Many DSA members might complain about the frequency, length, or tediousness of all the meetings that are necessary for our organization and wider movement. But attending those meetings means you have a say in what we are building.
Our role as socialists in the labor movement is, above all else, to empower worker democracy.
Dogmatists rely on timeless formulas. Opportunists follow the path of least resistance. The trick is to recognize the allure of both traps — and avoid falling for them.
A political movement without a shared analysis and sense of purpose is bound to flounder. National DSA could be stronger if it developed a shared understanding of the world and clearer political goals. By “putting politics first” we can start to build both.
How to build thriving, democratic, socialist organizations that empower members, train cadre, and support a mass membership.
No democratic meeting can be run effectively without rules. But DSA should find alternatives to Robert’s Rules if it wants to run meetings that are democratic and that encourage participation.
Democratic organizations need rules to protect both the rights of majorities and minorities and to make sure debate is focused on important questions. This is the case for why big DSA chapters should adopt and use Robert’s Rules of Order.
What will it take to build a truly democratic but powerful socialist organization? Assume good intentions. Use direct decision-making for key votes, but trust elected leadership to make decisions between general meetings. Don’t weaponize democracy. And build power first, utopia second.
