Members of the New American Movement and the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee merged in 1982, forming the Democratic Socialists of America. The main goals of the movement reflected a desire to create a socialist presence in modern society. The purpose of the various projects and events of the Democratic Socialists was to develop strategies and to educate people. The socialist vision promoted by the movement was one of "feminism, racial equality, labor activism, equitable distribution, non-oppressive relationships, and the popular control of resources and production." Robert Opie Shepherd became a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the New American Movement (NAM) in 1973. This chapter became the Democratic Socialists of America Pittsburgh Local in 1983 after the merger. Robert Opie Shepherd actively participated in several DSA committees, projects, and conventions; he recorded minutes of meetings and notes of various DSA events. He served as the 1990 chairperson for the Pittsburgh Local, delegate to several DSA conferences, and as a member of a Democratic Socialists of America fact-finding Nicaraguan tour during January 1983.
From the description of Papers of Robert Opie Shepherd relating to the Democratic Socialists of America, 1982-1990. (University of Pittsburgh). WorldCat record id: 30676857
