Overview of DSA’s Grievance Program
DSA’s Harassment Policy is found in Resolution 33, passed at the 2017 Annual Convention, which was amended at the 2021 Annual Convention. Between the biannual conventions, the National Political Committee (NPC) makes decisions about grievance matters to clarify Resolution 33.
- Resolution 33 – National Grievance and Harassment Policy
- Overview of the Resolution 33 Grievance Filing Process (NEW)
- Grievance Program Policies and Procedures FAQs
- NPC Resolution 33 Related Decisions
Other policies democratically adopted by the DSA membership nationally or within specific chapters work together with Resolution 33 as additional avenues to address conflict andviolation of DSA’s policies.
- The National Code of Conduct for Members and Meeting Code of Conduct
- Chapter bylaws provisions such as “undemocratic, disruptive conduct” and/or “conduct contrary to the values of DSA;”
- Chapter codes of conduct (required by 2021 national convention Res.33 amendments).
Want to learn more about DSA’s Grievance Program? Here are more harassment, bullying and conflict resolution resources we have for DSA members and leaders.
First, tell us who you are so that you may access the appropriate information:
I am an HGO or chapter leader who has had HGO training by the National HGO.
I am an HGO who has not yet been trained by the National HGO.
I am a chapter leader involved in getting our chapter’s grievance policy up and running.
Looking for specific resources?
Trainings:
NHGOs conduct monthly trainings for HGOs and chapter leaders. Here are older versions of our trainings, but we encourage you to sign up for one of our newly updated and participatory trainings:
- Chapter HGO Training
- Overview of DSA’s Grievance Process for HGOs and Chapter Leaders
- Complex Conflict Management Strategies for Chapters
- Complex Conflict Resolution Strategies for Chapters
- NEW: HGO Investigation Guide
Annual Reports:
Resolution 33 requires chapters to submit data annually about grievances processed. This information is included in Annual Reports submitted to DSA’s membership following the end of the reporting period. The annual reporting period runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. The third Annual Report covers July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021, and is the most recent report to have been released at this time.
- 2018-2019 Annual Report on Resolution 33
- 2019-2020 Annual Report on Resolution 33
- 2020-2021 Annual Report on Resolution 33
National Harassment and Grievance Officers (NHGOs):
Paula Brantner is the National Harassment Grievance Officer. She carries out the grievance program by:
- working with Harassment Grievance Officers (HGOs) and chapter leaders to ensure compliance with Resolution 33 and to provide support for conflict management in their chapters;
- managing appeals to the NPC, working with appealing parties and making a recommendation to the NPC for resolving the appeal;
- providing training and leadership development within chapters based on professional best practices;
- conducting mediation and restorative justice practices in appropriate case
(She works as an outside consultant for DSA, so cannot always respond immediately, but she will respond or refer you to the appropriate person within DSA.)
Ana Avendaño assists Paula on investigations, trauma-informed process, mediation, restorative justice, codes of conduct, and training, and her services will be referred to chapters on an as-needed basis. (Ana’s services will be arranged through Paula, so please initiate requests for her work through Paula.)
If you are an HGO or chapter leader looking for support and assistance, please contact Paula via email at [email protected]. The NHGOs do not communicate with individual parties about the facts of their grievance before it is decided locally, so may refer your inquiry back to your chapter’s HGOs or leadership.