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What is Denver DSA

A demonstration with DSA signs

Denver DSA is a local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organization in the United States. We seek to build a mass movement and transfer power from the ruling elite to the working class, thereby gaining freedom and democratic control over all aspects of our society. We are a democratically run, volunteer organization that is led entirely by members like you. While we do endorse candidates for office, we are not a formal political party. As of April 2020, we are over 1,000 members strong and growing.

As socialists, we work together to develop concrete strategies for achieving a world free of exploitation and oppression--in other words, we aim to facilitate a transition to democratic socialism in America.

A demonstration with DSA signs

What do we believe

Denver DSA banner that reads 'We stand with Denver teachers'

What do we believe

We believe that our government and our workplaces should be run democratically by workers like us to meet the needs of our community, not to enrich billionaires, millionaires, and those who do their bidding. We oppose all forms of oppression and believe everyone has a right to healthcare, housing, a living wage, and more. We know the rich and powerful manipulate politicians, the law, and the economy to their benefit, and that only an organized movement of millions of working class people can create a society that works for all of us. You can find our full political platform here.

What do we do

Denver DSA members tabling for Medicare 4 All

We believe that fundamental change comes only when people rise up together to demand it. We use a variety of strategies and tactics to build political power, win reforms, and improve the lives of working people right here in Denver. Our work includes but is not limited to labor and tenant organizing, electoral and legislative campaigns, public education events, and direct action. Join Denver DSA in making your community stronger, kinder, and more equitable for today and tomorrow. We cannot do it without your help.

Denver DSA members demonstrating for Medicare 4 All

What's up with the hamster

The Denver DSA logo: a drawing of a pika with a rose in its mouth, with text 'Democratic Socialists of America - Denver - Another world is possible A photograph of a pika

What's up with the hamster

Pikas are small, furry mammals with round bodies, short legs, round ears, and no visible tails. They are native to the Rocky Mountains where they live at or above the timberline. Though they belong to the same order as rabbits and hares, adult pikas are no larger than a tennis ball. More often heard than seen, these tiny creatures emit a loud, sharp squeak that can be hard to locate. When danger is near, a pika will whistle to other pikas in the colony, then disappear to the safety of nearby rocks.

In the spring and summer months, pikas spend their days gathering flowers or grasses into "haypiles" which will sustain them during the cold harsh winter. They use both their furry bodies and the snow pack to insulate them from the brutal winds and cold. However, as the planet grows warmer, their habitats are disappearing. If the spring and summer temperatures climb above 75° F, Pikas will overheat and may die within hours. If the winter is too dry, there won't be enough snow pack to shelter them. As the Earth warms, they are pushed to ever higher altitudes, but they will eventually run out of places to go.

Denver DSA adopted the Pika for its logo in 2016 because of its Rocky Mountain habitat and dependence on flowers for survival. Suffragette and labor reformer Helen Todd coined the phrase that James Oppenheim's 1911 poem recorded, "Hearts starve as well as bodies: Give us Bread, but give us Roses."

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