Young Democratic Socialists (YDS)

A VISION OF SOCIAL JUSTICE Young Democratic Socialists (YDS) is the youth section of the Democratic Socialists of America. We are the only US members of the International Union of Socialist Youth, the largest political youth coalition in the world. With members and local organizations across the US, YDS works to transform our society - on the job, in the streets, in the classroom. We are a broad, diverse network of young activists who share a vision of a more humane future. Instead of waiting for some final, magical instant when a utopia appears, we organize and struggle every day to redistribute power. Building democratic socialism is a long struggle, and we take it one step at a time.

DEMOCRACY AND SOCIALISM Socialism is one of the most misused words in the American political vocabulary. Contrary to misrepresentations by both conservatives and liberals, socialism is not about breadlines, fur hats, or police states. Rather, we fight for the extension of democracy into all aspects of social life, including the economy. We are proud of the relative democratic freedoms enjoyed by US citizens but without economic democracy, this political liberty is weak and incomplete. People must have a voice in the economic decisions which affect their lives. Democratic socialism also means fighting non-economic inequalities of power- including racism, sexism and heterosexism in all their forms. A radical democracy is the only way to ensure a world in which class, race, and gender do not decide our futures.

If you want to organize AGAINST racism, corporate greed, sexism, poverty, and homophobia... and work FOR democracy, peace, education, jobs and social justice, we encourage you to join YDS!

We can help you build YDS chapters on your campuses and in your communities. We can provide you with resources, activist trainings, teach-in speakers, and connect you to a network of smart, committed, young organizers from around the country.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about YDS or would like to get more involved.

Also feel free to inquire us about internship opportunities.