What is Democratic Socialism
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Come Join YDS for Socialist Summer School on August 9th-12th
American politics have shifted dramatically. Last summer, the national media was consumed with talk about budget shortfalls, the failure of unions to stop ant-union legislation across the Midwest, and the dominance of the Tea Party. Now the country is focused on the rise on income inequality, the victories in Ohio and Illinois, and the return of Occupy Wall Street.
What can we do to ensure this new spirit leads to concrete victories that put power back in the hands of ordinary people? How can we fight effectively for the future of our generation, and the ones behind us?
Come to the YDS summer conference to discuss these questions, learn new activism skills, help set YDS’s 2012-13 Activist Agenda, and hang out with activists from around the country. Register Today, learn more about the conference, or check out the schedule!
YDS's Statement on the Arrest of Cecily McMillan
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) condemns the unjustified and excessive violence that the New York City police used against peaceful protestors in Zuccotti Park the weekend of March 17th and 18th. We are deeply concerned about the well-being of all those who suffered injuries and particularly that of our valued member Cecily McMillan. We reaffirm the right of all people to engage in non-violent civil disobedience and peaceful assembly, and this has been a guiding principle of Cecily’s organizing and that of our youth section the Young Democratic Socialists. Cecily has contributed selflessly for the past few years to organizing for non-violent social change to create a more just and humane society. Yet too often at past Occupy protests, and again in this instance, the NYPD has failed to exercise appropriate restraint and, at times, has engaged in both provocative acts towards protestors and the excessive use of force. Protestors who are being detained, under no circumstances should be subject to excessive and unjustified force and, if injured, they must receive immediate and appropriate medical attention. DSA is particularly concerned that the medical attention (and eventual hospitalization) that Cecily needed may have been delayed. Although DSA was not involved in the preparations for this protest, we have been deeply involved in Occupy and reaffirm its spirit of non-violent protest against unbridled corporate power and rampant inequality. DSA is a socialist organization that works for social change through education, movement organizing, electoral activity and nonviolent social protest.
http://www.democracynow.org/2012/3/23/exclusive_ows_activist_cecily_mcmillan_describes
National Student Debt Week of Action Reportback!
The Young Democratic Socialists had an amazing week of action. Read the report backs here!
YDS Endorses Occupy Wall Street
Occupy Wall Street (OWS) has been heating up in New York City and around the country. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Honorary Chair Cornel West was arrested on the steps of the Supreme Court. This was part of an Occupy D.C. protest against the Supreme Court's complicity in unfettered corporate financing of politicians. The New York Times quoted DSA vice-chair and National Political Committee member Joseph Schwartz and Young Democratic Socialists (YDS) Northeast Regional Organizer Cecily McMillan about Occupy Philadelphia and #Occupy Wall Street respectively.
YDS and DSA groups have been building the protests since they started a month ago, but YDS has how formally issued a statement endorsing the Occupy Wall Street movement. YDS stands with the occupiers who are working to create a better society. We are excited, since this movements shows that people know the real enemy is Wall Street and Corporate power, not deficit spending. Click here to read YDS's Statement.
We need to continue to build this movement and shift the narrative to make sure the real culprits of the economic crisis are brought to justice.
If you want to get more involved in building the movement click here!
Volunteer for a YDS Committee
At the YDS Summer Conference the organization adopted an amendment to the constitution that created five new committees. Any dues paying member of YDS can participate and are encouraged to volunteer.
Media: This committee will be focused on developing materials to aid chapters with media work. It will also be working with the national to promote YDS's work.
Program: This committee will be focused on the program of YDS. This includes work on our campaigns, conventions, and other national events.
Electronic Communications: This committee will focus on building a YDS web strategy. It will focus on using new media to raise awareness about the organization and socialism.
Chapter Development: This committee will focus on recruiting new members and starting new chapters at schools. Anyone who is interested in building YDS should join.
Fundraising: This committee will be focused on helping chapters and the national organization fundraise.
Click here to volunteer for a committee.
