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About DSA & Democratic Socialism
Q: What is DSA?
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 100,000 members and chapters in all 50 states. We're a member-driven, democratic, grassroots organization. Our members organize in their communities, workplaces, and at the ballot box to fight for a more just, democratic, and equal society.
Q: What is democratic socialism?
Democratic socialism is a political and economic system that functions democratically to meet everyone’s basic needs and to encourage human flourishing, free of exploitation or domination. It is opposed to capitalism, which functions solely to maximize profits for the wealthy elite by exploiting and dividing ordinary working people and destroying the natural world.
Q: What is DSA’s platform?
DSA fights for a bold working-class program that guarantees a decent and dignified life for all people. That includes demands for Medicare for all, College for All, Housing for All, Taxing the Rich, a Green New Deal, and Ending the US War Machine.
Q: Is DSA a political party?
No, DSA is a nonprofit activist organization, not a political party. Joining DSA has no effect on how you're registered to vote or who you can vote for. Many DSA members are registered Democrats, independents, or with third parties; all are welcome.
Part of DSA’s electoral strategy is to build DSA into an independent party-like organization capable of determining its own platform and running its own candidates. There are over 200 DSA-affiliated elected officials across the country, including Zohran Mamdani, Rashida Tlaib, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).
Q: Is DSA connected to the Democratic Party?
DSA is completely independent of the Democratic Party. We often strategically support or run candidates in Democratic primaries to advance our politics, but our loyalty is to our platform and the working class, not to any party.
About Marin DSA
Q: What is Marin DSA?
Marin DSA is the Marin County chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. We're a local, member-run organization organizing for housing justice, immigration justice, abolition, Palestine solidarity, labor solidarity, and progressive politics in our community.
Q: Is Marin DSA part of a larger organization?
Yes, we're a local chapter of DSA's national organization. While we have autonomy to run our own campaigns and organize around local issues, we're proudly part of a national movement with over 100,000 members across the country.
Q: What does Marin DSA actually do?
We organize! That includes attending and hosting community events, supporting local political campaigns, showing up for labor and tenant actions, doing political education, and building solidarity with allied organizations across Marin and the Bay Area. If there's a fight for working people in Marin County, we want to be part of it.
Q: What issues does Marin DSA focus on?
Our priorities are decided by a vote from our members and can shift with the needs of the time. Our current, member-chosen campaigns include:
No ICE in Marin: Organizing to oppose Trump’s mass deportation program by banning cooperation between the county and federal immigration authorities.
Fight the Right: Mobilizing against the radical right and their billionaire backers as they wage war on working people.
Labor Solidarity: Supporting striking workers and unions fighting for improved pay, benefits, working conditions, and dignity on the job.
Palestine Solidarity: Organizing to end US support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza and its illegal occupation of Palestine.
No Cops on Campus: Organizing to end the Marin County Sheriff’s presence at College of Marin.
Housing Justice: Fighting for rent control, tenant protections, and permanently affordable housing in Marin.
Membership
Q: Who can join Marin DSA?
Anyone who lives in Marin County and shares our commitment to democratic socialism and social justice is welcome to join. You don't need to have any prior political experience!
Q: Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to join?
No. You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to join DSA or Marin DSA. Everyone who wants to fight for a more just world is welcome here.
Q: How much does membership cost?
We believe membership should be accessible to everyone regardless of income, so please join at whatever level works for you. No one is turned away for inability to pay! We are member dues-funded and don't take money from lobbyists or private interests, which is key to creating a truly democratic organization.
Q: Can I come to events or meetings before joining?
Absolutely. You're welcome to attend a meeting, come to an event, or just get to know us before making any commitment. The best way to figure out if Marin DSA is right for you is to show up and see for yourself.
Q: I'm already a DSA member; how do I connect with the Marin chapter?
If you're a DSA member living in or near Marin County, you can connect with us directly through email or social media. We'd love to have you involved locally.
Getting Involved
Q: I've never done political organizing before. Is that okay?
100%. Most of our members came to us without any organizing background. We have recurring DSA 101 meetings for new members and interested folks, and there are plenty of ways to plug in at whatever level you're comfortable with, from attending meetings to taking on bigger roles over time.
Q: What's a DSA 101 meeting?
DSA 101 is our new member and newcomer orientation. It's a casual, informative, and welcoming gathering where we explain who we are, what we do, what democratic socialism means, and how you can get involved. It's also a great place to ask the questions you've been wondering about.
Q: What kinds of ways can I get involved?
There are lots of entry points: Attending our monthly General Meetings, joining a committee or working group, showing up to a rally or action, collecting petition signatures, or just staying informed and spreading the word. Tell us your skills and interests, and we'll find a good fit.
Q: Do I have to come to every meeting?
No. We understand that people have busy lives. Do what you can. Consistent involvement helps the chapter grow stronger, but there's no attendance requirement.
Miscellaneous / Practical
Q: Is DSA affiliated with any religion?
No. DSA is a secular organization and welcomes members of all faiths and no faith.
Q: Does Marin DSA have a code of conduct?
Yes. We're committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all members. We have a harassment policy and a conflict resolution process in alignment with DSA national guidelines.
Q: I'm not in Marin; can I still get involved?
If you're outside Marin County, we encourage you to find your nearest DSA chapter at dsausa.org/chapters.
Q: How do I stay up to date with Marin DSA?
Follow us on social media! We post events, news, and updates regularly. You can also check our website calendar for upcoming actions and meetings.