Libertas 39.2 (Fall 2018)

FALL 2018

Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of YAF

VOL. 39

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NO. 2

October 1, 2018 Dear Colleagues,

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his issue features articles on seven of Young America’s Foundation’s leading ladies.

We have been blessed with outstanding female leaders throughout the Foundation’s history. Certainly, the cover articles highlight some of the very best, but failure to cite others is no reflection on any individual’s contribution. Among others who have played key roles in the Foundation’s development include female speakers, donors, chapter leaders, and staff members.

Cecilia Kirk Nelson, Melissa Lee, Kristen Short, Katie McMenamin, Danielle Lee, Ingrid Alston, Nikki Kosinski, Andrea McGuigan, Caroline Corazza, Ana Lightle, Marilyn Fisher, Kelley Meshirer, Michelle Taylor, Mickey Hinkle, Tara Johnson, Amy Lutz, Cara Coolidge, Meredith Deferville, Nicole Brungard, and Hannah Jeffrey are among the many members of our team—past and present—who merit mention and our appreciation.

We are also grateful for the decades of contributions from our Front Office Manager Dede Hamilton and IT Director Cheryl Cerame at our national headquarters. They are among our longestserving colleagues, and we are appreciative of their continued dedication and hard work.

In addition to the above, there are two women who especially helped shape what Young America’s Foundation has become to so many students and supporters throughout the years.

Darla Anzalone opted out of being featured in the cover story, even though she is the longest-serving—and most indispensable—staff member of all! She joined the Foundation team in 1982 and has served 36 years. We hope she will continue to do so for many years to come.

Darla is our communications director. She heads up the team that sends all solicitations, most reports, and all “Thank You” letters from headquarters. Darla leads the effort to keep our supporter records up to date. She seldom makes a mistake, but when she or someone else does, Darla can track down and correct the error!

Darla is very hardworking, thoroughly reliable, and discreet and is absolutely an unsung hero of our cause.

Michelle Easton heads up the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute and is an attorney, and at first look she may not seem to fit in this issue. However, Michelle is a lifelong YAFer, having led her own chapter in college, served on Young Americans for Freedom’s board of directors, and advised many of YAF’s key leaders.

Michelle encourages young female activists in every way possible: from her work at the Luce Institute, as a leader in the Reagan, Bush, and Allen administrations, to hosting YAF supporters and students in our home during the 44 years we’ve been married. Michelle has always been a leading YAF lady, and she makes sure I encourage female colleagues in every way possible!

We salute all the women who play a role in strengthening freedom’s cause. We dedicate this issue of Libertas to offer a well-deserved “Thank You.” Sincerely,

Ron Robinson President

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LIB ERTAS Fall 2018

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Volume 39

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Number 2

Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of YAF 18

Jolie Ballantyne, Conference Director

By Abby Streu, William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholar and Chairman, University of Wisconsin YAF

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Kimberly Begg, Vice President & General Counsel

By Emily Jashinsky, Commentary Writer, Washington Examiner & Director, Young America’s Foundation

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Amy Brooker, Assistant to the Director of the Reagan Ranch

By Abby Streu, William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholar and Chairman, University of Wisconsin YAF

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Nicole Hoplin, Vice President & Member, Reagan Ranch Board of Governors

By Christopher Malagisi, Editor, Conservative Book Club

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Emily Jashinsky, Commentary Writer, Washington Examiner, & Director, Young America’s Foundation

By Abby Streu, William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholar and Chairman, University of Wisconsin YAF

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Jessica Jensen, Chief of Staff

By Christopher Malagisi, Editor, Conservative Book Club

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Kate Obenshain Keeler, Director, Young America’s Foundation

By Christopher Malagisi, Editor, Conservative Book Club

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Short, Walker, and Meese Help Celebrate YAF’s 20th Anniversary of Saving the Reagan Ranch

By Tory Belsky, Development Assistant

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Remembering U.S. Secret Service Agent John Barletta

By Andrew Coffin, Vice President & Director of the Reagan Ranch

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YAF Welcomes Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence and Charlotte Pence to National Headquarters

By Kelleigh Huber, Program Director, National Journalism Center

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More than 400 Participants Attend YAF’s Largest High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch

By Raj Kannappan, Director of YAF’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise

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The Top 9 Reasons YOU Should Attend a YAF Program!

By Young America’s Foundation’s 2018 William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholars

On the Cover: VOL. 39

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The Leading Ladies Special Feature:

of YAF

Also in This Issue:

NO. 2

YAF celebrates several of the key women leading our organization.

Pictured from left: Jessica Jensen, Nicole Hoplin, Jolie Ballantyne, Kate Obenshain Keeler, Kimberly Begg, Emily Jashinsky, and Amy Brooker. (Photography by David Keith) SUMMER 2018

4 Newt Gingrich Speaks at YAF’s National Headquarters 5 Kengor, Lenczowski, and Miller Headline Standing Up for

Faith & Freedom Seminar 7 National Journalism Center Hosts 40 Interns for 12-week Session 39 Join YAF Speakers and Leaders for our 2019 Panama Canal Cruise

Libertas, the Latin word for liberty, is a publication of Young America’s Foundation which highlights the programs, events, students, staff, and supporters of the Foundation. You may contact Libertas and Young America’s Foundation by writing to: Young America’s Foundation, National Headquarters, 11480 Commerce Park Drive, Sixth Floor, Reston, Virginia 20191; calling 800-USA-1776; or visiting yaf.org.

Editors: Jessica Jensen; Publisher: Ron Robinson; Publication Design: Jonathan Briggs; Assistant Editors: Viraktep Ath, Tory Belsky, Amy Brooker, Spencer Brown, Cheryl Cerame, Patrick Coyle, Kyle Ferrebee, Clare Hinshaw, Nicole Hoplin, Kelleigh Huber, Haley Jones, Raj Kannappan, Chris Miranda, Emma Morris, Tom Robinson, Alec Sackett; Washington, D.C. event photographers: David Keith and Bob Updegrove; California event photographer: Jacqueline Pilar. This document and all herein contents, images, stories, graphics, and design, fall unto copyright © 2005 to 2018 Young America’s Foundation, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Any use of Libertas’ content without the written permission of Young America’s Foundation is prohibited.

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Young America’s Foundation Board Of Directors Ron Robinson President of the Board Ronald Pearson Vice President of the Board Frank Donatelli Secretary and Treasurer of the Board T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr. Wynton C. Hall Emily Jashinsky Kate Obenshain Keeler Peter Schweizer James B. Taylor Thomas L. Phillips Director Emeritus

Reagan Ranch Board Of Governors Frank Donatelli Chairman Edwin Meese Co-Chairman Robert F. Agostinelli Governor George Allen Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar Dr. Suzanne Becker Lisa M. Buestrin Robert Cummins George & Becky Norton Dunlop Richard Gaby & Barbara Van Andel-Gaby Robert Giuffra, Jr. Timothy S. Goeglein Michael W. Grebe Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold Eric & Nicole Hoplin Mark Larson Rebekah Mercer Al Moore Dennis & Nancy Moore Doug & Pat Perry Thomas L. Phillips Rear Admiral JJ Quinn Richard & Jane Schwartz Lee Shannon Craig Shirley Owen & Bernadette Casey Smith Barbara S. Waddell Tonette Walker Jay Webber

National Journalism Center Board Of Governors T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr. Chairman Chris Bedford Terry Eastland John Gizzi Emily Jashinsky Rich Lowry Alex Marlow The Honorable Alex Mooney Gabby Morrongiello Katie Pavlich Ronald Pearson Kirby Wilbur Tom Winter Thomas L. Phillips Chairman Emeritus

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Newt Gingrich Discusses Trump’s America at YAF’s National Headquarters, Featured on C-SPAN IN LATE SPRING, SPEAKER NEWT GINGRICH TOOK THE PODIUM at Young America’s Foundation’s national headquarters to discuss his latest bestseller, Trump’s America. Gingrich, who has addressed Foundation audiences for more than three decades, served as the 50th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999.

Event attendees included Foundation supporters, alumni, leaders, friends, and the National Journalism Center’s (NJC) summer intern class.

Young America’s Foundation Chief of Staff Jessica Jensen introduced Speaker Gingrich, who began his remarks by asking the NJC interns how many of their universities are biased toward the Left. All but one raised their hands, and Gingrich praised Young America’s Foundation for being a vital resource that aids these students.

Discussing the content of his book, Speaker Gingrich

Speaker Newt Gingrich addresses Foundation students, supporters, and National Journalism Center interns at YAF’s national headquarters.

analyzed Donald Trump’s personality and approach to the Presidency.

He also discussed the Left’s reaction to the Trump Presidency, stating, “Part of Trump’s genius is his morning tweets. [Leftists] wake up every morning, ready to start a happy new day, and they see what Trump tweeted and they realize that he is still President…They can’t get over it.”

Speaker Gingrich continued by explaining the successes of the Trump Presidency: “He wakes up in the morning looking for a fight. He enjoys it. He gains energy from it. And so that’s why you have this noise level up here, but under that noise level, there are huge things happening.”

He listed a few examples of the Trump administration’s successes, such as having the lowest African American unemployment rate in history, overall low unemployment, and a high predicted growth rate.

Following his remarks, Speaker Gingrich stayed to take photos with all attendees, who received signed copies of Trump’s America.

C-SPAN also filmed and aired the program on BookTV throughout the summer—expanding the reach of the Foundation’s event to 100 million homes William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholar Katie Cupp meets with Speaker Gingrich following his remarks. nationwide.

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Kengor, Lenczowski, Miller, and Hawkins Headline Standing Up for Faith & Freedom Seminar MORE THAN 70 PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED YOUNG AMERICA’S FOUNDATION’S SEMINAR, Standing Up for Faith & Freedom: How to Advance Conservative Ideas at Catholic Schools, at YAF’s national headquarters earlier this year.

High school and college students representing 49 unique schools attended this one-of-a-kind program—sponsored by Ray & Susie Screbant—and hundreds more watched online.

YAF created Standing Up for Faith & Freedom to advance opportunities within the Conservative Movement that had been overlooked by existing efforts. Student leaders are most effective when they address issues that match up with the concerns of students on their campuses. We know students at Catholic schools need specialized training—because at many Catholic schools, administrators and faculty use their authority over students to distort Catholic social teaching to advance a radical leftist agenda.

Foundation President Ron Robinson opened the seminar, commending the students for taking the necessary steps to defend their conservative values at their schools.

Dr. John Lenczowski, president of the Institute for World Politics, then addressed the topic “Beyond Theory: The RealWorld Implications of Subsidiarity & the Just War Doctrine.” He told the audience, “The genius insight of America is that man has a sinful nature and all our governmental structures are built

Author and professor Dr. Paul Kengor meets with student participants at YAF’s Standing Up For Faith & Freedom seminar.

around that. Socialism and communism reject that utterly.”

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, offered insights on advancing the pro-life message on campus.

Other speakers throughout the weekend included author Leila Miller; author and free market advocate Dr. Jay Richards; Dr. John Zmirak, senior editor of the Stream; professor and author Dr. Paul Kengor; Father Jerry Pokorsky, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Great Falls, Virginia; Brian Burch, co-author of The American Catholic Almanac; and Foundation Vice President Patrick Coyle, who trained the students in the best methods to advance their faith and ideas at their schools.

The weekend concluded with Father William Saunders, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Potomac Falls, Virginia, who spoke on “The Fight for Religious Liberty.”

Student Jacob Diker, of Lourdes Academy High School in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, expressed his appreciation for this special seminar: “This organization has opened my eyes to topics untouched in my school.”

Students from around the country gather in Dale Phelon Hall at YAF’s national headquarters for the Foundation’s seminar, Standing Up for Faith & Freedom: How to Advance Conservative Ideas at Catholic Schools.

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National Journalism Center Hosts 40 Students for 12-Week Session UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ELIZABETH DONATELLI, Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center welcomed 40 students from across the country to the nation’s capital for an intensive 12-week summer internship program. During their time with NJC, the students interned at leading publications, including the Washington Times, Washington Examiner, Daily Caller, Roll Call, WMAL radio, Voice of America, and others. This summer, NJC also expanded our media partnerships to include Fox News and The Hill.

Throughout the program—which is now in its 41st year—the young journalists studied the tenets of story writing and reporting and heard from leading conservative journalists, reporters, writers, and other experts in the media field.

Speakers included many longtime Foundation allies, alumni, and friends, including Sergio Gor, deputy chief of staff for Senator Rand Paul; John Gizzi, White House correspondent for Newsmax; T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr., chairman of NJC and special assistant to President Reagan; and talk radio hosts Kirby Wilbur and Larry O’Connor, among others.

The students also enjoyed unique opportunities to hear from 50th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich as well as Sean Spicer, President Trump’s first White House communications director and press secretary, during their presentations at YAF’s national headquarters.

During a memorable visit to Capitol Hill, the interns met with Congressmen Alex Mooney and Lamar Smith and also toured the House of Representatives Press Gallery and the Senate studios.

In addition to classroom sessions and on-the-job training at their internship placements, the group toured the White House and traveled to the National Rifle Association to discuss Second Amendment issues in the news and how to report accurately on those issues.

Outside of the classroom, the NJC students attended Capitol Hill hearings, interviewed members of Congress, and tackled field reporting for their placements. The National Journalism Center also provided voluntary training sessions in video storytelling as well as investigative journalism.

Collectively, the 40 interns were published more than 900 times, including numerous radio and television hits.

The NJC summer class enjoys a day on Capitol Hill during the start of the 12-week program.

NJC intern Leonard Robinson meets with recent White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer at Young America’s Foundation’s national headquarters.

NJC intern Brooke Conrad spends her summer working at the Washington Examiner.

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20 th Reagan Ranch Anniversary

Short, Walker, and Meese Help Celebrate YAF’s 20th Anniversary of Saving the Reagan Ranch

Governor Scott Walker headlines the first night of the 2018 Rawhide Circle Retreat.

By Tory Belsky, Development Assistant

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n late April, more than 200 Young America’s Foundation supporters, students, friends, and leaders gathered in Santa Barbara, California, for our annual Rawhide Circle retreat. The weekend-long program celebrated Young America’s Foundation’s 20th anniversary of saving the Reagan Ranch.

The weekend kicked off with members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Reagan Ranch Board of Governors touring Rancho del Cielo prior to their joint board meeting later that week.

The official program began at the Hotel Californian with opening remarks from Foundation President Ron Robinson, who thanked the attendees for their support of the Reagan Ranch project over the past two decades.

During the reception, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin shared reflections 8

Kristen and Marc Short, the first leaders of the Foundation’s Reagan Ranch project, speak at the opening dinner banquet at the Reagan Ranch Center.

on Ronald Reagan, noting he admired President Reagan’s optimism. He underscored the “impact that the Ranch and the Reagan Ranch Center have had” on preserving Reagan’s legacy, describing Rancho del Cielo as a “treasure for America.”

The following morning, attendees explored beautiful Santa Barbara—

the “American Riviera”—by sea on a catamaran tour and by land on scenic trolley tours. Following the Santa Barbara excursions, supporters and guests enjoyed lunch on the Mr. & Mrs. Alwal Anheuser Beims Moore Rooftop at the Reagan Ranch Center.

The participants then viewed the Foundation’s first Reagan Ranch film

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20 th Reagan Ranch Anniversary

(From left) Supporters Linda Teetz and Ruth Brackett join Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute President Michelle Easton during the Rawhide Circle retreat sessions at Rancho del Cielo.

produced by Rawhide Circle supporter Stephen Clouse and narrated by the late Charlton Heston. The film highlights the early stages of the Reagan Ranch project and features interviews with Nancy Reagan and many of the key leaders who played critical roles in YAF’s acquisition of the Ranch, including Frank Donatelli, Attorney

General Ed Meese, Ron Robinson, and Marc & Kristen Short.

Supporters also enjoyed a special panel featuring some of the Foundation’s top student activists: Grant Wolf from Southern Methodist University; Young Americans for Freedom National Chairman Grant Strobl from the University of Michigan; and Young

Americans for Freedom Board of Governors members Joe Ballard from the University of Alabama, Shannon Bell from The George Washington University, and Abby Streu from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The students reflected on how visiting the Reagan Ranch inspired them to be bold activists at their schools.

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20 th Reagan Ranch Anniversary That evening, Foundation alumna and Director Emily Jashinsky emceed the opening dinner banquet at the Reagan Ranch Center. Foundation alumna and early Reagan Ranch staffer Kristen Short offered a toast to commemorate the 20th anniversary.

Her husband and first director of the Reagan Ranch Marc Short delivered the evening’s main speech. Short—who recently served as White House director of legislative affairs—reflected on his time helping lead the initial stages of the Reagan Ranch project. He stated, “Being back here with all of you, I know in my heart that the revolution that brought me—and so many of you—into the Conservative Movement is still alive in our nation today.”

The next morning, Rawhide Circle attendees traveled to the Reagan Ranch for a special “white glove” tour of Rancho del Cielo. While at the Ranch, Foundation Director and Vice President Ron Pearson moderated morning sessions featuring remarks from Rear Admiral JJ Quinn, Dennis LeBlanc, and John Barletta. All three Foundation allies shared personal stories and memories from their time working for, and protecting, President Reagan at Rancho del Cielo.

The daytime program concluded with a memorable luncheon on the Ranch lawn emceed by Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar Governor George Allen. Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member Becky Norton Dunlop introduced 75th U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese, who spoke on the significance of the Reagan Ranch project. He noted, “The ideas, the principles, the actions, the policies, and the lessons of Ronald Reagan are as valid and necessary today—perhaps even more necessary today—than they were when Ronald Reagan was President.”

The celebration ended on an inspiring note with a closing dinner banquet emceed by Director Kate Obenshain Keeler. T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr., and Frank Donatelli offered their perspectives—as members of the Reagan administration and the Foundation’s Board of Directors—on the Foundation’s decision 10

Foundation Director and National Journalism Center Chairman T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr.

to acquire the Ranch in 1998.

Throughout the weekend, guests also heard from many other leading conservatives, who penned letters congratulating Young America’s Foundation on the 20th anniversary.

75th U.S. Attorney General and CoChairman of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors Edwin Meese

Senator Ted Cruz noted, “Twenty years ago, YAF and its generous supporters made history by acquiring President Ronald Reagan’s California ranch to preserve it as a legacy for future generations. The Reagan Ranch has since

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20 th Reagan Ranch Anniversary

Recently retired Reagan Ranch Curator Marilyn Fisher and Vice President Ron Pearson

Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member and Heritage Foundation’s Ronald Reagan Distinguished Fellow Becky Norton Dunlop

Foundation Director and Chairman of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors Frank Donatelli

Members of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors and Young America’s Foundation Board of Directors gather for their first joint board meeting during the Reagan Ranch 20th anniversary celebration in Santa Barbara.

served as a wellspring for thousands of young conservatives.”

Additional leaders commemorating this 20th anniversary with personal letters included Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan; Dr. Art Laffer;

Senators Mike Lee, Ben Sasse, Tim Scott, and Rand Paul; Congressmen Patrick McHenry and Alex Mooney; Attorney General John Ashcroft; and Lt. Col. Oliver North, among others.

Young America’s Foundation is

grateful to all supporters who have played a role in our efforts to preserve and protect President Reagan’s beloved ranch home for the last two decades, and we look forward to preserving this historic site for generations to come.

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Remembering U.S. Secret Service Agent John R. Barletta

By Andrew Coffin, Vice President & Director of the Reagan Ranch

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Later, John took over the t is with heavy hearts Western Protective Division that Young America’s and the Rancho del Cielo Foundation shares that detail. Through the hours spent President Ronald Reagan’s together riding the trails, most longest-serving Secret Service often at the Ranch, but also agent and close friend, John R. during rides at Camp David Barletta, passed away on July 3, and Windsor Castle, John 2018.

Barletta and Ronald Reagan John Barletta is a widely became close friends. John known and greatly beloved never let this dynamic get in the figure in the ranks of Young way of his job, however. “I was America’s Foundation. He his protector first, his friend is similarly beloved by many second,” John would say. more across the globe who In all, John protected came to know of John’s unique Ronald Reagan for 17 years, role in protecting one of our serving alongside his friend greatest leaders.

“Dear John, looks like a matched pair—or 2 matched pairs,” wrote President Reagan on this photograph featuring the President and John into the twilight years of John lived a life Barletta riding at Rancho del Cielo.

President Reagan’s life. Even distinguished by service to his after John retired from the country. Born in Somerville, Secret Service, the two remained close. John regularly visited Massachusetts, to Walter and Victoria Barletta, John first the Reagans at their home in Bel Air, usually with one of the served his country as a member of the United States Army 1st expertly trained labs John raised for Guide Dogs of America at Cavalry Division, answering the call of duty in Vietnam. his side.

When he returned from Vietnam, John was again ready to There was a similarity and a bond between the two that was answer the call of duty. In 1974, he was offered the opportunity unmistakable, even—or perhaps especially—to the President to join the United States Secret Service as a special agent. John himself. On one of the many inscribed photographs of was transferred to the White House in 1978 during the Carter President Reagan and John riding together at the Ranch, both administration. John was serving as a Presidential Protective on white horses, Ronald Reagan wrote, “Looks like a matched Division agent when Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980. pair—or 2 matched pairs.” This was John’s favorite photo.

An accomplished horseman, John was soon placed in In a letter congratulating Barletta on his retirement in 1997, charge of the new President’s equestrian detail. Like Ronald President and Mrs. Reagan reflected on the special relationship Reagan, John was most comfortable on an English saddle, they had shared with him: one of many similarities that became important to forming a close, lasting bond. After his first ride with Agent Barletta, Whether we were visiting foreign lands, attending to the President Reagan—who was by that point quite familiar with business of the nation at the White House, or simply spending the challenges the Secret Service experienced protecting a time in that weathered room out back at the Ranch just President on horseback—commented to John’s boss, “Well, cleaning the tack—you were with us during many of life’s most you finally got me a good one.” significant moments.

Following this pivotal ride, John’s fate was sealed. While John served in the White House and traveled the world with John Barletta was an Army veteran and decorated Secret Ronald Reagan, the uniqueness of their relationship was Service agent. He was also a patriot who continued his service defined by their shared love of horses. to his country and extended his commitment to protecting our As John often put it, whenever the President “so much as (Continued on page 14) thought about a horse,” John was there at his side.

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John Barletta was President Reagan’s longest-serving Secret Service agent, protecting him for 17 years.

John stands guard as the President and First Lady disembark from Marine One.

President Reagan and John review the trails before a ride at Rancho del Cielo.

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John Barletta joins Reagan Ranch Director Andrew Coffin and Foundation President Ron Robinson as they present Governor Sam Brownback with YAF’s “Tax Ax” during the annual celebration of the 1981 Economic Recovery Tax Act at Rancho del Cielo.

(Continued from page 12) freedom by dedicating his “retirement” years to introducing new audiences and younger generations to Ronald Reagan and his lasting accomplishments.

John was introduced to Young America’s Foundation

by Nancy Reagan shortly after YAF stepped forward to save Ronald Reagan’s beloved ranch home in 1998. Mrs. Reagan told us that no one knew the property and Ronald Reagan’s life at the Ranch like John. He became a key partner as YAF worked to preserve the 688-acre property, historic adobe home, Presidential and personal artifacts, and most importantly, the stories that make Rancho del Cielo a national treasure.

John served as a member of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors from its inception, joining fellow Reagan alumni in their commitment to protect and preserve the Reagan Ranch.

Attorney General Ed Meese, co-chairman of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors, reflected on John’s life and contributions to the Ranch project: John was one of Ronald Reagan’s close friends and his horseback riding companion throughout the Presidency and for several years thereafter. He was the leader of the Secret Service team protecting the Ranch and the President. The Reagan Ranch Board of Governors appreciated his continued stewardship of Rancho del Cielo to the end of his life.

Reagan Ranch Board of Governors Chairman Frank Donatelli echoed these sentiments: When we purchased the Reagan Ranch 20 years ago, I knew we were getting a beautiful and historic piece of property. I

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John was a constant presence at the Foundation’s high school and college programs, teaching future generations about the life and legacy of his friend, Ronald Reagan.

didn’t know we were also getting something just as valuable: the wit, wisdom, and knowledge of John Barletta.

John indicated numerous times the importance of bringing conservative values to the next generation of American youth. As such, he immediately threw himself into our activities to promote the Ranch. He made many visits to Rancho del Cielo come alive with his stories about the property and his personal dealings with President Reagan. He also gave time as a member of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors, where his insights were always on point.

His contribution to the Ranch project has been enormous, and his impact will be felt for many years to come.

In addition to joining the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors, John inspired thousands of young people who walked in Reagan’s footsteps.

His stories brought to life the wit, convictions, and personality of Ronald Reagan. His 2005 book, Riding With Reagan, gives a one-of-a-kind look at his time and relationship with Ronald Reagan. It is, and always will be, the authoritative record on the Ranch.

John regularly greeted distinguished visitors and had a unique way of almost instantly setting at ease even the most powerful of figures. John welcomed Charlton Heston to the Ranch, zipped around the trails on an ATV with Fox News’s Jesse Watters, and left such an impression on bestselling author Nelson DeMille that DeMille wrote a character based on John into his book, The Lion’s Game. Reflecting on John’s life and his time with him, DeMille noted, When I first met John Barletta at the Reagan Ranch—while I was researching my novel, The Lion’s Game—we immediately

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John also enjoyed spending time with members of the military, including crew members from the USS Ronald Reagan, at Rancho del Cielo.

clicked, even before we discovered we both served in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division. Then we became brothers.

John was one of those rare people who are so genuine and so at ease with themselves and others that you never forget them, and you are richer for having met them. Agent Barletta is now riding again with Rawhide at Rancho del Cielo.

And while he enjoyed these encounters, John truly loved talking to young people. In recent years John often spoke to groups of high school students in the Hay Barn at the Ranch, perched on a stool and framed by the open barn doors— something he would do faithfully, even as his health began to fail.

It was always remarkable to see John, with his Boston accent, salty language, and completely unscripted tales, leave a group of students (born well after Ronald Reagan left office) with tears in their eyes. Through John, these students met Ronald Reagan in a way they never would or could from a textbook.

Foundation President Ron Robinson remembered John Barletta: John was the “gold standard” for any experience at the Reagan Ranch. All who visited Rancho del Cielo with John saw the Ranch through his eyes and his stories. John’s service to our country and President Reagan was reflected in his partnership with the Foundation to continue sharing the incredible experiences of Rancho del Cielo with the rising generation.

The students and leaders of the Conservative Movement who had the privilege of hearing John’s stories were truly blessed.

We join with countless others who were touched by John’s

A skilled horseman, John become the head of the Secret Service’s Western Protective Division and the Rancho del Cielo detail, where he spent his days protecting the President during their many trail rides.

friendship in thanking him for his guidance, leadership, and inspiration. Everyone involved with Rancho del Cielo is indebted to John.

“John offered his counsel, leadership, knowledge, stories, and countless hours of his time to ensure that the Reagan Ranch was properly preserved and Ronald Reagan’s legacy shared with an intimacy and poignance that only John could provide,” remarked Andrew Coffin, director of the Reagan Ranch. Coffin continued, John faithfully protected his President, riding partner, and friend and continues to have a powerful impact on the many young people who encounter the real Ronald Reagan through the stories John shared and the Ranch the two of them so loved. John became a dear friend and colleague to all of us at the Foundation.

In that moving retirement letter, signed by both Ronald and Nancy Reagan, the President and First Lady describe John as about to “ride off into the sunset—shedding your ear piece, the dark suit and those ‘creative’ neckties for that perfect pair of tattered cowboy boots that tell the proud stories of long ago rides.”

Perhaps now we can imagine the two of them together again, riding into the sunset, each in that perfect pair of tattered cowboy boots, leaving it up to us to continue to tell the stories of their long-ago rides.

John is survived by his sister, Barbara, and brother-in-law, Jerry Kenny; his brother, Robert, and sister-in-law, Nancy Barletta; sister-in-law, Mary Barletta; brother Walter “Chuck” Barletta; many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews; and John’s constant companion—his dog, Fenway.

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YAF Welcomes Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence and Charlotte Pence to National Headquarters

By Kelleigh Huber, Program Director, National Journalism Center

“I

always knew that Charlotte someday would write a book, but I didn’t know that I would get to do it with her, by doing the pictures,” Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence said in her opening remarks at Young America’s Foundation’s national headquarters.

Second Lady Pence, along with her daughter, Charlotte Pence, and Charlotte’s bunny, Marlon Bundo (Bunny of the Chief of Staff Jessica Jensen and her son, Jackson, meet the Pences.

United States, or BOTUS), Children and parents arrived early for traveled the short distance to Reston, Virginia, from their residence at the U.S. activities and a movie before the event, which was emceed by Chief of Staff Naval Observatory to share the story, Jessica Jensen.

Marlon Bundo’s A Day in the Life of the Special guests included Ursula Meese, Vice President. The event—attended by wife of Attorney General Ed Meese; Foundation alumni, supporters, staff, Susan Allen, First Lady of Virginia and and nearly 40 children—marked the wife of Governor George Allen; and final stop on the Pences’ book tour.

Charlotte Pence reads her book, Marlon Bundo’s A Day in the Life of the Vice President, to an audience of young children and their parents at YAF’s national headquarters.

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Reagan Ranch Board of Governors members Becky Norton Dunlop and Dr. Suzanne Becker.

Before the reading, Mrs. Pence noted that Charlotte was always a storyteller and was frequently asked by her sister, Audrey, to tell her a story before bedtime.

Charlotte Pence, author of Marlon Bundo’s story, sought to create a children’s book that was unique and educational—something that school teachers could use in their classrooms. Both she and Second Lady Pence—who illustrated the book with original watercolor artwork— noted they have learned a great deal since Vice President Mike Pence took office. They wrote and illustrated the book to help younger generations learn more about the Vice Presidency and its

Ursula Meese, wife of 75th U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese, visits with Karen and Charlotte Pence.

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Second Lady Karen Pence and her daughter, Charlotte, answer questions from the children.

role in our nation’s government.

And that’s where Marlon’s story comes in, taking children through a day working with Vice President Pence, or “Grampa,” as he is called in the story.

As the bunny travels from building to building in Washington, D.C., children learn where the Vice President lives, works, and takes meetings and get an inside look at his daily life.

Following the book reading by Charlotte, the children in the audience had an opportunity to ask questions of both Mrs. Pence and Charlotte.

Questions ranged from “What does the

bunny like to eat?” to “Why is his last name not Pence?” and even included questions about President Trump and Vice President Pence’s relationship.

The program concluded with remarks from Foundation President Ron Robinson, who noted that the Foundation’s target audience is typically high school and college students, but it is important to reach even younger children as well. “This is a place you are always welcome,” he told the young audience seated at the foot of the stage.

After the program, Second Lady Pence and Charlotte Pence signed

Alumnus Tamas Simon and his daughter, Reagan, receive a signed copy of the Pences’ new children’s book.

EJ and Thatcher Hoplin lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

copies of their book—published by Regnery Kids—for all attendees, who also enjoyed a close-up look at the BOTUS himself.

The program streamed live online, and Charlotte Pence shared her appearance via Instagram and Twitter, noting, “So many kids. So many bunny hats. So much fun!”

Kelsey Rogers enjoys the bunny-themed activities prior to the book reading and special visit by Marlon Bundo, Bunny of the United States.

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation

Jolie Ballantyne Young America’s Foundation Conference Director

By Abby Streu, William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholar

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AF came out of nowhere and shook Jolie Ballantyne’s entire world. The Foundation is the sole reason she is a conservative today. As conference director, she always begins the programs she masterminds with a brief run-down of all matters pertaining to that conference. She also includes a short encouragement for all students to open their minds and contemplate new ideas, as she did as a student.

Jolie entered her first YAF conference believing in a “communist utopia.” Walking around her student union one day at Central Washington University, she approached a “cute guy” sitting at a table, not knowing what group he represented.

She agreed to go to a meeting that night. The club members persuaded her to go to a YAF conference.

Despite being raised in a liberal household, Jolie’s father had been in the military, giving her (unknowingly) a

Conference Director Jolie Ballantyne enjoys a CrossFit workout in between organizing YAF’s many seminars and conferences.

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conservative viewpoint on national security. That is the reason she paid attention to the first Foundation speaker she ever heard: Marc Thiessen—a YAF alumnus and speechwriter for President George W. Bush—who spoke on terrorism.

Jolie’s mind was blown. She researched what he said that night, never having heard anything like it before, and she began questioning everything.

The following day, the conference attendees went to the Reagan Ranch. Jolie had only heard negative things about Ronald Reagan up to that point in her life—that he hated poor people, that he was an elitist—but she experienced an overwhelming humbling feeling the second she reached Rancho del Cielo.

“When the bus broke through the mist, I saw that the most powerful man in the world lived in a small adobe house with two beds zip-tied together. He kept his nuts and bolts in Skippy peanut butter jars, just like my dad,” says Jolie.

Jolie’s view of Reagan changed radically. While her transition to conservatism was not immediate, that YAF conference struck a spark in her mind.

“I didn’t know how to think for myself, so rather than telling me what to think, YAF really taught me how to come to my own conclusions, to fact-check and not take what my professors or family said as gospel.”

The summer before her first year of law school, Jolie

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation

Ballantyne interviews Secretary Ben Carson during Young America’s Foundation’s 2017 National Conservative Student Conference in Washington, D.C.

interned at Young America’s Foundation’s national headquarters. This was the absolute “best summer of [her] life.” She did not want to go home at the end. “I learned more that summer than I ever did when I was an undergrad.”

“I remember telling [Vice President] Pat Coyle, ‘Please think of me in three years.’” And he did.

As Jolie was studying for the bar exam three years later, she received a phone call from Coyle. YAF’s conference director, Katie McMenamin, was moving, and Coyle wanted to know if Jolie was interested in the position. Indeed, she was!

As conference director, Jolie has a high-intensity job. As Jolie’s predecessor underscores, saying the job is stressful is an understatement. “Being successful at it means having tremendous attention to detail, coordinating so many moving parts, and tending to various audiences before, during, and long after the actual event. It really requires total dedication.”

McMenamin continues, “Having to live and breathe YAF conferences—which are unparalleled in the Conservative Movement—is very challenging but immensely rewarding when you look at the impact they have had.”

And Jolie truly excels at running conferences, as noted by students, staff, parents, and speakers. Dr. Burt Folsom, a longtime speaker at Young America’s Foundation conferences, elaborates on his analysis of Jolie’s passion and calling:

Working with Jolie is great! She is absolutely perfect as conference director. She is capable, organized, and firm—but fun—with the students. Jolie has the right firm temperament for a challenging job. I never hear her complain, and her smile is contagious.

The students are Jolie’s main focus and the favorite part of her job at the Foundation. Anyone who has set foot at a YAF conference can tell that she is completely dedicated to every student. The Foundation’s programs are certainly a group effort, but Jolie is the leader behind each conference. She effectively educates students by providing them with speakers, discussion sessions, books, and countless resources at every conference she plans. Jolie has reached thousands of conservative students over the course of her career at Young America’s Foundation.

During her internship, Jolie distinctly remembers driving to lunch with Katie McMenamin, who asked her, “What would you do if you worked at YAF?” Jolie responded, “I don’t want you to leave, but I’d love your job!”

Like many young people today, Jolie Ballantyne came to conservatism through a Young America’s Foundation conference. She is paying it forward every day by inspiring and encouraging the students she reaches through her key role as YAF’s conference director.

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation

Kimberly Begg Vice President & General Counsel

By Emily Jashinsky, Commentary Writer, Washington Examiner, and Director, Young America’s Foundation

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n 1996, as a journalism major at Rutgers University, Kimberly Begg attended a Young America’s Foundation regional conference in Connecticut. She remembers hearing from William F. Buckley Jr., Judge William P. Clark, Lt. Col. Oliver North, and Foundation President Ron Robinson. “It truly did change my life,” Begg reflects now.

Although she had no way of knowing it then, in two decades’ time, Begg’s name would be emblazoned on YAF letterhead, trailed by not one, but two hard-earned titles— vice president and general counsel.

In every possible way, Begg is a living and breathing fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission: to reach young people just as they’re contemplating their futures, leaning into the Conservative Movement but fielding their options, transforming impressionable but promising students into national leaders for the cause.

When it comes to that Rutgers journalism major who wandered into the 1996 Connecticut conference, the Foundation’s return on investment has been staggering.

Begg was “absolutely captivated” by the work of Milton Friedman in college. That’s what set her on the path to the Connecticut conference in 1996, where she freely admits “the social aspect was important” to her experience. “Being around conservatives that I enjoyed hanging out with is what made me want to get more involved with the Conservative Movement,” Begg says.

Begg (second from left) attends the Foundation’s 1997 National Conservative Student Conference along with current Foundation Vice President Patrick Coyle (left).

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After graduating from Rutgers and earning her J.D. from George Mason University and stints at the Institute for Justice, American Tort Reform Association, and Frontiers of Freedom, Begg joined the Foundation in 2004 as a senior development officer.

She had been in correspondence with Patrick Coyle, now one of her fellow Foundation vice presidents, since the two met at the National Conservative Student Conference in 1997. It was Coyle who initially urged her to reach out to Ron Robinson about the position. She’s emphatic about her gratitude to both men.

“Ron had so much faith in me as a young person,” Begg remembers, specifically recalling that he “spent so much time mentoring” her and marveling at the trust he placed in her to “build the planned giving program from the ground up.”

And build it she did.

“The Los Angeles Times, in a surprisingly positive syndicated feature article, proclaimed, ‘Rancho del Cielo has allowed the Foundation to transcend generations,’” Robinson notes.

“That is true, but primarily because of how Kimberly Begg has become so adept at helping supporters transcend their generation to pass along their freedom principles.” He calls her a “genius” at “finding ways to fulfill supporters’ desires to impact the future with time-proven principles.”

“She is a solid general counsel,” Robinson adds, “but she particularly excels with helping in planned gifts.”

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation Begg’s duties involve working closely with the Foundation’s supporters—the same group of people who made her career possible. “It is truly an honor to work with the generous and noble supporters of YAF,” says Begg.

“I’m surprised at how often I share my own story as an example of how YAF inspires young people to be conservative leaders,” she reflects now, “but I share it all the time because YAF truly changed my life.”

And it’s already changing her kids’ lives as well. Begg says she’s “raising conservative children with the help of YAF,” which is important to her “mission-oriented family.”

“They love YAF, and they can’t wait to go to our conferences,” Begg notes of her five children—Charlie, Bryson, Adelyn, Marielle, and Lucia—who range in age from 4 to 12. Begg is deeply grateful to her husband, Ian, who she says is “an excellent father and supportive of me.”

“My children are proud of their mom and proud of YAF,” she explains, adding that she’s “grateful the Foundation helps me set a good example for my children.”

Begg is dedicated to her early-morning workouts and reads voraciously, pursuing her leisure as passionately as her work.

But that might be because she’s always found a way to blend them together.

Looking back on her first encounter with the Foundation in 1996, Begg says she “would not have believed I would be vice president and general counsel of this amazing organization.” Asked to elaborate, Begg pauses. “YAF was such an incredible and important organization,” she says, “and something that was so much bigger than I thought I would ever be a part of.”

Begg continues, “America’s education system has been declining for decades. In the 90s when I was in college, no one called me a ‘hater’ because I was conservative, but, even then, it was clear that political correctness represented a dangerous intolerance to the free exchange of ideas. YAF’s reach is so

A New Jersey native, Begg emcees and helps organize the annual New Jersey Reagan Day dinner sponsored by Young America’s Foundation.

Vice President Kimberly Begg and her husband, Ian, with their five children (from left) Adelyn, Charlie, Bryson, Marielle, and Lucia.

much greater now, especially with the Reagan Ranch and our online efforts, but even in the 90s, YAF was the only conservative organization putting together large conferences and helping students organize effective campus events to spread conservative ideas. YAF was—and is—the entry point to the Conservative Movement for young people.”

Her success is a testament to the Foundation’s exceptional ability for developing talent, to be sure. But it’s also a testament to Begg’s remarkable skill set: her intelligence, her strength, her determination, and passion. She’s a presence in every meeting, a voice in every decision. Her mark on the Conservative Movement and her contribution to the futures of countless students, including this writer, truly exceeds measure.

Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member and New Jersey Assemblyman Jay Webber, with whom Begg has worked closely on key YAF events in the Garden State, calls her “one of New Jersey’s favorite daughters.”

“We know she’s doing wonderful things for the Conservative Movement across the country, but we have to admit we’re a little jealous about sharing her talent with the rest of you,” says Webber. “I know conservatism is in good hands because of women like Kimberly, whose principles fuel a drive to keep this great country the freest, most prosperous the world has ever known.”

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation

Amy Brooker

Assistant to the Director of the Reagan Ranch

By Abby Streu, William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholar

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my Brooker is proud of how she has changed since she discovered Young America’s Foundation.

“I grew up in Illinois. I never thought I would leave.” And yet, Young America’s Foundation coaxed her out of her comfort zone. Since 2011, Amy has served as the assistant to the director of the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

Amy found YAF as a student at Indiana Wesleyan University when her conservative student organization brought Dinesh D’Souza to campus. She was thrilled to hear him speak, as she had just read his book, Letters to a Young Conservative, and had soaked up every word.

Amy was always a strong advocate for conservative

Amy and her mom, Heidi Brooker, enjoy a memorable vacation in Australia.

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ideas and was raised by conservative parents, who modeled conservative principles and were active in pro-life initiatives throughout her childhood. In college, Amy helped organize events and travel for her campus conservative student organization and attended several YAF programs in Santa Barbara and Washington, D.C. Amy’s activism led her to intern at the Foundation’s Reagan Ranch Center. She enjoyed interning with the team in California, feeling that she “was among people who took great pride in, and felt real joy about, their work.”

Amy soon came to love Santa Barbara and YAF’s mission to promote the legacy of Ronald Reagan with the preservation of his cherished home. It is fitting she chose the Foundation as her first job out of college.

Through her role at the Reagan Ranch Center, Amy works with many Foundation supporters, who she says have had a profound effect on her. And she approaches all she does for YAF with a kind and thoughtful demeanor.

“I love interacting with supporters and hearing about their lives and stories and how they came to develop such passion for the Movement and our shared principles. The generosity of YAF supporters is inspiring and has shaped how I view philanthropy in my personal life,” says Amy. And Amy, herself, shows some of that self-sacrifice in the

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation way she uprooted her life and left everything she knew to aid the Conservative Movement in California. Her work at the Ranch gives her a sense of fulfillment, especially when interacting with supporters and organizing events.

Loyal YAF supporters Jack and Katherine Perrin applaud Amy’s work ethic and positive attitude, noting, “We receive a special greeting from Amy Brooker at all of the YAF functions.

Quietly and efficiently she moves about, whether she is at the Ranch or the Reagan Ranch Center, and always with a genuine smile on her face. She is irreplaceable!”

And as the Perrins and the Foundation’s loyal Santa Barbara supporters will tell you, Amy is also a creative designer who works tirelessly to ensure YAF’s events are exceptional.

Among the dozens—if not hundreds—of events she has helped orchestrate, Amy says she especially enjoyed helping coordinate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebration of the Reagan Ranch purchase (see page eight).

Amy remarked, “It was a wonderful time to celebrate 20 years of saving the Reagan Ranch with some of the key leaders who had the vision to save the Ranch and have provided leadership to the project.”

One of those leaders is author and First Lady of Virginia Susan Allen, who describes Amy as “one of the best events and logistics coordinators we have ever worked with!”

Mrs. Allen continues, “She does not miss one detail and imagines all scenarios. Amy has a very creative eye, and all printed materials, event items, and activities that have an ‘Amy flair’ make any association with Young America’s Foundation top notch!”

At the Ranch, Amy also works on a wide variety of other projects. These tasks range from hosting important guests to creating brochures to joining the team for fire safety and prevention training.

Since coming to California, she has grown fond of the state, explaining, “For all its faults, California is a beautiful state. In Santa Barbara, you are pretty much a three-hour drive from any climate, so I love planning trips with friends and exploring the state.”

Amy’s advice for young conservative women hoping to work in the Movement is that being in the Conservative Movement is not “one size fits all.” She believes, “You don’t necessarily have to study political science, get the internship on the Hill, or work for a legislator.” She adds conservative women should “find something they enjoy and are good at and do it for a cause they care about.”

And Amy reflects this advice in her own life. She is an asset to Young America’s Foundation’s team because of her success in working with supporters, hosting events, and setting an example for the young people who come through

Amy Brooker spends a special day at the Reagan Ranch with Fox News’s Jesse Watters and members of the YAF team. (From left: Reagan Ranch Director Andrew Coffin, John Barletta, Watters, Spokesman Spencer Brown, and Brooker.)

Amy gathers with her fellow Reagan Ranch Center colleagues, Alec Sackett (left) and Adam Ochs (right).

the doors of the Reagan Ranch Center.

As Susan Allen states, “Amy is an amazing conservative ambassador with all of her care and kindness.”

Indeed, such qualities in YAF’s young leaders are what will propel the Conservative Movement forward, and the Foundation is fortunate to have Amy Brooker helping lead our team at the Reagan Ranch Center.

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation

Nicole Hoplin Vice President & Member, Reagan Ranch Board of Governors

By Christopher Malagisi, Editor, Conservative Book Club

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s an undergraduate student, Nicole Hoplin changed the course of her life when she attended a speech by Lt. Col. Oliver North at St. Olaf College.

She was invited to the YAF-sponsored lecture by the future love of her life and would also be inspired to seek a career in the Conservative Movement. Whoever doesn’t believe in serendipity should meet Nicole Hoplin, vice president of Young America’s Foundation. Hoplin is one of the most devoted and inspirational female role models working in the Conservative Movement today.

Hailing from Vergas, Minnesota—a town of only 346 people—Nicole Hoplin had an adventurous childhood growing up on her family’s farm. She credits her parents for instilling in her the values of hard work and discipline and a spirit of patriotism that would one day lead her to study political science and psychology at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

As Nicole recalls, her life changed after listening to Lt. Col. North speak in the campus chapel about American exceptionalism. After the speech, she vividly remembers watching protesters burn the American flag in front of the chapel while yelling anti-American sentiments.

The contrast was not only startling but pivotal in Nicole’s

An avid traveler, Vice President Nicole Hoplin enjoys photographing penguins during an exciting excursion to Antarctica in 2017.

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life journey. The experience made her realize the importance of getting involved in young conservative activism and would ultimately lead her to chair the conservative group on her campus.

After receiving top honors at St. Olaf College, she was awarded a prestigious Truman Scholarship to serve in the federal government in Washington, D.C. She later graduated with a Master of Public Policy from the University of Minneapolis.

During this time in her life, she would also marry the young man who invited her to that Oliver North speech— Eric Hoplin, who also serves on the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors. And soon after, she would be hired to become the assistant to the president at Young America’s Foundation.

Nicole showed signs of early success and quickly became an integral member of the YAF team. She had impressed President Ron Robinson so much that when she put in her notice to leave YAF in 2005 to move back to Minnesota, Robinson asked her to co-author a book project he’d long sought to complete.

In the ensuing years, Nicole would research and cowrite their book, Funding Fathers: The Unsung Heroes of the Conservative Movement (Regnery Publishing). The book chronicles the philanthropists and foundations that made the Conservative Movement possible and promotes the reality that conservatives are more generous than liberals.

When Nicole returned to Washington in 2008, she excelled

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation as YAF’s director of foundation relations. She helped build a highly personalized and dynamic supporter program for the Foundation, and after six years of success in this position, she was promoted to vice president.

As vice president, Hoplin focuses on the Foundation’s development efforts by managing relationships with YAF’s thousands of supporters, including writing grant proposals to help fund the Foundation’s important programs. She also hosts life-changing visits for YAF’s supporters at the historic Reagan Ranch.

Since 2005, Nicole has built and managed the Foundation’s annual cruise program for supporters. Over the years, she’s coordinated tours, dinners, and other events to engage with foreign dignitaries all over the world. These include Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain; Polish President Lech Walesa of Poland; Prime Minister José María Aznar of Spain; President Mart Laar of Estonia; President Vytautas Landsbergis of Lithuania; and Prime Minister Tony Abbott of Australia, among dozens of others.

Nicole’s hard work and achievements have been noticed by other prominent conservatives. John Jackson, executive director of the Adolph Coors Foundations, says of Nicole: It would be fun to take a survey of YAF donors to find out how many consider Nicole Hoplin their bestie. My prediction: All of them. Heck, I suspect at least half of YAF donors consider Nicole part of their family! Such is Nicole’s secret sauce.

As a representative of the Adolph Coors Foundation, I have worked with hundreds of nonprofits over the past 25 years, including a long association with Young America’s Foundation. No one has done a better job than Nicole of making me feel like I was always Priority Number One. Having inspired millions of dollars in gifts to the cause of liberty through her work at YAF, perhaps it is time for a second edition of Funding Fathers: Unsung Heroes of the Conservative Movement with Nicole prominently featured.

Frank Donatelli, chairman of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors, echoes Jackson’s sentiments about this key YAF leader: Nicole exhibits that rare blend of knowledge of first principles and action to implement those principles. She’s just as comfortable speaking about the roots of the modern Conservative Movement as she is instructing local activists how to be most effective on college campuses. It’s what makes her most valuable to YAF and why she will be a leader in the organization for many years to come.

Nicole and her husband, Eric, with their three boys (from left) EJ, Spencer, and Thatcher in Washington, D.C., in 2017.

Nicole reciprocates her admiration for YAF by saying that working here is “invigorating, meaningful, and a humbling experience,” and that it truly has a special culture. “Ron [Robinson] is always challenging us to improve ourselves and develop new skills,” she notes. Nicole also believes that YAF fosters and cultivates an environment that supports women and promotes a culture where you rise on your own merit.

And while her work takes her around the country, Nicole and her husband, Eric, love to travel the globe in their free time. They are also tireless in their most important role, raising three young boys—EJ (9), Thatcher (7), and Spencer (3)—who understand and appreciate this country and God’s providence in creating it.

Nicole is truly an example of inspired leadership. In her role at YAF, she continues to cultivate an army of supporters who help ensure the next generation of leaders understand the principles which make America great—the same ideas articulated by Oliver North that inspired a young student from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation

Emily Jashinsky Commentary Writer, Washington Examiner, & Director, Young America’s Foundation

By Abby Streu, William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholar

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mily Jashinsky stumbled across Young America’s Foundation in high school—bored one summer afternoon, she decided to explore YouTube and found a livestream of YAF’s National Conservative Student Conference. This one instance segued to a career of story-telling and creating a voice for those left behind by the progressive culture.

While Emily did not seek out the Foundation during high school, as fate would have it, she found a Young America’s Foundation table during her freshman year at The George Washington University (GWU).

Her time in the GWU YAF chapter can be highlighted by certain details, such as her advancement to chairman of the organization as well as a slew of conflicts with leftist students.

Emily handled those situations with grace, which she carried

over to her career in the Conservative Movement.

Emily’s very first job post-graduation was at Young America’s Foundation, where she served as a program officer for public relations. Within a year, she was promoted to spokesperson for the Foundation. In this role, Emily shared the stories of YAF students with the world. It was her “extreme privilege to do so.”

Emily, as she puts it, was constantly learning from Foundation staff, noting, “I learned to see the broader picture.”

“Every day at Young America’s Foundation was an educational opportunity because of what the whole team brings to the table. It was the job of everyone else on the team to help students maximize their local impact. It was my job to share their stories with the country. I saw that students were risking more than I ever did to share the message of conservatism on their campuses.”

Emily says Young America’s Foundation jumpstarted her career. Today, she is a commentary writer at the Washington Examiner—a job that suits her well.

Timothy Carney, editor of the Washington Examiner’s commentary section, says, “Emily is A member of YAF’s National Journalism Center Board of Governors, Jashinsky shares insights on writing and reporting with NJC interns. a clear writer, a fun colleague, and a hard worker, 26

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation but what’s most impressive is that she is a curious and Examiner. She exemplifies what it means to seek truth and independent thinker. She does not let others form her opinion be introspective about the world that surrounds us, and she of what is right or wrong. Someone who can form her own communicates that well. opinion and argue it clearly, based in facts, is invaluable.”

Emily says she has “had a lot of blessings” which have Anyone who has worked with Emily would agree with that helped shape her personal and professional life. YAF and the statement. She throws herself into her work, as well as other entire Conservative Movement are also blessed to have leaders, aspects of her life, to examine why things are the way they are. like Emily, writing about the values, ideas, and principles upon Her introspection on life is admirable. Going hand-in-hand which our nation was founded. We look forward to reading with her work in commentary, she enjoys learning about much more about, and by, Emily Jashinsky in the years to culture in her free time, always seeking to analyze it more come. deeply. Her career and love of culture stem back to her Wisconsin roots.

By the time she reached college, Emily was well aware that the national media provided little voice for people in the Midwest. In fact, she believes that there was an overall misrepresentation of “fly-over nation.” Emily decided to pursue a career in the media, truly exemplifying what it means to take a stand for your values. Emily saw a problem and decided to change it from the inside instead of merely abiding by the flow of life. She is inspired to provide a voice for the overlooked.

While at the Examiner, Emily says she has also enjoyed writing about popular culture and women’s issues, including the #MeToo movement.

In addition to her rising career as a writer, Emily continues to impact the Foundation, serving on both the Young America’s Foundation’s Board of Directors and the National Journalism Center’s Board of Governors.

And she continues to have an impact on students’ lives by speaking at YAF conferences and sharing her story as a young professional whose life was profoundly impacted by the Foundation.

Working with students and being a young conservative woman has Emily “constantly thinking about” advice that she can share with her peers.

Although she emphasized that young conservative women should not take themselves too seriously, she explained that there are some things that need to be taken seriously in their lives. In fact, one of these things concerns her own personal goal.

“I want to be an asset to my community… to be a voice for my faith. I strive to be a better Christian.

At every stage of your life, you should be trying to be a better ambassador for your faith.”

It is no wonder why Emily excelled as the spokesperson for Young America’s Foundation and Emily Jashinsky speaks to students at a Young America’s Foundation seminar at our national continues to do so with her work at the Washington headquarters.

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation

Jessica Jensen Chief of Staff

By Christopher Malagisi, Editor, Conservative Book Club

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ibbing, Minnesota—a small town on northern Minnesota’s Iron Range—was the first route of Greyhound Bus Lines and is also where Bob Dylan grew up. Like Dylan, Jessica Jensen—a fellow Hibbing native—would figuratively leave on one of those buses and march to the beat of her own music all the way to our nation’s capital to become the chief of staff of the most influential young conservative organization in the country.

Since joining Young America’s Foundation 13 years ago in 2005, Jensen has become an indispensable leader in the overall management of the Foundation. While her day-to-day duties consist of everything from assisting the president, editing Libertas magazine (with a circulation of 80,000), and overseeing staff and board communications, she has led some of the Foundation’s most important initiatives in modern times.

Jensen had the Herculean task of searching for and securing a new and modern home for YAF and succeeded in procuring the 20,000-square-foot facility. Because of her success, she is currently overseeing the exciting initiative of YAF’s presence on Capitol Hill—a brand new townhouse just steps from the

Chief of Staff Jessica Jensen emcees a special program featuring the Second Lady of the United States, Karen Pence, and her daughter, Charlotte, at the Foundation’s national headquarters.

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U.S. Capitol which will increase the Foundation’s influence and ability to connect students to our nation’s leaders in close proximity to the great institutions of our republic.

When asked how she became a conservative, she says that it was due to her faith and family—particularly her mother, step-father, and grandmother—instilling in her a strong work ethic and the idea that freedom comes with great responsibility. But those views were cemented when she became chair of her campus conservative group at The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) in Duluth, Minnesota.

Within weeks of her freshman year at CSS, Jensen attended a rally for then-Governor George W. Bush during the 2000 Presidential cycle. The rally with the soon-to-be President and the events of 9/11 became pivotal moments for her. They spurred her campus activism and eventually inspired Jensen to apply for and accept a prized White House internship in the spring of 2003.

Jensen’s D.C. internship experience, along with serving as co-chair of the Minnesota College Republicans, gave her the confidence—just three days after graduation—to move to Washington, D.C., to serve as a field director for the College Republican National Committee (CRNC).

Her boss at the CRNC was now-Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member Eric Hoplin—husband of Foundation Vice President Nicole Hoplin. A fellow Minnesotan, Nicole

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation recruited Jensen in 2005 to take over her position then as assistant to YAF President Ron Robinson.

Through her work at YAF, Jensen has inspired those around her. Many Conservative Movement leaders have witnessed the impact of Jensen’s work, including YAF Director and #1 New York Times bestselling author Peter Schweizer.

Schweizer says, Jessica is that rare professional who is both incredibly detail oriented but also has a strong vision for the future of the organization and the Conservative Movement. She represents the best of the Movement—principled, hardworking, and patriotic. Those who are concerned about the future of the country can take some comfort in knowing that we have a new generation that is rising within the Conservative Movement that is ready to carry the torch.

Jessica personifies this generation.

In 2016, Jensen’s work was recognized as she received the “William F. Buckley Jr. Leadership Award” from the Young Conservatives Coalition—an honor and distinction for her commitment and service to the cause of young conservative empowerment.

Jensen credits her success at YAF to President Ron Robinson and the Foundation leadership making YAF a place where young people want to work, especially since it fosters an environment for women to succeed. Jensen says that the Foundation allows her the opportunity to balance her important work at YAF with her important roles of both wife and mother.

Jensen notes that the Foundation also gives young people opportunities to thrive and take on exciting responsibilities.

Not surprisingly, some of Jensen’s most memorable YAF projects include organizing recent events featuring key conservative women. Earlier this year, Jensen spearheaded a special event featuring Second Lady Karen Pence and her daughter, Charlotte, at YAF’s headquarters (see page 16), and in 2017, she organized a ladies’ weekend at the Reagan Ranch with Wisconsin’s First Lady Tonette Walker.

“Jessica Jensen is a wonderful young woman who lives and breathes Ronald Reagan’s philosophy of educating youth to preserve our American way of life,” notes Mrs. Walker. “Her commitment to Young America’s Foundation is evident in the work that she does with staff, donors, students, and friends of the Reagan Ranch each day. Her beliefs in Reagan’s core principles have never wavered, and she is a true role model to all the students who come through Young America’s Foundation.”

In addition to her many accomplishments at YAF, however, she says she is most proud of her family—her husband,

Austen Jensen, who serves as vice president for government affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and her bright and busy kindergartner, Jackson.

Jensen’s advice to young women hoping to embark on careers in the Movement: Do not be afraid to go to new places—leave what may be familiar—and try new things. Be active as a young conservative on campus and keep in touch with the people you meet through your activism. You never know whose guidance and help you may need down the road. And for those who hope to one day raise a family, leave a little room for life changes.

Her fellow Hibbing, Minnesota, native Bob Dylan may have been thinking of someone like Jessica Jensen when he once famously said, “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”

Jessica Jensen is that hero for our Movement, and she is a shining example for other young, rising conservative women leaders to look up to.

Jessica and her husband, Austen, with their son, Jackson, in Alexandria, Virginia, in 2017.

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation

Kate Obenshain Keeler Director, Young America’s Foundation

By Christopher Malagisi, Editor, Conservative Book Club

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imply put, Kate Obenshain Keeler is a conservative rock star. When she’s not fighting for conservatism on television or in numerous publications, she’s rockin’ college campuses across the country, speaking to and inspiring a new generation of rising conservative leaders, especially young women.

So how did she become a conservative rock star? Kate says her conservatism was developed around the dinner table at a very young age. While politics is usually avoided at most family dinner settings, the Obenshains were the exception. She and her siblings were required to come to the dinner table once a week prepared to lead—and defend—a discussion on a current event.

She honed her conservatism when she became involved with Young America’s Foundation as a student at the University of Virginia, where she edited the campus conservative newspaper and organized a high-profile rally to “Support the Troops” during the Persian Gulf War. YAF President Ron Robinson noticed Kate’s activism and subsequently hired her upon graduation.

At 22 years old, she met and got to know the heroes of the Conservative Movement—including William F. Buckley

A regular speaker at YAF programs since her days as a student at the University of Virginia, Kate Obenshain Keeler addresses young people at the Foundation’s National Conservative Student Conference.

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Jr., Phyllis Schlafly, Robert Novak, and Jack Kemp—while working at YAF. She even got to drive the great Russell Kirk on a lecture tour in New York State. While Russell Kirk’s wife, Annette, asked her to make sure he did not eat any sweets on their trip, she found she couldn’t refuse his request for a McDonald’s chocolate milkshake one night. Kate recalls, “What do you do when Russell Kirk asks for a chocolate milkshake? You get him a chocolate milkshake!” She says it was an experience she will always remember, and she hopes Mrs. Kirk doesn’t read this!

Kate would quickly be promoted to other positions at YAF, serving in several key capacities, including director of program development, director of lectures, and vice president. She is also author of Divider-in-Chief: The Fraud of Hope and Change.

During a brief break from YAF, she served as the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia from 2003 to 2006 and then served as advisor to former Governor George Allen (now the Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar) and as his chief of staff in the United States Senate. Kate also founded the Jennifer Byler Institute, a leadership training program for women in Virginia.

And throughout her career, Kate has served as a key role model for the most important people in her life—her children. Today, Kate and her husband, Steve Keeler, are the proud parents of six children—four of whom will be at the University of Virginia this fall!

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Special Feature: The Leading Ladies of Young America’s Foundation It’s no wonder, when asked why she’s stayed involved with YAF for almost 30 years, she says it’s because there is no other organization in the country working so effectively with young people to pass along conservative values. She also describes those who are involved with YAF—the leadership, staff members, and, most especially, the supporters—as some of the finest people she knows.

Kate credits her success with what she learned at YAF working with Ron Robinson, Jim Taylor, Peter Schweizer, and others. She says, “Ron Robinson was a huge inspiration to me. He takes very seriously his obligation to pass on conservative ideas not only to thousands of students across the country but also to the people with whom he works.”

Kate also serves on the board of the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute and is known for her spirited defense of conservative values. Her fellow board member, Marji Ross, president and publisher of Regnery Publishing, says: Kate visits the Reagan Ranch with her husband, Steve Keeler, and two of their children, Lucy

(left) and Claire (right).

Kate is one of the strongest and most articulate advocates for conservative principles I know. First of all, she’s fearless. No one intimidates her because she knows that they are indeed different from men and have different what she’s talking about. She isn’t seeking approval; she’s needs and desires, that they should respect themselves and seeking to enlighten. their bodies. And I think it’s pro-woman to point out when the Left maligns and disparages conservative women—often Secondly, she’s direct and real-world. Her message isn’t in the most graphic terms—and to point out the hypocrisy of academic or philosophical. It’s practical and immediate. their empty rhetoric as compared to their actions.

And third, she’s passionate. She truly cares about the future of the country, and the young leaders who will assume that mantle of responsibility. I’m proud to call her my friend and grateful for her commitment to inspiring and empowering young women and the next generation of conservatives.

And Ross is correct. Kate is fearless and a champion for women. When asked about the role of the American woman, she believes the American woman should stand up for her independence from the tyranny of government dependency.

Kate says, “Many women do have a rough road, but dependency on government destroys their hope of a better future.”

When asked if she believes conservatives get a bad rap when it comes to women’s issues, she strongly believes they do and that conservatives are far more pro-woman than the Left.

I think it’s pro-woman to protect unborn babies, half of whom are baby girls. I think it’s pro-woman to tell college women

She believes the battleground today for the future of the country is on our college campuses. She wholeheartedly believes in what President Reagan once said: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

Kate’s advice for young women across the country is to have determination, a passion for conservative ideas, and courage. She recognizes that being a conservative on campus can be lonely, but groups like YAF can embolden students to become courageous. And it’s Kate Obenshain Keeler’s determination, passion, and courage that make her a genuine conservative rock star.

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More Than 400 Participants Attend YAF’s Largest High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch

By Raj Kannappan, Director of Young America’s Foundation’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise

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earn about Ronald Reagan this weekend.

Learn the heart of Ronald Reagan. Know what you believe and know why you believe it.” With those motivational words, Michael Reagan—President Reagan’s son—commenced Young America’s Foundation’s largest-ever High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

In June, more than 400 participants convened at the Reagan Ranch Center and the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort to learn about Reagan’s freedom philosophy, gain inspiration to advance conservative principles among young people, and absorb lessons from each other’s experiences with campus activism.

The students represented 163 schools, 33 states, and even the Canadian province of Ontario.

Additionally, the Foundation launched a new offering—“YAF Virtual Pass,” an interactive experience that allowed students to register online and participate remotely in the June Reagan Ranch High School Conference—to serve the growing demand for our programs.

Nearly 7,500 online participants attended this conference live, with many thousands more viewing the sessions following the conference’s conclusion.

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Conservative Movement leaders and Foundation staff inspired students throughout the conference, and inperson and online attendees found much to take away.

John Snyder, a student from Sacramento Country Day School, spoke for many of his fellow attendees when he shared, “Each and every day, I am persecuted and attacked for my beliefs. Now that I have attended a YAF conference…I am now ready to defeat liberals and socialists in their tracks. My view on the world has changed, and I am prepared to make a difference.”

Supplying students with the education and inspiration to make this difference was one of the weekend’s most anticipated speakers, conservative writer and commentator Ben Shapiro, who delivered a rousing address on the topics of reason and virtue and how to win over young people. He argued, “The reality is that we have the greatest message in human history to push. The idea of a limited government that exists solely to protect God-given rights is the greatest message in human history.”

Andrew Puzder—the Wendy P. McCaw Reagan Ranch Roundtable speaker and former CEO of CKE Holdings, the parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.—made the case for free enterprise by telling a childhood story of visiting a wealthy (Continued on page 35)

Andrew Puzder, former CEO of CKE Restaurants, speaks to more than 400 attendees during the four-day high school program in Santa Barbara.

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Students from across America participate in Young America’s Foundation’s largest High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch.

Commentator Derryck Green encourages the young leaders to stand up for their values and beliefs.

High school students stop near Freedom Wall at Rancho del Cielo where thousands of Young America’s Foundation’s supporters are recognized for their gifts to advance freedom for future generations.

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Students from 163 schools visit Rancho del Cielo—a rite of passage for all young conservatives—during the Foundation’s largest-ever high school conference.

Vice President and Reagan Ranch Director Andrew Coffin interviews Ronald Reagan’s granddaughter, Rita Reagan.

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Conference participants tour President Reagan’s adobe ranch home in the Santa Ynez Mountains.

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Popular Foundation speaker Ben Shapiro meets with Andrew Diaz from La Quinta High School at YAF’s June High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch.

(Continued from page 32) man at his mansion and, importantly, not thinking, “He’s stealing from us.

He’s a robber baron. He’s in the one percent.” Instead, Puzder recalled the ambition that such an experience gave him to pursue his successful legal and business careers.

Students especially enjoyed hearing from Rita Reagan, President Reagan’s granddaughter. During an interview with Vice President and Director of the Reagan Ranch Andrew Coffin, she shared stories of her time with Ronald Reagan, including learning how to swim in his pool and experiencing first-hand his love for Rancho del Cielo, the President’s home in the Santa Ynez Mountains outside of Santa Barbara.

A mainstay of the Foundation’s high school programs, Bay Buchanan—37th treasurer of the United States under President Reagan—made the following call to action: “If you expect the great freedoms we so enjoy today to be there when you have your own children, you need to step up to the plate right now.”

Dr. Burt Folsom, economic historian and the Foundation’s longest-serving faculty member; Anna Strasburg, founder of Project If Life and pro-life activist; Burgess Owens, NFL Super Bowl champion and conservative commentator; Dr. Matt Manweller, member of the Washington State House of Representatives; Dr. Derryck Green, commentator and member of Project 21; Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch; and Ken Stiles, retired CIA officer and Virginia Tech professor delivered remarks on a range of topics, including economic freedom, the right to life, free speech, limited government, radical Islam, and a strong national defense.

Ron Robinson, Foundation president; Patrick Coyle, Foundation vice president; Emily Jashinsky, Foundation director and Washington Examiner commentary writer; and Grant Strobl, Young Americans for Freedom national chairman led interactive sessions to educate students on how to most effectively advocate for conservative values and principles.

The students celebrated their time at the conference with a rite of passage for all young conservatives: visiting the unique and historic Reagan Ranch and walking in the President’s footsteps.

While at Rancho del Cielo, they learned about the man who humbly and boldly advanced the cause of freedom throughout America and the world. For many students, it was the first time they had ever heard about the leader who brought about the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union.

Nolan Clanton, a student activist from Vista Murrieta High School, remarked, “The Ranch was one of the most powerful places I have ever visited. It made me respect President Reagan and his value of hard work. I especially love how he himself built the fence, that he worked on it, because he knew the value of work…[the experience] has motivated me to start a YAF chapter at my school.”

The experiences of these students demonstrate that many of America’s schools are simply failing to provide young people with lessons on the values and principles that have made our country—and will continue to make it—successful. It is largely for this reason that the appeal of the Foundation’s high school programs continues to grow rapidly among students, parents, and grandparents.

Young America’s Foundation is incredibly grateful for the generosity of our supporters that allows students nationwide to participate in such lifechanging programs. Their gifts ensured that more than 400 participants from across America returned to their schools and communities better informed, more inspired, and effectively prepared to advance our shared cause.

Xavier College Preparatory High School student Daniela Goodwin thanked the Foundation’s supporters best: “This program has changed the way I think about conservatism. Now I know that there are other people my age that share the same values as me. Thank you so much for making my experience possible! I am so grateful!”

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The Top 9 Reasons You Should Attend a YAF Program!

By Young America’s Foundation’s William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholars

Vice President Mike Pence headlines YAF’s 2017 National Conservative Student Conference.

Students Elijah King and Ricardo Avila enjoy the June 2017 High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch.

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oday’s Conservative Movement offers a wide variety of programs and events for students to attend and participate in. This is great for our Conservative Movement, but searching for conservative programs for the first time can be a daunting task for parents and students.

Thankfully, Young America’s Foundation leads the field in educating the next generation of young conservatives. YAF has more than 50 years of experience in organizing and running the premier conservative conferences for high school and college students.

But don’t just take our word for it! Young America’s Foundation’s 2018 William & Berniece Grewcock Intern Scholars share their “Top 9 Reasons You Should Attend a YAF Program!”

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Why should you attend a YAF program? What makes the Foundation different from all of the other conservative conferences and seminars?

As Foundation interns, we have experienced—and helped organize—these life-changing programs. We know first-hand that YAF’s conferences and seminars are a rite of passage for all conservative students.

YAF programs are unique in so many ways—but we have boiled it down to nine reasons why you need to have an #OnlyAtYAF experience.

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At YAF’s programs, you will:

1

Make like-minded friends from across the country.

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Conservative students often feel alone in their work to advance their ideas at their schools, but YAF’s conferences show them they are a part of a national movement—driven by students just like you!

YAF’s conferences draw hundreds of students from every state, so each time you attend a program, you are sure to meet someone new who may even become a lifelong friend!

These friendships are forged over memorable meals, inspiring discussions, and fun activities in unforgettable locations. You will leave YAF’s programs knowing you have a network of conservative allies from coast to coast, emboldening your own campus activism.

2

Travel to unique destinations and sites, such as President Reagan’s beloved Ranch in California and Washington, D.C.

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Young America’s Foundation’s conferences don’t just take place in lecture halls and hotel ballrooms. Young people attending our Santa Barbara-based programs walk in Ronald Reagan’s footsteps at his ranch, Rancho del Cielo.

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Popular Foundation campus lecturer and Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief Ben Shapiro educates hundreds of college students at YAF’s 39th annual National Conservative Student Conference.

Students at our Washington, D.C.-area conferences and seminars have opportunities to explore our nation’s capital and even visit the White House. Recent regional programs have attracted sold-out student audiences in the hearts of Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Chicago, Illinois.

YAF also offers travel assistance and discounted registration fees to ensure students have every opportunity to participate in our programs.

3

Hear and interact with the Conservative Movement’s top leaders and rising stars.

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YAF conferences feature the nation’s most exciting conservative voices, including Ben Shapiro, Dinesh D’Souza, Lt. Colonel Allen West, Bay Buchanan, Newt Gingrich, and even Vice President Mike Pence. Other recent speakers include Senators Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, and Rand Paul; Kellyanne Conway; Secretary Ben Carson; Rachel CamposDuffy; Mark Levin; Dennis Prager; and dozens more.

friends and peers. You will also receive practical guides and booklets to ensure you are well-educated and fully prepared to stand up for your rights in the face of hostile campus leftists.

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Become a part of the legacy of the countless freedom fighters who have attended Young America’s Foundation programs in the past.

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YAF’s alumni network spans from the White House to Capitol Hill to the top names in the Conservative Movement.

After attending a YAF program, you will join an impressive list of leaders and thinkers influenced by YAF’s programs over the last half century, including Peter Schweizer, David Keene, Marc Short, Katie Pavlich, Congressman Alex Mooney, William F. Buckley Jr., Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, Stephen Miller, and thousands more.

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Equip yourself with new ideas to counter the Left at your school.

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Have exclusive access to YAF merchandise, including bestselling books, stickers, t-shirts, and more!

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When you attend a YAF conference, you will walk away with a library of new books to read and YAF swag to share with your

Your activism does not end when you leave a YAF conference. It is just the beginning! All participants receive the tools and training necessary to advance conservative ideas on their campuses.

At YAF’s programs, you will do more than listen. You will engage with our speakers during exciting question-and-answer Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Fall 2018

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Michael Reagan meets with Michigan YAF activist Jacob Viviano at the High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch.

Student Phoenix Berman asks a question during the 2017 National High School Leadership Conference.

Conference Director Jolie Ballantyne leads an interactive session with high school students at the Reagan Ranch Center.

sessions. You will take part in breakout sessions and learn how to defend conservative principles in the classroom and amongst your peers. You will learn how to recruit students to your conservative club, host conservative speakers on your campus, and organize impactful activism initiatives.

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Enjoy staying at a comfortable hotel or dormitory (and quality meals!) with likeminded friends for a fraction of the cost— thanks to YAF’s generous supporters.

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Get to know the YAF staff and learn from their experience!

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The Foundation’s staff has many years of on-campus experience in advancing conservative ideas at high schools and colleges. Most of our team members were key activists at their alma maters and understand the hurdles you may face in advancing your values at your school. They know what it’s like to be a conservative on campus, and they are passionate advocates of your ideas and beliefs.

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YAF conferences are the most professionally-run gatherings for young people in the Movement. And they are all-inclusive. Meals, lodging, and program materials are included in your registration fee, which is greatly reduced thanks to gifts from Young America’s Foundation’s supporters.

The Foundation provides comfortable accommodations for all participants at local hotels or dormitories. For high school students, staff-supervised transportation is available to and from the local airports.

Young America’s Foundation also makes the safety and security of all participants and speakers a top priority, and YAF team members are always on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

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Preview the conservative leaders you can bring to your campus and launch your career as a conservative activist!

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By attending a conference, you are taking the necessary steps towards becoming a successful force for conservatism at your own school and beyond.

You will hear and interact with the very speakers you can bring to your own campus to reach hundreds—often thousands. Many of YAF’s conference speakers are ready and willing to speak on campuses nationwide, and YAF gives you the resources, training, and tools to make that happen!

For more information about attending an upcoming Foundation program, please call 800-USA-1776 or email Conference Director Jolie Ballantyne at jballantyne@yaf.org.

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Fall 2018 Volume 39 • Number 2

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resident Reagan’s longest-serving Secret Service agent, John Barletta, passed away on July 3. John was a tremendous friend, ally, and resource to Young America’s Foundation. He was unwavering in his commitment to the Foundation and our work to preserve and protect Rancho del Cielo. He was also committed to inspiring the next generation with President Reagan’s lasting values and accomplishments. The staff and board of Young America’s Foundation are forever grateful to John and all he contributed to our shared cause.

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