The elements of a strong proposal

Unlike many other political organizations, DSA is democratic, member-funded, and member-run. That means everything we do at the national and local levels originates from ideas put forward by our members.

This guide is meant to help DSA members craft successful proposals to present for consideration by the membership of the local chapter at our regular meetings.

1. Be specific about what it is you want to do.

2. Think carefully about your goals. Are they achievable? How will you break down large goals into actionable pieces?

3. How will your proposal, if passed, activate, mobilize, and develop existing GLDSA members and recruit new members?

4. What resources (personnel, $, lists, social media, software, equipment, etc.) are needed in order to implement your proposal? Are these resources within the current capacities of the chapter?

5. How is your proposal relevant to the broad ideas of socialism, building working class power, the national program of DSA, and the current priorities of the local chapter? E.g., are there national working groups or other national resources available?

6. What is the timeline for the completion/implementation of your proposal? Is the goal achievable in this time-frame?

Additional resources:

National DSA Campaign Planning Guide

National DSA Campaign Debrief Template

GLDSA Event Planning Worksheet