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Joining Triangle DSA

So you’re interested in DSA membership

Let us tell you a little bit about who we are and what our mission is! DSA is a political and activist organization of, by, and for the working class. Chapter membership organizes and mobilizes using a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, fighting for reforms that empower working people. The Triangle in NC has its very own local chapter- North Carolina Triangle Democratic Socialists of America Chapter (NCTDSA). See our chapter’s website here and the national website here.

So what does membership to DSA entail

The Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organization in the United States because we’re a member-driven, mass organization. So in reality, that means our membership funds, runs, and leads our organization. If you’re interested in joining our chapter, check out the 5-step guide below, breaking down how our members engage with the chapter.

If you’re ready to jump in, check out our Membership Roadmap here! Here you’ll find the steps on how to get involved today.

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    n8 --- n13["Participate in sections, associations, campaigns, and committees"]
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1. Contribute | Member Dues

DSA’s status as a member-led and funded organization allows us to be politically independent from donor influence or capitalist institutions. Member contributions sustain our movement, enabling the organization to operate and grow. Click here to pay dues and choose the amount you would like to contribute. If you cannot pay dues but would still like to be a member of DSA, there is an annual dues waiver you can fill out here.

  • Paying dues allows you to vote in the chapter’s decisions, run for officer or delegate positions, utilize resources from national DSA, and serve on national DSA bodies!
  • If you have the means, consider pledging monthly income-based solidarity dues! The average monthly dues payment is $15.

2. Learn | Political Education

Our chapter’s Political Education Committee (PEC) regularly holds Socialism 101 and Socialism 102 sessions, where you can learn more about the politics of DSA and socialist principles! Check to see if there is an upcoming session on the chapter calendar here.

  • Socialism 101 was designed by the chapter to be accessible and easy to understand, no matter how new to this you are. Having an understanding of socialist theory and history helps us become better organizers so that we can take on bigger fights and win.
  • The Political Education Committee offers a variety of opportunities to gain knowledge and connect with other socialists in the process.

3. Join | Chapter Working Bodies

Within our chapter are working bodies to provide dedicated spaces for different purposes: sections, associations, campaigns, and committees. Explore the working bodies in our chapter here, where we break down the work our chapter is currently invested in. You can find events for each of these working bodies available on the chapter calendar here.

  • Sections: A group of members that associate due to a shared identity
  • Associations: A group of members organized around a shared interest
  • Campaigns: A series of efforts to bring about a desired result. In DSA, campaigns are groups that are working together to achieve a specific goal.
  • Committees: A group within the Local Chapter that is tasked with carrying out an internal function for the chapter.

4. Attend | Chapter Events

Chapter events are open to chapter members and non-members alike! Attending these will put you in direct contact with those engaging in the resistance locally. RSVP to these events on the chapter calendar here. Check out some different types of chapter events below:

  • New Member Orientation: We host live onboarding sessions (in person and virtually) to learn about new members, introduce them to the chapter, hear about what got them involved, and direct them to areas of interest within our current work. Be on the lookout for these on the DSA Google Calendar, where you can find more details!
  • General Meetings: Every chapter member is encouraged to attend these general meetings, which include the entire chapter, to participate in the democratic chapter decisions by voting on internal chapter business. These meetings are generally hybrid, meaning they can be attended online or in person.
  • Socials: These informal events are a great way to meet other comrades in your area of the Triangle.
  • Subody Meetings: Chapter working bodies conduct internal business during these sessions. We encourage new members to attend these when they are ready to jump into chapter work and participate in the movement on the ground.

5. Read | Leftist Publications

Our chapter’s Editorial Board is responsible for writing and editing articles for the chapter’s blog, Left Angles. This blog is open for chapter membership to submit articles for review and publication. See the DSA national blog and local leftist news outlet links below for your regularly scheduled leftist programming.

  • DSA Discussion Forums: DSA’s internal space for discussion, debate, and sharing among comrades across the nation. This internal resource is only available to members in good standing.
  • Socialist Forum: Socialist Forum is an open and wide-ranging venue for thoughtful discussion and debate among DSA members, encompassing the big-tent nature of democratic socialist thought.
  • Democratic Left: Democratic Left is the official magazine of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), run by the Democratic Left subcommittee of the National Editorial Board.
  • Durham Dispatch: Durham Dispatch aggregates journalism from trade unions and progressive organizations in the Bull City and surrounding areas.