Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)
OrganizationAbout
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) was a radical youth organization formed in the United States in 1959. It emerged from the Student League for Industrial Democracy and gained prominence in the early 1960s as part of the New Left movement. SDS aimed to transform U.S. society through participatory democracy, advocating for citizen involvement in social decisions. The Port Huron Statement, written in 1962, outlined its vision for social change, addressing issues like racism, materialism, and militarism. SDS played a significant role in civil rights protests and anti-war movements, particularly against the Vietnam War. It organized teach-ins, protests, and community projects to empower marginalized communities. However, internal conflicts and ideological divisions led to its fragmentation by the late 1960s. Despite its dissolution, SDS left a lasting impact on American society, inspiring widespread student activism and political engagement. Its legacy continues to influence social movements today.
