Statement of Principles

We fight for a world without capitalism, a system which creates vast inequalities of wealth and power. Capitalism endangers our environment, undermines the ties which bind our communities, and promotes racial, sexual and gender oppression. In its place, we propose an economic, social and political system based on democracy and solidarity. We call this system democratic socialism. Our mission is to educate and organize students and young people, and to play a helpful and principled role in the movement for social justice. Within and throughout this struggle, we will articulate and defend the idea that true human liberation is impossible under capitalism. We fight for social change which extends democracy into all aspects of social life- social, political, and economic. This is the fight for democratic socialism. Our vision of socialism is profoundly democratic, feminist, and anti-racist. Our commitmentt to these principles guides us in our political work as well as our own structure and working methods. We believe that social change must come from below, not handed down from elites. Our political heritage unites the traditions of the "Old Left" and "New Left". We work alongside the Democratic Socialists of America to help build the next Left.

All young people who want to work for a better world are welcome in YDS.

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