Our mission is to identify, educate, train, and mobilize youth activists committed to “winning on principle.”
Thank you Dr. Paul for 37 years!
of the
Since our founding five years ago, Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) has grown beyond my wildest expectations. Right now, we boast a massive national network of 503 campus chapters and 162,000 activists.
162,000
activists in YAL’s network
503
active and forming YAL chapters
$
And the best part is it’s not slowing down! In fact, we’re simply doing everything we can to keep up with the surge — expanding our staff, raising more funds, increasing our outreach, and training more leaders. Literally thousands of young people are discovering our message and joining our cause for the very first time. Let me tell you, it’s a thrill to witness this youth revolution. And without our generous donors, none of this would be possible. So my staff and I assembled this End of the Year Report to show you just the tip of the iceberg of everything YAL accomplished in 2013. For decades, socialist, Marxist, and statist ideologies ruled college campuses. They were breeding grounds to morph young minds and influence the future of our country. Today, I’m proud to say our dedicated young activists are fighting back. Thanks to your generous financial support, YAL continues to achieve our mission: to identify, educate, train, and mobilize youth activists committed to “winning on principle .”
6,824
Personally, I cannot thank you enough for believing in us and supporting our cause of freedom.
dues-paying members
For liberty,
50 STATES
Jeff Frazee YAL Executive Director
with a YAL member
1,720
activists trained in 2013
873
campus activism events in 2013
IDENTIFY: Leaders Our mission starts by finding principled young leaders.
page 4
EDUCATE: Students
TRAIN: Activists
MOBILIZE: for victory
We’re introducing a whole new generation to the philosophy of liberty.
YAL turns eager college kids into skilled, effective pro-liberty activists.
YAL mobilizes our best and brightest activists to win on principle.
page 6
page 10
page 12
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2013
of American youth view the word “libertarian” favorably
STATE OF THE YOUTH YAL Executive Director sits down with Senators Rand Paul, Mike Lee, and Ted Cruz at the YAL National Convention The three leading constitutional senators kicked off YAL’s 5th Annual National Convention with Executive Director Jeff Frazee. It was YAL activists who volunteered and worked on their campaigns in 2010 and 2012. Because of their victories, we have three senators fighting for principle and taking on the political establishment every day on Capitol Hill.
A groundbreaking poll was reported in Politico this fall that spoke to the impact YAL is making to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation. According to the poll, “About 40 percent of 18-to-32 yearolds view the word ‘libertarian’ favorably.” For the first time ever, we’re witnessing a dramatic, positive shift towards the message of freedom, peace, and prosperity. This poll is significant. Young people are waking up to the big-government mess before them. YAL is paving the way and giving a voice for America’s youth.
The Largest and Fastest-Growing Youth Network in America This fall, we reached a major milestone: YAL formed our 500th campus chapter. In less than five years, YAL has experienced tremendous growth, expanding beyond everyone’s expectations. Our generous donors and engaged members — our stakeholders — fueled our efforts and made this all possible. Thank you! And more to come in 2014…
yal on Facebook 70,000+
Facebook fans
yal on Twitter 15,700
yaliberty.org 463+
campus activism reports in 2013
followers
342+
student editorials in 2013
1,500 new fans weekly
1.500+
retweets, mentions, and follows weekly
2:25
visit duration — more than 5X the average
65%
new visitors in the last year
13,600 tweets
1.7 million+ users reached weekly
1 MILLION+
pageviews in the last year
YAL NATIONAL STAFF
Jeff Frazee Executive Director
Edward King Director of Programs
Ani DeGroot Director of Elections
Alyssa Farah Director of Communications
Jedd Coburn Development Consultant
Bonnie Kristian Communications Consultant
Piyali Flugstad Development Executive
Jack Hunter Director of Outreach
Justin Page Wood Graphic Designer
Mark Thoburn Graphic Designer
FULL TIME REGIONAL STAFF Lauren Evans Central Regional Director
Creighton Harrington Midwest Regional Director
Brandon Cestrone Northeast Regional Director
Adam Weinberg West Regional Director
Joshua Parrish Southheast Regional Director
2013 YAL Intern Class Linnie Leavines, Spring Intern Zack Martin, Spring Intern Ryan Michie, Spring Intern Aaron Tao, Spring Intern Charlie Vidal, Spring Intern Emma Benson, Summer Intern Creighton Harrington, Summer Intern Brittany Hemsath, Summer Intern Forest Warren, Summer Intern Karl Brust, Fall Intern Presley Crowe, Fall Intern Nathan O’Connor, Fall Intern Derek Spicer, Fall Intern
59 STATE CHAIRS Proven leaders in the field AL AR AZ CA CA CA CA CA CA CO DC FL GA HI IA
Joseph Warren Zak Kubin Gage Skidmore Amy Lee Andres Ian Daily Richard Pham Benjiman Roden Patrick Ryan Deepak Sahni Michael Mangin Zackary Martin Eric Armetta Jeffrey Copeland Nicholas Gregory Adam Wolter
IL IN IN IN KS KS KY KY LA MD MI MI MN MN MO
Scott Lietzow Jillian Miers Adam Prasch Andrew Reno Elizabeth Francis William Stewart-Starks Darryl Hearn Evan Tindle Ben Pridgen Kyle Prescott Ty Hicks Mohamed Shuman Timothy Bertram Adam Motzko Ethan Robinett
MO MS MS MT NC NC NE NH NM NY NY NY OH OH PA
Christopher White Shea Dobson Alexandra Williamson Kendall Cotton Emma Benson Anthony Rodriguez Hassan Sheikh Keith Carlsen Austin Pickrell Taweh Beysolow II Skyler DeAngelo Caroline Zottl Victoria Granda Chance Stoodt David Haas
PA SC SC TX TX TX TX TX UT VA VA WI WI WV
Cliff Maloney Matt Kneece Everett Lozzi Dustin Brennan Stephen Decker Adam Hopson Dustin Lane Charlie Vidal Michael Melendez Josh Brainard Dylan Brewer Jordan Krause Eric Shimpach Caitlin Grimes
IDENTIFY:
LEADERS COMMITTED TO PRINCIPLE
Drive To 500
A MASSIVE YOUTH MOVEMENT
This year, YAL experienced the largest jump in chapter growth in our five-year history. With more than 500 chapters nationwide, YAL has a dominating presence on America’s college campuses.
YAL’s network of chapters and members serves as the backbone for the youth movement for liberty. It is the first step in our mission to identify up-and-coming leaders, organize them into YAL chapters, and give them valuable educational resources to reach out to others and grow our ranks. In five years, YAL has grown to more than 500 campus chapters and a network of over 162,000 activists nationwide.
2013: 503
Joseph Sadler of Young Americans for Liberty at Texas State distributed pocket Constitutions at basic training and taught new recruits the principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
2012: 378
2011: 289 YAL @ U of Toledo protested a campus-wide smoking ban by writing fake citations to all violators.
YAL members in Minnesota met at the gun range to exercise their rights, improve their shooting, and build friendships.
2010: 170
2009: 96 4
YAL @ Eastern Kentucky protested Michelle Obama’s appearance by distributing mock programs, earning them statewide media attention.
Young Americans for Liberty End of the Year Report | 2013
Chapter leaders at YAL @ Kentucky University attended a “Pints and Politics” reception to build their group and spread our message.
chapter spotlight
University of California - Irvine YAL @ University of Georgia protested to stop Obamacare at a busy intersection.
The University of California - Irvine YAL chapter made a huge splash on their campus with a “Drowning in Debt Dunk Tank.” Student debt is major concern for young people, but it’s not something often addressed on campuses — so what better way to draw attention to this looming bubble than by dressing up in a cap and gown and hopping in a dunk tank?!? The UCI chapter is one of our biggest and most active chapters in the entire country.
503 chapters in all 50 states plus DC
YAL member Ron Johns interviewed by local news station.
A new YAL chapter at the University of Oregon.
AR.............6 AK............. 2 AL.............12 AZ............. 8 CA............51 CO.............9 CT.............. 3 DC.............4 DE.............. 3 FL.............21 GA........... 14 HI............... 8 IA............... 8 ID...............4 IL.............. 19 IN..............17 KS.............. 7 KY.............. 8 LA.............. 8 MA............12 MD............. 8 ME............. 2 MI...............11 MN.............11 MO............11 MS.............6
MT............. 2 NC............13 ND............. 2 NE..............4 NH............. 2 NJ..............9 NM.............4 NV............. 3 NY...........23 OH.......... 20 OK............. 5 OR............. 7 PA............25 RI............... 3 SC..............6 SD............... 1 TN..............9 TX........... 29 UT.............. 8 VA.............21 VT.............. 3 WA............ 5 WI............ 16 WV............ 8 WY............ 2
Congratulations to YAL @ Harper College for winning “student organization of the year.”
5
EDUCATE:
STUDENTS ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIBERTY spring 2013 activism
FREE MARKETS 101
136 Chapters
YAL @ Cleveland State University asked students to take a short political quiz. Students that identify as conservative and libertarian join their chapter. YAL @ Kansas State showed their love for YAL as they prepare for their campus activism.
YAL @ University of West Florida taught students dangers of wealth distribution with Jenganomics.
GENERATION OF WAR
93 Chapters
YAL @ Auburn recruited new students to join their chapter.
Free markets 101 was a big hit at UTEP.
APRIL INNOVATION ACTIVISM
21 Chapters
YAL @ University of North Carolina built a giant drone on campus and won first place for their activism. During parents week, YAL @ Fresno State compared the differences in price and service between a unionized and right-to-work hot dog stand.
YAL @ University of New Orleans displayed flags to remember our fallen troops.
6
YAL @ El Camino College created a memorial for all the causalities of war.
A surprising chart showing how far America has fallen on the economic freedom index.
Young Americans for Liberty End of the Year Report | 2013
YAL @ NC School of the Arts engaged students by comparing countries based on their economic freedom scores.
fall 2013 activism RECRUITMENT DRIVE
281 Chapters (67% increase)
Students played “liberty pong� to recruit students at St. Johns University.
YAL chapters signed up thousands of new recruits to start the school year.
YAL @ Auburn handed out copies of The Law to educate their classmates.
YAL @ U of California-Riverside actively recruited new students with an eye-catching display.
CONSTITUTION WEEK
182 Chapters (77% increase)
Students at the University of Central Arkansas sign a free speech wall during Constitution Week.
Students from Longwood University distributed copies of the Constitution.
YAL @ Virginia Tech build a giant Free Speech Wall in the middle of campus.
YALOWEEN
53 Chapters
YAL @ Pittsburgh University asked students to sign their GIANT Constitution and reaffirm their rights.
YAL @ Delaware State dressed up as an Obama zombie for YALoween.
Gravestones of our civil liberties were ready to display on campus.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR YAL CHAPTERS
CONSTITUTION WEEK KITS
YAL fall intern Nate O’Conner assembled more than 180 Constitution Week kits.
YAL distributed a record number of educational resources in 2013
857
151
chapters created by State Chairs
pizza gift cards
357
113,852 YAL pocket Constitutions
186 YAL banners
51,400 issue-based palm cards
3,610 pro-liberty books
Activism Grants
$30,762
Activism Funds disbursed for chapter projects
8
71
Activism Kits
distributed to date
Young Americans for Liberty End of the Year Report | 2013
YAL’S PRESENCE AT NATIONAL CONFERENCES
YAL UNIVERSITY: A VIRTUAL SPEAKERS BUREAU 16 Liberty Speakers and Activism Trainers
STAND WITH RAND AT CPAC 2013
Only days after his historic filibuster, Sen. Rand Paul won the coveted CPAC Presidential Straw Poll. YAL members dominated the conference and were a major reason for his victory.
Student with Stand with Rand poster.
David Boaz Executive Vice President at the Cato Institute
Art Carden Assistant Professor of Economics at Samford Universirty
Antony Davies Senior Scholar at the Mercatus Institute
Jim Harper Director of Information Policy Studies at the Cato Institute
Jacob Hornberger President of the Future of Freedom Foundation
Tim Lynch Director, Project on Criminal Justice
Robert McNamara Senior Attorney with the Institute for Justice
Clark Neily Senior Attorney at the Institute for Justice
Justin Pearson Executive Director of the Institute for Justice Florida Chapter
Chris Preble Vice President for Defense and Foreign Policy Studies at the Cato Institute
Edward Stringham L.V. Hackley Endowed Professor for the Study of Capitalism and Free Enterprise at Fayetteville State University
Jeffrey Tucker Executive Editor of Laissez Faire Books
Richard Vedder Professor of Economics Emeritus at Ohio University
Brandon Cestrone Northeast Regional Director at Young Americans for Liberty
Chris Doss Deputy Director for Grassroots Training at The Leadership Institute
Sharon Harris President of Advocates for Selfgovernment
Edward King being interviewed.
YAL HAD A STRONG PRESENCE AT THE FOLLOWING CONFERENCES: CPAC ISFLC LPAC FreedomFest SPN Conference
62
YAL U speaking events and trainings on campus in 2013
9
TRAIN:
YOUTH ACTIVISTS TO BE EFFECTIVE
YAL’s 5th Annual National Convention 303 Top Leaders from 200 campuses and 46 states
Only our top leaders were invited to attend the YAL National Convention.
Lawrence Reed, President of FEE, lectured on “Liberty and Character.”
Sen. Ted Cruz joined Sen. Rand Paul and Sen. Mike Lee for an exclusive roundtable discussion with our leaders.
2013 YAL NATIONAL CONVENTION The YAL National Convention is an exclusive event for the top youth activists in our movement. Only proven chapter leaders are invited to attend this intense four-day training opportunity. When they leave, our attendees are well-prepared to recruit more people to our cause and share our message.
Rep. Thomas Massie put on an “End the Fed” hat to crowd applause.
2013 YAL Chapter Awards
Dr. Ron Paul addressed a packed house as C-SPAN broadcasted live.
Rep. Walter Jones discussed U.S. Foreign Policy.
10
Rep. Ted Yoho talked about his first term in Congress.
Young Americans for Liberty End of the Year Report | 2013
303 attendees
schools represented
200
45 speakers
states represented
46
10
state conventions
1,336 students trained
101
165
156
152
north carolina
minnesota
texas
indiana
103
241
Alabama
california
105
104
colorado
kansas
82
127
Florida
New jersey
ATTENDEE SPOTLIGHTS “I remember our first state convention had 40 people attend. This time we had over 160. YAL has grown so much in Minnesota, I could not have even pictured this a year ago.” – Tim Bertram, St. Cloud State University, MN
“Attending North Carolina’s 2013 YAL State Convention was one of the most insightful experiences I have had while in college! Not only did I learn so much about liberty, but I also joined a network of passionate individuals aspiring to make a difference in our country.” – Katie Rodriguez, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NC
MOBILIZE:
FOR VICTORY NATIONWIDE Advanced Campaign Bootcamps to Gear up for 2014
The House Liberty Caucus Begins For decades, Ron Paul was a lone voice in Congress. He was the only congressman that would speak truth to power and adhere to the U.S. Constitution every time. Fortunately, our movement is growing, and more pro-liberty statesmen have won election to follow in Ron Paul’s footsteps. After the 2012 elections, Rep. Justin Amash formed the House Liberty Caucus to give our message a voice and organize like-minded members. Ranging between 20 to 30 congressmen, the Liberty Caucus meets frequently to develop their strategy and message. YAL staff helps facilitate these meetings, and the YAL PAC played a large role in electing many of the members. This caucus is the launching pad for 2014, and it’s our goal to grow its ranks.
YAL activists broke into small groups to put into practice all the lessons they learned during our intensive training program.
81 top YAL activists gathered for two weekends of intense campaign training at our Advanced Campaign Bootcamp. With full days of instruction followed by case study exercises, graduates learned how to win an election with our message. Many of these attendees will work full time for liberty candidates in 2014.
81 top campaign activists trained and committed to 2014 YAL invited hand-picked campaign activists to our headquarters in Arlington, VA, for an intense three-day Advanced Campaign Bootcamp. These young leaders have committed themselves to work on pro-liberty campaigns in 2014.
Pictured are three campaign staffers: Ryan Michie (left), works for Virginia gubernatorial candidate, Ken Cuccinelli, Rachel Kania (second from right) works for Sen. Ted Cruz’s PAC; Nick Dyer (right) works for North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate, Greg Brannon.
Advanced Campaign Bootcamp results “I landed a grassroots campaign position with the most prominent campaign of 2014 as a direct result of YAL’s Advanced Campaign Bootcamp. If it were not for the training and contacts I gained through YAL, I am sure I would not be where I am today.” – Natasha Montague, Regional Field Director, Team Kentucky 2014
12
Young Americans for Liberty End of the Year Report | 2013
jobs and internships
YAL Transforms Students into Lifelong Activists and Leaders for Liberty
242
pro-liberty organization placements
As YAL’s top activists graduate from college, it is part of our mission to mobilize our leaders into the political process. In fact, many of our best and brightest have gone on to play a direct role in shaping the country. Here are some testimonies from YAL members whose success was made possible by your support.
Nick Dyer
Political Director, Greg Brannon for U.S. Senate, NC
Getting involved with YAL is the only reason I have a career in politics. The training I received as a member and the experience I gained as an intern led me down a path that I would have never dreamed. Since joining YAL in 2011, I’ve been privileged to work on Senator Cruz’s campaign, serve as an aide in his Senate office, and now as Political Director for Dr. Greg Brannon for U.S. Senate. My story didn’t happen by accident; YAL put me in a position to succeed.
203
campaign-related placements
48
Capitol Hill placements
493
Peter Tariche
TOTAL PLACEMENTS
Programmer/Developer, Generation Opportunity, VA
Young Americans for Liberty has been an instrumental organization in my career decisions after college. As a former chapter leader on my campus at the University of California, San Diego, and the California State Chair, I was offered a job to work for the Ron Paul 2012 campaign. After the campaign, I understood the faults of current campaign technology and wished to advance it; with my background in programming and YAL’s affiliate network, I pursued this goal. YAL is building a network of smart professionals for the liberty movement, and I’m proud to be part of it.
OUR TRAINING PARTNERS
Kat Cammack Campaign Manager and Chief of Staff, Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-03)
Young Americans for Liberty is a unique organization that doesn’t just talk the talk — they walk the walk. Quite literally; they not only recruit, promote, and train the next generation of liberty leaders, but they get out there and work on campaigns for candidates who are part of the movement. As someone who has taken part in their college campus training seminars, I can say with confidence they offer some of the best grassroots training in the country. Anyone who is interested in a career in campaigns or on the Hill should take a look at joining the ranks of YAL.
13
YAL ENDORSEMENTS “Young Americans for Liberty gives me the greatest hope for the future. It’s the most important youth organization today, and an organization I’m very thankful to be a part of.” –Dr. Ron Paul
“Young Americans for Liberty is the most important youth organization in the country. They are our best chance at winning the hearts and minds of the next generation.” – Sen. Rand Paul (KY)
“YAL is at the forefront of the liberty movement. They energize, they organize, and they motivate young people who believe in freedom to engage with the political process. YAL’s continued vitality is key to growing the ranks of principled representatives. I’m grateful for YAL’s support, and I’m excited to keep working with them to advance liberty.” – Rep. Justin Amash (MI-03)
“Young Americans for Liberty played an important role in helping me get to Congress. Now, I am honored to represent the great people of Kentucky while in Washington. And I will always fight to preserve our personal and economic liberties, and uphold the principles of our Constitution.” – Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) “I am very proud to support the efforts on Young Americans for Liberty. I have come to know the leaders of this organization as passionate, intelligent and engaged young leaders. They manage to come together and make working for a better America fun. They are truly filling a need by identifying and training our nation’s next activists and leaders. I encourage anyone who believes in our Constitution, founding principles, core values and the greatness of America to get involved with YAL.” – Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-03) “As libertarian ideas continue to gain significant traction, Young Americans for Liberty remains the most effective organization in mobilizing youth toward making small government a reality. If America is to change for the better, it is young people who will lead the way. YAL continues to forge that path. It is one of the most important activist organizations in the country.” – Jack Hunter, Author and Commentator “Young Americans for Liberty is awakening an entire generation to the cause of liberty. Some of Campaign for Liberty’s most active members started out as YAL chapter leaders. We look forward to working together with YAL to advance liberty in the years to come.” – John Tate, President, Campaign for Liberty
14
Young Americans for Liberty End of the Year Report | 2013
The largest and fastest-growing conservative and libertarian youth organization in the country.
162,000 ACTIVISTS
503 CHAPTERS
Please mail your contribution to P.O. Box 2751, Arlington, VA 22202 To make sure Young Americans for Liberty has the resources to accomplish their mission, I would like to support their efforts with a contribution of: $10,000
$5,000
$1,000
$500
$100
$50
Please make your check payable to: Young Americans for Liberty Foundation You can donate online at: https://www.yaliberty.org/contribute/nonprofit If you would like to make a contribution by credit card, please complete the form below: Please charge my:
Name:_ ___________________________________________
Phone:______________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________ State:_ __________________ Zip:_______________________ Card No.:_____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ________/________ Signature:___________________________________________________ Email:_______________________________
Make my donation a recurring monthly contribution.
Young Americans for Liberty Foundation has applied to become a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Donations are unlimited and deductible for federal income tax purposes.
15