Highlights from the Day of Action for the Youth and Student Bill of Rights

On July 25th, YCL clubs across the country took action to build the campaign for the Youth and Student Bill of Rights. Each action took us one step forward in our goal to popularize the Bill and build a broad coalition united around its demands.

On July 25th, YCL clubs across the country took action to build the campaign for the Youth and Student Bill of Rights. Each action took us one step forward in our goal to popularize the Bill and build a broad coalition united around its demands. The cities were joined together in a conference phone call to share ideas and report on each club's progress. Here are some of the highlights:

Chicago -- YCLers went out tabling at the Harold Washington library downtown. They handed out 200 copies of the Youth and Student Bill of Rights and talked to people about how the Young Communist League in coalition with other youth groups planned to use the Youth and Student Bill of Rights to organize for universal education, good paying jobs and basic rights. A few people they talked to were interested in helping out next time and lots of people supported what we were doing. Based on our day of action we planned a day of work, to start organizing a coalition in Chicago to work on it, perhaps a big rally, and to call elected officials for endorsements.

Hartford -- New and old YCL members set up a table in front of a supermarket. We registered people to vote, talked about the need for jobs for youth and the important role of the Martinez Jobs Bill and the Youth and Student Bill of Rights. We handed out information on candidates who support the Martinez Bill and could also support the Youth and Student Bill of Rights. After collecting 200 signatures for our petition, we went to a barbeque with one of the state representatives who thanked us for our work, and promised to support us, and all working people in the future.

Philadelphia -- The YCL had a planning meeting for the Youth and Student Bill of Rights. We decided to organize a lobbying day in the Fall to meet with elected officials and discuss the bill and the appalling lack of opportunity and future for most young people.

New York -- YCL Members hit the internet, searching to find youth and student organizations who are potential supporters of the Youth and Student Bill of Rights. With this research we created a database of organizations who will be asked to join a broad coalition of groups tofight for the issue in the Youth and Student Bill of Rights.