Democratic Youth League decides to double DYLJ branches

The Democratic Youth League of Japan (DYLJ) held its 29th National
Congress in the Democratic Youth Hall in Shibuya Ward in Tokyo from November
23 to 25. The action program proposed by Sakai Nozomi, DYLJ chair, to double
DYLJ branches before the 30th National Congress is held a year hence was
unanimously adopted.

Discussion in the congress was full of stories of young people who had
worries and troubles, met DYLJ members who carry out activities to make
things better, joined the DYLJ and its activities to change unfavorable
conditions around them to realize their demands.

Congress participants said they want to have many young people join the
DYLJ in high schools, universities, workplaces, and local communities so
that they can make efforts together to get their demands realized.

A man from Tokyo said he thought himself useless because he didn't go to
elementary, junior high, and high schools, but after joining the DYLJ he was
aware that he can do something together with other DYLJ members to fight
against wars, pollution, and environmental destruction.

A woman from Tokyo said she joined the DYLJ several months ago after
refusing to do so for nine years. The reason why she changed her mind was
that she needed to be a DYLJ member to fight against her company management
and push it into taking steps to stop a colleague from stalking her.

A man from Kita-Kyushu City said he held a "Peace Live Concert" with
street musicians calling for opposition to terrorism and the retaliatory
war, and a 19-year-old woman who read a handbill they handed wanted to be a
DYLJ member, saying that she can translate her strong anger and sorrow about
the war into action in DYLJ activities.

A highschool student in the Kansai Region said that about 20 students
left the school in their first year due to teachers' tough attitudes toward
students, strict school regulations, bullying, and a hard study schedule.
She also didn't like the school and was often absent.

But the DYLJ's study meeting for high school students made her realize
what's good about living and studying. "After joining the DYLJ, I found that
I can change my future myself," she said.

She said she wants to increase DYLJ members and form a new branch in her
school so that she can provide counseling for other students who have
problems similar to hers.

Sakai was reelected DYLJ president. (end)