Young Democratic Socialists of America from the Catholic University

Image courtesy of the Socialist Freedom Party

By Tess Rempel

The Young Democratic Socialists of America have formed a new chapter at Catholic University. Since January 2021, President Michael Pikarski has been pushing for the organization to make its mark.

“We had our first semi-meeting on Zoom…[and] helped write the constitution together and it really grew from there. I didn’t even know it would be just me and the club would fail, ”Pikarski said.

Through the first Zoom meeting and word of mouth, five other CUA students joined the Executive Board, including Vice President Jack Kruger, Treasurer Keenan Green, Director of Public Affairs Correy Crawford, Coordinator of Ally Trust events and secretary Sara Mosley. YDSA is advised by Dr Gaurav Pathania.

“At the Fall Fest we really saw our first little success… we put together a board of directors… that could launch it and move it forward to make sure that… these leftist values ​​and these progressive values ​​are heard on the campus to make sure each side of the argument has a voice, ”Crawford said.

Despite the gain of 33 members since its formation, AUC YDSA has received negative reactions from the student body.

“I saw a student body member grab one of our flyers, crumple it up, spit on it and throw it in the trash… even know it,” Kruger said.

The AUC YDSA also struggled to find faculty support, taking until mid-July to find a staff member affiliated with the organization.

“I emailed the staff list in general and it had taken me literally months… not even a fully committed staff member, but just open to him being on campus,” said Crawford said.

The Nest description of YDSA is committed to “the commitment to humanism that links both Catholicism and socialism”, with the aim of diversifying the political climate of the university.

“We focus a lot on the idea of ​​Catholic social education… the word socialism on this campus scares people so much, and I think that took a lot of people away… they were like, I don’t really want to be related. to such a strong political message… but it all worked, ”Trust said.

YDSA also hopes to diversify the political climate on campus.

“YAF is hosting Ted Cruz, last semester they had Mike Pompeo… I think it’s important that we show that the campus culture is not as conservative as people think and can be more inclusive,” a Kruger said.

The Board of Directors coordinates the holding of general assemblies, advocates for human rights issues and organizes events.

“It’s not always about pushing and making sure our candidates are in place… we also want to do people good… one of our main projects this semester is asking for a minimum wage of fifteen dollars for students on campus, ”Crawford said. .

As YDSA grows, the board makes one thing clear: Membership is open to anyone, regardless of political affiliation.

“We are first and foremost progressive, we have ideas, we have values, and that’s what we encourage… if you want an organization that has fresh new ideas and that wants to move the country and the campus forward, then we are the club for you. If anyone on campus has an issue they care about that we are not dealing with please let us know, we would be happy to help, ”said Green.