“Let us create a sanctuary that is not defined by borders, but by inclusion and acceptance. A sanctuary not limited to the privileged few.”
Category: Chapter Events
I Can’t Hear You: Statement on the Killing of Gregory Kase
A disproportionate amount of those killed by police have a disability. But with insufficient resources and a lack of alternatives, families are forced to make the difficult decision to call 911. They are asking for help, and we are letting them down.
Rust Belt Rising
by Hannah W.
The first ever Rust Belt Rising conference was held on August 15th and 16th here in Rochester. This was organized by Workers Assembly of Rochester (WAR), an independent organization of local labor activists, including DSA members, union staffers and organizers. Local labor leaders, rank and file members and members of community organizations gathered to discuss and learn about the role of the labor movement in Rochester, and how we can move it to be more militant and left.
A Socialized Right to Life
by Sami M.
“Reproduction isn’t just about bringing a child into the world, but ensuring there are systems in place so that those children, and all children, may thrive. It also means maintaining the right to determine where, when, and how those are, or are not, brought into the world. If we are not forceful in our demands, we will only cede ground.”
The Meaning of Democracy
by Logan W. Cole
“Though we extoll the virtues of democracy in most aspects of our life, we are often completely willing to give up the pretense of pursuing democracy in one place – our jobs.”
A Contradiction of Interests
by Travis C
Some want us to believe that the failure of our country to act democratically is because our government has been co-opted by “foreign interests,” blackmailing our politicians to distort them from their role of serving Americans. But who actually decides the interests of a government? Can the interests of the American government be at odds with the interests of the American people?
Practicing Scientific Socialism: Remarks on ROC DSA’s 2025 Chapter Convention
by Gregory Lebens-Higgins
DSA’s capacity to organize the working class arises from its democratic structure, empowering all members to participate in shaping our movement. ROC DSA’s annual convention “is the highest assembly of the chapter,” providing members a space to elect chapter leadership and identify priorities for the following year. The 2025 Convention occurred December 13 – 14, and wrapped up at the January General Meeting.
Don’t Settle for the Partial Revolution
We cannot limit ourselves to a partial revolution against systems of oppression. The time for “reasonable” demands is over. Those who transformed the world in preceding decades did not ask nicely, but demanded radical change.
Report on the Proceedings of ROC DSA’s 2025 Annual Convention
by Skye K
I’m personally declaring the 2025 Chapter Convention, which took place on December 13th and 14th, an unequivocal success! In a landmark year for the chapter, in which we’ve grown by about a third our previous size (with more than 450 members in good standing as of this writing), we’ve also seen a membership much more willing to dissent, disagree, and debate over political aims and ideals. This Convention felt like a body that really understood the assignment, and came together to make earnest decisions about the future of our work together.
Rochester for Energy Democracy Protests at RG&E December 6 to Demand No Hikes, No Shut Offs, Public Power Now!
Action timed for before rate hikes negotiations begin at Office Proposed to Close RG&E is proposing a $624 rate hike and a raise to their profits, while they’ve already blown past their…