Keyboard shortcuts

Press ← or → to navigate between chapters

Press S or / to search in the book

Press ? to show this help

Press Esc to hide this help

National Convention

Background

In 1982, DSA began as a merger between the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee (DSOC) and the New American Movement (NAM). The year after, and every 2 years since, DSA has held a national convention to bring together delegates from chapters across the country and set the organization’s agenda at the national level. These conventions provide a space to deliberate on political questions, pass resolutions, and shape the focus of the organization for the coming 2 years. At its core, the national convention is a body of delegates making decisions about the organization by deliberating on resolutions and electing national leadership.

The main object of business is the resolution. Any DSA member can submit resolutions for consideration. An agenda is set with all of the qualifying resolutions. Any agenda items that are not decided on during the course of the convention are decided on by the National Political Committee (NPC), which makes their election another important function of the convention. Both votes on resolutions and the election of the NPC are conducted by delegates, who serve as representative groups for chapters across the country. The NPC decides the total number of delegates present at convention. Full delegate rules are in the Convention Rules, but basically, larger chapters send a larger percentage of the total delegates.

2025 National Convention

TDSA National Convention Delegates

In 2025, Triangle DSA sent 12 delegates and an alternate to the National Convention. One of TDSA’s delegates authored a resolution addressing housing, and this will be decided by the NPC in the coming year. Beyond deliberation, the TDSA delegation met with members in other chapters to share information, campaign strategies, lessons learned, and resources. Our delegates engaged with the national editorial board, connected with other chapters throughout NC, and were able to converse with national leadership and staff. These connections matter - a chapter in Florida running a similar ecosocialist campaign connected us with a professional researcher who is now a regular resource in TDSA’s solar bond campaign.

The 2025 convention took place in the midst of a dire political scene: Trump’s recent re-election, an ongoing genocide in Gaza, rising fascism, a further erosion of worker power, and further consolidation of corporate power. The major topics discussed during the convention reflected this state: the organization’s stance on Palestine and, more generally, the role of DSA in foreign affairs, how DSA should engage with elected officials and whether we should focus on electing more socialists, and how to engage with labor unions and worker organizations.

Takeaways

  • Other chapters know of TDSA and have taken inspiration from its structure and political education efforts.
  • When trying to decide on matters with such a large group, effective procedure is crucial. In DSA this is Robert’s Rules, and understanding these rules allows members to effectively follow debates and decisions.
  • DSA is a big tent organization and this is apparent at the national level. The organization has a spectrum of viewpoints on how to address major political questions, and this impacts national decision making.
  • DSA, even at the national level, is ultimately made up of its members. By continuing to grow TDSA and empowering members, the organization can strengthen its ability to create a better future.