The Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 100,000 members and chapters in all 50 states. We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few.
It is a political and activist organization, not a party; through campus and community-based chapters, DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people.
The Flint Hills, Kansas Chapter of DSA was chartered in July 2023. It was born out of the efforts of two members who were part of tenant organizing with Renters Together MHK. The chapter is one of the fastest growing chapters in the county, expanding its capacity to foster meaningful dialogue, education, and action.
Our members take on the capitalist class through organizing rooted in community care and solidarity. When the government shutdown and SNAP cutoffs left families hungry, we rallied our neighbors to collect over 3,600 pounds of food for the Flint Hills Breadbasket on a single Sunday afternoon.
Through Flint Hills Tenants United, we organize renters across the region to build power and dignity in their homes. We’ve stood with our immigrant neighbors by training in rapid response and supporting the Little Apple Peace Patrol against ICE. We’ve organized solidarity rallies for Palestine and have helped transport Trans siblings to safety across state lines. We build working-class power for the long haul through political education, mutual aid, and partnerships with organizations like the NAACP Manhattan Branch, the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, and fellow DSA chapters across Kansas.
As an entirely volunteer-run, member-driven organization, the Flint Hills, Kansas Chapter of DSA focuses on building tenant power, defending our communities against attacks from the Kansas Legislature and outside corporate interests, and cultivating the education and solidarity that a better world demands. There is a place for you here — join us.
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 workplaces, neighborhoods, and society.
We define ‘socialism’ as the social ownership of means of production. Put another way, socialism is when we, the working class, control our own labor power and run society democratically to benefit everyone.
For Democratic Socialists, democracy is not just elections or freedom of speech. For us, democracy is when the people rule – where we don’t just have political rights on paper, but the political power to collectively shape our lives and the future.
We want workers to collectively own the key economic drivers that dominate our lives, such as energy production and transportation. We want the multiracial working class united in solidarity instead of divided by fear. We want to win “radical” reforms like single-payer Medicare for All, defunding the police and refunding communities, the Green New Deal, and more as a transition to a freer, more just life.
Our horizon is a complete rupture with capitalism and the establishment of a new political order where workers are in charge of the government, with a democratic constitution that establishes civil, political, and democratic rights for all, and where our economy is designed to meet human needs rather than accumulate wealth and power in the hands of a small few.
What does DSA membership involve?
If your politics align with ours, we encourage you to join DSA. Membership is based on dues, with many different options. We recommend signing up for a monthly dues rate of $25, or, if you’re able, to pay solidarity dues where the amount is set at 1% of your annual income. DSA is entirely member-funded; your dues allow us to operate independently and democratically. However, the DSA understands that dues can be a barrier for some, and so there is the option to have your dues waived. Simply fill out the due-waiver form and you’ll be a full member-in-good-standing for 12 months. There is no requirement to being paying for dues to renew. We encourage all members to attend meetings and political education events and get involved in the work and life of our chapter.