September has been a month of struggle, solidarity, and action both here in Iowa and across the world. From resisting ICE terror in our own communities to standing with workers and the people of Gaza abroad, our movement is showing that socialism is not just an idea, it’s action in defense of the working class.
Rally Against ICE: Justice for Dr. Ian Roberts
On September 26th, Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was detained by ICE in an act of repression against our community.
That same day, hundreds gathered outside the Federal Building in downtown Des Moines at a rally co-sponsored by PSL, Movement for Migrant Justice, and Central Iowa DSA. Endi Montalvo-Martinez, our DSA-backed candidate for Des Moines City Council, spoke powerfully about resisting ICE terror and defending immigrant families.
Justice for Jorge Gonzalez Ochoa
Just one day before Roberts’ detention, ICE seized Jorge Elieser Gonzalez Ochoa in Iowa City.
In response, Escucha Mi Voz organized a rally that filled the streets with 500 people demanding ICE be abolished and immigrant families protected. Central Iowa DSA stands in solidarity with our comrades in Iowa City. This fight is all of ours!
Join DSA Today and Make Change in Your Community!
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Italian Workers Strike in Solidarity with Gaza
Workers in Italy launched a nationwide strike in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Their action disrupted transportation, schools, and industry, showing the power of labor against imperialism.
Meanwhile, both Spain and Italy dispatched naval ships to support the Sumud Flotilla, a grassroots effort bringing aid to Gaza. The flotilla has departed on its final leg and is expected to arrive in Gaza next week.
Global Summond Flotilla Tracker
Queer Joy in the Park!
Earlier this month, our Queer Liberation Working Group hosted Queers in the Park at Ashfield Park. Members and friends gathered for crafts, games, and snacks, celebrating queer joy in community.
Robert’s Rules Corner
Confused about motions? Lost in amendments? You’re not the only one. Robert’s Rules can feel like a whole secret language, but once we get the hang of it, our meetings will run smoother and feel more fair for everyone.
Each month we’ll break down one rule in plain language. This time we’re talking about “Point of Order”.
A Point of Order is when someone notices the meeting rules aren’t being followed and speaks up to correct it. The chair then decides if the point is valid. It is not about being picky, it is about keeping things fair and orderly.
Example: The chair says, “We’ll hear two more speakers,” but then recognizes a third. A member can rise and say, “Point of Order, only two speakers were allowed.” The chair can then correct themselves and move on.
Got a burning question? Maybe you’ve wondered:
What’s the difference between a point of order and a point of information?
Can someone actually cut me off if I’ve only spoken once?
Send your questions and we’ll answer them on next month’s Robert’s Rules Corner!
Upcoming Community Events
- October 1 - Ecosocialist Working Group
- October 7 - Labor Working Group
- October 8 - Electoral Working Group
- October 12 - General Meeting
- October 14 - Political Education Committee
- October 15 - Ecosocialist Working Group
- October 19 - Reading Group
- October 21 - International Working Group
- October 22 - Electoral Working Group
- October 29 - Ecosocialist Working Group
October 12 General Meeting
Join us for our next General Meeting on Sunday, October 12, 2025. This month’s meeting will cover campaign updates, strategy discussions, and ways you can plug into our work. Come connect with comrades and help build our movement for socialism in Iowa.
Not able to attend? You can still help strengthen our chapter by donating.
CIDSA Working Groups and Committees
Queer Liberation Working Group
What We Are Enjoying
In honor of the spirit of Halloween, I’m stepping outside the socialism bubble to recommend a work of fiction that I hold dear to my heart.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells is a science fiction novella, and while on the surface it may not scream “MARX WOULD READ THIS,” it definitely digs into some themes that hit close to home. One of the main villains isn’t a monster or a ghost, it’s Capitalism.
In this future world, mega-corporations own everything: entire planets, resources, even people. Our main character, Murderbot, is literally considered company property. The story asks us what happens when profit and ownership override dignity, autonomy, and safety.
It’s even more interesting than that because, Murderbot ends up working alongside a small team from a planet outside of that corporate ownership. They aren’t perfect, but they care about each other, treat Murderbot like a person, and even manage to laugh in the face of danger. In contrast to the Company’s cold profit-driven model, this little crew shows us something different, a sometimes goofy but always hopeful vision of what life could look like if we organized around community instead of exploitation.
So if you’re looking for a spooky-season read, skip the vampires. Capitalism is the real horror, and community is how we fight back.
Stacey
DSA News
What Americans Think About Socialism vs. Capitalism
The ground is shifting. According to Gallup, less than half of Democrats now have a favorable view of capitalism. Among younger Democrats, it’s nearly collapsed, dropping from 54% in 2010 to just 31% today. At the same time, 66% of Democrats say they view socialism favorably.
That means more and more people are asking the same questions we are: what if our economy was built for people, not profit? What if we invested in community instead of corporations? That’s why our organizing matters, because the appetite for change is real.
Canvassing for a Working-Class City Council
Central Iowa DSA continues to knock doors in Drake neighborhoods, building support for Endi Montalvo-Martinez’s campaign for Des Moines City Council At-Large.
Never canvassed before? Don’t worry, we’ll train you! It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with working-class neighbors about our vision for a socialist Des Moines.
Keep your eyes out for those dates to be announced on our social media.
We know the forces we’re up against are powerful, but they are not stronger than people standing together. Dr. Ian Roberts deserves his freedom, and our community deserves safety, dignity, and justice. When we raise our voices, link arms, and refuse to be silent, we show ICE and every system built on cruelty that they cannot tear us apart. Stay strong, stay loud, and keep fighting.