Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter forms in Joplin

An invigorated Joplin chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has been up and running for several months.

DSA members are organizing voter education, registration, and local advocacy efforts while building community support around reproductive rights, housing, democratic participation and other issues.

Austin Reed, who grew up in Galena, Kansas, is co chair of the Joplin Area Democratic Socialists of America.

He says the local chapter is especially concerned with voter mobilization including voter registration drives in advance of the October 7 registration deadline.

What led to the Joplin Area Democratic Socialists of America chapter?

"I think we're in a moment in our country where there are a lot of people who feel disenfranchised by our two-party system because, at least from looking at our national government, it doesn't seem like either of them are actually fighting for the working class," Reed says.

He says, in addition to Joplin, the DSA has chapters in Springfield, Kansas City, Mid-Missouri, St. Louis and other locations in Missouri.

'There are a lot of people in Joplin who feel the way we feel,” Reed says. “There are a couple of precincts in Joplin that are really heavily working class, but the voter turnout every year is only about 30%".

Reed says members have focused on defeating Amendment 3 (reproductive rights) and Amendment 6 (voter protections) and have also taken on other issues including local housing and homelessness policies.

Taking it to the streets

“We've had a table at pretty much every community event,” Reed says. “We have a plan to go to Third Thursday and just distribute literature to people about what’s going to be on the ballot and what DSA is.”

What do Democratic Socialists believe?

“Specifically, we want our lives to be governed democratically,” Reed explains.

“We want our government to be one that is democratic.  We believe in more democracy in the workplace.  We believe in our lives being governed democratically. Everyone should be able to be in a Union.  We should have Medicare for all so that we get to choose our doctors and we get to choose our hospitals - not some guy in a suit who decides what your network is.”

The  Joplin DSA is a liberal organization locating in a city that is deep red. Has that been a problem?

“No, actually we haven't really seen much challenge - other than people posting stupid stuff on social media,” Reed replies. “We've not had anybody come up to us at events or tabling and be rude, talk to us rude in person.  We've showed up at City Council meetings and there's never been an issue in person.  So we haven't seen that challenge personally. 

Reed firmly believes that Joplin has a large number of people who can be represented by the DSA.

“I don't believe that Joplin is a red city,” Austin Reed says.  “I think Joplin is a non-voting city. That's because the people that aren't voting feel disenfranchised by our two-party system and our political system. They don’t feel there is a reason for them to turn out and vote because nothing is going to change and politicians don't listen to them.”  

“I think Democratic Socialists of America which has people like AOC and Rashida Tlaib in office and people know they are fighting for people.”

More activities planned

 “We're looking at partnering with some other community groups and doing some winter coat drives because winter will be coming up before we know it,”  he says. “We'll be doing another back to school drive next year and in between the quarters because people need school supplies all year round.  It's not just a first of year thing. There’s a lot more in the works.”

Overall, Reed says he feels very positive about the public’s reaction to DSA Joplin.

“I've actually been incredibly encouraged. I'm an organizer by trade. I do politics all day, every day.  And there are people showing up to DSA meetings that I've never seen in my entire life.  And they're only getting involved because of DSA.  I haven't been discouraged at all.”