Reviewed September 20, 2026.

The Democratic Socialists of America, usually abbreviated DSA, is a U.S. membership organization. It describes itself as a socialist political and activist organization whose work includes electoral activity, labor organizing, and community campaigns. Its constitution establishes it as a not-for-profit corporation. Sources: DSA’s description of its work, DSA constitution

When was DSA founded?

DSA formed in 1982 through a merger of the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee, founded in 1973, and the New American Movement, founded in 1971. The organization’s published history places the merger convention in Detroit in March 1982. That history was written by DSA national committee member Joseph M. Schwartz in 2017 and represents the organization’s account of its development. Source: DSA history

The same account describes different backgrounds among the predecessor groups: DSOC had connections to the older Socialist Party tradition and labor and Democratic Party activists, while NAM drew from the New Left and socialist-feminist organizing. It also discusses DSA’s involvement in the 2016 Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. Source: DSA history

How is DSA organized?

DSA operates through local chapters and national bodies. Its National Convention meets every two years; delegates set broad organizational goals and elect the National Political Committee, which serves as its board of directors. The committee oversees implementation of those decisions and directs the national staff. Source: DSA leadership and structure

The constitution provides for dues-paying members, local chapters, members-at-large, and a youth section, the Young Democratic Socialists of America. These formal membership and governance arrangements distinguish DSA as an organization from a political label that someone may use without joining it. Sources: DSA constitution and bylaws, YDSA’s description

What positions does DSA state?

DSA’s explanation of democratic socialism calls for collective ownership of major sectors such as energy and transportation and greater democratic participation in economic decisions. It presents this as going beyond historical social democracy and rejects authoritarian models of socialism. These are DSA’s descriptions of its own position. Source: DSA’s explanation of democratic socialism

Its published program lists proposals including universal healthcare, publicly owned housing, a shorter working week without reduced pay, expanded labor rights, and public investment in energy and transit. The program also proposes constitutional and institutional changes toward a democratic socialist republic. These are organizational proposals, not descriptions of existing U.S. law. Source: DSA political program

Is DSA a political party?

DSA’s homepage describes it as an activist organization rather than a political party. Its political program also says it is building a party. Both descriptions appear in its public materials: one concerns its current organizational presentation, and the other its stated direction. Sources: DSA homepage, DSA political program

DSA identified Zohran Mamdani as a member in its November 2025 leadership newsletter, following his election as New York City mayor. Source: DSA’s November 2025 newsletter