The Chicago Socialist Party (CSP) is an independent, democratic socialist organization that supports numerous progressive, radical causes in an effort to help build a broad-based, multi-tendency progressive movement.
CSP is controlled via consensus and democratically by its members. CPS's long-term objective is to establish a radical democracy. By radical democracy, CSP envisions a non-racist, classless, feminist, socialist society in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community and in which working people have control over their own lives.
At one time, CSP was the Chicago local of the Socialist Party USA (SPUSA). However, due to what CSP members saw as an increasing lack of democracy and transparency at the national level; an increasing move towards sectarianism and away from SPUSA's democratic socialist, multi-tendency, and de-centralized traditions; and hostility by officers against dissenting members, many CSP members left or were expelled from SPUSA in 2005. Other members let their memberships lapse. Eventually, CSP's charter was revoked by the SPUSA National Committee.
CSP now operates as an independent organization with no formal affiliation with any national or international organizations. However, CSP works cooperatively with numerous progressive and radical organizations and independent activists.
Due to ballot access laws in the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, the feasability of CSP running candidates for office is minimal. For this reason, CSP functions primarily as an activist organization. As an activist organization, CSP has worked in support of such activities as labor campaigns, anti-war campaigns, prison outreach, and policy advocacy. Members have also been involved in educational efforts such as establishing radical resource centers and organizing forums, speakers, classes, film screenings, and book discussions on progressive and radical issues.