Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) is an association of the young people of the left. We seek to create a sustained community of educational and political concern; one bringing together liberals and radicals, activists and scholars, students and faculty. We maintain a vision of a democratic society, where at all levels the people have the control of the decisions which affect them and the resources on which they are dependent. We seek a relevance through the continual focus on realities and on the programs necessary to effect change at the most basic levels of economic, political and social organization. We feel the urgency to put forth a radical, democratic program whose methods embody the democratic vision.
We have active chapters in numerous universities and colleges all around the nation. We believe that today’s society is suppressing our liberty and expression as free individuals. The social institutions and structures are turning you, us, students, the young into apathetic individuals. The only way to solve this dilemma is by joining forces and working together from the bottom-up against U.S. imperialism in all its forms — against the Vietnam War; against racism; to make this world free of oppression, free of authority and free of capitalism. By coming together as students, we can then build a radical force among other constituencies, such as the young, workers, and eventually create a broader radical movement. For more information and updates about our other active SDS chapters, check out our 1964 Volume 3 Bulletin magazine.
At Columbia University, we are committed to organizing, base-building, educating and informing fellow students about building a participatory democracy. We believe university students are the best pathway toward social change for a better society. Universities cultivate social attitudes. Universities transmit knowledge. Universities are the only mainstream institution that allows individuals with nearly any viewpoint to congregate and interact.
“As students, for a democratic society, we are committed to stimulating this kind of social movement, this kind of vision and program is campus and community across the country. If we appear to seek the unattainable, it has been said, then let it be known that we do so to avoid the unimaginable” (The Port Huron Statement).
The Port Huron Statement
The Port Huron Statement is our manifesto of who we are and what we live for. In it, we express that “the United States’ principal goal should be creating a world where hunger, poverty, disease, ignorance, violence, and exploitation are replaced as central features by abundance, reason, love, and international cooperation. Some will sympathize, but claim it is impossible: if so, then, we, not Fate, are the responsible ones, for we have the means at our disposal. We should not give up the attempt for fear of failure” (The Port Huron Statement).
To view the full Port Huron Statement, click here.