What is DSA?
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a member-driven mass organization of, by, and for the working class.
We believe in expanding democracy where it exists and creating it where it doesn’t. We believe that government and resources should be brought under popular control for the benefit of all people and our communities, not to make profits for a few. We organize to ensure everyone has the freedom to thrive and fully control their social and economic destinies.
Capitalism is a system designed by the owning class to exploit the 99% for their own profit. We must replace it with democratic socialism, a system where ordinary people have a real voice in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society. The only way to achieve this is by building a strong multiracial working class united in solidarity instead of divided by fear or marginalization.
Check out DSA’s full “Workers Deserve More” program at platform.dsausa.org.
What does New Orleans DSA do?
The New Orleans chapter of DSA organizes locally with more than 350 members to build working class power in southeastern Louisiana.
» We share socialist perspectives on current events and upcoming elections through voter guides, newsletters, and social media content.
» We mobilize activists to attend demonstrations, city meetings, film screenings, workshops, and other community events.
» We hand out health resources, food, beverages, resource guides, and goods such as storm preparedness kits, school supplies, and coats while fixing brake lights for free at bi-monthly Brake Light Clinic & Health Fairs.
» We distribute hundreds of meals to community fridges across the City through the Fork & Knife Program.
» We campaign to get Democratic Socialist candidates, like Orleans Parish School Board Member Gabriela Biro, elected into office.
» We organize educational events, reading groups, and neighborhood socials to build both community and capacity.
» We support the work of unions and help workers organize their jobs.
» We build connections with DSA chapters across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
» We advocate for progressive municipal policies and against attacks on marginalized groups such as immigrants, trans people, sex workers, unhoused individuals, Palestinians, and the Black communities unjustly impacted by disinvestment, environmental burdening, and overpolicing.
» We collaborate with coalition partners and support the work of other groups to together build a just city, country, and world.
Where do I start?
Almost all of our events are open, but a good place to start is a social. Every month, we host a kid-friendly Coffee with Comrades event as well as many neighborhood-based socials. These are casual events where you will have plenty of time to talk to organizers, learn about our work, and build community.
We also host general body meetings once a month, which include reports from committees and campaigns, votes on official chapter business, and collective discussions about our priorities, political vision, and next steps. Members are encouraged to attend one of the monthly New Member Orientations and to join our Discord to chat with comrades and stay updated.
The capitalist class tells us we are powerless, but together we can take back control.
To learn more about Democratic Socialism, check out the Q&A page on the national DSA website.
