About Us – Maine DSA

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States. We are not a political party, but rather a group of community members working to build a mass movement for democratic socialism. The work we do as a chapter is decided by and organized by members, not by wealthy donors, any political party, or board of directors.

The Southern Maine Democratic Socialists of America (SMDSA) is one of 250 DSA chapters across the country and the only chapter in Maine. Our chapter primarily organizes in the Portland Metropolitan area, with two geographical branches serving Eastern Maine (Penobscot County) and the Midcoast region (Lincoln, Knox, Sagadahoc, and Waldo Counties).

We welcome all with anti-racist, anti-fascist, and anti-capitalist ideologies. We are not a charity. Our focus is on developing leadership within the working class to organize and fight for the working class. Organizing means listening more than talking, forming relationships with those in our community, and building power with each other to change the world. Join the fight today.

Member Handbook

Chapter Bylaws

Harassment & Grievance Policy

2021 Steering Committee

Members elect a Steering Committee each year at our annual convention. The role of the Steering Committee is to maintain the day-to-day operations of the Chapter in keeping with our bylaws, to carry out the will of the membership body as a whole, and to act as a liaison with the national organization and other Chapters. Each set of Co-Chairs convenes a committee to support the work of their focus area.

Agenda

Chairs: Chelsea B & Aaron B
Monitors and follows up on agenda item requests from members and the community. Creates SCOM and General Meeting agendas, schedules meetings and reserves meeting spaces. Gathers Committee reports for the General Meeting. Acts as liaison with National DSA staff.

Communications

Chairs: Syr C & Leo H
Builds and strengthens connections between our chapter and the communities we serve. Produces written and visual content for the website, social media, press releases, and our weekly flyer newsletter. Manages e-mail accounts, chapter minutes, and spokesperson requests.

Finance

Chairs: Sarah L & Wes P
Organizes dues drives and fundraisers. Maintains the chapter’s treasury, scholarship fund, branch dues share, accounts payable, and incorporation. Manages Chapter merchandise stock and fulfills order. Responsible for filing taxes and financial reports for the chapter.

Membership

Chairs: Howa M & Joe D
Requests and receives monthly membership lists from National. Fields member questions. Oversees membership growth and development. Runs new member orientations, and trainings.