Democratic Socialist Association

From Yorkipedia

The Democratic Socialist Association, also known as York Socialists and formerly Socialist Students, is a left wing political society in the University of York.

1 History
2 Organisation
3 Activities
4 Contact Details
5 External Links

[edit] History

The York branch of Socialist Students was first founded in 2003, and for several years it has been the only active representative of the socialist left within the university. It has been known for its strong emphasis on campaigning, and has taken part in the demonstrations against top-up fees in London, against the war in Iraq, against the BNP, and in support of ethical investment policies, affordable rents and safe accommodation for students and trade unionism for student workers.

In 2008, it took part in the Student Workers Network initiative; an attempt to provide support, information and practical aid to York students in work, by facilitating support through the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union and by launching a Know Your Rights campaign across campus.

The society was part of the International Socialist Resistance (ISR) and Socialist Students network until May 2008, when growing dissatisfaction among members towards those organisations led to a unanimously agreed secession from both of them, which resulted in the radical reformation of the society into an independent association of democratic socialists whose principal aim is to unite the university's left into a plural, diversified, inclusive, non-confessional, and non-party oriented society.

[edit] Organisation

DSA Chair: George Papadofragakis
DSA Secretary: Sophie Shaw
DSA Treasurer: Jason Rose
DSA Dave Marxbanx Officer: Chris Swann
DSA Press and Publicity Officer: Zena Hira
DSA Ordinary Officer: Adam Wollman

[edit] Activities

The DSA is holding weekly meetings in Derwent College under a specific discussion topic. Committee members and ordinary members jointly organise and coordinate the society's actions. These include regular campaigns, socials, speeches and debates on various issues with other societies.