We are a nonpartisan, inclusive group of neighbors and advocates united by a shared commitment to democracy, justice, and informed civic action. We come together to collectively raise our voices, spotlight urgent issues, and build momentum toward sustainable change.

What "Nonpartisan" Means — and What It Doesn't

At DSSIN, we describe ourselves as nonpartisan. We want to be clear about what that means, because it's often misunderstood.

Nonpartisan means we don't endorse candidates or political parties. Our work follows our mission and values, not a party platform. If any elected official — from any party — acts in ways that threaten public education, democratic institutions, or the rights of our neighbors, we will say so. Our positions are consistent because our values are consistent.

Nonpartisan does not mean neutral. It does not mean we present "both sides" of every issue. It does not mean we stay silent in the face of harm. And it does not mean that every speaker we invite must be balanced by an opposing viewpoint.

Organizations like the NAACP, ACLU, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State are all nonpartisan. So are the Heritage Foundation, Cato Institute, and American Enterprise Institute — organizations with deeply conservative values. What they have in common — as nonpartisan organizations — is they all take clear, strong, public positions because their missions require it. So does ours.

When we oppose legislation that undermines public schools, when we stand with immigrant families, when we challenge policies that erode constitutional protections — we are doing exactly what a nonpartisan, mission-driven organization should do.

We follow our values. Not a party. That's what nonpartisan means.