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 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.