The Petition on Res 33
This petition attempts to do three main things.
Develop a report that reviews the National Harassment and Grievance process as it has been built out since the passage of resolution 33 in 2017; reassert and examine the goals and challenges of the program; seek feedback from those who have felt silenced or marginalized by this process.
Put a hold on renewing the contract of the current NHGO while the report is developed for the NPC.
Establishes a special commission to study these matters, independent of the NPC and the NHGO, on the Resolution 33 system, immediately and until the DSA National Convention 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
It is essential to provide safe spaces when building our movement. Many understand the importance of an infrastructure that makes these safe spaces enforceable. However its been repeatedly reported that there are members who don’t feel safe engaging in our process as it stands. It is essential to work to restore trust and confidence in our national org.
This is also good praxis. Resolution 33 was passed back in 2017. Two years on is a suitable check in point to review the goals of the program and examine the impact it's had on the social reproduction of DSA. It is possible no changes will be necessary, but producing the report will help restore trust in the process.
Why now?
The current NHGO contract renewal date is coming up in the next few months, and the new NPC have very little information to work off of on forming their decision.
Does this petition change or modify resolution 33?
No. Neither this petition nor the NPC can alter the resolution 33 as it was adopted. This petition outlines actions that work alongside the original resolution.
What will the performance report of the NHGO measure?
A self review by the NHGO reporting the goals and objectives of the office, what processes have been built out since coming online, and barriers and challenges for the role.
The NHGO will seek feedback from past members who did not feel safe to engage with the system. Who were silenced, marginalized, or removed from their local chapter.
Look into the National HGO appeal process, and seek legal consultation on how two separate incorporated entities should interact.
A separate performance review by National DSA staff by either the executive director or operations director.
Will any of the performance reports on the NHGO be made available to members, should the petition be implemented?
A performance report without confidential, privilege, or otherwise sensitive information, will be available to members in good standing. As outlined under Action 2.
Who is or will be in charge of oversight for the implementation of the petition?
The long term implementation will be handled by a special committee appointed by the full NPC (see action 6); for the rest of the petition, the NPC is in charge of implementing, but membership will have to watch and hold them to account.
Will former members who were affected by the NHGO have a voice in this process?
Yes. Specifically seeking out experiences of former members will be solicited as part of the performance review of the NHGO.