MDC DSA Local Convention

Start: 2021-12-11 15:00:00 UTC Eastern Standard Time (US & Canada) (GMT-05:00)

End: 2021-12-12 18:00:00 UTC Eastern Standard Time (US & Canada) (GMT-05:00)

This is a virtual event

Metro DC DSA Local Convention

In conjunction with the Steering Committee election, our chapter will also host our annual local convention on the weekend of December 11-12. At the convention, chapter members will debate endorsements for the 2022 primary elections, proposed changes to our chapter’s bylaws, and other chapter-wide resolutions.

Read on for detailed information about the local convention.


Why should I participate in the local convention?

As our DSA chapter is a democratic, member-led, and member-funded organization, we are only as strong as the level of member input and involvement in our collective work. The chapter’s annual local convention is the best way to ensure we hear every voice when deciding changes to our priorities or democratic structures.

Is there something about our chapter that you would like to change? Consider submitting an amendment to the chapter’s bylaws or a proposal for a chapter-wide resolution.


To submit a bylaw amendment or other resolution to be considered during the local convention, please complete the form at this link by Sunday, November 28 at 11:59 p.m. ET.


How can I participate as a delegate in the local convention?

According to our chapter’s bylaws, all members in good standing as of 30 days before the convention are eligible to participate as delegates at local conventions. Therefore, chapter members will need to have been a DSA member in good standing on or before November 11, 2021 to be a voting delegate at the convention.

Regarding logistics, due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, the convention will take place via Zoom. Information about delegate registration will be released shortly. Delegates are encouraged to register ahead of the convention, but there will be a same-day registration option available in the morning both days of convention.


When is the convention taking place and what are other important dates?

To prevent convention burnout, the local convention will be split across both days during the weekend of December 11-12. The convention schedule is still subject to change based on the number of agenda items received, but currently, the plan is for Saturday to be a half day agenda (~3-4 hours) and Sunday to be a full day agenda (~7 hours). Debate on resolutions will occur on both days, but live voting will only occur on Sunday.

Please see below for a more detailed list of important dates and deadlines to be aware of for the local convention.

  • Amendment submission deadline. Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Deadline to submit amendments to any convention items of business.

  • Convention bulletin. Wednesday, December 8. Convention bulletin is published and distributed to all chapter members. Bulletin includes convention agenda and all scheduled business.

  • Convention day #1. Saturday, December 11, half-day - 3 pm - 6 pm (tentative). First day of local convention. Major agenda items will likely include a final address from all candidates in the Steering Committee election and debates on candidate endorsement resolutions.

  • NOTE: There will not be live voting on Saturday, as both the Steering Committee election and votes on candidate endorsements will occur via emailed OpaVote ballots to all chapter members.

  • Tentative convention social(s). Saturday, December 11, evening (in-person). Depending on weather and the ability to ensure the health and safety of chapter members, there may be a single chapter social event or social events across the region for all chapter members to attend.

  • Convention day #2. Sunday, December 12, full-day - 11am - 6 pm (tentative). Second day of local convention. Major agenda items will likely include debate and voting on: chapter priorities, annual budget, bylaw amendments, and other resolutions.

  • NOTE: There will be live voting on Sunday for all agenda items


Who can I contact with questions about the convention?

If you have any questions or you would like to volunteer to help make convention a success, please reach out to @Kareem E. or post in the #dec-2021-convention-steering-election channel on Slack. You can also send questions via email to info@mdcdsa.org and elrefaikareem@gmail.com.

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This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters.

Not a Member? Please consider becoming a Member. Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford: https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC

Sponsored by
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Metro DC DSA