In 2024, the Young Communist League took to the streets, phone lines, and doorsteps to demand justice and democracy both at home and abroad. From solidarity actions in support of Palestinians in Gaza to study groups on foundational topics in Marxism and engaging in a mass collective effort to build the unity of the anti-fascist, anti-MAGA majority, the YCL’s commitment to anti-imperialist and anti-fascist struggle has never been clearer. We believe the struggle for socialism emerges out of our engagement with the issues of the day.

New York

In New York, YCL members made their presence known at various events and actions. They participated in the 2024 NY Pride Parade, amplifying the call to end the occupation of Palestine and condemning imperialist “pinkwashing” — a propaganda strategy that exploits LGBTQ rights to project a progressive image while concealing U.S. imperialist and Israeli apartheid policies that oppress Palestinians and others around the world.

Additionally, the New York YCL also hosted a Marxist study group, focused on Vladimir Lenin’s Left-Wing Communism: An Infantile Disorder, a foundational text for mastering mass politics, overcoming left sectarianism, and building stronger, united movements. As the new year approaches, the New York YCL Chapter is prioritizing the importance of political education and meaningful political action.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, YCL members stood in solidarity with Palestine by participating in rallies to demand an end to Israel’s illegal occupation and genocide of war, demonstrating that democracy is in the streets.

Alongside their international solidarity efforts, the Connecticut YCL Chapter organized a blanket drive on the New Haven Green, reflecting their dedication to addressing immediate community needs while continuing broader political work.

Volunteers talked to working people about key issues such as voting rights and workers rights, linking electoral engagement with movement building. As the new year approaches, they remain committed to issue-based organizing and participating in mass political action.

Philadelphia, P.A.

The Philadelphia YCL stayed active throughout 2024 with a variety of initiatives. Members organized a People’s World banquet in Germantown, strengthening their connections with progressive and working-class movements. These banquets, hosted by YCL chapters and CPUSA clubs across the country, highlight the role of People’s World as a tribune of the people and a tool for grassroots organizing.

Philadelphia YCL also joined nationwide rallies calling on the Biden–Harris administration to stop arms shipments to Israel, amplifying demands for peace and justice in Gaza. As the new year approaches, they remain steadfast in their commitment to organizing young workers and students in Philadelphia.

D.C.

Like many other YCLs around the country, the D.C. YCL joined the call to stand in solidarity with Palestine, demanding an end to U.S. military aid for Israel.

In addition to these anti-imperialist efforts, they collaborated with the hotel workers’ union Unite Here in Philadelphia and partnered with pro-democracy groups in D.C. to help mobilize the anti-fascist majority against MAGA’s far-right agenda during the 2024 elections. Despite Trump’s electoral victory, the D.C. chapter remains focused on defending democracy and advancing issue-based campaigns that address the needs of the working class.

They recognize their unique position in Washington, D.C., where the fight for peace is closely tied to the struggle for democracy. This includes active participation in the We Defend D.C. Coalition, advocating for D.C. statehood, and pushing to redirect funding away from imperialist wars abroad and toward meeting the needs of working people here at home.

MSU

At Michigan State University, YCL members worked alongside the Hurriya Coalition in September to disrupt the investiture of the university’s new president, Kevin Guskiewicz. The protest highlighted MSU’s $500 million investments in weapons manufacturers and its complicity in the genocide in Gaza through profits from a $200,000 Israeli bond. In October, during a sit-in to further protest these policies, five Hurriya protesters, including four YCL members, were arrested on Guskiewicz’s orders.

In November, the MSU YCL joined the Michigan Rent Is Too Damn High Coalition to rally hundreds of tenants and disrupt the final session of the Michigan House of Representatives. They demanded the repeal of the state’s rent control ban, a tenants’ bill of rights, and significant investment in social housing.

As a founding member of the coalition, the MSU YCL continues its work to build student tenants’ unions and advance the fight for housing justice. Looking ahead to the new year, the MSU YCL is prioritizing organizing against militarism on their campus, while continuing to fight for the rights of young people to learn and live.

Massachusetts

The YCL chapters at Smith College and UMass Amherst hosted a “Red for Bread” event to show their support for Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) as they negotiated their first contracts.

In November, the chapters came together again to organize a workshop on youth organizing and campaign development, highlighting the YCL’s role as a mass Communist youth organization dedicated to education, action, and recreation. The chapters also focused on building anti-fascist, anti-imperialist unity among young people to counter reactionary forces and strengthen a united youth front.

Springfield, Missouri

The Springfield, Missouri YCL Chapter engaged in dynamic organizing efforts, including tabling at Missouri State University to promote Proposition A (which raises the minimum wage and secures paid sick days) and Amendment 3 (which aims to end Missouri’s total abortion ban).

They also partnered with the NAACP, Drury University’s Black Student Union, and other local advocacy groups to organize a vigil for Sonya Massey, deepening their ties with local community organizations. These activities highlight their commitment to advancing racial, social, and economic justice across Missouri.

Conclusion

In 2024, Young Communists across the country are rising to meet the moment, driven by the vision of a better future for our generation. Two critical struggles stand out in this moment: ending U.S. support for Israel’s genocidal war on Palestinians in Gaza and resisting the fascist MAGA movement’s Project 2025, which seeks to reverse decades of progress won by the working-class and people’s movements — from civil rights to labor rights. With Trump’s return to the White House and the far-right’s consolidation of power across both chambers of Congress and the Supreme Court, it is clear that the path ahead will be difficult, and victory is not guaranteed. Yet, we know that the overwhelming majority of people stand for peace and democracy. The masses are with us, and our fight is far from over. Donald Trump has no plan for the working people of this country, and he has no intention of ending the war in Gaza, despite his demagoguery. The YCL’s work is just beginning, and we call on you to join us in the fight for our future.

Images: YCL

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