How to Join Students for a Democratic Society

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) is a national organization committed to direct-action tactics aimed at stopping the war in Iraq. The organization is a current-day incarnation of the pre-eminent New Left student anti-war organization of the 1960s. SDS is loosely comprised of autonomous local chapters on about a dozen campuses, as well as general membership.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Learn About SDS and the War in Iraq

1. Read James Miller's "Democracy Is in the Streets," for a thorough study of the original SDS (see Resources below).
2. Know the organization well before you join. Study the SDS National website's current and archival material on its mission, organization, and tactics (see Resources below).
3. Read Tom Hayden's "Ending the War in Iraq" for a solid critique of the War in Iraq by one of the leaders of the original SDS (see Resources below).

Join SDS or MDS

4. Join SDS if you are a student--it's easy and free. Follow the "Join SDS" link at the top of the SDS National website. Fill in some basic contact information so you can receive newsletters and calls to action.
5. Join MDS, the Movement for a Democratic Society, if you are not a student. MDS is the non-student cadre of Students for a Democratic Society. The "Join MDS" link is right next to the "Join SDS" link atop the SDS website.
6. Check your email for alerts about major actions to protest the War in Iraq. Build the movement by participating and organizing others to join you in Students for a Democratic Society efforts.
7. Join the discussions at chapter level, regional and national meetings, and online to plan effective next steps in the campaign.

Tips & Warnings

• School yourself on the original SDS legacy so that you will be an informed participant in current SDS meetings, actions, conventions and planning sessions. Founders of the new SDS signaled their desire to connect with the 1960s organization's history and vision by invoking its name.
• If you intend to go beyond simple membership and participate in SDS "direct actions," be aware that SDS is a self-avowedly radical organization that uses confrontational tactics and some civil disobedience. You could likely be arrested participating in program events.
• If you intend to go beyond simple membership and participate in SDS "direct actions," be aware that SDS is a self-avowedly radical organization that uses confrontational tactics and some civil disobedience.

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