Introduction

Young Democratic Socialists of America is the youth and student section of the Democratic Socialists of America, and a national organization of recognized campus chapters and several hundred activists. We are students organizing in our universities, colleges, and high schools to fight for the immediate needs of workers and students while building our capacity to fight for more radical and structural changes.

We form member driven unions that give real power to thousands of student workers. We organize to defend immigrants through campaigns for sanctuary campuses. We campaign to divest our schools from fossil fuels and Israeli apartheid. We run candidates for on and off campus elections: bringing class struggle to the halls of power. We do anti-poverty work through local mutual aid programs in our communities, and much much more.

YDSA fights for democratic socialism through active campaigns to improve the lives of working people.

Get involved by joining DSA, getting involved with your local YDSA, starting a YDSA chapter, or via our mailing list!


The Activist

The Activist: 2026 Convention Resolution Guide

Convention moves quickly, and understanding the agenda is imperative to keeping up. Below you’ll find short summaries of every resolution submitted to this year’s convention, giving you a clear overview of the proposals before debate begins.   These summaries are intended to provide an overview of each proposal and are not a substitute for the…

To Cohere the Many: On the Cohort Program and its Future

Every organization needs structures that turn isolated victories into collective power. Looking back on the first year of YDSA’s cohort program, the Strategic Campaign Committee examines the program’s successes, shortcomings, and future, inviting convention delegates to consider how Y/DSA can better connect chapters and strengthen coordinated organizing. “National unity around a campaign can not be…

YDSA Must Seize the Zohran Moment Before 2028

Every knock, phonebank, and voter registration drive is an investment in something bigger. Making the case for a re-chartered Youth Electoral Committee, this article lays out a vision for turning today’s campus organizers into tomorrow’s socialist campaign leaders   The night of November 3rd, at our campus community center turned polling place, I waited outside…