DSoV Reading & Discussion
This is the meeting link
https://meet.jit.si/DSoV
On Agitation:
Building Our “Vancouver Program”
Moderated by Joe Stilwell
Please be aware that the DSOV reading group abides by the organization’s statement of principles.
https://www.democraticsocialistsyvr.ca/statement-of-principles
Please Review the DSA’s Guidelines for Respectful Discussions
https://www.dsausa.org/organize/respectful_discussion
Readings
Double check this document to be sure you have the most recent reading list
1 . On Agitation by Arkadi Kremer & Julius Martov, translated by Richard Taylor
“On Agitation” was written by members of the Jewish Labour Bund & adopted by the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) as the “Vilna Program” & was a source of early success for them.
What similarities do you see in the organizing challenges mentioned in “On Agitation” & the organizing challenges the DSoV faces in our time?
What differences do you see? How do those help or hurt us?
Can we apply the idea of winning concessions from Capital as a form of training & preparation to actions other than strikes?
2. The Black Panther Party Free Breakfast Program by Dianne Pien
What are some conditions here in the Lower Mainland that remind you of the conditions that led to the creation of the BPP Free Breakfast Program?
How can we respond similarly?
The Program brought a lot of visibility to the Panthers - what were the pros & cons of this & what can we learn from them? How are the conditions different for us?
3.Learning to Love the Machine: Some Assembly Required by Patrick Dalton
Do you see Dalton’s conception of a “socialist political machine” as possible or desirable?
Do we think some conception of this “socialist machine” could extend beyond electoral politics into direct action, mutual aid, labour or tenantorganizing? Would it be good to do so?
4. DSA & Protest Solidarity by Ramsin Canon
While this article is about DSA & BLM protests specifically, it could also be applied to our relationship to local resistance & uprisings, like the Fairy Creek or Un’istot’en Blockades. 4 questions from the essay, adapted:
What is the ideal role of the DSoV at a time of uprising, especially against white supremacy & settler colonialism? (In turn, how do the limits of our organization impact this ideal program?)
What can a democratic, member-funded socialist organization with a socialist vision provide that other organizations cannot?
What does it mean, specifically, to engage in organizational (not just individual) solidarity both with unorganized communities & formal organizations?
What does it mean, specifically, to assume leadership, & what are the risks of doing so & of not doing so?
Additional not required supplementary readings & resources
Why the Drug User Liberation Front Gave Out Free, Checked Drugs in Vancouver by Matthew Bonn (Filter)
A World Within A World - The Bolton Socialist Club & Working Class Culture by Marcus Barnett (Jacobin)
Let's Get to Work - "Salting" Unions by Erik Forman (Jacobin)
Morgnshtern (Jewish Bund Sports Organization) by Roni Getchman (YIVO)
If you have any other supplementary readings you would like to bring to the group for consideration/to read after the fact, please do!