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?

  • Dimmer06 [he/him,comrade/them]
    ·
    1 day ago

    That sounds like a good start. When I ran the membership committee in my area we ran some surveys and it was sort of helpful to identify the structural barriers to participation.

    Making an effort to just reach out and talk to less involved members on a regular basis can be surprisingly effective too. I wanted to do more of it but nobody really wanted to pursue it with me so it died.