Democratic Socialists of America Records

Collection

Identifier: UR001161

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The collection also reflects, to a letter degree, the views of the volunteers working within the DSA at both the National and Local levels.

Important subjects covered in the collection are: The 1982 DSOC/NAM merger Poletown The Latin American Dilemma City of Detroit Task Force on Room and Board Homes 1981- 1982

Among the important correspondents are: Raymond E. Majerus Irving Bluestone Michael Harrington Jim Chapin

Series Description Series I, Published and Unpublished Materials, 1972-1983 Sub series A: Published Materials, 1972-1983: Journal, newspaper and magazine articles, advertisements, newsletters, and serials concerning democratic socialism and related issues. Sub series B: Unpublished Materials n.d.: Speeches regarding the democratic socialistic movement, class struggle, the labor movement and other related issues.

Series II, Organizational Files, 1974-1982: Sub series A: Detroit Local Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee (DSOC), 1974-1981: Meeting agendas, minutes, reports, and other committee files. Sub series B: National DSOC, 1977-1982: Meeting agendas, minutes, reports and other committee files. Sub series C: Democratic Agenda, 1980-1982: Reports, resolutions and proposals on the Democratic Agenda and Politics in the U.S. Sub series D: Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee/New American Movement (DSOC/NAM), 1980-1982: Reports, correspondence, merger ballots, and newsletter regarding the merger of the DSOC and NAM, including conflicts and resolutions between the two groups. Sub series E: Democratic Socialists of America, 1982: Correspondence, newsletters, and invitations regarding this new group consisting of the merged DSOC and NAM. Sub series F: Bylaws and Constitutions, 1979: Bylaws and constitutions of the Detroit DSOC and the Michigan DSOC, the Constitution of the Youth Section (DSOC) and the proposed changes in the constitution and Bylaws regarding merger. Series III, General Office Files, 1973-1983: Sub series A: Correspondence: Correspondence relating to DSOC locals, membership and other matters regarding general management. Sub series B: Conferences/Conventions, 1979-1982: Records, forms and other materials relating to conferences and conventions at both the local and national levels. Sub series C: General, other Other files relating to DSA = formerly DSOC/NAM, formerly DSOC

Dates

1972 - 1983

Creator

Democratic Socialists of America (Organization)

Language of Materials

Material entirely in English.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials.

History

The Democratic Socialists of America, also known as DSA, received its name in 1982 after the merger of the Democratic Socialists Organizing Committee, also known as DSOC, and the New American Movement, also known as NAM. The 1982 merger was not without debate, and resolution among members of DSOC. The collection is indicative of the mandate of the DSA, as well as their stand on social issues and labor issues, and reflects the general workings of the Detroit local before, during and after the merger, showing the evolution of the group.

Extent

2.75 Linear Feet (6 MB)

Additional Description

Abstract

Subjects include: Poletown; City of Detroit Task Force on Room and Board Homes

Arrangement

Arranged in 3 series – Series 1 (Boxes 1-2), Series 2 (Box 3) and Series 3 (Boxes 4-6). Folders are primarily arranged alphabetically and then chronologically.

Series 1 is broken down into 2 sub series. Series 2 is broken down into 6 sub series. Series 3 is broken down into 3 sub series.

Acquisition

The Papers of the Democratic Socialists of America were placed in the Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs in January of 1984 and were opened for research in April of 1990.

Transfers

1 photograph relating to the Debs-Thomas Dinner Award (Raymond E. Majerus) has been placed in the Archives Audiovisual Collection. Numerous serials and newsletters received with this collection are available in the Archives Library. Also, 2 photographs of a DSOC rally, taken sometime before the ERA bill lost.