Social Democrats, Kansas is an affiliated local representing Kansas to the national committee through our national representative. SDUSA, KS-based its principles, constitution, and other basic items on the national level.
The Kansas chapter has been active since April 2021, when Susan founded the chapter. We have been engaged with SDUSA and been with them since.
The chapter is run by volunteers who share a common goal of spreading social democracy. This is referred to as the state committee, where the roles are head, , secretary, treasurer, and NEC representative . These positions are democratically given.
Mission statement:
We are an educational group seeking to reform the way people think about politics and social democracy. Our goals are to get people involved in the political process and build a sense of community. We seek to have open conversations with people from all points on the political axis in good faith. SDUSA is the listening and teaching hospital of the left. That means SDUSA serves to show understanding.
Vision Statement:
The long-term goal of the organization would be to flip Kansas purple. This can be done by supporting Social Democratic politicians in Kansas, especially those in rural areas who have constituents that would benefit the most from Social Democracy. We’d also like to have a member from every small town across Kansas. That way, even the tiniest pocket of Kansas is covered. Then we want to demystify Social Democracy to have it normalized in Kansas politics.
Principles:
1.)Open dialogue
Everyone has a right to their opinion
2.)Social Democracy
In American sectors like health, education, work, and other front facing areas of life.
3.)Right to participate
Everyone has a right to be active in the local
4.)Accountability and transparency
Members holding each other responsible for each other’s actions. If one person slips, then everyone slips.
5.)Democratic Decision-Making
we support a open, fair and participatory processes where members help shape policies and direction.
6.)Political Independence
The organization operates independently and is not controlled by outside parties.
7.)Grassroots organizing
Real change starts on the bottom level. That’s why we emphasize this.
8.)Respectful conduct
Members are expected interact with each other based in good faith or agreeing to disagree.
9. Inclusivity
The organization is open to people of all backgrounds.
10.Anti-Discrimination
Discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, nationality, or class is not tolerated.
The relationship to the national SDUSA is that of locals get one vote for every five people. We also have a NEC representative role that shares information between the two bodies. The local is fully independent of the national in day to day activities. SDUSA, KS aligns itself with the nationals constitution and principles. SDUSA, KS retains personal autonomy in governance and in application.
A Statement on Political Alignment:
- Social democracy isn’t solely a partisan issue but a social and philosophical one
- Alignment as partisan but as a moderate within the democratic party.
- We can and do endorse candidates in races; however, it’s up to them to decide whether or not they want to claim affiliation.