When you join DSA, you get some cool stuff:
The quarterly magazine The Democratic Left
An official Socialist Organizer identification card
The knowledge you’re helping build a socialist future.
New Member Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get involved in Boston DSA?
First, join the Democratic Socialists of America at dsausa.org/join. As a membership organization, the first step to getting involved in DSA, both locally and nationally, is to become a member.
After you become a member, the best way to get involved in Boston DSA is through the working groups or a team. Boston DSA currently has 10 working groups: Ecosocialism, Electoral, Healthcare, Housing, Immigration, Internationalism, Labor, Mental Health, Political Education, and Socialist Feminist. You can also join a team working on website and communications, outreach, design, or protest mobilization.
Do I have to be a member to be involved in Boston DSA?
You have to be a member to vote at general meetings. However, non-members can attend meetings and events if they are interested in learning more. We encourage everyone who is interested in Boston DSA to become a member to help the local grow!
Who makes decisions in Boston DSA?
Our membership model is the backbone of internal democracy in DSA. As a membership organization, dues-paying DSA members drive the decision-making process in Boston DSA. Important issues are voted on at monthly general meetings. The elected executive board and two co-chairs lead the organization’s day-to-day organizing and operations. Working groups typically make decisions about the direction of their work.
What is the relationship between National DSA and Boston DSA?
Boston DSA is the local chapter of National DSA. We send delegates to the national convention (occurs every two years) and elect members of the National Political Committee. The National Political Committee makes recommendations for national priorities and serves as a resource for materials such as sample flyers, training materials, graphic design, etc.
In addition, National DSA has several working groups, focusing on feminism, veterans, fighting racism, labor, queer socialists, and the solidarity economy.
How are my dues put to use?
Your DSA dues go to National DSA, which uses dues to hire staff, provide trainings, and organize conventions and gatherings of DSA members. Because membership dues don’t cover the costs of any of our local activities, we also hold fundraisers and solicit donations on the local level.
What distinguishes DSA from other socialist or leftist groups in Boston?
Boston DSA is a big-tent organization, meaning that we embrace many strategies and tactics and encourage debate on important issues. We are not a political party. Instead, we are a membership organization that focuses on socialist organizing and political education. DSA’s members are building mass movements for social change while establishing an openly socialist presence in American communities and politics.
Does Boston DSA work with other socialist or leftist groups?
Boston DSA has worked with many socialist and leftist organizations in the Boston area to organize demonstrations, stand in solidarity with workers, and create political education events.