Who We Are

We are the Fort Collins chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. DSA is the largest socialist organization in the United States. Our chapter is proud to be a part of a lineage of change-makers, such as recently elected NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani. We’ve successfully influenced local politics by helping our very own chapter member Yara Zokaie to win a seat in the Colorado State House of Representatives.

We are a democratically run organization. Our dues-paying members vote to set the priorities and direction of our chapter. We are socialists, as we believe the only way to win real democracy within the economic sphere is to end capitalist exploitation. We believe in expanding the democratic process beyond election season, and empowering workers in their jobs.

We are people-powered, member-funded, and focused on securing material gains for the working class. We help members organize to address any issue they see in their local community, so if you’re passionate about making change, you’re essential to our chapter!

Our local chapter is based in Fort Collins, but our jurisdiction covers all of Larimer County, and parts of Weld County.

Members

We’re powered by members, meaning that your vote directly informs the chapter’s course of action. Your dues help pay for our national infrastructure and resources, as well as fund our local chapter’s events. We aren’t beholden to any corporate donors or big money, and we infuse socialist values of equity into our membership structure. If you want to take part in determining the goals and priorities of our chapter as a dues-paying member, visit our Membership page.

Want to get connected? Visit our Get Involved page! You can attend one of our monthly General Meetings or join our online Discord to meet fellow members and learn about events. Everyone can participate – you don’t have to be a member.

Branches

Our chapter is primarily based in Fort Collins, but we have three distinct branches: Loveland, Greeley, and YDSA. Branches are smaller sub-chapters which allow us to focus on other municipal areas. Branches are a vital tool in building a broader chapter coalition across Northern Colorado!

• Loveland: The Loveland branch of our chapter focuses on issues most vital to the citizens of Loveland, like watching Loveland City Council meetings, or keeping abreast of issues in the Thompson School District. When our comrades in Loveland want to get someone elected or work on an issue affecting their unhoused populations, they attend our Elections or Housing Justice meetings to coordinate with the broader chapter for the most effect.
• Greeley: Our newest branch of the chapter will find and address the issues that are most pertinent to the citizens of Greeley and the broader Weld County populace. This branch will have the support, expertise and resources of the larger Fort Collins Chapter to achieve their goals.
• YDSA: Based out of Colorado State University, our Young DSA branch strives to make CSU a more equitable place for members of the working class. YDSA has been involved in making CSU a sanctuary campus; unionizing student workers; and expanding protections for queer students. If you’re a student looking to fight for a better CSU, YDSA is the place to go.

Committees

A committee is a group which organizes around a broad issue or cause. The best way to learn about DSA’s role in the community is to attend Committee Meetings. Our chapter currently has the following committees as a part of our structure:

• Communications: Got a knack for design, writing, social media, or just like connecting with fellow creatives? The Communications Committee keeps DSA members and the surrounding community informed about events and local politics. The committee also takes on member-led projects like videos and zine-making.
• Political Education: If you’ve been wanting to dive into theory and discuss the issues that matter to you, our Political Education committee creates space for discourse. The Committee has explored topics such as the Cuban Revolution, race & class, and Palestinian liberation. The Committee also offers educational courses such as digital privacy.
• Elections: If you want to see more socialists in office, the Elections Committee creates grassroots campaigns to bring working-class issues into the political sphere. You’ll stay updated on upcoming elections, learn ways to engage our community, and see what makes the DSA Difference. 
• Healthcare Justice: DSA believes in healthcare for all, and our Healthcare Justice Committee has made tremendous strides in making it possible! Healthcare Justice focuses on advancing policy at the local and state levels to widen healthcare access.
• Housing Justice: Housing is an integral component of a just society, and our Housing Justice Committee keeps an eye on local issues affecting residents and renters. The committee also focuses on resourcing our unhoused community members.
• Labor: One of the working class’s greatest assets is unions! If you want to connect with union organizers, support local strikes, or plan events that further labor rights, the Labor Committee is the place to be!
• Steering: Democratically elected chapter leadership, with one-year terms beginning in January and ending in December. Steering is composed of two Co-Chairs, a Secretary, a Treasurer, six Committee Chairs, two YDSA reps, two Loveland Co-Chairs, two Greeley Co-Chairs.

Harassment and Grievance Officers

Member safety is a top priority of DSA. We do not tolerate bigotry, harassment, or discrimination of any kind. To help enforce this, all DSA chapters have a number of Harassment and Grievance Officers. If you are a member who feels that you have been targeted, abused, or bullied, you can reach our HGOs at dsafortcollinshgo@gmail.com.

You can read more about HGOs and our National policy here.