Quad Cities DSA

We are organizers committed to democracy as not simply one of our political values but our means of restructuring society. Our vision is of a society in which people have a real voice in the choices and relationships that affect the entirety of our lives. We call this vision democratic socialism — a vision of a more free, democratic and humane society.

Get Involved!

If you’re looking for ways to get involved in progressive politics, we welcome you! We’re looking for people to join our working groups to advance our fight for social, economic and racial justice both nationally and locally in Iowa & Illinois.

Welcome to the Quad Cities Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Democratic Socialists believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. We are a political and activist organization, not a party; through campus and community-based chapters DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people.

Join us at our next meeting

Our meetings are open to the public and welcome to anyone interested in learning more about the Democratic Socialists of America. Join us for our next meeting to learn more about what our working groups are doing within our community to make a difference. Visit our Events page to come to our meetings and get involved.

On the Victims of Wold and Davenport

Quad Cities DSA hearts go out to the families of Brandon Colvin, Ryan Hitchcock, and Daniel Prien. The lives of these three were taken by the negligence of Andrew Wold, after testimony from tenants and contractors expressed the dangerous conditions of the 324 Main Street building.

Policy and change need to happen in Davenport. The question is, when are city officials going to do that? The city of Davenport has a track record of deteriorating policy and change rather than progressing. Those impacted the most at 324 Main Street need justice, and community members need to hear solutions.

Quad Cities DSA is here to work alongside the tenants and families affected by the tragedy at 324 Main Street and meet the needs of where they are at.

Statement on Hotel Davenport Building Collapse

Quad Cities DSA’s hearts go out to the tenants of the 324 Main Street apartment building and hope no harm was done to anyone who did not leave the building.

The apartment building at 324 Main Street, owned by the Davenport Hotel LLC, with tenants reporting many problems, some as recently as last week. One contractor described being able to see visible cracks with exposed rebar, and WQAD reported that the apartment building had masonry issues.The city of Davenport also inspected the facility, which passed on the 24th of May of this year.

Situations like those at 324 Main Street, unfortunately, are not uncommon. Many apartment buildings have faced similar problems as property owners have neglected housing options for community members, including the Crestwood Apartments that had to be abandoned in 2021. What other properties have Davenport Hotel LLC neglected in our area? Have other tenants reported concerns that have been dismissed? Have contractors’ findings been ignored by Davenport Hotel LLC? Tenants need the ability to express their concerns without having to rely on landlords and property managers.

One way tenants can have some say in their living conditions is through tenants’ unions. Tenants’ unions are made up of and led by tenants to fight for their collective interests and housing rights. The relationship between landlords and tenants is inherently unequal, exploitative, and unjust. Every human being needs housing for survival, and landlords and banks hold this resource, giving them economic and political power. Other tenants unions around the country have proven that when tenants organize together they are able to resist illegal evictions, protect tenants from rent hikes, advocate for repairs and updates, and create a space for tenants to address their issues. Housing is a basic human right, not a commodity.

Quad Cities DSA is open to hearing from tenants in the Quad Cities area on their living conditions and related cases of their housing situation.  You can reach out to us at quadcitiesdsa@gmail.com.

Iowa Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion Rights

Quad Cities DSA condemns the Iowa Supreme Court’s ruling that further damages abortion rights. Abortion is not only still safe and legal in Iowa, but also overwhelmingly popular: nearly 80% of Americans support keeping access to...

Member Spotlight – Josh

My darling comrades, My name is Josh, and I am the current Treasurer of the QCDS. I may seem like a person who enjoys attention, and the truth of the matter is that I do. I want to take some of your time to introduce myself by kickstarting our Member Spotlight in...

QCDSA supports striking IAMAW union

We at the Quad Cities DSA would like to voice our unequivocal support for the striking workers of Lodges 388 and 1191 of the IAMAW union. We are seeing more and groundswells from workers across industries who are demanding their rightful dues, especially when we...

QCDSA, the QCTimes, and Thurgood Brooks

We condemn the Quad-City Times article published on February 16th regarding Thurgood Brooks. The characterization of Thurgood is built entirely on a one-sided portrayal, one that is rooted in anti-Blackness. This publication uncritically printed accounts from various...

QCDSA Stands with Workers of John Deere

The workers at John Deere are voting to authorize a call for a strike. The 10,000 workers at the twelve plants that span Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas are asking the Fortune 100 company to share its prosperity directly. John Deere has relied on the Midwest community for...

Amazon Will Not Be Good for the Quad Cities

Amazon is building a warehouse in Davenport. The city is spending $3.9 million on road improvements and another $780,000 in infrastructure for the project. Quad Cities DSA strongly opposes this project. This project was negotiated with the city via a third party...

Unapologetic 1 – ATP

Acronyms and Organizations BYP100 - Black Youth Project 100Critical Resistance - Dedicated to ending the Prison Industrial Complex internationallyN'COBRA - National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in AmericaGeneration Five - Organization dedicated to...

Rock Island Police’s Intimidation Ends Here

On May 10th, 2021, the Rock Island Police Department occupied the council chambers of the city of Rock Island to intimidate the public and city council. The police, led by Executive Director Shawn Rosenlieb of the Illinois Fraternal Order of the Police and RIPD Chief...
Quad Cities DSA