DSA is the largest socialist organization in the United States, boasting over 70,000 members nationwide. Their mission is to build progressive movements for social change and establish a democratic socialist presence in American communities and politics. At the heart of their socialism is a strong commitment to democracy as both a means and an end.

DSA fights for reforms that will empower working people and weaken the influence of corporations. Their key priorities include supporting Medicare for All, environmental justice and a Green New Deal, strong unions and worker protections, defunding the police and reallocating funds into communities, canceling student debt, and ensuring housing as a human right. They also advocate for immigrant rights, anti-imperialism, prison abolition, and decreasing the influence of money in politics.

DSA actively works towards electing democratic socialists to all levels of government. To join DSA Los Angeles, one must first become a dues-paying member of the national Democratic Socialists of America. Monthly dues contribute directly to local organizing efforts.

DSA also offers resources, events, and opportunities for members to get involved, such as DSA 101 presentations and discussions. While DSA prioritizes certain campaigns, they are open to member-led initiatives and encourage active participation in shaping the chapter's work. DSA is not a separate ballot-line party and often supports candidates running as Democrats, although they have also backed candidates from third parties.

Democratic socialists seek to create a society where social and economic decisions are made by those most affected by them, as opposed to being controlled by big corporate bureaucracies. They advocate for social ownership, which can take various forms such as worker-owned cooperatives or publicly owned enterprises. DSA proudly uses the term socialist to challenge stigma and promote their vision of a better, more democratic, and just world