Every year, the Maine chapter of Democratic Socialists of America holds two conventions; a Winter Semi-Annual held in January, and a Summer Semi-Annual held in July. Both events are where larger proposals are discussed, not typically brought up during regular general meetings. These include potential bylaw amendments, endorsements, and committee charters. They also include workshops and panels, so they last a while, usually four to five hours. Oh, and don’t forget the snacks, raffle, and socializing!
This year, Maine DSA’s Summer Semi-Annual is a hybrid event, taking place both in-person in Portland and on Zoom, Saturday, July 26th, with plenty on the agenda to get through. For those who might be curious about how Maine DSA operates and deliberates, or for those who are interested in our workshops, it’s a great chance for members to help steer the chapter into the next six months, and for non-members to meet like-minded folks, listen, chat, and learn a little bit about what Maine DSA is up to.
One thing Maine DSA is bringing back this Summer is a raffle! There’s art work, tapestry, tote bags, t-shirts and more available folks can purchase tickets for in hopes of winning. All raffle tickets are $5, and all funds will go to support delegates to this year’s National DSA Convention in Chicago happening this August. You don’t have to be a member to sign up for the raffle, but you do need to be in person. Winners will be drawn at the end of proceedings at 5:30 PM.
After the usual introductions and community agreements, attendees will hear reports from current committees and working groups. What they’ve been up to since January, including achievements and challenges, as well as their plans for the remainder of 2025. This is a great way to find out if there’s work being done that you might be interested in getting involved with. Groups like the Portland Committee, Midcoast Committee, Bodily Autonomy, Mutual Aid, Labor Rising and more!
After reports and re-charters, the chapter will launch into business. This is the juicy stuff. With DSA’s National Convention around the corner, there are a number of national resolutions for chapter members to decide if they want the chapter to endorse or not. If endorsed, delegates to the convention from Maine would be expected to vote in favor of those items. After that, it gets into proposals that focus on the actual Maine chapter, with one looking to amend the chapter’s anti-zionist policy, a vote on whether a new office space is needed, and more.
During the business portion above, only chapter members will be allowed to vote. However, non-members are welcomed as observers. And the two events held directly after business are open to everyone. What are those events, you ask?
After business and a brief break for snacks and chatter, the chapter will hold one panel and one art build. Starting at 4:00, there will be a Socialists in Office Panel featuring Maine DSA members who have experience either running as a candidate or managing an electoral campaign. They’ll be making themselves available to talk through what they’ve learned, how to get started if you’re interested in running, and answer questions.
If that panel doesn’t sound up your alley, the chapter will also be holding an art build at the same time, where they will be focusing on creating new merchandise like shirts, bags, prints, using screen and lino cut printing! While the panel will be a hybrid event, the art build is in-person only.
After all the business is finished, folks who wish will be congregating at a local brewery to hold a social hour and unwind. A lot goes into planning and facilitating these long semi-annual chapter conventions, so the chance to kick back and socialize afterward is well earned by members and allies alike. If you would like to learn more about Maine DSA’s Summer Semi-Annual coming up on July 26th, please click here!
