In This Issue		Young Democratic Socialists Update: February 27, 2007
YDS Conference a Huge Success!   Take a Stand for Peace on the 4th Anniversary of the Iraq War   Student Labor Week of Action (3/27 to 4/4)   Alternative Spring Breaks		Justice Beyond Borders a Huge Success! Over 500 participate in a weekend of activism, plenaries, parties, and social change   "Justice Beyond Borders: Democracy and Socialism in the 21st Century? was a resounding success.  This gathering, which brought over 500 people (both young and old) from around the country together, was hosted over President?s Day weekend by the Young Democratic Socialists in New York City at the Bayard Rustin High School.  The weekend showcased high-profile speakers such as Noam Chomsky and Barbara Ehrenreich, alongwith intellectuals and writers such as Gayatri Spivak, Liza Featherstone, and Christian Parenti.  The opening photography art show featured immigrants at work by YDS member Daniel Mendez.  The "Justice Beyond Borders" theme was continued in several workshops and a closing plenary that allowed immigrant right activists to share their stories with conference participants.  This was followed by an inspirational closing by DSA Vice-Chair Jose LaLuz that left the audience both moved and inspired.  The Young Democratic Socialists members, chapters, and allies now look forward to a spring of organizing for social and economic justice.    Build Student and Youth Unity for Peace National Youth and Student Peace Coalition Prepares for the 4th Anniversary of the Iraq War   Young Democratic Socialists is a proud member of the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition (NYSPC).  Peace is a pre-requisite for our movement?s ability to achieve social and economic justice.  This means that the end of all current wars must be a priority for the progressive youth and student movement.  On March 19th, YDS along with our NYSPC coalition partners will encourage progressives to wear Books Not Bombs buttons in addition to organizing events for peace.  YDS will provide chapters with these buttons, but anyone can also purchase buttons here.  While wearing the button is important, YDS is also urging our members and allies to organize events for peace as well.  If you want to coordinate an event on the 4th anniversary with other NYSPC organizations, please contact us as yds@dsausa.org for ideas and contacts in your area.   Check out images and a short report about YDS?s participation with NYSPC in the January 27th United for Peace and Justice rally in Washington DC by clicking here.   Student and Workers Unite! Getting Ready for the Student Labor Week of Action!   After decades under attack, the American workers now have a chance to make their voices heard.  To protect the workers' right to organize and democratically form a union, YDS is fully supporting the Employee Free Choice Act.  The Employee Free Choice Act will allow workers to express their democratic choice through card check and prevent employers from unfairly intimidating workers and ignoring elections.  Success of this law is only possible if progressives (both in and outside the workforce) rally behind it.  Young Democratic Socialists is joining with other youth groups to promote the 8th annual Student Labor Week of Action this March 28th through April 4th.  What makes this week of action critical is that the Employee Free Choice Act will pass the House and reach the Senate by March.  Because it will be difficult to revitalize organized labor without this legislation, the YDS organizer and others will be conducting a campus tour in support of the act this spring.  If you are interested in a campus visit about the Employee Free Choice Act please contact YDS at yds@dsausa.org or 212-727-8610.    The focus of the week of action will not be limited to the Employee Free Choice Act alone. Organizers are also working to unite campus living wage struggles, solidarity with the immigrant rights, and university codes of conduct to protect worker rights here and abroad to name a few.     To find out more about the Student Labor Week of Action, get a 2007 Organizing Manual, or list your local action click here.    Even More Opportunites for Youth in the Labor Movement Alternative Spring Breaks for young labor activists!   AFSCME (a union representing over 1.4 million workers) is providing two great opportunities for young people interested in organized labor.  YDS and AFSCME staffers will be working together to make these programs more accessible to activists.   AFSCME?s Alternative Spring Break provides a great way for students to participate in an organizing drive for a week.  There are two sessions left in March.  Photojournalist and DSA (YDS?s parent organization) member David Bacon will participate in this as well.  To learn more and apply click here.  The deadline is February 28th.

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