of work, I can say that we have set the stage for a more thoughtful discussion.
This month has been especially busy, as we prepare for next month’s New York Democratic Party County Committee meeting.
When I first participated in the County Committee in 2017, there was no notice of meeting times, the bylaws were not posted online, and the election process was vague at best.
Through collective work with other Democrats, we were able to change that.
By 2023, I was able to make a two-minute presentation on Socialism and even received three votes.
Today, the bylaws are posted online, the meeting location is announced a month in advance, and candidates for chair now have the opportunity to present themselves and their platforms.
In New York City, we now need 1,700 Socialists to represent their electoral districts. As shown in the short presentation, participation only requires about 20 hours per year.
The County Committee is one of the three pillars of the New York State Democratic Party.
Across the United States, there are over 3,200 counties—each with slightly different rules, but the overall process remains the same.
Unfortunately, liberals often use every rule to block Socialists from participating:
Shaming: “We are not Socialists, we are Democrats.”
Barriers: Preventing us from entering meetings (as in New Jersey).
Disruption: Creating chaos, such as what happened in Minneapolis.
At a minimum, we Socialists must organize around these conventions, which takes only about 20 hours a year.
The process is simple: just send an email to socialists@register.repmyblock.org to get started.
Socialism is Universalism
Socialism is universalist by nature.
That is why I often draw from international material—because since the 1930s, very little Socialist theory has been produced in the United States. Too many American authors remain stuck in outdated references from the 1920s.
Aside from Michael Harrington’s contributions in the 1980s, U.S. Socialist philosophy for the 21st century remains sparse.
Until academia, politicians, intellectuals, and working people come together to draft a new Socialist Manifesto for our time, we must continue learning from the rest of the world.
COPPPAL to observes Elections in New York City
Rosa Diaz and I met with Sofía Carvajal Isunza, Executive Secretary of the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL), to discuss observing the November 4th municipal elections in New York City.
This effort will give COPPPAL representatives the opportunity to see first-hand how elections are organized in the United States.
Time to Join the Social Democrats of America
If you’ve been reading this newsletter, now is the time to join SDA (Social Democrats of America), a 501(c)(4), by becoming a non-voting member for $40.
https://www.socialists.us/direct/index/join
At any time, you can switch to voting member status once there are five non-voting members in the same geographical area. This process will be explained during the On-Boarding Meeting, held on the first Wednesday of every month.
Please share the Mobilize link: https://www.mobilize.us/socialists/event/773488.
In solidarity,
Hasta la victoria, ¡siempre!
Theo