Oakland City Council is voting TODAY at 1:30 PM on whether or not to #DefundOPD. This is your final chance to get involved. If you’ve been waiting to get involved in reallocating funds from the most overfunded police department in the nation THIS IS THE DAY! 

Here’s what to do!

If you live in Oakland:

  • Give a public comment at the City Council meeting at 1:30 pm sharp
    • Online: Join the webinar at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84294619854 and click the “Raise Your Hand” button
    • By phone: 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: 842 9461 9854 If asked for a participant ID or code, press #. You will be prompted to "Raise Your Hand" by pressing "*9" to speak when Public Comment is taken
    • Make sure to sign in promptly at 1:30pm
  • What to say in your one minute comment:
    • You are an Oakland resident 
    • Share any personal grievances with the Oakland Police or share one of the issues listed in our phone script.
    • You support the Anti-Police Terror Project’s demand to defund the Oakland police by 50% starting with Councilmember Bas’ proposal to defund a portion of the police budget today
    • You and East Bay DSA believe this change is fundamental. Our 1,500 members are engaged and ready for the November election.
  • Make an eComment BEFORE the meeting
    • Go to https://oakland.legistar.com/calendar.aspx and click on the "eComment" link for the 7/21 meeting. Comment on Item 16. Please note that eComment submission closes five (5) minutes before posted meeting time.
  • Email and call your city council member BEFORE 1:30 PM

No matter what city you live in:

  • Reach out to everyone you know in Oakland and urge them to do all of the items above
  • SERIOUSLY, call/text your friends, family, that cutie you’ve been chatting on Tinder, your chatty coworker, that person you met at that thing!
    • Here’s an example text message:
      • Hey, [their name]! Did you know that in Oakland, nearly 44% of the budget goes to funding the police. City Council must finalize the budget TODAY at 1:30 PM! As my [friend/family member/colleague/comrade] can you join me in emailing and calling your city council member NOW to demand they fund communities instead of police? You can find a call/email script at defundopdnow.com

Thank you so much to the many, many people who have already sent countless text messages and made countless phone calls! This is our last chance this year! We are reminding the City Council that their job is to represent the people. This is part of a social movement that centers human needs and human rights. Together we are strong and we can’t do it without you!

In Solidarity,

Kara, Neha, and Ruwi
East Bay DSA Defund OPD Campaign Co-Chairs

P.S. -- Oakland City Council is also voting on whether or not to continue a moratorium on rent. While you’re on the eCommenting website also make sure to comment on Item 2. Insist that City Council continue the rent moratorium and make sure all of our neighbors that want housing are housed!

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