Structure and Campaigns

Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America is a democratic, member-run organization. That means our strategy and direction is both set and carried out by our members. To assist with facilitating and managing an organization of this size, we divide  tasks and assign responsibilities to certain chapter formations. This structure is explained in more detail in our bylaws, which are linked above.

At the core of our chapter’s democracy is our annual Local Convention, which sets organizational policies, passes resolutions, allocates resources, and can amend our bylaws. Local Conventions are a great opportunity to assess our role as an organization and adapt the organization to meet the needs of the times.

Between Local Conventions are General Body Meetings or “GBMs.” These are typically every month and allow the chapter to gather together to hear reports from Committees, Working Groups, and Branches. The chapter may also meet to discuss business (including candidate endorsements or resolutions) at General Body Meetings. GBMs can also feature guest speakers, new member orientations, or political education segments too.

Whenever the chapter isn’t assembled together in a meeting, the Steering Committee serves as the elected political leadership of the chapter. The Steering Committee serves as the central coordinating hub for all chapter projects and works to distribute resources and provide assistance as necessary. The Steering Committee is elected by the chapter yearly.

Ultimately, the hard work of organizing campaigns, whether to canvass tenants or plan a rally, gets planned and carried out by our Working Groups. A working group is a chapter formation dedicated to carrying out a campaign. Working groups are open to all who wish to help out or learn.