If you are an individual or organization that wants to collaborate or request New Orleans DSA's involvement, it's helpful to understand how DSA works as an organization.

How DSA works in coalition

We work democratically, including through our elected officers in Local Council and with the membership at General Meetings or Local Convention. Our chapter makes major decisions as often as every month at General Meetings (GM), sometimes including resolutions to join a coalition or to endorse or start a campaign. In between GMs, our Local Council may approve some motions surrounding existing or previous coalition partners, but cannot unilaterally decide if the chapter joins a coalition or endorses a campaign.

Listing DSA on a flyer or letter

Local Council can approve the chapter signing onto actions or letters on behalf of the chapter. This vote occurs either at a Local Council meeting (see our calendar) or asynchronously through an online vote that has two thirds quorum.

DSA speaking at an event

Our bylaws state the Local Council are the only authorized members to speak on behalf of our chapter unless explicitly approved. If you have a member in mind, please ensure the Local Council has approved someone to speak.

DSA resources & volunteers

Chapter resources can only be used for campaigns officially endorsed by the chapter, which requires a vote at a GM. Certain compliance restrictions are included with electoral and labor related campaigns. These resources include social media posts, member outreach to mobilize members to attend specific events, and potentially printed materials if budgeted by the chapter through a vote.

We don't dictate to our members to participate in events. Our participation matches the level of membership approval & ability to organize members within the chapter. For example, asking DSA to sign onto a protest days before does not guarantee DSA will have dozens of members attend. Conversely, campaigns or events that have spoken to our members at a GM, have DSA members initiating the campaign, and sharing a project schedule/plans are a great way to ensure DSA members are involved in your work. We cannot guarantee member participation.

How to get in touch

• Reach out to Local Council at hello@dsaneworleans.org
• If you're in communication with a DSA member already, ask them to contact Local Council
• If your organization has DSA members, suggest they present on your behalf and work within DSA to advocate or serve as a representative