Leadership & Structure

Delaware DSA is a member-led organization with a democratically elected leadership team. Our chapter operates under a democratic socialist framework where all major decisions are made by the general membership at monthly meetings.

Our elected officers serve one-year terms and are responsible for implementing the decisions and priorities established by our membership. We maintain a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive leadership.

Chapter Structure

Delaware DSA operates with a democratic structure designed to ensure member control and participation:

General Membership

All dues-paying members in good standing have voting rights at general meetings and hold the highest decision-making authority in the chapter.

Steering Committee

Composed of 5 elected officers and 2 branch chairs, the Steering Committee administers chapter affairs and implements membership decisions.

Geographic Branches

Northern Branch (New Castle County) and Southern Branch (Kent & Sussex Counties) provide regional representation and organizing.

Standing Committees

Political Education, Communications, Membership Engagement, Red Rabbits, and Socialists-in-Office committees handle ongoing chapter functions.

Working Groups

Issue-based and identity-based working groups focus on specific campaigns including Housing Justice, Migrant Rights, and Queer Socialists.

We hold a minimum of 4 General Meetings each year plus an annual convention. Steering Committee meetings occur regularly with 4 days notice to members. All meetings follow democratic procedures and meeting minutes are made available to ensure transparency.

Read our complete chapter bylaws →

Chapter Officers

Our five elected officers serve one-year terms and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the chapter:

Co-chairs

2 positions

Responsibilities:

Chief executive officers who facilitate meetings, serve as public spokespersons, coordinate daily operations, and maintain communication with national DSA.

Requirements:

Cannot simultaneously serve as Branch Chair. Must get Steering Committee approval before acting as spokesperson.

Secretary

1 position

Responsibilities:

Maintains membership lists, handles correspondence, takes meeting minutes, maintains official records, and manages the chapter's digital security systems.

Requirements:

Transfers all official records to successor in good condition.

Treasurer

1 position

Responsibilities:

Manages chapter funds and financial records, handles reimbursements, ensures dues are current, prepares annual budget and financial reports.

Requirements:

All expenditures over $500 require Steering Committee approval.

Membership Coordinator

1 position

Responsibilities:

Oversees membership growth and engagement, co-chairs the Member Engagement Committee, organizes inclusive recruitment with special attention to marginalized groups.

Requirements:

Activities must be inclusive, culturally competent, and non-oppressive.

Diversity Requirements

• Two or more elected officers must be women, transgender, non-binary, or any combination of these categories.
• Two or more elected officers must be Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC).

Requirements determined solely by officers' own identification and are waived if insufficient candidates.

Democratic Governance

Our chapter operates on principles of democratic decision-making and member participation:

Elections

All officers and branch chairs are elected annually by chapter members. Elections use secure online voting platforms with at least 14 days for chapter elections and 7 days for branch elections.

Resolutions

Any member in good standing can bring resolutions to General Meetings with endorsement from at least 5 chapter members and one month advance notice to the Steering Committee.

Recall Process

Officers can be recalled through petition signed by two-thirds of voters from the previous election, followed by a supermajority vote of two-thirds to remove.

Amendments

Bylaws can be amended with a two-thirds membership vote, 30 days advance notice, and sponsorship by at least 3% of chapter members.