PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOTE
Whereas, the term social has often been misunderstood in American political discourse due to its
frequent conflation with socialism and communism;
Whereas, socialism and communism are distinct political and economic theories, and while both
address issues of economic inequality, communism—as historically practiced in the
USSR—manifested as an authoritarian dictatorship rather than a truly communal or democratic
society;
Whereas, during the McCarthy era and the Red Scare of the 1950s, widespread fear and propaganda
in the United States led to the stigmatization of socialist ideas and the suppression of political
dissent;
Whereas, the lingering effects of this era continue to shape public misunderstanding and resistance
to social democratic ideals, particularly within some partisan frameworks;
Whereas, democratic socialism and social democracy have been successfully implemented in
countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark—resulting in high standards of living, economic
stability, strong civil liberties, and robust social safety nets;
Whereas, the broader definition of social includes values such as cooperation, solidarity, friendship,
mutual aid, and community engagement—principles that are essential for a healthy and inclusive
democratic society;
Therefore, be it resolved, that we affirm the true meaning and value of the word social as it pertains
to human connection, civic cooperation, and democratic participation;
Be it further resolved, that we reject the conflation of democratic socialist values with authoritarian
regimes and instead recognize the proven success of social democratic models in achieving both
prosperity and equity;
Be it further resolved, that we commit to educating others about the distinctions between socialism,
communism, and democratic social values, and to fostering a society that encourages cooperation,
compassion, and the public good.
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