Pittsburgh DSA has prided itself in providing and maintaining community services to the city since its founding in 2017. We seek to help out our community in several different ways:
Free Stuff Pantry: The Ecosocialism & Mutual Aid Committee has maintained a free food/resource pantry just outside of Community Forge in Wilkinsburg, where Pittsburgh DSA has our chapter office. Community Forge is currently working to provide a staffed, indoor resource center to replace the unstaffed, outdoor pantry. Chapter members and other donors give money, food, hygiene products, and other resources so neighbors can take what they need.
Community Garden: Down the street from Community Forge, our Ecosocialism & Mutual Aid Committee also maintains a few garden beds for the Stone Soup Community Garden. Since 2018 the committee has grown produce to give out for free to neighbors. The committee hopes to increase awareness of the garden and educate the community in how to grow their own produce.
Brake Light Clinics: The Abolition & Anti-Imperialism Committee has organized a few Brake Light Clinics, which invite drivers to get their brake lights replaced for free to prevent unnecessary stops and possible confrontation with police.
Abortion Fundraising: Every year the chapter hosts several fundraising events to provide funds to Western PA Fund For Choice. This fundraising provides abortion access to communities all around Western PA, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Campaign Support: The Elections & Pressure Campaigns Committee works to find candidates and legislative campaigns which the chapter can support. In the past we have helped to elect leftists to Allegheny County Council, Pittsburgh City Council, and a local magistrate position. We have also supported campaigns such as Uncommitted PA, Not on Our Dime, and more. Read more about our endorsement process.
Union Support: Whether tenants need to come together to get rent prices under control or workers need to come together to fight for living wages, Pittsburgh DSA is here to support and advise working class people who need unions.
Education Events: Our chapter provides multiple ways to educate the community through forums, night schools, and roundtable discussions in addition to the political education presentations we have at monthly general body meetings. Past topics include: gardening, basic home repairs, unionizing, fracking, disaster preparedness, the philosophies of scholars such as Karl Marx and Rosa Luxemburg, and more.