Welcome to the July issue. You’ll find Upcoming Events, coverage of chapter activities, and articles on the Democratic primary elections, capitalism’s death toll, podcast recommendations, community gardening, and more. Want to contribute? Submit to bit.ly/SubmitRedStar, or reach out to get involved with our Communications Committee by emailing steering@rocdsa.org.
Month: June 2025
Chapter Statement on the 2025 Democratic Primaries
We are proud of our accomplishments, and cherishing of lessons learned. These will be the building blocks of a mass movement that can win the City of Rochester for all of its residents.
Socialism 101 (May 10)
by Vincent L.
Participants then discussed what a better world would look like. They spoke about a guaranteed living wage, universal healthcare, a dignified retirement, a green energy grid, free education, a focus on goods that people need, an end to endless wars, and less income inequality.
Getting Grounded: Advice to Garden Newbies
by Elizabeth Henderson
If you haven’t gardened before, there are tons of resources and local workshops to help you. Growing food is a millennial project – human beings have perfected their know-how over thousands of years. No need to try to invent it yourself!
No Mayor Evans, the Answer is not “Zero”: On Arresting the Unhoused
by Gregory Lebens-Higgins
Capitalist society builds a carceral framework around homelessness in more devious ways. The threat of homelessness disciplines labor, while the vulnerability of the homeless establishes a hyper-exploitable reserve army of labor.
Why I Read Rochester’s City Budget Cover-To-Cover
by Rosa
A municipal budget is not a fascinating read to most, but it is a very valuable document to understand what, and who, is prioritized, and to provide specific projects or programs that can be targeted by local organizers, either for increased funding or abolishment.
May Day rally brings out rural residents
by Lauren B.
A cloudy, drizzly Saturday in Livingston County saw around 100 people gather in Geneseo to mark International Workers Day—a first of its kind in the county, despite the holiday being more than a century old.
Rochester for Energy Democracy calls out RG&E Audit and connection to Chamber of Commerce in Rally and Speak to Council, calling on City to Fund a study with reserved funds in June budget
by Rochester for Energy Democracy
Metro Justice and members of the Rochester for Energy Democracy (RED) Campaign and allies rallied and spoke to City Council Thursday evening at City Hall to highlight the seriousness of the recent RG&E Audit, the close ties of RG&E to the Chamber of Commerce, and current City leadership’s refusal to act on a Phase 1 study, using already reserved funds.
Hands Off the Students
by Jack Mottley
The University of Rochester has abandoned all pretense of academic freedom, of being allowed to express ideas that make some people happy, some people thoughtful, some people uncomfortable, and some people apoplectic.
Beyond the Streets
by Gregory Lebens-Higgins
Protest must be in service of our objectives. This requires an understanding of the tasks at hand to advance the cause of socialism. What can we achieve now to lay the groundwork for a socialist horizon? Our work must center demands which clearly highlight the path to victory and resonate with the masses.