Conservatives are blasting the Charleston, South Carolina, chapter of Democratic Socialists of America after the group shared a Facebook ad seeking volunteers to provide child care at meetings and help support its "next generation of comrades."
"No experience with kids needed! Come ready to learn how to grow and support our next generation of comrades," DSA Charleston posted to its Facebook page Friday. "If you'd like to help support our next generation of comrades, join this training to review best practices, roleplay through scenarios, and get you feeling confident to welcome and care for our budding comrades."
The group is offering the virtual Zoom training Monday evening to adults with or without children.
The training comes as DSA’s influence within Democratic politics is growing, with socialist candidates notching primary wins as the midterm campaign intensifies and giving the organization a broader platform for its policies and organizing.
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Critics accused the group of using "indoctrination" tactics, arguing the training reflects a broader push by socialists to court children.
"DSA childhood training for future 'comrades' in SOUTH CAROLINA! These people must be investigated," South Carolina Freedom Caucus founding chairman Adam Morgan wrote.
"They’re indoctrinating them as much as possible and it’s disgusting," said another user.
"They used to tell us socialism was just a Republican talking point. Now they’re advertising meetings for their ‘comrades.’ Socialism isn’t coming to South Carolina — it’s already here. And we CANNOT afford to ignore it. Far-left socialist groups are organizing in our communities and targeting the next generation with their radical agenda," wrote the South Carolina Republican Party account.
South Carolina is solid Republican territory, with President Donald Trump carrying the state by nearly 18 points in 2024 after Republicans won it in every presidential election dating back to 1980.
"Indoctrinate them young before they can become free thinkers," said one user.
In March, the chapter held their first "Comrades With Kids hangout" in which parents were invited to bring their kids to participate in card games, crafts, and other activities, Fox News Digital found, according to a prior social media post.
"Do you see what’s happening?? Mamdani is offering ‘free’ babysitting so they could turn your kids into socialists. They’re doing this all over the country," wrote popular conservative accounts Libs of TikTok.
Separately, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has made child care a central part of his agenda, including through the city's new "Parents’ Night Out" program.
Mamdani's new pilot program titled, "Parents' Night Out," offers free-of-charge babysitting to parents for one night.
Nearly 300 children attended the Aug. 16 program at NYC Parks recreation centers across all five boroughs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Through a separate partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs, parents were offered free and low-cost cultural experiences while their children participated in the program.
Fox News Digital reached out Mamdani’s office and DSA Charleston.
