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2007 YDS Socialist Summer School and Activist Conference

June 26th, 2007 by admin

Socialist Summer School 2007


Dates: Saturday and Sunday (8/11-12)
Location: Local 1199 310 W 43rd St between 8th and 9th Ave [
directions]

Click here for CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 

The political stakes are high as we approach 2008. This past spring showcased numerous heated battles within the American polity. The American Left, especially the youth, need a coherent and collective response to national divisions on issues such as the war in Iraq, education, and immigration. When the Left does unite in mass rallies and gatherings, however, it is often difficult for us share our respective ideas and beliefs - let alone get to know one another. For those reasons, and more, YDS is hosting a Socialist Summer School to join our student activism with our socialist values. Having a solid socialist foundation makes any progressive activist smarter and stronger. The Socialist Summer School is an excellent opportunity for young movement builders to get together and learn from one another while at the same time discovering new and different ways to organize and bring about positive change. With a smaller, more intimate setting, individual voices will carry greater weight and we can have a stronger flow of ideas. Don't pass up this invitation to a weekend of building not only the progressive movement, but friendships with the people who share your life-long commitment to social change.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP / FUNDRAISING / GETTING TO NEW YORK CITY:
People come to YDS conferences from all over the country. If you are coming from out of town, it is important to plan your trip as early as possible. We're committed to ensuring that everyone who wants to come to the Socialist Summer School is able to attend. We're offering travel scholarships and housing accommodations for those coming to NYC by plane, bus, car, or train (more info below), on a limited, first-come, first-served basis with preference given to YDS activists.  However, we highly recommend that you fundraise to help cover costs. Click here for great tips on travel planning, economizing and fundraising, from getting cheap plane tickets, hosting events to raise money, to hitting up your student government for funds. Please remember that plane tickets are typically cheaper the further in advance you purchase them and that Student Government Associations often require plenty of advance notice if you are requesting special funds from them. Do plan ahead!

YDS Fundraising Tips

CARPOOLING - NEED / OFFER RIDES TO NYC?
If you are within driving distance of New York City and are in need of a ride, let us know and we can check to see if others planning to attend in your area can offer you one. If you have extra space in your vehicle, please let us know. We encourage you to carpool to the conference with other friends and activists. There will be space on the on-line registration form to offer or request rides.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS IN NEW YORK CITY:
We are working to provide out-of-town conference goers with free housing.  If you live in New York City, or have friends/family that can house additional conference attendees, please notify us.  Here is a link to affordable hostels in NYC . YDS has obtained a discount rate for conference goers at the Chelsea Star Hotel, but conference goers must register on their own.   

REQUESTING HOUSING OR TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS:
You can request or offer housing assistance and/or travel scholarships once the on-line registration forms are available (by July 27th). YDS has a limited budget to help subsidize travel costs. Preference is given to YDS members and those wanting to start YDS chapters. If you request a travel scholarship, please fill out the appropriate information on the registration form or contact us at the email address below with your details. We will respond to you shortly to let you know if your scholarships request has been granted and how much financial assistance YDS can provide.
 
REGISTRATION & COSTS:
Registration costs for the entire conference will be based on a sliding scale of $25-$50 (subject to change).  Special consideration for low-income individuals will be made with priority given to YDS members and those starting chapters.  On-line registration forms will be available by July 27th.  Registration fees include conference materials, admission to all conference sessions, light breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday, and admission to Saturday night's party.

GREAT WAY TO END THE SUMMER!

The Socialist Summer School takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 11th and 12th. Since it's the end of the summer, YDS members will have an opportunity to meet just before they return to their respective campuses.
 
QUESTIONS OR CONFERENCE IDEAS:
If you have any questions about the conference, please get in touch with the contact information provided below.  If you have ideas or suggestions you would like to propose to conference planners, if you would like to volunteer to help with preparations or to assist during the conference itself, don't hesitate to email or call us.

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