Reflection & Photos: YDS15
The only conferences I had ever been to before were sci-fi conferences, to accompany friends. When I heard about Young Democratic Socialists 2015, I decided that this was my chance to finally participate in something that I was personally passionate about: democratic socialism...Red Blizzard in the Big Apple
YDS Cochairs Alex and Matt with Javi and Zac, representatives from our sister socialist party in Mexico
Throughout history, young people have kindled the flames of social movements. In the US, students initiated successful fights against Jim Crow and the Vietnam War, and the more recent struggles against neoliberal austerity in Greece, Quebec, and on Wall Street have had an undeniably youthful energy. In 2014, the leftward trajectory of youth in the United States is visible in the increasing membership and participation of students in the Young Democratic Socialists.
This President’s Day weekend, over 100 young activists from across the country braved a blizzard and bitter cold to converge on New York City for the annual YDS winter conference, “Beyond Capitalism: Activism and Ideas for the Next Left”. The conference included plenaries, presentations, and workshops to strengthen both the analytical and strategic acumen of YDS members, while also providing a welcoming environment to build a national community for young socialist activists.