Andrew P. of Illinois State University uses the French socialist movement of the early 1900s to argue for a police of, by, and for the working class — not the capitalists.
Nate K. and Michael S. argue that in order to strengthen YDSA, we should move toward a more standardized national dues system.
Kristen C. and Oren S. argue that YDSA is too decentralized and as a result chapters get left behind. They explain that if YDSA wants to build itself into the youth wing of a future mass party it needs to task leadership with drafting a Tasks and Perspectives document and get serious about collective strategy and interchapter discussion and debate.
When the police killing of George Floyd set off a nationwide uprising against racism and police brutality, YDSA members across the country took to the streets, joining the tens of thousands who have taken a stand to strongly declare that Black Lives Matter and that the system of policing as we know it can no longer continue. Here are some of their stories.
Ty K and Soleil S of Knox College YDSA argue that socialists must center visions of racial justice and abolition in their activism. They also provide concrete objectives organizers can pursue to work toward these ends.
Socialists in this moment need to do everything they can to support this uprising, and to ensure that the rupture in public opinion created by these protests does not allow fascism to creep in. We need to organize, to build a mass socialist movement that can provide the sorely needed perspective on this crisis, and work to build lasting organizations of working people to fight for an end to the twin scourges of white supremacy and capitalism, in the streets, in the labor movement, and in our chapters and our communities.
A statement of solidarity to YDSA from SYRIZA Youth members about the global problems of police brutality and capitalism.
University of Virginia YDSA’s Griffin M. argues that the Rank and File Strategy is crucial for understanding how student socialists should relate to the labor movement.
Jacob W argues that YDSA’s labor strategy should be about convincing students and workers to become socialists rather than convincing socialists to change careers. YDSA needs a strategy that is regionally flexible & emphasizes outward facing organizing.
Discussion and debate are crucial components of democracy. We must be clear about what we think we should do in order to grow our chapters and build the socialist movement on campuses.
