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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe East Dallas Social Club \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
The founders of the East Dallas Social Club like to compare their club to a classic martini<\/a>: mostly fun with a little advocacy.<\/p>\n Aside from being enchanted by the idea of cocktail advocacy (feels like something we\u2019ve been doing without knowing it), we\u2019re also drawn to the fun part.<\/p>\n A Big Easy Transplant <\/p>\n The longer answer to the purpose of this social club, however, is a bit more nuanced. The idea originates from clubs popularized by Black communities in New Orleans, where mutual aid is parlayed as a social event. Historically, these groups were established as, according to the East Dallas Social Club website<\/a>, \u201cformal structures to be neighborly and fight against oppression and racism \u2013 they would help someone in need cover costs, advocate for community needs, and throw community social events.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen news happens, Dallas Observer is there \u2014 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe\u2019re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If the\u00a0Dallas Observer\u00a0matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Cofounders Christa Camp and John Hiers II met in New Orleans in 2016, where they were introduced to the idea. They\u2019ve brought the concept to Dallas, partnering with the local hospitality industry, including the lovely East Dallas bar, Saint Valentine. <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe originally wanted to call it the East Dallas Social Aid and Pleasure Club as the original name,\u201d says Camp, \u201cbut it\u2019s just too long. We wanted to kind of bring that same vibe of stuff that\u2019s really fun and engaging, but also has a good-cause bent to it.\u201d<\/p>\n Here is a quick Q&A with Camp, who explains a bit more about the project. <\/p>\n What\u2019s the purpose of the East Dallas Social Club? What types of events do you host, and how often? Who can come to these events? Is there an official membership? What type of nonprofits do you help? What\u2019s the mutual aid aspect refer to? How can someone get involved? See more details below. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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East Dallas Social Club is a neighborhood nonprofit that curates good vibes for good causes. What we try to do at every event is largely have fun. We go to a bar or a restaurant and introduce members to a local organization that they likely just wouldn\u2019t know about otherwise. <\/p>\n
We have quarterly events that we consider marquee. We always host a Mardi Gras event, a crawfish boil and a Labor Day event that pays homage to New York City, since that\u2019s where John is from. And then some sort of holiday event. <\/p>\n
Anyone. People just casually get together. The average event typically has between 50 and 100 people. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re launching real memberships this year for the first time, which will provide access to additional member-specific events and gatherings. <\/p>\n
The East Dallas Social Club has a specific interest in microlocal charities and mutual aid. We only partner with local organizations that provide direct services to people and have annual operating expenses of less than $1,000,000. This ensures that the small amount of good we can do hopefully has an outsized impact.\u00a0We are also especially interested in mutual aid.<\/p>\n
Mutual aid in the form of \u201csocial aid and pleasure clubs\u201d has a distinct racial and geographic origin. I want to explicitly name and acknowledge that the concept was developed and has been maintained for centuries in primarily communities of color, and is incredibly common in New Orleans, supporting community members in making ends meet while also fighting against systems of oppression and inequity. They also host second lines and parades around the city, marrying both social impact and fun. Our attempt to build a similar structure in East Dallas is truly out of reverence for that tradition and love for the Crescent City itself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Our next meet-up is Sunday, Nov. 30, at Saint Valentine\u2019s in East Dallas from 7 to 11 p.m. This event will benefit Trigger\u2019s Toys<\/a>. Bring a new toy in exchange for a loteria card. We\u2019ll play for two hours, then from 9 to 11, there will be a DJ and raffle prizes.<\/p>\n