You don't have to fight for a better world alone. Join Tucson DSA and organize with us.

About Tucson DSA

Tucson Democratic Socialists of America (Tucson DSA) is a local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the largest socialist organization in the United States. We are a member-led, volunteer-run organization organizing people across Tucson to build working-class power and advance democratic socialism.

Tucson is a city shaped by generations of Indigenous communities, historic barrios, and working-class organizing. We’re part of that ongoing tradition—organizing together to confront inequality and build a more just future.

Across Tucson, we organize in workplaces, neighborhoods, and community spaces to challenge systems that prioritize profit over people. Through collective action, political education, and community building, we work to shift power toward the working class and create a society where everyone can thrive.

What is Democratic Socialism

Democratic socialism is the belief that people should have control over the systems that shape their lives—especially the economy.

Instead of a system where wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few, we believe in a society where working people collectively decide how resources are used and distributed. This means organizing to build strong unions, expanding public goods and services, and winning policies that put people before profit.

Democracy isn’t just about voting—it’s about having real power over the decisions that affect our lives. We are organizing to make that a reality.

What We Do

Tucson DSA members organize in a variety of ways to build power, including:

Building workplace democracy and supporting labor organizing
Fighting for housing as a human right
Organizing for economic and racial justice
Engaging in political education and leadership development
Participating in campaigns that challenge corporate and political power
Creating spaces for members to learn, connect, and organize together

Our work is member-driven. Working groups, campaigns, and committees are how we turn ideas into action and build long-term organizing capacity in our community.

Who Can Join

Tucson DSA is a “big tent” organization open to anyone who shares a commitment to democratic socialism and collective action.

Our members come from many backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives. What unites us is a shared belief that working people should have power in our workplaces, communities, and society.

There are no barriers based on background or experience—just a commitment to organizing together and building a better world.

DSA vs. other kinds of organizations

US political parties

Have a “ballot line” next to all their candidates in the general election
Must meet requirements to keep their ballot line based on local/state/federal laws
No “one party”, more of a federation of county and state parties, national committees
Only way to be a “member” is to hold public office or a committeeperson seat
Public officeholders, especially executives, hold an extreme amount of influence
Only way for ordinary people to influence political direction is through primary elections

Most non-profits

Led by unelected staff or board members
Funded primarily by foundations and wealthy individuals
Generally single-issue focused
“C3s” cannot engage directly in elections
“C4s” can engage in elections, but only to a limited degree
More often than not, no “mass membership” or culture of democracy

DSA

Member-driven and member-led
Funded entirely by member dues and donations
Strives to be as democratic as possible
Socialist
501c4 – can engage in electoral work, but can’t constitute a majority of what the organization does
Not single-issue focused
Board of Directors is elected by delegates at a bi-annual convention; delegates elected directly by members
Robust culture of internal debate and discussion

A Growing Movement

DSA is the largest socialist organization in the country, with chapters in every state. Across the United States, members are organizing to win real improvements in people’s lives—on housing, healthcare, labor rights, climate justice, and more—while building toward a more democratic and equitable society.

Tucson DSA is part of that movement, rooted in local struggles and committed to building power here in our community.