The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 237 chapters nationally (and growing!). We are a proud left organization whose membership encompasses a myriad of political ideologies; yet we are united behind a core set of moral principles. These include: that working people deserve empowerment and control of industry and their labor; the absolute equality of all human beings regardless of sex, race, age, abilities, and gender or sexual orientation and expression; that housing, medical care, education, and access to meaningful, dignified work are human rights; that aggressively addressing climate change must be a central focus of modern politics; and the unequivocal rejection of imperialism and colonialism in all its iterations. We believe that the American capitalist state acts in direct opposition to these moral stances by facilitating the breakdown of social relationships and equality between peoples, both at home and abroad.

Though we sometimes do endorse candidates, DSA is not a political party- we are a non-profit social advocacy and educational organization. Most Americans were introduced to DSA through the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns of Bernie Sanders, a candidate in the Democratic Party who identified as a Democratic Socialist. Though the nominations eventually went to Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, respectively, Sanders' success with voters, particularly young voters and crossover Republicans, created enormous exposure for DSA. The election of Donald Trump and the rise of the racist and xenophobic MAGA movement in 2016 kickstarted American's interest in Democratic Socialism. The election of Biden in 2020 offered a brief glimpse of hope that the country had moved past Trumpism; tragically, the morally bankrupt performance of his administration, and the feckless, pro-genocide and anti-immigrant campaign of Kamala Harris in 2024, instead lead directly to Trump’s re-election. In the immediate aftermath of the 2024 election, DSA’s ranks have once again swelled. While we boasted around 30,000 dues-paying members in 2017, today that number is closer to 100,000. It is clear that Americans know there is a better way.

As the local chapter of DSA, The Lehigh Valley chapter is a 501(c)4 non profit organization that engages the public through advocacy, education, and activism. Our chapter is composed of different working groups that are defined by projects or ideas, such as Labor, Political Education, Local Government Watch, and Electoral Politics. Though we organize under the umbrella of the national organization, our chapter’s work is defined by us. Some of us are members of national DSA; some are not: membership with national is not required to organize with us. As a local member, you can work in one or more of our existing working groups, or you can create the one you want, for the work you want. Or you can just join us at meetings and events; it's up to you!

Does this sound like you? Not sure but still curious about DSA? Send us a message! We would love to meet you.