Dear Comrades,
Despite a clear need for
dismantling the institution of police in this country, Oakland mayor,
Libby Schaaf, has refused to defund the police. Instead, Schaff has
advocated for “reforms,” which only increase Oakland’s police budget,
already one of the largest in the nation. It is not possible to reform
an inherently racist institution that was built to subjugate Black
communities. These oppressive systems must be dismantled so that we
can collectively build an inclusive, compassionate system in its
place.
Oakland will vote on its mid-cycle budget revision this
month. We have the chance to use our collective voices to push our
city council members to reduce the police budget and increase budget
allocations towards housing, transportation, education, mental health
services, and more.
TODAY, June 16 at 1:30pm, the Oakland City Council will
meet to consider amendments to the budget.
How to get involved:
-
Join the Oakland
City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 16th
E-comment: You
can give
a public comment telling City Council that you support defunding the
police. (Please note that
eComment submission closes five (5) minutes before posted meeting
time.)
What to include in
E-comment
- Any
negative experiences you’ve had with the police. Personal stories
always have more impact.
- Your
demand that Oakland should defund the police and instead fund social
programs. Feel free to highlight your favorite: e.g. housing,
transportation, recreation, restorative justice.
Virtual: To observe the meeting by video
conference, click
this link.
️Phone: To listen
to the meeting by phone, please call the numbers below at the noticed
meeting time: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your
current location): US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346
248 7799 or +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 862 8502 3815. If asked for a participant ID or code,
press #.
-
Continue flooding your councilmember’s inbox
and phone
line and encourage
your friends, family, and acquaintances to do the
same.
NOTE: We encourage you to add
your own personal stories, particularly on the phone. In emails, don’t
forget to write your name and add a personal subject
line.
-
Hit the streets! Juneteenth Protest Friday, June 19, 2020 from
10 a.m. to 3p.m. - Shut
down the port to stop police
terror.
If you want to continue engaging
with our work, we encourage you to join East
Bay DSA and check out
the Racial
Solidarity Committee and
the AFROSOCialists
and Socialists of Color Caucus,
which is specifically for comrades of color.
Join us to defund the police and to
help create a just system for all residents!
In Solidarity,
Kara, Neha, and
Ruwi
Chairs of the EBDSA
Defund OPD Campaign
Defund OPD
