75 Maiden Lane, Suite 505,
New York, NY 10038 (212) 727-8610
October 5, 2009
Thank
you for serving as a delegate to DSA's 2009 convention this November 13-15 in
Evanston, Ill. The convention meets in the aftermath of a financial crisis, an
extremely deep recession, and a fight to enact health care and other important
reforms promised during the 2008 presidential election. It is a time that cries
out for a strong socialist voice and this convention must build DSA's capacity
to be that voice.
The convention is only a few weeks
away so it is important that you begin to make your convention arrangements.
First let me share some good news with you. The convention hotel (Best Western
University Plaza) has reduced our rate. Instead of $109 plus 14 % tax the
rate will be $94 plus 14% tax. The rate is for a single or a double. However the
official deadline to get that rate is October 13. I expect that we still be able
to get the rate after the 13th, but if the hotel should fill up you could be out
of luck, so please make your reservation right away. Reservations may be
made by phone; the phone number, which is staffed 24/7, is 847-491-6400. Be sure to mention the Democratic Socialists of
America to get the reduced room rate. As with all hotel reservations
credit card information or pre-payment of the first night will be required when
you make your reservation. Reduced parking rates ($7/night) will be
available for hotel guests.
If you want to save on hotel costs by
sharing a room and need help finding someone to share with please email me and I will find someone for you. There are a
limited number of spaces in members' homes available if you cannot afford the
hotel. If you want to take advantage of that option please email me so I can get the process started. We cannot
guarantee that spaces in members' homes will be close to the convention hotel.
Commuting time could be an hour or more on public transportation from some
locations.
You must also register for the
convention and pay the registration fee, if you have not already done so. The
fee for the convention is $175 and includes the convention dinner on Saturday
night, "coffee breaks" and snacks during the convention, convention materials
and other convention costs. The fee will increase to $200 if paid after October
30 or at the door. Registering for the convention promptly ensures that we have
the most up-to-date contact information for you. If you want to pay the fee
on-line with a MASTERCARD or VISA you will be able to do so after completing the
registration form. You may also pay by check; simply mail it to the office. We
are required to pay all convention costs well in advance. Your prompt payment of
the registration fee will help ensure that the convention runs smoothly. Some
locals are able to pay the registration fee for their delegates if that is the
case for you or you are unable to pay the fee at the moment, please select the
"pay at the door" option so that your registration can be processed. To register
now click here.
You should also begin to make your
travel arrangements, particularly if you are flying. Trains and buses have
advance purchase discounts too. The cheapest fares never last and fares
rise the closer you get to the date that you fly. The closest airport to
Evanston is O'Hare, which is about 30 minutes from the hotel by car. The other
Chicago airport is Midway, which is much further away, at least an hour away by
car. In scheduling your travel please keep in mind that the convention opens at
9:30 AM Friday November 13 and will close Sunday afternoon. We recommend that
Sunday return flights be scheduled in the evening to ensure that no one has to
leave the convention early.
There is a very limited fund available
to subsidize convention costs for individual delegates. Some locals are able to
assist their delegates with convention costs as well. Most of the available
funds will go to assist students and unemployed members. If you need financial
assistance to attend the convention please email me.
There is also a travel sharing system
in place for delegates that works to equalize the cost of transportation to the
convention. There is an explanation in the
Convention FAQ. I will be sending you a
detailed explanation in a separate email shortly, along with information about
getting to the convention site (Best Western University Plaza) once you arrive
in Chicago.
This message is being sent to you on a
convention announce list. We will be establishing a list serve for delegates to
facilitate pre-convention discussion among delegates. Whenever there is news on
the convention I will let you know with one of these announce emails. You can
also find information on the convention on the convention web page. The Temporary Rules and Convention
FAQ are already posted. Resolutions will be posted, as they are
available.
If you have specific questions about
the convention please feel free to email
me or call me at the office.
In solidarity,
Frank Llewellyn
National
Director
