Passed by a vote of the Portland DSA General Membership at the November 10, 2024 General Meeting.
Whereas the election of Mitch and Tiffany to City Council is an enormous opportunity for the working class of Portland
Whereas the election of Donald Trump is a catastrophe for working people
Whereas the leftward shift of city council and the rise of proto-fascism nationally sets our city and our federal government on a collision course
Whereas millions of people are being inspired to question their government, the Democratic party, and the politics they have held over the last decade
Whereas DSA has a vital role to play as the opposition to the far right, and as a clear pole of socialism offering a coherent vision for a decisive break with capitalism
Therefore be it resolved
Portland DSA calls for an activist conference of the Portland Left (or, if one is already being planned, will orient to it) to be held prior to the inauguration to discuss the following points:
- Our response to Trump and our plans for opposition
- Our plans for city council
Therefore be it also resolved
The Portland DSA Steering Committee (SC) is tasked with determining a list of unions, activist organizations, left city council members and left organizations to invite to this convention.
Therefore be it also resolved
At this conference, DSA will advocate for the following points of agreement:
- A joint public forum discussing the state of the left and our strategy in Portland
- A joint protest on inauguration day
- A joint set of demands
- The possibility of a long term anti-Trump, left wing strategy and coalition
Therefore be it also resolved
Subject to revision and addition by the SC and by the general membership, we set the following preliminary demands:
No cooperation with Trump
- No abortion ban
- No deportations
- No genocide
A working class government for Portland
- A Renters bill of rights
- A Green New Deal for Portland
- A jobs program for Portland
Therefore be it also resolved
We ask national DSA to convene a nationwide conference of a similar sort and encourage other chapters to pass similar resolutions
Therefore be it also resolved
While participating in a wider coalition and seeking the broadest possible cooperation and agreement on tactics, Portland DSA reaffirms our commitment in principle and practice to socialism, and will continue to hold clear, independent politics distinct from coalition partners, including criticizing them and disagreeing with them when necessary.