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emily Jashinsky The George Washington University What does Young Americans for Freedom mean to you?
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leading figures, and the actions of the leftists only underscored that conservatives are the real champions of free speech in this country! How did attending a Foundation conference or seminar affect you and your chapter?
YAF conferences invigorate and energize students. They To me, Young Americans for Freedom is the home for are incredibly impressive to most students for a number conservative students on campus. No other organization can offer the level of commitment and support that YAF does. YAF eagerly provides the tools necessary to fight liberal bias on campus and embolden conservatives to feel comfortable in their ideological skins. Fewer students have made the infamous conversion to liberalism during their college years because of the work that YAF does. When I think of YAF, I think about the incredible network of support I have developed by being a part of this Emily Jashinsky serves as the YAF leader at The George Washington University and joined the Foundation’s staff organization. full time upon graduation this spring. What is your favorite campus event that you organized? What was the impact of this event at your school? In 2012, we hosted Phyllis Schlafly on campus. Two nights before the event, feminists ignited a social media firestorm over Schlafly’s visit. After being tasked with defending the event, I was disparaged, insulted, and threatened by my liberal peers. A group of 30 students protested the event, screaming in Mrs. Schlafly’s face as she walked down the hallway. They pushed past campus police to get into the room and shouted at Mrs. Schlafly in the middle of her speech. Despite their rude and disruptive antics, the program was a success. A packed room of students heard from one of the Conservative Movement’s
of reasons: the high quality of speakers, the breadth of available resources, and the overall presentation of conservative values. Whenever my chapter sends students to conferences, they return to campus excited to become more involved in such an influential organization. Which conservative leader do you look up to? I’m really inspired by Dana Perino. She’s developed a strong sense of credibility by working hard, being poised, and relying on her natural intelligence. She also has important insights on how to better communicate conservative ideas, which is arguably one of the most important skills conservatives need to have going forward. (Continued on page 38) Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Spring 2015
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