I'm writing this as a response to the linked thread and realized it should be it's own post.

I'll be brief: My DSA chapter is in the planning stages of what we will focus on next year. We are a smaller chapter so we are working to pick programs that we can realistically do with a handful of people.

I read a lot on here about how orgs such as this one are doing everything wrong... so is there a step-by-step guide to doing the "right" thing?

Potential programs we may pursue next year (these are being put up to a vote in a few weeks):

  • A internal membership development program. Lots of political education including a reading group for the new translation of Capital Vol. 1

  • An agitprop program. We will teach each other how to work Canva/GIMP, design flyers, posters and other media and start being more outgoing around the area with our advertising.

  • A "mass line" project where we plan to hold community "listening sessions" in the more impoverished parts of town.

  • A Crisis Pregnancy Center awareness campaign. We would point out these centers around town, agitate against them through awareness campaigns and maybe lobby to get them banned in our area?

What would you pick and why?

  • ZWQbpkzl [none/use name]
    ·
    5 days ago

    A "mass line" project where we plan to hold community "listening sessions" in the more impoverished parts of town

    Yes to a mass line but I wouldn't do a "DSA Town Hall" in an impoverished neighborhood unless you happen to have a lot of members already in that neighborhood. Start by looking up and reaching out to existing organizations in that community and then do something public with them.

    Internal membership development is a requirement for a functioning chapter.

    • MayoPete [he/him, comrade/them]
      ·
      1 day ago

      I'm with you on this. The member that proposed this has good intentions. We have a problem in that the active members of the chapter are white while the people we are trying to serve are primarily POC. I get why people from majority-minority communities would be cautious about working with us! Wish I knew how to organize through racial differences.

      • ZWQbpkzl [none/use name]
        ·
        6 hours ago

        Wish I knew how to organize through racial differences.

        Bruh I just told you how. Any sizable POC community will have some sort community organization. It could be a mutual aid network, tenant union, special interest group, etc. It could be a much larger than your chapter or just a couple old ladies working out of their kitchen. Find them, figure out what their doing, and help them.