BY CAROLINE BENGU

This column is written and edited by the Young Socialists (YS), an international organization of young workers, students, and other youth fighting for socialism. For more information about the YS write to: Young Socialists, P.O. Box 14392, St. Paul, MN 55104. Tel: (612) 644-0015. Compuserve: 105162,605 BY CAROLINE BENGU

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Young Socialists in Washington D.C. took advantage of the Socialists Workers Campaign to meet young people who are interested in politics. The YS here set a goal of recruiting three young people as part of the national drive to double the membership of the organization. Two people have joined so far. Below is an interview with Alison Copeland, one of the new members of the YS.

Bengu: How old are you?

Copeland: 24 years.

Q: When did you join the Young Socialists?

A: About six weeks ago. I met the YS during the petition drive to get the Socialists candidates on the ballot in Washington D.C. I signed up as a Young Socialist for Harris and Garza and became part of the petition drive.

Q: Do you work or go to school?

A: I work at the Latin American Youth Center as a health educator.

Q: Were you involved in politics before you joined the YS?

A: I was involved in environmental justice issues. I viewed my involvement in this fight as a political fight against the big corporations who are the main polluters of the environment the world over. Coming to Washington, D.C., I was looking for a group involved in doing Cuba work because I am interested in Cuba and am planning to visit Cuba this summer.

Q: What made you decide to join the YS?

A: The YS is the only group that made sense to me ideologically. Many of the issues that I was concerned about like human rights, U.S. and world politics are being clarified in my involvement with the YS. I also understand why defending Cuba is such an important struggle to be involved in. Overall I feel very confident about the YS mission to change society and for me to be part of that fight.

Q: What activities are you involved in?

A: I am involved in the DC Hands Off Cuba Coalition. I am also involved in the immigrant rights coalition that is building the October 12th demonstration, which will be taking place in Washington D.C.

Q: What books are you reading now?

A: I am reading Socialism on Trial and The Changing Face of U.S. Politics. I'm excited about the class series the D.C. chapter is having on the book Socialism on Trial because so many things get clarified.

Q: What message can you give to all the young people who will be reading this article?

A: Read and be prepared to explain politics to other young people. Get involved in political activities. Do not give up the fight for a better world and learn to have a long-term view of history, because we are not going to see immediate results of the fight we are involved in. Do not get involved in politics to get credits, but to help change society.

We want to know what Young Socialists are doing around the country and internationally. The YS Steering Committee encourages all chapters to write about your experiences for the YS column and send pictures to the Militant.  
 
 
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