Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America

Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America is based in New Haven Connecticut.

Steering Committee late 2020

Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America steering committee members in later 2020 included Jason Ruiz, Kira Ortoleva, Erik Kranks, Alexander Kolokotronis, Vittoria Cristante, Kevin Menescardi, Emma S.

Steering Committee early 2020

Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America steering committee members in 2020 were Bill Meyerson, Catherine Meyerson, Sarah Ganong, Becky Simonsen, Puya Gerami.^[1]

DSA public office holders

As of December 2019 Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America had five members win public office. Darnell Ford, a child services worker and executive board member of SEIU 1199 New England, won a seat on the Middletown Common Council. Kellin Atherton won a seat on the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission. They join three incumbent DSA electeds who were re-elected to city council seats: Charles Decker in New Haven, Justin Farmer in Hamden, and Gina Morgenstein in Wallingford.^[2]

Comrades

Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America comrades July 2018.

Contact

In March 2017 Kate Redburn was contact for the Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America Organizing Committee.^[3]

Two primary wins

Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America, September 13

Excited to announce that two members of our DSA chapter have won their respective Democratic Primary races. Justin Farmer for Fifth District Town Council in Hamden, and Charles Decker for Ward 9 in the Board of Alders in New Haven! We look forward to a general election in the Greater New Haven that features two socialists!

Decker Council run

In 2017 Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America member Charles Decker ran for New Haven City Council.

Beginnings

New Haven’s activist community expanded March 2017, when the Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America held its first open member meeting.

Nearly 70 New Haven community members and Yale affiliates filled the Bradley Room of the United Church on the Green to discuss organizing strategies and visions for the group. The idea for the group originated in November after the presidential election, according to Will Bloom LAW ’17, one of the group’s six lead organizers.

“What is really powerful about a DSA chapter is that it can be a space for folks on the left involved in struggles to come together and find support and solidarity and to connect various forms of oppression and name the overarching cause,” Bloom said, citing racism, the patriarchy and capitalism as modern sources of oppression.

During the meeting, attendees gathered in small groups to discuss what they considered the value of socialism to be as well as more logistical questions for the organization, such as membership and voting rules. Themes of equality, climate change and hope for a more democratic society emerged throughout the meeting. Although the group often cited capitalism as a systemic problem, change was discussed in the context of local elections and grass-roots activism.

Organizer Asli Bashir LAW ’17 said the chapter is not currently taking membership dues, but that dues are required to join the national organization.

Since several of the group’s head organizers are students graduating from Yale this year, Bashir added that organizers hope to create a sustainable movement and attract people who will continue to build the group once they leave.

Organizer Puya Gerami GRD ’21 said in addition to action-oriented activities, the group also wants to host educational activities such as teach-ins and speakers for both members and the larger New Haven public.

Spencer Brown, a member of the Wesleyan Democratic Socialists and a co-chair of the national Young Democratic Socialists, said he believes socialists should organize “as socialists” and not hide their political beliefs.

Isaac Kirk-Davidoff ’18, a facilitator for Yale Democratic Socialists, said he was pleased by the energy at the meeting and is hopeful that the DSA will serve as an organization that will truly speak on behalf of the working class and promote the cause of socialism.^[4]

Central Connecticut DSA Closed Group

Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America Closed Facebook Group, as of August 18, 2017.^[5]

Admin

Becky Simonsen

Members

Member Meeting - Central Connecticut DSA OC

Public · Hosted by Central Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America

Saturday, April 8 at 3 PM - 5 PM EDT

New Haven Free Public Library

133 Elm St, New Haven, Connecticut 06510

Invited on Facebook

Interested

Went

References

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↑ [http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2017/03/06/elm-city-socialists-form-chapter/Yale News, Elm City socialists form chapter SARA TABIN MAR 06, 2017]
↑ [4]

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[4] [http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2017/03/06/elm-city-socialists-form-chapter/Yale News, Elm City socialists form chapter SARA TABIN MAR 06, 2017]

[5] [4]

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