General DSA questions

If you have any questions about DSA membership in general, check out the National DSA FAQ here.

Robert's Rules of Order

Many democratic decision-making bodies in government and DSA chapters use parliamentary procedures based on Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, which are modified by Bylaws and, optionally, Standing Rules. You do not need to know these to participate in any DSA meetings, but if you know the basic outline of how we use them, then it makes everything that much smoother. Check out this cheat sheet from Boston DSA for a basic outline and handy reference to how DSA chapters and branches use Robert’s Rules to run meetings.

What is democratic socialism?

Capitalism is a system designed by the owning class to exploit the rest of us for their own profit. We must replace it with democratic socialism, a system where ordinary people have a real voice in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society.

Democratic socialism isn’t a static vision. It is something we fight for throughout our lives by uniting the multiracial working class in solidarity. Democratic socialism is the vision of a just world.

Is buxmont dsa a chapter?

BuxMont DSA is not a chapter. We are a geographic Branch of Philadelphia DSA, which means we are all members of that chapter. Our branch exists to coordinate members and campaigns in Bucks and Montgomery county.

Where does my dues money go?

DSA is a national organization, so all official member dues go through the national organization. A portion of monthly-dues revenue is split with each chapter, including Philly DSA. Philly DSA then presents BuxMont DSA with an annual budget to use. Annual-dues are not split with chapters, so if you want to support the work that Philly and BuxMont DSA do, please make sure to sign up for monthly-dues!

Are non-members welcome to events?

Any event that you see on our website is open to all, member or not! We recognize that not everyone may be ready to join DSA, but that should not stop us from working together to organize together in our communities. However, in order to vote on Branch business or run for a leadership position, you must be a DSA member.