Frequent Questions
The DSC was founded in 2020 and was inspired by the DSA, however, we have no formal relationship. We started with a similar structure, but have modified it to reflect memberships decisions. We are a separate membership-led, democratically-run socialist Not-for-profit registered in Canada.
The Democratic Socialists of Canada is not a registered political party.
- 35% of members do not have a local chapter near them. Do not fret! These at-large members are just as integral to work being done. They work within the National Organizing Committee to help everyone in the DSC with their organizing work.
- When enough members join from a particular area, they can form their own chapter. Members across the country will help with this process.
Yes, we run biweekly orientations that are open to anyone interested in learning more about us. The orientation meeting will help you understand how you are vital to the DSC's organizing efforts and connect you with other members so you can start organizing when you are ready. Sign-up here
The Democratic Socialists of Canada is a self-funded organization. By paying dues you fund the tools and infrastructure needed to support our collective organizing and liberation. By maintaining the self-funded nature of the DSC you protect its democratic structure, where the members sustain, drive and control their own organizing work.
You may request a dues waiver HERE
This is a democratic and membership-based organization, so you, along with all the other members in good standing, have the final say on:
- The DSC’s budget
- The minimum dues’ amount
- When and how funds are distributed to sustain the work of local chapters
The DSC finances are managed by a National Finance Committee composed of regular members. The National Finance Committee is obligated by our Constitution to present a budget to the membership, which needs to be approved via a vote by all members in good standing.
To be a member in ‘good standing’ the following is required:
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- Pay dues or have an active dues waiver (see above)
- Agree with the principles of the DSC
- Not be a law enforcement officer
As a member in good standing you can vote on important decisions and elections both at your local Chapter and the national organization. You can also run for elected leadership positions in your local Chapter or at the national level.
If you are not paying dues, you were paying dues and have stopped, or it has been a year since your dues waiver and you haven't renewed, you lose your “good standing” status. This means you can no longer run for elected leadership positions or vote on the DSC’s decisions and elections. You can become a member in good standing––or regain your good standing status––by paying your dues or requesting a dues waiver.
If you are having trouble signing up or updating your payment information, contact us at: [email protected]
The amount you choose in the sign up form, whether it is $5 or a custom amount, is the amount you will be charged every month.
Head over to the membership portal, there you can cancel memberships and update donations. Unfortunatley in order to adjust your dues amount NationBuilder requires that you cancel your current membership and start a new one with the updated amount.