Young Democratic Socialists of America at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Young Democratic Socialists of America at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a student-led group fighting for policies to improve conditions in the city. The organization, which was founded in the fall of 2025, has spent its first year organizing to spread awareness about Little Rock’s housing crisis and hold the city and landlords accountable. “The housing crisis, for us, is not just one of unaffordability – it is also one of unlivability,” says Rhône Kuta, the organization’s vice president. From black mold to problems with plumbing and utility access, “people are being subjected to unlivable conditions,” he says, adding that Arkansas is the only US state without an implied warranty of habitability. The group participates in campaigning for local candidates, creating and distributing educational pamphlets, and coalition building with progressive nonprofits.

Young Democratic Socialists of America at the UALR’s members. Photo courtesy of the organization.

The student organization, which is open to those aged 35 and below, is spearheaded by a leadership team of three and recruited more than 60 members in its first year. In March 2026, following campaigning by groups including Arkansas Renters United and Young Democratic Socialists of America at the UALR, Little Rock passed a resolution declaring a housing crisis and committing the city to action. The resolution is an important starting point, although Kuta notes that “it does not change the law or appropriate funds.” The socialist group also ran a housing organizing fair, inviting 15 nonprofits and political groups to campus, allowing young people to obtain resources and network with the city’s housing movement. Looking ahead, the team, which has not yet registered with the national organization as an official YDSA chapter, plans to formalize its status, as well as to establish a renters advisory board in the city. From canvassing to social media work, YDSA at UALR also aims to support the campaigns of progressive candidates in the runup to the 2026 midterms.