Democratic socialism is a political movement that works to build a humane social order based on democratic control of resources and production, economic planning, equitable distribution, feminism, racial equality and non-oppressive relationships. Democratic socialists reject an economic order based on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability status, age, religion, and national origin, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.

We want a democracy that creates space for us all to flourish, not just survive. We want to collectively own the key economic drivers that dominate our lives, such as energy production and transportation. We want the multiracial working class united in solidarity instead of divided by fear. We want to win “radical” reforms like single-payer Medicare for All, defunding the police/refunding communities, the Green New Deal, and more as a transition to a freer, more just life. 

We want a democracy powered by everyday people. The capitalist class tells us we are powerless, but together we can take back control and build a system where ordinary people have a real voice in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society; democratic socialism.

So what’s up with DSA? DSA traces its roots back to the Socialist Party of America from before the First World War, though it was formally founded in 1982 out of a merger of two organizations, the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee and New American Movement. Many of our founding members were involved in the labor movement, the feminist and civil rights movements, and building a progressive voice within the Democratic Party. In the 80s and 90s DSA was heavily involved in international solidarity work including the movement against nuclear proliferation and apartheid in South Africa.

DSA experienced a massive surge in membership after our support of the Bernie Sanders Presidential campaign. Millions of people, for the first time saw that greed was not necessary in political platforms. We had genuine hope for positive change and harmony. 

Then, everything changed when the right realigned. Facilitated by decades of misinformation and rascist fear mongering from Fox news, etc., a white nationalist base carried an unprepared monster into power. Donald Trump became President. 

We almost had another chance at positive change. Bernie ran again! Sanders was the first socialist since Eugene Debs in 1912 to receive millions of votes in a presidential race for an open democratic socialist. More importantly, he won the first three primary states in 2020 which, up until that point in history, would have signaled that the leading candidate was popular enough to consolidate the democratic ticket. However while some “moderates” would rather see fascists come to power, inevitably many liberals deluded themselves into thinking ‘the people don’t know what is in their interests’ and in an incredible feat of undemocratic weaseling, Biden was propped into power for four years. Thanks Obama. 

With Trump returning to office, many people are looking for a way to fight for the world that we all deserve, comradery they can lean on when in need, and education to even our odds.  Many have found a community in DSA chapters across the country.