We orient ourselves in the current struggle by studying Marxism-Leninism and through active participation in the day-to-day challenges of the working people and youth. 

The YCL is known as the youth wing of the CPUSA. However, we also function as our own organization by running our own campaigns, setting our own priorities, establishing our own areas of work, and electing our own leadership. We are guided by the principles of a popular front, and work in coalition with other working class organizations.