On September 4, 2026, it began and Michael Mottern and David Hacker gave an opening welcome and brief history of SDUSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But things got into full swing on the 2nd day, September 5th, when Social Democrats USA held its Educational Conference, bringing members and affiliates together for a full day of political education, organizational discussion, debate, and local organizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The conference opened with consideration of a resolution supporting universal food benefits. Members discussed hunger as a fundamental social and economic issue and the limitations of relying on food banks and existing programs with eligibility and administrative barriers. The resolution passed by unanimous consent, affirming SDUSA\u2019s commitment to making the elimination of hunger a legislative priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major discussion focused on SDUSA\u2019s political identity and the organization\u2019s relationship to other traditions on the democratic left. Members debated the differences between SDUSA and organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America while also considering how broad SDUSA should be in its ideological outlook. The discussion ultimately produced language affirming that SDUSA can include social democrats, democratic socialists, and others who differ over the long-term future of capitalism while sharing a commitment to democratic politics and social justice. The amended resolution passed unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Members also discussed constitutional reforms and the continued development of SDUSA\u2019s organizational structure. Chapter and affiliate reports highlighted organizing efforts in New York, Kansas City, Missouri, and elsewhere, including membership growth, local fellowship, political campaigns, writing, and efforts to establish stronger local organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another recurring theme was the kind of political culture SDUSA seeks to build. Speakers emphasized the importance of welcoming new members, practicing empathy, maintaining space for disagreement, and resisting the factionalism and personal attacks that can weaken democratic organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The conference also addressed difficult questions surrounding Israel, Palestine, Zionism, anti-Semitism, and SDUSA\u2019s historical positions. The discussion reflected the organization\u2019s continuing effort to engage seriously with internal differences while maintaining democratic standards and opposing authoritarianism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Educational presentations broadened the conversation beyond internal organizational questions. Dr. Brian Matlock\u2019s presentation, \u201cSocialism in the Heartland,\u201d<\/strong> examined how organizers can build support in rural and working-class communities by listening to people\u2019s experiences, speaking in accessible language, and identifying traditions of solidarity already present in local communities. Other presentations explored Indigenous rights, community resilience, poverty and deindustrialization in Buffalo, and the possibilities of municipal socialism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taken together, the conference demonstrated SDUSA\u2019s commitment to democratic political education, economic justice, working-class organizing, and building an organization capable of turning those principles into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the full conference report PDF for a detailed account of the day\u2019s discussions, resolutions, presentations, and organizing work.<\/strong> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On September 4, 2026, it began and Michael Mottern and David Hacker gave an opening welcome and brief history of SDUSA. But things got into full swing on the 2nd day, September 5th, when Social Democrats USA held its Educational … Continue reading