In This Issue    Young Democratic Socialists Update: May 17, 2007
Year in Review and New Blog
 
 
  

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Great Year for YDS - More to Come This Summer
 
Congratulations on a great school year for YDS.  Here is a brief recap of our work this year:
  • In November, we organized with a democratic socialist perspective in local elections and ballot issues;
  • In January, we came together from all across the country to rally with United for Peace and Justice in Washington, DC.  At the demonstration we reminded the new Congress that they were elected primarily by the anti-war vote;
  • In February, hundreds joined together for our annual outreach conference, ?Justice Beyond Borders,? in New York City; 
  • In March, we coordinated peace actions with the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition for the 4th anniversary of the Iraq War; 
  • In April, our chapters and organizing committees held labor justice-themed events to celebrate the legacies of Cesar Chavez and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the Student Labor Week of Action.  In Chicago, we came together to celebrate the Coalition of the Immokalee Workers? victory over McDonalds;
  • This month, we continued our National Immigrant Rights Project by joining May Day rallies.  See below for pictures of New York YDS with thousands of others taking a stand for justice;
  • Now, for our members and friends, we now give you a preview of our new Blog: The Activist.
Even as the school year ends, you can still continue working with YDS.  Just email or call the YDS office and we will put you in contact with members near you.  As the New York YDS metro chapter has shown, you don?t have to be on a campus to be an active young democratic socialist!  This e-mail will point out several events where you can continue your socialist activism this summer.
 
 
 
Another World is Possible - Another US is Necessary
Come to Atlanta with YDS for the US Social Forum June 27-July 1!
 
The United States Social Forum is guaranteed to be an amazing event.  Thousands of people from all over the country and globe will come to discuss strategies, share ideas, and create networks that will build the foundation for a better world.  This gathering is a critical way opportunity for the American Left to join with and learn from international social movements.  For this reason, the Young Democratic Socialists and the Democratic Socialists of America will be participating.
 
YDS will not be a casual observer at the Social Forum; YDS and DSA have organized workshops and activities open to members and allies.  YDS, working with the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition, will be prioritizing youth participation in the Social Forum.  As young people we have the most at stake in the creation of a fairer and more sustainable world.  Join us at the Youth Tent, hosted by the Social Forum?s Youth Working Group, for fun events and group actions.  Don?t miss out on this opportunity.  Tell us if you are going, are interested in going, and/or want to be connected to our activities.  YDS members may be able to get free housing through the Atlanta DSA local.
 
Contact us at yds@dsausa.org for more information.
 
United for Peace and Justice National Convention
Be a YDS delegate and Shape the Future of the Peace Movement
 
The momentum has fully shifted towards the anti-Iraq War consensus.  The Bush Administration who once could rely on a rubberstamp from Congress now battles elected officials over war funding.  Many moderates, even some conservative veteran groups, are vocally announcing their opposition to the war?s handling.  It is important for the Left to remember, however, that not everyone who is critical of the war is calling for withdrawal. 
  
Our participation in the United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) National Assembly is needed if our democratic socialist anti-war and pro-peace vision is ever to be realized.  That is why our presence in the UFPJ National Assembly so important.  The main purposes of the National Assembly are to set the overall political direction and priorities of UFPJ for the next 18 months and facilitate movement building.  YDS, as a member group, is allowed to send two national delegates.  YDS delegates shall work with National Youth and Student Peace Coalition allies to make sure the youth voice of our movement is heard loud and clear.
  
If you are interested in being a delegate check out UFPJ National Assembly and contact YDS at yds@dsausa.org.
 
YDS National Conference and Retreat
Summer School for Socialist Activists 

If you?re interested in helping make decisions about YDS? activist program for the coming year, learning how to be a democratic socialist activist in your community, and getting training on how to combat capitalist ideas, make sure that the national office has your summer mailing address and phone number so we can keep you informed about our August convention and retreat.  Contact YDS at yds@dsausa.org.
 
 
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