Mid-Mo DSA’s Field Organizer will present this training, which includes historical context, discussions, and breakouts to explore the idea of building a mass organization, and why DSA is committed to becoming a mass working class organization.
What you will take from it: a base level understanding of YDSA and DSA as a political project, the fundamentals of our uniting politics, more clarity around what we’re trying to build together, and how to choose priorities in your chapter.
When and Where: Saturday, November 23rd at 6pm at the University of Missouri Arts & Science Building.
This past Tuesday, we made history. Thanks to your dedication and support, we raised Missouri’s minimum wage to $15, secured paid sick leave for workers, and overturned Missouri’s abortion ban. Because of this incredible achievement, over 562,000 workers will receive a much-needed raise, more than 728,000 workers will no longer have to choose between a paycheck and caring for themselves or their loved ones when sick, and clinics across the state can start making abortion care more accessible than it has been in decades.
We know that many of you may have found this victory bittersweet amid the news that Donald Trump has been re-elected as president. In moments like these, it’s easy to feel disheartened. But while Trump may have won, the fight for the future of our country—and our world—is far from over. Our mission has always been to build a better, more just world, and that mission has not changed. It’s just become more urgent.Together, we overcame tremendous odds to gather the necessary signatures and mobilize voters for Proposition A and Amendment 3. Let’s not forget the example set by our comrades in Mizzou YDSA who made Columbia an LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City despite daunting challenges. The lesson is clear: when we fight, a better world is within reach.No matter what the next four years hold, one truth remains: ordinary people like you and me have the power to shape our future. We can build a world that works for everyone, not just the powerful few. A world where freedom, equality, and joy are realities for every person. A world where resources go toward homes, healthcare, education, and meeting basic human needs—not toward war and environmental destruction.That world is just as possible today as it was last week. If you haven’t yet joined us, now is the time. Help us continue building the world we want to live in.
Our plan to face the road ahead starts with community. Last summer, we hosted Organize CoMo, an event that brought local progressive organizations together to support one another and to inspire community involvement. We’re now working to plan an even larger event before January 20, so we’re ready to meet any challenge head-on.Join us for our next general meeting this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at 404 Tiger Lane to learn more about how you can get involved in this event and in the initiatives that follow.Together, we can make the future we deserve.
Below are a handful of articles, podcasts, and videos we have turned to as we reflect on this election and look towards the future. But first, we want to leave you with this quote from the prophetic Mike Davis:”This seems an age of catastrophe, but it’s also an age equipped, in an abstract sense, with all the tools it needs. Utopia is available to us. If, like me, you lived through the civil-rights movement, the antiwar movement, you can never discard hope. I’ve seen social miracles in my life, ones that have stunned me—the courageousness of ordinary people in a struggle.”
Our 2024 ballot guide, when we’ll be knocking doors for Amendment 3 and Prop A, and more!
What We’ve Been Up To:
Last weekend, we were at Mid-Missouri Pridefest talking to folks about voting yes on Proposition A and Amendment 3 handing out resources for people interested in organizing their workplaces, and giving away socialist swag–including our Chappell-Roan-inspired Midwest Socialist stickers. This year, we also celebrated our first Pridefest since we worked with our Mizzou YDSA affiliates to make Columbia an LGBTQ+ sanctuary city!
Over the past couple weeks, we stood in solidarity with workers across our community. We showed up for MU workers organized with LiUNA Local 955 who are demanding an end to outsourcing, unfair parking fees, and cuts to paid time off. We also joined the American Postal Workers Union for their Nationwide Day of Action rallies in Columbia and Jeff City to promote vote by mail and demand first-class service year-round. Workers run this country; they deserve better!
Earlier this month, we joined Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty and Mizzou Black Law Students Association for a discussion on the legal case of Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams, who was executed by the State of Missouri on September 24 despite the lack of reliable evidence supporting his conviction. We must not stop working to abolish the death penalty and dismantle the carceral system built upon exploitation and white supremacy. We honor Marcellus’s memory by sharing a poem he wrote, which reminds us that all oppressed people of the world are united in the same fight for human liberation:
What We’ll Be Doing:
Every Saturday and Sunday through Election Day, we’ll be knocking doors for Proposition A and Amendment 3 from 1-4 PM. Right now, 500,000 Missouri workers make less than $15 an hour, nearly 750,000 Missouri workers–including our own Alejandro Gallardo–lack paid sick leave, and all Missourians are living under a draconian abortion ban. This November, we can change all of that by passing these two ballot initiatives! We need all hands on deck to knock enough doors between now and November 5 to get these ballot measures across the finish line. Sign up for a shift here!
And here’s a look at our full 2024 ballot guide! Keep an eye out for our issue-by-issue breakdowns on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. The last day to register to vote for the November 5 election is October 9. You can check your registration status and find your polling place here. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 23. Boone County residents can vote early at the Government Center from October 22 through November 4.
Our next General Meeting will take place at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, October 8 at the Daniel Boone Regional Library. This month, we will be recapping Pride, talking about our upcoming canvassing efforts, and discussing our plans for after the election. All dues-paying DSA members and everyone else interested in learning more about DSA are welcome! RSVP here and we will send links to join us virtually and view the agenda.
Want to learn more about DSA or interested in getting more involved? Have an idea for something you think DSA should be doing in the community? Just want to grab coffee and chat with some fellow lefty folks? Join us at 2 PM on Sunday, October 20 for our monthly DSA Office Hours at Shortwave on 9th! RSVP here.
The Columbia Ceasefire Coalition is holding weekly marches to demand that Columbia city officials call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Those interested in attending should meet at Speaker’s Circle before 2 PM every Saturday to join the march to City Hall.
If you like our newsletter and the work we’re doing in the community, please consider becoming a dues-paying member of DSA. Socialists believe in one struggle: the struggle of working people against domination by the powerful few. Workers fighting for their fair share of the profits, women and LGBTQ+ folks fighting for bodily autonomy, protestors fighting for a free Palestine, BIPOC activists fighting to end white supremacy, renters fighting for affordable housing, environmentalists fighting to combat climate change, and organizers fighting to end mass incarceration are all engaged in this same struggle. To win these fights, we must stand in solidarity. Mid-Missouri DSA shows up for local workers demanding a fair union contract. We march every Saturday to end the bloodshed in Gaza. We gather signatures and knock doors to raise the minimum wage, guarantee paid sick leave, and restore the right to reproductive freedom. We fought to make Columbia an LGBTQ+ Safe Haven and expand access to Plan B. Around the country, DSA works to advance the fight for justice at home–winning things like historic tenant protections and climate investments–and abroad–joining campaigns like the Uncommitted Movement. DSA electeds like AOC and Rashida Tlaib have lead the charge for Medicare-for-All, a Green New Deal, student debt cancellation, union rights, and a ceasefire in Gaza. We are committed to engaging in this one struggle, standing side-by-side with one another to organize and fight for a better world. Will you join us?
What Our Friends Are Doing:
For the past several months, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks have been holding daily peace vigils in support of the people of Gaza from 12:15-12:45 PM by the City Hall Keyhole. All are welcome to join any day you can!
Local Motion is doing their annual community survey on how people travel around Columbia. Please take 5-10 minutes to share your perspective on local transportation!
The Boone County Community Bail Fund provides essential services to low-level offenders who would otherwise be held in jail simply because they cannot afford to post bail. The Bail Fund posts bails of up to $3,000 for Boone County residents and arranges reminders and rides to help them appear at subsequent court dates. You can support them by making a one time or recurring donation or by contacting them at comobailfund@gmail.com to volunteer to answer phones, provide rides, help with fundraising, or otherwise get involved!
Abortion is currently banned in the state of Missouri, but Missourians can still get abortions. There are clinics near the Missouri border, and you are allowed to leave the state for care. Abortion Help Mo can help you find an abortion care provider and help you pay for your care. You can go to their website or text Right By You‘s confidential and anonymous helpline at 855-458-0866 for assistance. You can also donate to the Missouri Abortion Fund, which provides financial assistance to Missouri residents who cannot afford the full cost or abortion care.
CoMo Mobile Aid Collective provide direct aid and immediate assistance to unsheltered friends here in Columbia. Their street teams proudly serve 200+ meals every week throughout the year, their mobile medical clinic of qualified nurses, EMTs, and medical students have a variety of assistance available, and they partner with Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue to ensure beloved pets have access to food, flea and tick treatment, first aid, vet appointments as needed, and lots of treats. You can support their efforts by making a one-time donation or becoming a monthly donor! And through November 15, you can drop off sturdy adult winter boots, shoes, and shocks outside CoMo Smoke and Fire, Best Buy, CoMo Rocks, Local Motion, or Cafe Berlin–or order those items directly from their Amazon Wishlist.
Have you been mistreated by your employer or landlord? You’re not alone! Contact the Columbia Solidarity Network to see if they can help! Call or text (573) 246-0646 or email columbiasolidarity@gmail.com. Have an event or organization you think we should plug in next month’s newsletter? Email us at midmodsa@gmail.com.
On August 25, we knocked our first doors for Proposition A and Amendment 3! Right now, 500,000 Missouri workers make less than $15 an hour, nearly 750,000 Missouri workers–including our own Alejandro Gallardo–lack paid sick leave, and all Missourians are living under a draconian abortion ban. This November, we can change that by passing these two ballot initiatives! We need all hands on deck to knock enough doors between now and Election Day in November to get these ballot measures across the finish line. Join us on September 7 as we officially kickoff our canvassing campaign, then keep knocking doors with us every Saturday through Election Day!
Our next General Meeting will take place at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, September 3 at the Boone County Government Center. All dues-paying DSA members all welcome! RSVP here and we will send links to join us virtually and view the agenda.
You can also join us on Sunday, September 22 at Shortwave on 9th St at 2 PM for DSA Office Hours. Office Hours provide a chance for anyone curious about DSA to come chat with some of our members while also giving existing members an opportunity to bring up any ideas or thoughts they might want to discuss. RSVP here
On September 28-29, we’ll be tabling at Mid-Missouri Pridefest on Park Avenue. Stop by to pick up some sweet Midwest Socialist stickers and learn how you can get more involved with DSA!
From our friends at Local Motion: The Columbia Area Transportation Study Organization (CATSO) is revising its metropolitan transportation plan, impacting everything from public transit to sidewalks and bike infrastructure. This is a critical moment to advocate that CATSO prioritizes public good over private interests. We believe this update is an opportunity to shift CATSO’s focus from road expansions and new construction—which often serve the wealthy and contribute to sprawl—to investments in equitable public transit and community infrastructure. So many local streets remain neglected, inaccessible, and unsafe, particularly for working-class and marginalized communities. We want to change that and we could use your voice. Please fill out this CATSO survey by September 7.
The Columbia Ceasefire Coalition is holding weekly marches to demand that Columbia city officials call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Those interested in attending should meet at Speaker’s Circle before 2 PM every Saturday to join the march to city hall.
The Boone County Community Bail Fund, a member of the National Bail Fund Network, provides essential services to low-level offenders who would otherwise be held in jail simply because they cannot afford to post bail. The Bail Fund posts bails of up to $3,000 for qualified detainees and arranges reminders and rides to help them appear at subsequent court dates. You can support them by making a one time or recurring donation or by contacting them at comobailfund@gmail.com to volunteer to answer phones, provide rides, help with fundraising, or otherwise get involved!
CoMo Mobile Aid Collective provides direct aid and immediate assistance to unsheltered friends here in Columbia. Their street teams proudly serve 200+ meals every week throughout the year, their mobile medical clinic of qualified nurses, EMTs, and medical students have a variety of assistance available, and they partner with Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue to ensure beloved pets have access to food, flea and tick treatment, first aid, vet appointments as needed, and lots of treats. You can support their efforts by making a one-time donation or becoming a monthly donor!
For the past several months, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks has been holding daily peace vigils in support of the people of Gaza from 12:15-12:45 PM by the Keyhole sculpture outside City Hall. All are welcome to join any day you can!
Have you been mistreated by your employer or landlord? You’re not alone! Contact the Columbia Solidarity Network to see if they can help! Call or text (573) 246-0646 or email columbiasolidarity@gmail.com.
On July 28, we joined comrades from the St. Louis and Kansas City Chapters to knock doors for fellow DSA member Cori Bush. Representative Bush has been a critical voice in Congress in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, the fight to ensure housing for every American, protecting and restoring reproductive and trans rights, and so much more, and we are proud to have supported her re-election campaign! If you are able, please consider joining one or both of STL DSA’s last two phone banks on Sunday at 5 PM and Monday at 5 PM.
On July 21, we tabled at Ashland Pride and talked to folks about what we are doing here in mid-Missouri to organize for a better world, including our recent campaign to make Columbia an LGBTQ+ sanctuary city!
On July 13, several of our members attended the MU Workers United town hall where MU workers discussed concerns related to parking fees and good-faith bargaining with several local state legislative candidates: Gregg Bush, Stephen Webber, Kathy Steinhoff, Jeff Basinger, Adrian Plank, John Potter, and David Tyson Smith. Both Gregg Bush and Adrian Plank received a standing ovation for pledging to only vote for University funding once there is a written commitment from Chancellor Mun Choi to bargain with MU workers.
On July 21, several of our members attended another town hall for Columbia city workers where they discussed wage compression and the underfunding of public transit with Mayor Buffaloe, Councilman Roy Lovelady, and city council candidates Valerie Carroll and May Hall.
What We’ll Be Doing:
Election Day is Tuesday, August 6! Check out our voting guide for Constitutional Amendments 1 and 4.
Our next General Meeting will take place at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, August 13 at the Boone County Government Center. All dues-paying DSA members all welcome! RSVP here and we will send links to join us virtually and view the agenda.You can also join us on Sunday, August 18 at Shortwave on 9th St at 2 PM for DSA Office Hours. Office Hours provide a chance for anyone curious about DSA to come chat with some of our members while also giving existing members an opportunity to bring up any ideas or thoughts they might want to discuss. RSVP here
Right now, 500,000 Missouri workers make less than $15 an hour, nearly 750,000 Missouri workers lack paid sick leave, and all Missourians are living under a draconian abortion ban. This November, we can change that by passing the ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage, provide paid sick leave, and enshrine the right to reproductive freedom into our constitution! We need all hands on deck to knock enough doors between now and Election Day in November to get these ballot measures across the finish line. If you are interested in knocking doors with us–or are interested in finding another way to be involved–sign up here!
The Columbia Ceasefire Coalition is holding weekly marches to demand that Columbia city officials call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Those interested in attending should meet at Speaker’s Circle before 2 PM every Saturday to join the march to city hall.
The Boone County Community Bail Fund, a member of the National Bail Fund Network, provides essential services to low-level offenders who would otherwise be held in jail simply because they cannot afford to post bail. The Bail Fund posts bails of up to $3,000 for qualified detainees and arranges reminders and rides to help them appear at subsequent court dates. You can support them by making a one time or recurring donation or by contacting them at comobailfund@gmail.com to volunteer to answer phones, provide rides, help with fundraising, or otherwise get involved!
CoMo Mobile Aid Collective provides direct aid and immediate assistance to unsheltered friends here in Columbia. Their street teams proudly serve 200+ meals every week throughout the year, their mobile medical clinic of qualified nurses, EMTs, and medical students have a variety of assistance available, and they partner with Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue to ensure beloved pets have access to food, flea and tick treatment, first aid, vet appointments as needed, and lots of treats. You can support their efforts by making a one-time donation, becoming a monthly donor, buying a shirt, or signing up to volunteer!
Have you been mistreated by your employer or landlord? Contact the Columbia Solidarity Network to see if they can help! Call or text (573) 246-0646 or email columbiasolidarity@gmail.com.
For over three months, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks has been holding daily peace vigils in support of the people of Gaza from 12:15-12:45 PM by the Keyhole sculpture outside City Hall. All are welcome to join any day you can!
Earlier this month, three of our members and one member of our Mizzou YDSA affiliate completed the Missouri Jobs with Justice leadership training, where they learned invaluable skills and strategies for organizing campaigns. We’re excited for them to start applying what they’ve learned in our fight to raise the minimum wage, guarantee paid sick leave, and end the abortion ban this November!
Meanwhile, a few of our other members joined some of our comrades from Mid-Missouri John Brown Gun Club to help feed our unhoused neighbors at Loaves and Fishes.
At Break the Chains on June 15, we tabled alongside Missouri Jobs with Justice and talked to folks in our community about ways to get involved with organizing and building power for working people!
Just this past weekend, some of our members joined our St. Louis DSA comrades across the state in their weekly canvas to re-elect Cori Bush, where they were greeted by Representative Bush herself! Stay tuned for future opportunities to help the Bush campaign before the August 6 primary.
What We’ll Be Doing:
Our next general meeting will take place at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, July 2 at the Daniel Boone Regional Library. At this meeting, we will be electing our new steering committee to lead the chapter in the upcoming year, as well as new Electoral, Labor, and Recruitment chairs. All dues-paying DSA members are welcome! You can use this link to join us virtually.
Join us on Sunday, July 21 from 9 AM to 2 PM at Ashland City Park to celebrate Ashland Pride! We will be tabling to talk about what we are doing here in mid-Missouri to organize for a better world and how you can get involved.
In the coming weeks we will be launching our People’s Platform Campaign, where will be knocking doors and talking about voters about the initiatives on the November ballot to raise the minimum wage, provide paid sick leave, and create a constitutional right to reproductive freedom in Missouri. Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities very soon!
This month, LiUNA Local 955 will be hosting two town halls for their members. The first on July 13 at 1 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia will be for MU workers to discuss concerns related to parking fees and good-faith bargaining and will feature several local state legislative candidates, including Kathy Steinhoff, Adrian Plank, John Potter, David Tyson Smith, Gregg Bush and Jeff Basinger. The second on July 21 at 2PM at a venue TBA will be for Columbia city workers to discuss wage compression and the underfunding of public transit and will feature several city council members. Pleasure come show your support for the workers we rely on to keep our community running!
The Columbia Ceasefire Coalition is holding weekly marches to demand that Columbia city officials call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Those interested in attending should meet at Speaker’s Circle before 2 PM every Saturday to join the march to city hall.
Congresswoman Cori Bush, a DSA member, is facing a primary challenge from St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell. Representative Bush has been a critical voice in Congress in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, the fight to ensure housing for every American, protecting and restoring reproductive and trans rights, and so much more. We encourage anyone who is able to consider financially supporting her campaign or signing up to canvas on July 13, 20, or 27 in St. Louis!
The Boone County Community Bail Fund has resumed bailouts! As a member of the National Bail Fund Network, the Bail Fund provides essential services to low-level offenders who would otherwise be held in jail simply because they cannot afford to post bail. The Bail Fund posts bails of up to $3,000 for qualified detainees and arranges reminders and rides to help them appear at subsequent court dates. You can support them by making a one time or recurring donation or by contacting them at comobailfund@gmail.com to volunteer to answer phones, provide rides, help with fundraising, or otherwise get involved!
CoMo Mobile Aid Collective provides direct aid and immediate assistance to unsheltered friends here in Columbia. Their street teams proudly serve 200+ meals every week throughout the year, their mobile medical clinic of qualified nurses, EMTs, and medical students have a variety of assistance available, and they partner with Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue to ensure beloved pets have access to food, flea and tick treatment, first aid, vet appointments as needed, and lots of treats.
Have you been mistreated by your employer or landlord? Contact the Columbia Solidarity Network to see if they can help! Call or text (573) 246-0646 or email columbiasolidarity@gmail.com.
For over three months, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks has been holding daily peace vigils in support of the people of Gaza from 12:15-12:45 PM by the Keyhole sculpture outside City Hall. All are welcome to join any day you can!
On Sunday, May 19, we hosted Organize CoMo, where we shared some great food and heard presentations from Mid-MO DSA, Missouri Jobs with Justice, CoMo Mobile Aid Collective, The Boone County Community Bail Fund, Sierra Club Mid-Missouri Group, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks, Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation, The John Brown Gun Club, Columbia IWW, Columbia
Solidarity Network, Abortion Help MO, Columbia Area NOW, and CoMo For Progress about how to get more involved in our community! Read about it here
This past weekend, we started knocking doors for The Neighborhood Pledge to get ready for the Ward 1 City Council election. Since 2018, Mid-MO DSA has partnered with other Missouri Jobs with Justice member organizations to campaign around the Pledge, which asks candidates to commit to three things: 1) protecting and expanding affordable housing, 2) investing in and strengthening our public infrastructure, and 3) addressing structural inequality. We have done this by knocking doors and talking to members of our community about the Pledge and giving candidates an opportunity to sign on–usually after holding a town hall where voters have the opportunity to ask them questions about where they stand on issues related to these three planks.
As of right now, two of the five sitting City Council members and Mayor Buffaloe are Neighborhood Pledge signatories, and we are working to make sure the new representative for Ward 1 joins that list! If you would like to help us with this campaign, please email us at midmodsa@gmail.com.
Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, May 13’s Ride United event was postponed. Be on the lookout for a new date in the near future!
On Wednesday May 22nd we attended Sierra Club Mid-Mo Group’s charity fundraiser at Cafe Berlin. The “DSA Buds” won the night, and donated our winnings to the Sierra Club fundraiser! We are always happy to contribute to any event, action, or fundraising opportunity for our comrades in the community!
What We’ll Be Doing:
Our next general meeting will take place at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, June 4 at the Daniel Boone Regional Library.
All dues-paying DSA members are welcome! You can view the meeting agenda here and use this link to join us virtually.Want to learn more about DSA, what we’ve done around the country, and what we’re doing here in mid-Missouri? Already pay dues and want to meet other local members or find ways to get involved? Been a member in the past and want to get reengaged? Just think Bernie and AOC are cool and want to talk with some likeminded people? Come grab a coffee and chat with some of our members at our next Office Hours event on Sunday, June 16 at 2 PM at Shortwave on 9th. RSVP here
The Columbia Ceasefire Coalition is holding weekly marches to demand that Columbia city officials call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Those interested in attending should meet at Speaker’s Circle before 2 PM every Saturday to join the march to city hall.
Congresswoman Cori Bush, a DSA member, is facing a primary challenge from St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell. Representative Bush has been a critical voice in Congress in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, the fight to ensure housing for every American, protecting and restoring reproductive and trans rights, and so much more. We encourage anyone who is able to consider financially supporting her campaign or signing up to canvas on June 8, 15, 22, or 29 in St. Louis!
The Boone County Community Bail Fund has resumed bailouts! As a member of the National Bail Fund Network, the Bail Fund provides essential services to low-level offenders who would otherwise be held in jail simply because they cannot afford to post bail. The Bail Fund posts bails of up to $3,000 for qualified detainees and arranges reminders and rides to help them appear at subsequent court dates. You can support them by making a one time or recurring donation or by contacting them at comobailfund@gmail.com to volunteer to answer phones, provide rides, help with fundraising, or otherwise get involved!
CoMo Mobile Aid Collective provides direct aid and immediate assistance to unsheltered friends here in Columbia. Their street teams proudly serve 200+ meals every week throughout the year, their mobile medical clinic of qualified nurses, EMTs, and medical students have a variety of assistance available, and they partner with Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue to ensure beloved pets have access to food, flea and tick treatment, first aid, vet appointments as needed, and lots of treats.
Have you been mistreated by your employer or landlord? Contact the Columbia Solidarity Network to see if they can help! Call or text (573) 246-0646 or email columbiasolidarity@gmail.com.
For over three months, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks has been holding daily peace vigils in support of the people of Gaza from 12:15-12:45 PM by the Keyhole sculpture outside City Hall. All are welcome to join any day you can!
The Missouri Supreme Court set an execution for David Hosier of June 11, 2024. Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty (MADP) has created a clemency petition to send to Governor Parson. Please sign and share! You can also contact the Governor directly by calling (573) 751-3222 or writing here. And join MADP and Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Recreation for their Vigil for Life on Tuesday, June 11 from 12-1 PM in the State Capitol and from 5-6 PM in front of the columns by the Boone County Courthouse.
ORGANIZE COMO – LET’S BUILD A BETTER COLUMBIA TOGETHER!
The central idea at the heart of progressive organizing is simple: Solidarity. As working people fighting for our collective liberation, all of our fights are linked. “None of us are free until all of us are free.”
There are many different groups working right now to build a community that works for all of us, not just a monied few. Today, many of us came together in Cosmo-Bethel Park to celebrate the work that we have done together in Columbia and across Missouri over the last year, and to coordinate how to best support and lift each other up in the months and years ahead.
While we shared a potluck picnic together, the following organizations spoke about their vital work in the community. In this newsletter, you can learn more about each, and find a directory on how to get in touch with each of them to help support their work.
Mid-Missouri Democratic Socialists of America (that’s us!) is the local chapter of the largest and friendliest socialist organization in the United States, the DSA. We organize for economic democracy in Columbia, Jefferson City, and central Missouri. Join us!
Missouri Jobs with Justice is an organization that fights for economic justice in Missouri. Their mission is to create a state where everyone has the opportunity for economic security and a safe, healthy life. They achieve this by building power through action and strong relationships.
Fellowship of Reconciliation is a group composed of people from many faiths, and no particular faith — all coming together to support nonviolence and justice. Offering people of conscience an action response to a morally-impaired U.S. foreign policy. Join their Vigil for Life, Tuesday June 11th from 1-2 PM in the State Capitol to oppose the execution of David Hosier. Join their weekly Ceasefire March every Saturday at 2pm at Speaker’s Circle.
Abortion Help MO provide public education and support for people needing reproductive health services, primarily by providing financial assistance for Missouri residents who cannot afford the full cost of abortion care.
The IWW (International Workers of the World) is a labor union that promotes the creation of “One Big Union” and contends that all workers should be united as a social class to supplant capitalism and wage labor with industrial democracy. The local chapter carries out this work here in Mid-Missouri. They meet every third Wednesday of the month, 6pm, at the cafe of the EatWell grocery store on Providence near downtown.
Columbia Solidarity Network is a project of the local IWW chapter that offers help to people in the community who have been mistreated at work or by a landlord. If you have been the victim of wage theft, stolen security deposits, or other issues, please reach out for advice and support!
Email: columbiasolidarity@gmail.com
Phone: 573-246-0646
Boone County Community Bail Fund is a volunteer-run community bail fund supporting our neighbors who have been injured by the criminal legal system in Boone County, Missouri.
Sierra Club Mid-Missouri Group seeks to create and foster an inclusive organizational and workplace culture – a culture that grows, nurtures and retains diverse, engaged teams of staff and volunteers.
Como For Progress are an advocacy group affecting policy that bolsters freedom, equality, and humanity to better serve our local, national and global communities through outreach and action. We are stronger together as we strive for inclusive and welcoming communities.
Peaceworks holds a vision of an ecologically sound, sustainable world and a violence-free community in which human equality and justice flourish. We aspire to create a participatory, cooperative social order in which all individuals can fully actualize their potential free of coercion or violence.
National Organization for Women is dedicated to its multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights, and is the largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States.
The Disabilities Commission of the City of Columbia advises the City Council as necessary and reviews or monitors accessibility of public and private facilities and educates the business community, civic groups and the public as to the concerns of residents with disabilities. Please submit nominations to their Senator Chuck Graham Memorial Disability and Advocacy Ambassador Award before the June deadline!
Mizzou YDSA is a big tent student organization open to leftists of all kinds at the University of Missouri with a history of educating and organizing students, workers, young people, and members of the community at large to make real and effective changes in our community.
Drop Ins are now “Office Hours”: These meetings are a chance for new and potential members to have a less intimidating introduction to the chapter. They will now give us a chance to work on projects or bring up new ideas for things for us to work on. We are now doing them every third Sunday of the month at 2:00 PM at Shortwave on 9th.
Juneteenth Participation? Potential tabling opportunity at Cosmo Bethel Park on the 19th. Would split the table with Missouri JwJ.
Ashland Pride on 7/21? Vendor signup link no longer active. We have received requests to attend.
Labor
LIUNA negotiations with City and MU: Had an action last night to seek binding arbitration. Upcoming action will be coordinated next Thursday.
Efforts to unionize the Rose Brooks Domestic Violence Shelter in Kansas City have been met with union busting efforts by management. Members of MidMo DSA have spoken out publicly about the misinformation being spread by management.
Union contract negotiations have begun at High Profile Dispensary. Management’s lawyers did not show up for the first round of negotiation.
Electoral
MidMo DSA/Mizzou YDSA Members gathered over 7,000 signatures for the Healthy Families ballot initiative, which seeks to put a 15 minimum wage and guaranteed paid sick leave on the ballot in November. The campaign turned in 210,000 signatures on Wednesday. MidMo DSA members gathered over 300 signatures in just one month for the Reproductive Rights campaign to restore the right to an abortion in Missouri. Mizzou YDSA gathered nearly 300 as well. On Friday, the campaign turned in over 380,000 signatures to the Secretary of State.
Canvassing for the Neighborhood Pledge campaign in Columbia’s First Ward election begins May 25th. We will discuss elements of the Pledge and our script for the doors in a meeting on Tuesday, 5/14 at 1PM.
Treasurer’s Report
Largest ever dues share, as well as our resources from our solidarity drive with the Reproductive Rights campaign gives us far more resources to work with in the next year.
Chapter Vote to use $900 send 3 members (2 MidMO DSA, 1 Mizzou YDSA) to the Jobs with Justice Leadership Training: Unanimous Approval.
Website/Social Media Discussion
Discussed need to prioritize website and email content, including newsletter and posts of General Meeting Agenda/Minutes. Considering a potential website redesign, need someone to lead a team.
Discussed minimizing presence on Twitter, using only as a mirror to link website/email posts. Website/email posts should also be mirrored on other social medias (instagram, facebook).
Discussed future video content, and trainings through Vidwest.
Member Reports
Disability Commission: Annual Senator Chuck Graham award coming up. For anyone who has done work for inclusion and accessibility in the field of disability. Seeking nominations!
Unhoused advocacy coalition: Potential coalition lead by Calvary Epicopal. Downtown churches coordinating around unhoused issues. Advocating for Housing First solutions.
Board and Commission vacancies: Working to build an organization to advocate for LGBTQ issues locally. Trying to increase representation on boards and commissions. Columbia Disability Commission was the only board or commission to publicly endorse the LGBTQ Sanctuary City Ordinance authored by Mizzou YDSA, due to lobbying by a MidMO DSA member serving on the commission. Members are encouraged to apply for board and commission seats.
Bail fund event: National Bail Fund network is doing short trainings on abolition-minded reforms. Bail Fund will present on these issues in the fall.
Mizzou YDSA: Wrapping up their year, have elected new Steering Committee. Reminder of their huge victory in successfully authoring Columbia’s LGBTQ Sanctuary City ordinance. Committed to an action with Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine everyday this week in Speaker’s Circle from 12-2pm: Liberated Zone. Encouraging students to vote in Columbia in Ward 1 elections and in November General Election.
July is our bi-yearly convention. Amendments to chapter bylaws must be submitted by June. Resolutions can wait until the convention.
On April 21, we took part in the Columbia Earth Day Festival, where we spoke many members of our community about what DSA is doing here and around the country to build a better world, including the fight for a Green New Deal. While there, we also directed volunteer efforts to collect signatures to collect signatures for the Missourians for Constitutional Freedom initiative petition campaign to adopt a constitutional amendment to restore the right to abortion in Missouri and raised money for the Missouri Abortion Fund.
On April 29, Mizzou YDSA co-hosted an emergency protest and walkout alongside six other student organizations to stand in solidarity with people the people of Gaza enduring an ongoing genocide, as well as other student protestors across the country who have been brutalized by police and arrested on their university campuses in the last week. Protesters called for the University of Missouri System to disclose and divest their endowments from Israeli enterprises. Mizzou YDSA co-chair Ian De Smet, pictured below, spoke during the protest, explaining, “Those bombs dropping on Gaza, they have the seal of the United States government, and we, as citizens, have the responsibility and the power to stand up.”
Want to learn more about DSA, what we’ve done around the country, and what we’re doing here in mid-Missouri? Already pay dues and want to meet other local members or find ways to get involved? Been a member in the past and want to get reengaged? Just think Bernie and AOC are cool and want to talk with some likeminded people? Come grab a coffee and chat with some of our members at our next Office Hours event on Sunday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Shortwave on 9th.
The Columbia Ceasefire Coalition is holding weekly marches to demand that Columbia city officials call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Those interested in attending should meet at Speaker’s Circle before 2:00 p.m. every Saturday to join the march to city hall.
Join us on Monday, May 13 for Ride United: A Public Transit Event. Come by the Fretboard Courtyard from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for an empowering public transportation rally advocating for a robust and accessible transportation system!
Hear inspiring guest speakers share their insights on the importance of inclusive transit, and learn how you can contribute to building a better-connected community. Enjoy snacks while networking with like-minded individuals and connecting with partner organizations dedicated to enhancing public transportation. Together, let’s amplify our voices for equitable and efficient transit options that benefit us all!
On Sunday, May 19, we will be hosting Organize CoMo–an event to bring together local progressive organizations to meet one another and learn about each other’s organizations and what we can all do to support them. Each organization in attendance will be given a brief opportunity to give a brief pitch about what their organization does and how people can support it. Once the list of attending organizations is finalized, we will be sending around a link for other members of the public who are interested in attending to RSVP.
The Boone County Community Bail Fund has resumed bailouts! As a member of the National Bail Fund Network, the Bail Fund provides essential services to low-level offenders who would otherwise be held in jail simply because they cannot afford to post bail. The Bail Fund posts bails of up to $3,000 for qualified detainees and arranges reminders and rides to help them appear at subsequent court dates. You can support them by donating or by contacting them at comobailfund@gmail.com to volunteer.
CoMo Mobile Aid Collective provides direct aid and immediate assistance to unsheltered friends here in Columbia. You can support their efforts by becoming a monthly donor!
For over two months, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks has been holding daily peace vigils in support of the people of Gaza from 12:15-12:45 p.m. by the Keyhole sculpture outside City Hall. All are welcome to join any day you can!
The Missouri Supreme Court set an execution for David Hosier of June 11, 2024. Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty has created a clemency petition to send to Governor Parson. Please sign and share!
.webp)
