[nyfoil-l] Progressive South Asian Youth Conference 4/13-15 in NYC

[Prerana Reddy]

PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY

*Rad and Desi?*

*If So, This is Your Space!*

*Youth Solidarity Summer's 2007 Organizing Youth Conference*

* the most RADICAL birthday bash ever!! *

Youth Solidarity Summer is ten years old.  But this is not *our* birthday
alone ­ in fact, we are celebrating a decade of progressive South Asian
American youth activism.  When we began in 1996-97, we were part of a
fledgling desi youth culture which included such efforts as Azad Lounge and
Trikone in California, Basement Bhangra & Mutiny in NYC, Des Pardes in
Toronto. . . Soon after, there was a veritable explosion of all things Desi
from one  coast to the other, and sister institutions to YSS soon emerged:
OY! in California, RadDesi in Texas and similar efforts in Boston, Toronto
and D.C.

These early experiments and initiatives have now translated into a range of
South Asian American youth organizations, and a plethora of individuals ­
young film makers and musicians, DJs and Organizers. Desi youth are taking
on the challenge in almost every struggle for social justice ­ whether
anti-imperialist or anti-oppression ­ peppered across North American cities
and campuses.

Clearly, there is much to celebrate.  However, alongside the growth of this
progressive (cutting) edge of the desi youth movement, there has also been a
simultaneous growth of the Desi youth right wing ­ both economic and
religious.  At the end of this decade of radical desi activism, therefore,
we on the South Asian Left must assess our past *and* plan for the future.
And what better than a weekend retreat in New York City to share our
experiences, reaffirm our commitment to struggle, renew our energies and
strengthen our solidarity?  Youth Solidarity Summer's 2007 'Organizing Youth
Conference' will be just that ­ a Radical Desi space where we can plan the
next ten years.

*WHEN*: April 13-15 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)

*WHERE*: New York City (@ the historic Brecht Forum!)

*WHAT WE PROMISE*: Conversations, discussions, some dreams, a little
inspiration and lots of Fun!! Guest Speakers & Performers such as Vijay
Prashad and Deepa Fernandes, and DJ Rekha (Basement Bhangra).

*WHAT NEXT*: Hold the Dates and Get in Touch!

A limited number of travel stipends are available for those who don't have
the cash to travel to NYC. (We SAID it was unlike any other party!)

*Register Now!! We promise you a birthday bash quite unlike any other!*

*For details please visit www.youthsolidarity.org*

*Contact us: yss-info at proxsa.org*

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