Sandwiches to socialism: How a DSA chapter in Austin is building political power

Austin, Texas (AP) — When the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members gathered in a church sanctuary, there were far more attendees than there would have been just two years ago. The DSA chapter in Austin has been steadily growing, with membership more than doubling to 126,000 in the past two years.

Their strategy for achieving their long-term goals, such as abolishing prisons and achieving universal healthcare, involves engaging in street protests, making meals for homeless individuals, and electing city council members. Nathan Fernandes, a member of the Austin DSA, emphasized that their progress is a result of the members' dedication and efforts.

Nathan Fernandes, a 25-year-old DSA member, spoke to the group about the importance of their actions. "We put in our sweat equity, we've put in time, we have put in dollars. We make the DSA difference ourselves because special interests can buy elections, but people can't buy what we have." The evening meeting kicked off with training on how to document immigration enforcement and a presentation on organizing a Starbucks boycott to back barista's contract negotiations.

Misael Ramos, a DSA candidate for Austin City Council, followed the training session. The chapter had canvassed roughly 7,000 doors for his campaign, and another canvass was scheduled. When Ramos was arrested that day for participating in a protest over the shooting of a Venezuelan man by a federal immigration agent, his fellow members, Mark Ramirez and Clarisse Manuel, decided to postpone the canvassing in solidarity.

Ramirez, a software engineer, had been frustrated by various issues like immigration crackdowns, homelessness, and medical debt. He found the Democratic Party to be "captured by corporate interests," but the DSA offered a more active approach to addressing these concerns. The group organized against ICE raids, lobbied for the removal of automated license plate readers in Austin, and worked with labor unions, all while donating their time and money to provide hundreds of sandwiches for those in need.

Ramirez said, "Healthcare, food, and housing are things that everybody needs, and we have millions of times the productive force to meet all of those people's needs. We choose not to." With roughly 700 people signing up in the past year, the Austin DSA's membership has grown by more than half, offering an example of how a mass movement can effect change.