50TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 2019
VOL. 40
Young America’s Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Issue 19 69 to 2019
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NO. 3
December 16, 2019 Dear Colleagues,
“I
t is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” That admonition is attributed to various writers, although it is most closely associated with Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. It was first shared with me, early in my YAF involvement, by Jack Kemp. There is much darkness to curse. Leftists control our schools and the mainstream media, and they define too much of our culture. A young person looking for moral guidance would stumble amidst 50 shades of black in this environment. Many supporters hope, in vain, that their alma maters or local schools will reform and begin to fairly treat conservative ideas and scholarship. Don’t expect that will happen! So, it is better to light a candle and have hope. For 50 years, Young America’s Foundation has provided that option. From the outset, YAF adopted the right principles. Even the New York Times concedes that our Sharon Statement is “more than a manifesto for young conservatives…[it is]…a seminal document in bringing different kinds of conservatives together.” The Washington Post echoes that the Sharon Statement has been “long considered a declaration of principles of modern conservatism.” Your Young America’s Foundation sponsors the most influential conference for students, the National Conservative Student Conference—now in its 42nd year. The conference has hosted speakers ranging from Ronald Reagan, Jeane Kirkpatrick, and Milton Friedman to academics Burt Folsom, Robert George, and Walter Williams. YAF holds dozens of conferences and seminars every year to reinforce the principles outlined at our national conference. YAF’s campus lecture program is the largest outreach program of its kind. Spearheaded by the likes of Bill Buckley, Bay Buchanan, Oliver North, and Ben Shapiro, these campus events lead the nation in advancing conservative ideas among impressionable students. YAF’s National Journalism Center provides interns a twelve-week paid experience with many of the Conservative Movement’s leading publications and reporters. Graduates of NJC and YAF have authored more than 500 books, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. YAF’s William & Berniece Grewcock Capitol Hill Townhouse is now the centerpiece of the organization’s long association with key congressional leaders. YAFers have worked closely with Hill giants including Barry Goldwater, James L. Buckley, Phil Crane, Jack Kemp, Newt Gingrich, Trent Lott, Jesse Helms, George Allen, Marsha Blackburn, John Ashcroft, and Mike Pence. Ronald Reagan joined the YAF advisory board in the 1960s, and he was the most significant influence on the organization. It was no surprise that when no one else would save Reagan’s Western White House, YAF did so 21 years ago. The Ranch is where, as Reagan said, he went “to think things out.” Today, the Ranch gives students that experience in a unique, historic setting. The Los Angeles Times notes, “Rancho del Cielo has allowed the foundation’s reach to transcend generations.” All that to say, as we celebrate our 50 years of building the Conservative Movement, students and supporters are not limited to cursing the darkness. You have an institution you can wholeheartedly support, with the assurance YAF will continue to light up the lives of young Americans with conservatism’s principles for years to come.
Sincerely,
Ron Robinson President
LIB E RTAS 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Volume 40
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Number 3
Special Feature 29
Vice President Mike Pence’s Remarks at the 41st Annual National Conservative Student Conference
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Inspiring Young People for Half a Century
By Young America’s Foundation Staff
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A Strong Young America’s Foundation Today Means a Strong America Tomorrow
By Wynton C. Hall, Director
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Vice President Pence, Governor Walker, Senators Cruz and Blackburn Motivate 1,300 at YAF’s 41st Annual National Conservative Student Conference
By Kara Zupkus, Program Assistant for Public Relations
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Alumni Profile: An Interview with Marc Short
By Raj Kannappan, Editor
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Supporter Profile: An Interview with Ray & Susie Screbant
By Amy Brooker, Development Officer
On the Cover:
Also in This Issue:
Since 1969, Young America’s Foundation has inspired increasing numbers of young Americans with the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we are grateful for the students, leaders, supporters, and allies who have made our work possible. This special anniversary cover features the following key leaders who have ensured YAF’s success: (From top left to bottom right) Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Newt Gingrich, Walter Williams, Mike Pence, Oliver North, Ron Robinson, Barry Goldwater, Dinesh D’Souza, Edwin Meese III, Scott Walker, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Kellyanne Conway, William F. Buckley, Jr., John Ashcroft, Bay Buchanan, Burt Folsom, Arthur Laffer, Ben Shapiro, Thomas L. Phillips, and Milton Friedman.
4 YAF Organizes Largest Nationwide Campus Initiative to
Remember 9/11 5 YAF Wins Lawsuit Against the University of Florida 6 YAF Poll Finds Majority of Students Cannot Define Socialism 7 Laffer Headlines 38th Anniversary Celebration of 1981 Reagan Tax Cuts 8 Moore, Puzder, and Campos-Duffy Headline High School Free Enterprise Leaders Conference 9 National Journalism Center Interns Publish More Than 1,400 Articles 10 Road to Freedom Seminar Trains Students to Advance Free Enterprise Over Socialism 11 YAF Hosts Justice on Trial Booksigning at William & Berniece Grewcock Capitol Hill Townhouse 43 Join YAF Leaders and Supporters on 2020 Norwegian 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: Raj Kannappan and Kelleigh Huber; Publisher: Ron Robinson; Publication Design: Jonathan Briggs; Assistant Editors: Jolie Ballantyne, Kathryn Beale, Cheri Cerame, Patrick X. Coyle, Kyle Ferrebee, Karalee Geis, Taylor Hathorn, Clare Hinshaw, Jessica Jensen, Haley Limo, Chris Miranda, Emma Morris, Alec Sackett, Kenny Xu, Kara Zupkus; 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 2019 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.
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 Kimberly Begg T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr. Wynton C. Hall Nicole Hoplin Emily Jashinsky Kate Obenshain Keeler Peter Schweizer 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 Ann Knapheide Mark Larson Rebekah Mercer Al Moore Dennis & Nancy Moore Doug & Pat Perry Thomas L. Phillips Rear Admiral JJ Quinn Ruppert & Cheryl Reinstadler 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 John Gizzi Emily Jashinsky Rich Lowry Alex Marlow The Honorable Alex Mooney Gabby Orr Katie Pavlich Ronald Pearson Kirby Wilbur Tom Winter Thomas L. Phillips Chairman Emeritus
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YAF’s 9/11: Never Forget Project Results in More Than 11 Million American Flags Displayed Since 2003 Young America’s Foundation organized the largest nationwide campus initiative this year—the 9/11:
Never Forget Project—with students at hundreds of colleges and high schools each creating displays of nearly 3,000 American flags to remember the individuals murdered by radical Islamists on September 11, 2001. Since the Foundation began this project in 2003, University of Pennsylvania student activists gather after setting up Young America’s thousands of colleges, schools, and communities have Foundation’s 9/11: Never Forget Project flag display. organized Never Forget Project memorials, resulting in more than 11 million flags displayed in remembrance of set up her display across from the school’s campus. While the lives lost. The initiative has grown organically and gained Giannelli faced criticism from her school, her flag memorial such momentum that many students and communities received broad support from the community. She noted, now organize 9/11: Never Forget Project memorials without officially notifying the Foundation. Liberal students and administrators talk a lot about ending In virtually all cases, the displays are created by college hatred and bullying. Sadly, the main practitioners of this and high school students—not by school administrators or bullying are the same people who claim to denounce it...In faculty members. Indeed, if not for the actions of patriotic fact, our YAF chapter has faced more hatred and pushback students, many of whom were too young to remember the from the “tolerant” Left in the past two weeks than any attacks, most educational institutions would simply ignore other student organization [at our school] has ever faced, this anniversary. with the administration encouraging the ostracizing of our Predictably, the campus Left attempted to attack and group by preventing us from holding our event on campus. undermine these displays on several campuses this year. At Stetson University, leftists chalked anti-American Despite these obstacles, Americans from coast to coast slogans next to the YAF chapter’s flag display. viewed the moving 9/11: Never Forget Project displays of flags, Administrators at Lake Forest High School, located near and millions more saw the initiative’s impact through the Chicago, banned the YAF chapter from planting flags on Foundation’s social media platforms and widespread media school grounds. As a result, YAF chapter leader Alisa Giannelli coverage.
YAF chapter member Chapman Wolf places American flags in the ground at Trinity Classical Academy in Valencia, California.
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The Foundation’s flag display on West Beach in Santa Barbara, California, commemorates the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
Morgan Mifflin, Temple University YAF chairman, creates the university’s 9/11: Never Forget Project flag memorial.
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YAF Wins First and Fourteenth Amendment Lawsuit Against the University of Florida Young America’s Foundation won a critical victory for student rights in a lawsuit against the University of
Florida (UF). Conservative students at UF can no longer be discriminated against by the university on the basis of their beliefs. After the UF Young Americans for Freedom chapter hosted New York Times bestselling author Dinesh D’Souza for a highly-publicized lecture, the university revised its student activities policy so that the YAF chapter could no longer access university funding for guest speakers. This policy revision only affected YAF activities, allowing leftist student groups to secure university resources to host speakers on campus. The UF YAF chapter and its leaders, students Sarah Long and Daniel Weldon, were left with no choice but to take legal action. Working closely with Young America’s Foundation’s team of dedicated attorneys, they sued the University of Florida, alleging violations of their free speech rights and their right to equal protection. Their courage paid off. The university settled this case, agreeing to pay $66,000 in damages to the YAF chapter and change its policy that unconstitutionally discriminates against conservative students. Now, the university cannot treat the YAF chapter disparately, and all student groups will have equal access to university funding.
Dinesh D’Souza addresses students at the University of Florida as part of Young America’s Foundation’s D’Souza Unchained Lecture Series, sponsored by anonymous YAF supporters.
This victory is essential to the Conservative Movement at the University of Florida, where a Young America’s Foundation campus lecture is often the only opportunity students have to hear conservative ideas. Long remarked after learning about this legal victory, “The University of Florida should be a marketplace of ideas where students can decide for themselves which ideas have merit. Moving forward, our [YAF] chapter is excited to host leading conservative speakers on campus.” The UF YAF chapter has already leveraged this victory to introduce more students to conservative ideas, hosting Daily Wire commentator Michael Knowles for a successful campus event through the Foundation’s Logan Family Lecture Series. University of Florida YAF chapter members meet with Michael Knowles following his sold-out lecture on campus.
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YAF Poll Finds Majority of College and High School Students Cannot Define Socialism Young America’s Foundation’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise commissioned an informative and unique online poll
of more than 2,000 Americans, aged 13 to 22, to better understand young people’s views on free enterprise and socialism. While many surveys have recently been conducted to study students’ views on these topics, the Foundation’s poll delves into these issues more deeply and also reaches high school-age students, an audience that is rarely surveyed. The media and leftist leaders, such as U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, have popularized the notion that young people are enamored with socialism. But YAF’s poll finds that the young people of Generation Z (those born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s) do not have a strong enough understanding of socialism on which to determine their views. While 35 percent of young people view socialism positively, a majority cannot properly define it. For example, 10 percent of respondents believe socialism means “being social,” while 27 percent say they simply do not know how to define it. The poll also finds that a majority of young people (53 percent) feel the United States is headed in the wrong direction. That young people hold this view during a period
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of strong economic growth in the country—including job growth, wage growth, and decreased unemployment—is indicative of the false narratives presented by the media and the education system. The good news is that young people are skeptical of the Left’s ideas despite increasing leftist bias on campus. A critical finding from this poll is that the more informed a young person is about socialism, the less likely he or she is to be favorable toward it. The poll asked respondents to evaluate their favorability toward socialism before and after reading information about the ideology. Prior to reading these statements, the average response was 4.15 out of 10—on a scale from 0, meaning socialism would be extremely bad for the country, to 10, meaning socialism would be extremely good. After reading these statements, the average response dropped to 3.84 out of 10. Young people hope to gain a genuine education throughout their high school and college careers. Yet, they are taught about the false benefits of collectivism and big government rather than the true virtues of free markets and freedom. The findings from this poll reinforce why Young America’s Foundation’s work to advance free enterprise among students is essential to the future of the country.
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Dr. Arthur Laffer Headlines 38th Anniversary Celebration of 1981 Reagan Tax Cuts The Wendy P. McCaw Reagan Ranch Roundtable luncheon featuring Reagan economist and Young America’s Foundation campus lecturer Dr. Arthur Laffer attracted a capacity audience of 250 Foundation supporters, students, and friends. Prior to his remarks at the Reagan Ranch Center, Dr. Arthur Laffer participates in a radio interview with talk radio host and Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member Mark Larson. Thousands more participated in the event online through YAF’s Virtual Pass program and livestreams on YouTube and Facebook. tax cuts in American history: “You provide the least places in The program celebrated the 38th anniversary of the 1981 your tax codes where people can hide money and not pay their Economic Recovery Tax Act, which was signed into law on taxes. What you want is a low, broad-based flat tax. And that’s August 13 by President Ronald Reagan at the Reagan Ranch. the thing to create prosperity.” Laffer was an ideal speaker at this special luncheon, emceed Laffer made the case for limited government by sharing by talk radio host and Reagan Ranch Board of Governors contemporary examples, including Texas and Tennessee, which member Mark Larson. Laffer served on President Reagan’s have seen tremendous economic growth as a result of lower tax Economic Policy Advisory Board, and earlier this year, rates, and New Jersey and California, whose economies have President Donald Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of stagnated due to higher tax rates. Freedom to Laffer for his influential contributions to the field He encouraged Young America’s Foundation supporters of economics and economic policy. to continue their commitment to advancing free market ideas As he took the stage, Laffer passionately addressed the among young people, stating, “Young America’s Foundation, audience about the importance of free enterprise and Reagan’s you’re the dream of the future. You’re what we all hope for leadership, recalling, “When we took office on January 20, and aspire to, and thank you very much for all you do for this 1981, the highest marginal income tax rate in America was 70 country.” percent...And [Reagan] brought that rate down to 28 percent. To conclude the luncheon, Foundation Vice President and Do you consider that a tax cut? Is that good enough for you?” Director of the Reagan Ranch Andrew Coffin presented the He then described Reagan’s thinking behind the largest “Tax Ax” to Laffer in recognition of his lifetime of achievements. Laffer addresses Young America’s Foundation supporters, students, and friends at the Wendy P. McCaw Reagan Ranch Roundtable luncheon.
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Moore, Puzder, and Campos-Duffy Headline Inaugural High School Free Enterprise Leaders Conference More than 100 participants attended Young America’s Foundation’s first-ever High School Free Enterprise Leaders Conference at YAF’s national headquarters. Students representing more than 60 schools participated in this one-of-a-kind program, and many more participated in the conference virtually through YAF’s livestream and on Facebook. Longtime Foundation supporters Jim and Dulce Doss sponsored this essential program to teach young people the principles of free enterprise and inspire them to advance these ideas among their peers at school. Raj Kannappan, director of the Foundation’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise, welcomed the students, noting that in YAF’s recent survey of 2,000 young people (see page six), the majority of high school and college students could not accurately define socialism. Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley, economist and academic director at The Fund for American Studies, spoke about the prosperity all Americans enjoy, stating, “We are historical lottery-winners in terms of the place that you’re born in human history. You are truly the one percent of human history.” Andy Puzder, longtime CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., followed, arguing that the Trump administration’s policies have resulted in tremendous economic growth. He noted, “We’ve actually gone from a bad economy to an economy where the
Andy Puzder, longtime CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., makes the case for free enterprise over socialism at YAF’s High School Free Enterprise Leaders Conference. Student Connor Chai enjoys a session during the program.
biggest problem facing American businesses is that they can’t find enough workers to fill the open good-quality jobs.” Other speakers throughout the weekend included Dr. Antony Davies, associate professor of economics at Duquesne University; Rachel Campos-Duffy, Fox News contributor; Ana Quintana, senior policy analyst on Latin America at the Heritage Foundation; Kyle Ferrebee, director of YAF chapter services; Chris Horner, author and attorney; and Heritage Foundation Distinguished Visiting Fellow Steve Moore. Students also participated in interactive breakout sessions to learn the fundamentals of free enterprise, including profits and losses, private property rights, competition, and other key aspects of the free market system. Stephen DeCarlo from St. Anselm’s Abbey School stated, “As a high school student attending a fairly liberal school, I am constantly attacked for my conservative viewpoints in economics. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn how to verbally defend myself. I know that everyone here will remember this for the rest of our lives.”
More than 100 students participate in the inaugural High School Free Enterprise Leaders Conference.
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National Journalism Center Interns Publish More Than 1,400 Articles Under the leadership of Director Elizabeth Donatelli, Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center (NJC) interns made a substantial impact on the state of the media, publishing more than Intern John Jiang graduates from the National Journalism Center program after publishing more than 20 articles for the American Spectator. 1,400 articles during the spring and summer sessions of 2019. U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery, a space for Covering topics including technology, education, working journalists to cover votes on the House floor. At immigration, and breaking news, interns strengthened the NRA, students learned how to accurately report on and their knowledge on a wide range of issues and developed discuss Second Amendment issues. NJC summer interns strong technical skills at their newsrooms. Their internship also networked with like-minded peers while attending the placements included leading media outlets such as Foundation’s 41st annual National Conservative Student RealClearPolitics, Fox News, WMAL, the Washington Conference in Washington, D.C. (see page 22). Examiner, the Washington Times, and others. To become well-rounded journalists, interns participated During the 12-week sessions, the aspiring journalists in weekly classroom sessions and special workshops to gain heard from prominent leaders working in the field, as well hands-on training in video storytelling and investigative as public policy officials. Speakers included Washington journalism. Free Beacon reporter and NJC alumnus Bill McMorris; Interns produced quality work that frequently gained WMAL radio host Larry O’Connor; KVI radio host and prominent coverage. One intern wrote four front-page stories NJC Board of Governors member Kirby Wilbur; Newsmax for the Washington Times. Other students were featured on-air White House correspondent and NJC Board of Governors at One America News Network and WMAL. Multiple students’ member John Gizzi; Politico White House reporter and NJC articles went viral on Twitter. Many NJC graduates were also Board of Governors member Gabby Orr; U.S. Representative hired full-time following their internship session, and almost and NJC Board of Governors member Alex Mooney; half of the interns from the summer class are continuing to longtime Regnery Publishing President Marji Ross; and U.S. work for their placements in a freelance capacity. Representative French Hill. Young America’s Foundation is grateful to the Allegheny Students expanded their learning through trips to Capitol Foundation for its lead sponsorship of the National Journalism Hill, the White House, and the National Rifle Association Center’s internship program. (NRA) headquarters. On Capitol Hill, interns toured the National Journalism Center interns gather at YAF’s national headquarters following a classroom training session.
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YAF’s Road to Freedom Seminar Trains Students to Advance Free Enterprise Over Socialism More than 70 college students from 18 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom participated in Young America’s Foundation’s Road to Freedom Seminar: Secrets to Advancing Free Enterprise Over Socialism at YAF’s national headquarters. Thousands more participated in the seminar online through YAF’s livestream. Participants gathered in Dale Phelon Hall to learn the strategies and tactics to most effectively advocate for free market ideas and dispel the myths of socialism. Executive Vice President and Chair of Business and Finance at The King’s College Brian Brenberg opened the program by encouraging the young leaders to discover and tell inspiring stories of free enterprise, arguing, “People don’t buy into socialism because it’s proven to work. They buy in because they think it’s morally superior.” Jared Meyer, author and economic policy advisor, delivered an informative lecture warning that conservatives should be skeptical of employing government power to deal with the challenges posed by large technology firms. Students heard from a variety of other leading free market advocates throughout the weekend, including David Azerrad, director of the Center for Principles and Politics at the Heritage Foundation; Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley, economist and academic director at The Fund for American Studies; Kristen Soltis Anderson, pollster and co-founder of Echelon Insights; Chris Horner, author and attorney; Ana Quintana,
senior policy analyst on Latin America at the Heritage Foundation; Steve Moore, economic expert and distinguished visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation; and Dr. Burt Folsom, the Foundation’s longest-serving faculty member and distinguished fellow at Hillsdale College. This timely seminar was made possible through the generosity of the family foundation of Richard and Jane Schwartz, Reagan Ranch Board of Governors members. Richard Schwartz, chairman of the board of Winsupply Inc., provided students with a business leader’s perspective of free enterprise in action. He stated, “What entrepreneurs and their employees are accomplishing every day for themselves and for their customers just doesn’t match what you’re hearing online or hearing in the news about America’s economic system and how it’s supposedly failing us.” Tyler Livingston from the University of Florida remarked at the conclusion of the seminar, “Thank you for providing such an impactful and informative opportunity. It’s growing so difficult to even hear conservative and free market voices these days, and being informed is the first step in being confident in my views.”
Economist Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley debunks the Left’s myths about income inequality.
Student Kitty Fields from George Mason University participates in a questionand-answer session with a seminar speaker.
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Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
Writer and economic policy analyst Steve Moore makes the case for President Donald Trump’s economic strategy.
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YAF Hosts Justice on Trial Authors and Booksigning at William & Berniece Grewcock Capitol Hill Townhouse Young America’s Foundation’s William & Berniece Grewcock Capitol Hill Townhouse is located steps from the Supreme Court—where Justice Brett Kavanaugh now sits. YAF’s newest facility is also near the U.S. Senate office buildings where Kavanaugh’s monumental confirmation hearings took place last year. This location made an ideal setting for an evening reception and booksigning with authors Mollie Hemingway, senior editor at the Federalist, and Carrie Severino, chief counsel and policy director at Judicial Crisis Network. The pair discussed their New York Times bestseller, Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court (Regnery 2019). Young America’s Foundation President Ron Robinson greeted the audience, which included key Foundation leaders,
board members, alumni, and supporters. Karalee Geis, YAF’s Capitol Hill outreach director, introduced the speakers. Hemingway and Severino then offered remarks about writing Justice on Trial and shared key stories from the book. Addressing the audience—which included guests who were too young to remember Justice Clarence Thomas’s confirmation process—Severino pointed out, “It’s the same story as the Kavanaugh confirmation. After Justice Thomas was confirmed, they didn’t pack up and go home. Then ensued a decades-long smear campaign to undermine his lasting legacy on the bench.” Hemingway shared, “We love telling the story of Senator Susan Collins, who was targeted for her vote before Kavanaugh was even named. She took her ‘advise and consent’ role very seriously. She didn’t just end up voting for him but also gave a speech that outlined the necessity of rule of law and presumption of innocence, which is so important.” The authors took questions from guests, focused primarily on the future of the Supreme Court and the next Supreme Court justice nomination. Notable attendees at the reception included Marji Ross, longtime president of Regnery Publishing; Ron Pearson, vice president of YAF’s Board of Directors; Frank Donatelli, chairman of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors; Brent Baker, vice president of the Media Research Center; and Paul Teller, special assistant to the President for legislative affairs; among others.
Foundation President Ron Robinson welcomes guests to YAF’s William & Berniece Grewcock Capitol Hill Townhouse for a booksigning event featuring authors Mollie Hemingway (left) and Carrie Severino (right). Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Yo u n g A m e r i c a ’ s F o u n d a t i o n 5 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y
Inspiring Young People for Half a Century By Young America’s Foundation Staff
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n his seminal 1964 speech, “A Time for Choosing,” Governor Ronald Reagan told the nation, “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...” For five decades, Young America’s Foundation hosts the Young America’s inaugural National Conservative Student Foundation has Conference in 1979 in Washington, D.C. diligently “fought for, protected, and handed on” the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values to increasing numbers of young people. Founded at Vanderbilt University by Charles Stowe—a descendant of Harriet Beecher Stowe—on November 18, 1969, the group quickly became a national organization and was renamed Young America’s Foundation. The leaders, students, and supporters of Young America’s Foundation—as well as its physical assets—have ensured its status as the premier conservative youth organization for the last 50 years and positioned it to build on these strong results in the years ahead.
Leaders and the Media on Young America’s Foundation
In 1991, YAF inaugurated what quickly became, and remains, the nation’s leading campus lecture program—reaching millions of students in person and online. Great conservatives including Ronald Reagan, William F. Buckley, Jr., Margaret Thatcher, Russell Kirk, Jack Kemp, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Ed Meese III, and Milton Friedman boldly took the conservative message to young people nationwide in the lecture program’s President Ronald Reagan addresses the Foundation’s 1993 National Conservative early years. Student Conference, stating, “I know the Together, they helped conference will send you back to your campuses YAF develop a cadre of better informed, motivated, and trained.” emerging leaders who staff and lead the Conservative Movement today. Some of those leaders include Marc Short (see page 36), Katie Pavlich, Stephen Miller, Peter Schweizer, and David Bossie. Today’s most articulate advocates of freedom—Ben (Continued on page 14)
“A refuge for students seeking an alternative to the politically correct environment enforced on many campuses” — President Ronald Reagan
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“The reason one supports Young America’s Foundation is that one supports one’s country.” — William F. Buckley, Jr.
Yo u n g A m e r i c a ’ s F o u n d a t i o n 5 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y Hundreds of students from around the country participate in the June High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch in 2019.
Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick speaks to students at the 14th annual National Conservative Student Conference.
Speaker Newt Gingrich and Senator Trent Lott address the 1997 National Conservative Student Conference, garnering much press coverage for their appearance.
Journalist Robert Novak participates in the 1994 National Conservative Student Conference.
YAF publishes eight editions of Dr. Burt Folsom’s The Myth of the Robber Barons to educate young people about the virtues of free enterprise.
Young America’s Foundation’s Net Assets $ 75,000,000 $ 70,000,000 $ 65,000,000 $ 60,000,000 $ 55,000,000 $ 50,000,000 $ 45,000,000 $ 40,000,000 $ 35,000,000 $ 30,000,000 $ 25,000,000 $ 20,000,000 $ 15,000,000 $ 10,000,000 $ 5,000,000 2018
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YAF’s supporters ensure its consistent financial growth, allowing the Foundation to deliver life-changing programs to increasing numbers of young Americans.
“The conservative force” — New York Times
William F. Buckley, Jr. is among the first leading conservatives to join the Foundation’s campus lecture program.
“It’s hard to imagine a Conservative Movement without Young America’s Foundation.”
“The First Amendment is in good hands with Young America’s Foundation.”
— U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
— Ben Shapiro
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Yo u n g A m e r i c a ’ s F o u n d a t i o n 5 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan begins a tradition of hosting students from YAF’s National Conservative Student Conference at the White House.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher speaks to students at St. Louis University in 1997 as part of the Foundation’s lecture program.
YAF President Ron Robinson and Reagan meet in 1993 to discuss how to better advance the Foundation’s mission.
Foundation Vice President of the Board of Directors Ron Pearson addresses the 2017 YAF Alumni Luncheon.
Senator Jesse Helms greets students at the Foundation’s 13th National Conservative Student Conference in 1991.
Leaders and the Media on Young America’s Foundation
(Continued from page 12) Shapiro, Michael Knowles, Dinesh D’Souza, Newt Gingrich, Bay Buchanan, Arthur Laffer, Steve Forbes, and Rachel Campos-Duffy, among others—also partner with Young America’s Foundation to inspire students on campus and develop the talent necessary to strengthen our cause. In recent years, YAF has exclusively sponsored campus lectures featuring Shapiro, the most highly sought-after speaker and leading source of new recruits in the Conservative Movement. Shapiro has spoken at more than 50 campuses for the Foundation, regularly drawing hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions, of young viewers to his live-streamed lectures. These young people who join Young America’s Foundation to advance our principles are at the heart of our mission. YAF’s extensive network of students on nearly 2,500 campuses—and the hundreds of hours they commit to learning conservative ideas and strengthening their leadership skills— adds great value to our cause and country. Ensuring that the leaders and students of YAF have the requisite resources to advance our cause are the Foundation’s generous supporters. YAF’s accomplishments over the last five decades are a direct testament to the commitment of the more than 630,000 patriotic Americans who generously support the organization. These loyal supporters have also ensured permanence to the Foundation’s mission by helping to preserve and secure key physical assets that have strengthened the organization’s ability to achieve its mission. Most importantly, in 1998, Young America’s Foundation took the bold step of saving the Reagan Ranch—President Reagan’s Western
“One of the most preeminent, influential…forces in the nation’s conservative youth movement” — Los Angeles Times
“The Reagan Ranch is the ideal setting in which to expose future leaders to the fundamental values President Reagan lived.” — Attorney General John Ashcroft
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Yo u n g A m e r i c a ’ s F o u n d a t i o n 5 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y White House—for the benefit of the nation’s youth. The Foundation subsequently established the 22,000 square-foot Reagan Ranch Center as a “Schoolhouse for Reaganism” in downtown Santa Barbara, offering dynamic, interactive exhibits, a library of conservative resources, and dedicated conference space. Together, the facilities serve as the premier site in the country to educate and inspire young conservatives with Reagan’s freedom philosophy. In 2014, YAF relocated to a new headquarters in Northern Virginia, which has proven useful in the organization’s efforts to host more intimate student programs. These include National Journalism Center seminars; the Road to Freedom Seminar and High School Free Enterprise Leaders Conference, which teach free market ideas; the YAF Chapter Training Seminar, which equips young leaders with the tools to organize effectively on campus; and the Standing Up for Faith & Freedom Seminar, which trains students how to advance conservative ideas on Catholic campuses. Additionally, in 2018, YAF acquired the William & Berniece Grewcock Capitol Hill Townhouse—located steps from United States Senate and House office buildings in Washington, D.C. (see page 11). The property provides an ideal meeting space for Foundation students, alumni, supporters, and allies in Congress and the White House. The prime location also allows the Foundation to expand its reach to the thousands of young people who live and work in the District of Columbia throughout the year. The Foundation’s presence in the nation’s capital, however, began with the inaugural National Conservative Student Conference in 1979, which, along with YAF’s wide range of student conferences and seminars, has brought the most prominent freedom fighters
“An unsurpassed commitment to promoting balance, academic integrity, and free market values on campuses”
Young America’s Foundation saves Rancho del Cielo in 1998, preserving the Western White House as a site to educate and inspire young people with Reagan’s freedom philosophy.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas inspires a YAF audience of 2,400 at Southeast Missouri State University in 1996.
During the Persian Gulf War, students participate in YAF’s Rally for Troops initiative at Washington and Lee University—organized by Foundation alumnus Marc Short and YAF Director Kate Obenshain Keeler.
“Providing the inspiration and direction so tragically lacking on campuses”
Legendary actor Charlton Heston visits the Reagan Ranch to film and narrate the Foundation’s Rancho del Cielo video.
“In the business of inspiring young people with the miracle of freedom” — Senator Ted Cruz
— U.S. Treasurer Bay Buchanan
— Speaker Newt Gingrich Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Yo u n g A m e r i c a ’ s F o u n d a t i o n 5 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y
Students from across the country participate in the inaugural High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch in 2007.
Bestselling author and YAF alumna Katie Pavlich speaks at the 39th annual National Conservative Student Conference.
Author and conservative strategist Michael Reagan meets with students Dexter Winn (left) and Max Winn (right) at the August 2018 High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch.
Foundation Vice President Patrick Coyle addresses students at YAF’s Standing Up for Faith & Freedom Seminar in 2018.
Reagan Ranch Board of Governors members Al and Bette Moore cut the ribbon to open the Reagan Ranch Center for student programs in 2006.
Leaders and the Media on Young America’s Foundation
“The premier organization dedicated to the enrichment of young Americans” — Vice President Dick Cheney
and intellectuals to youth audiences. The Foundation’s programs have hosted top public officials and leading conservatives including Mike Pence (see page 29), Dick Cheney, Lech Walesa, Mike Lee, Jeff Sessions, John Bolton, Newt Gingrich, Sean Duffy, Clarence Thomas, Russell Kirk, Betsy DeVos, Henry Regnery, Oliver North, Charlton Heston, Ben Carson, Kellyanne Conway, Scott Walker, Sarah Palin, José María Aznar, George Allen, Bay Buchanan, Bobby Jindal, Ted Cruz, Marsha Blackburn, Rand Paul, Newt Gingrich, Star Parker, Tim Scott, Jesse Helms, Joe Lieberman, Jim Jordan, and Michele Bachmann, among many others. Leading media personalities and authors at Foundation events have included Tony Snow, Robert Novak, Tom Clancy, Mark Levin, Brad Thor, Laura Ingraham, Kathryn Lopez, Rich Lowry, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity. Accomplished academics and scholars— Walter Williams, Arthur Laffer, Burt Folsom, Robert George, Paul Kengor, George Nash, Victor Davis Hanson, and Nobel Laureates James Buchanan and Vernon Smith—have also educated the young people attending YAF’s programs. Once students gain inspiration from these leaders and programs, they are eager to advance freedom at their schools through YAF’s nationwide campus initiatives. These include the 9/11: Never Forget Project (see page four)—a moving display of nearly 3,000 American flags on each campus that reminds hundreds of thousands of students what is at stake in America’s fight against radical Islam; and Freedom Week, which educates young people about the dangers of communism, socialism, and totalitarianism. Spearheading these initiatives are the nearly 550 Young Americans for Freedom chapters—
“At many schools, [Young America’s Foundation’s] speeches have become the biggest events of the semester.” — TIME
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Yo u n g A m e r i c a ’ s F o u n d a t i o n 5 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y the campus affiliates of the Foundation— around the country. These chapters, operated by the Foundation since 2011, provide young people with a conservative voice at their schools and an alternative to the often one-sided liberal education in the classroom. YAF students are confident and bold in their activism because they know the Foundation has consistently been on the front lines of legal efforts to protect student rights. In 1983, two attendees at the National Conservative Student Conference in Washington, D.C., were arrested for protesting the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan outside of the Soviet Embassy. The Foundation appealed the case all the way to the Supreme Court, securing a victory in 1988. The Supreme Court ruling in Boos v. Barry overturned a 50-yearold law barring protests outside of embassies. In 1995, the Foundation pressured Congress to cut off taxpayer funding to universities hostile to the armed forces, leading to the passage of what is now known as the Solomon Amendment. On appeal, the Supreme Court in 2006 unanimously upheld this law, allowing the U.S. Secretary of Defense to deny federal grants to higher education institutions should they prohibit or prevent ROTC or military recruitment on campus. More recently, in 2018, the Foundation secured one of the most consequential free speech victories in history in YAF v. Janet Napolitano. Together with students at the University of California, Berkeley, YAF forced Berkeley to rescind its unconstitutional “highprofile speaker policy” and its viewpointdiscriminatory security fee policy, as well as abolish its heckler’s veto. The Foundation has also strengthened fair and objective media through the National Journalism Center project (see page nine)—
“Key pillar of the conservative movement” — Politico
More than 450 students attend the Foundation’s 30th annual National Conservative Student Conference in 2008.
Reagan associates Attorney General Ed Meese III, U.S. Secret Service Agent John Barletta, and Judge William Clark tour the Reagan Ranch.
Army ROTC cadets tour the Reagan Ranch in 2005.
“No more effective comeuppance to the pretensions of our leftwing gurus than Young America’s Foundation”
YAF Vice President and Director of the Reagan Ranch Andrew Coffin gives a tour of the Ranch to 11th U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in 2019.
Activist Star Parker inspires students at the National Conservative Student Conference in 2012.
“Free speech is under assault, and YAF is leading the charge to restore it.” — Katie Pavlich
— Milton Friedman Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Yo u n g A m e r i c a ’ s F o u n d a t i o n 5 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y
Young America’s Foundation exclusively sponsors Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief Ben Shapiro to speak on campuses through the Fred Allen Lecture Series.
YAF Vice President and Chief of Staff Jessica Jensen welcomes guests to a booksigning event at YAF’s national headquarters in Reston, Virginia, in 2018.
YAF’s National Journalism Center trains aspiring journalists in the values of responsible, balanced, and accurate reporting.
founded by M. Stanton Evans and later integrated into the Foundation in 2001—which has produced scores of prominent alumni in journalism and media. These accomplished graduates include Malcolm Gladwell, Stephen Hayward, Greg Gutfeld, Tim Carney, John Fund, Sarah Westwood, Jason Mattera, and Gabby Orr, among others. In addition, during the Obama administration, YAF recognized a need to combat the Left’s attacks against entrepreneurs and the free market. In 2013, the Foundation launched the Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise to educate and inspire young people to advance free market ideas among their peers (see page six). This project allows YAF to gain a foothold in key business schools and economics departments, influencing the country’s future entrepreneurs and business leaders. To maximize the breadth and depth of these programs, the
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Foundation has grown its digital properties, allowing it to reach millions of young people nationwide. Since 2007, for instance, the annual viewership of YAFTV—the organization’s YouTube channel—has grown by more than 290,000 percent, from roughly 20,000 to 57 million views. Contrary to media reports and claims from leftist leaders about the rising popularity of socialism among young people, this exponential growth in demand for Young America’s Foundation’s programs and resources demonstrates that students are more eager and willing to hear conservative ideas than ever before. As Vice President Mike Pence told students participating in the 41st annual National Conservative Student Conference this summer, “Men and women of YAF, you’re the future of conservatism in America…As I look out across this crowd, I know the future of conservatism in America is bright.”
“The first substantial national conservative organization” — New York Times
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
More than 1,000 young people attend Young America’s Foundation’s 40th annual National Conservative Student Conference.
“For some 50 years, YAF has been a bulwark of the principles of the American founding.” — Vice President Mike Pence
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A Strong Young America’s Foundation Today Means a Strong America Tomorrow By Wynton C. Hall, Director
Wynton Hall works with Dick Wirthlin, President Ronald Reagan’s chief strategist and pollster, on Wirthlin’s book, The Greatest Communicator.
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ould-be writers and and English at the University aspiring authors often of Florida. That’s when another “As a student, Young America’s ask me where and how I student told me about an got my start as a celebrity upcoming conservative student Foundation speakers and ghostwriter and speechwriter. conference. “It’s called Young literature gave me the intellectual Now having ghostwritten 21 America’s Foundation,” he said. books and seven New York “They bring in top conservative firepower I needed to learn and Times bestsellers, I have been speakers and lots of college kids. blessed along my journey It’s going to be in Atlanta. And master conservative principles.” with influential mentors who the best part is…they’ll even — WYNTON HALL invested time and sagacity into help cover the cost to attend!” I honing the craft of writing. We was all in. all stand on the shoulders of the The first thing I remember giants who came before us. thinking when I arrived at Still, as I trace the trajectory of my career back to pivotal YAF’s Atlanta Regional Conference was: “Wow, these kids inflection points, my mind zooms me back to Atlanta in 1995. are cool; they’re not dorks. They’re also really nice and super I was an undergraduate student studying political science smart. And they share my values and ideals. I’m not alone!” Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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posters at my college apartment. I was probably the only college student at the University of Florida with a giant Ronald Reagan poster taped to his closet door. With the internet then still in its infancy, these vital materials opened my eyes to an exciting world of conservative literature that I might otherwise never have discovered. I devoured the book titles I saw mentioned in YAF articles. Emboldened by my newfound understanding of conservatism, I found myself seeking out opportunities for campus activism. It was intellectually liberating and a harbinger of things to come. After graduating from the University of Florida and earning a Master’s degree in presidential rhetoric from Texas A&M University, I began teaching college courses in communication. When my students expressed an interest in conservative ideas, I pointed them to YAF resources. Several of my pupils, including Foundation alumnus and bestselling author Jerome Hudson, became Hall and Governor Sarah Palin participate in the Foundation’s Reagan 100 Celebration Weekend at the Reagan Ranch Center in 2011. active and outspoken campus conservatives. I took pride in seeing young minds flourish. I Then came the speakers. Phyllis Schlafly, Oliver North, had been a firsthand beneficiary of the value YAF offers; it felt Ron Robinson, and Robert Novak—I sat spellbound as good to pass the torch to rising stars. each speaker taught key conservative principles while Meanwhile, I had also begun co-writing and ghostwriting unapologetically defending freedom and American books with conservative leaders, including President Ronald exceptionalism. After Mr. Novak’s remarks, I worked up the Reagan’s chief strategist and pollster Dick Wirthlin, as well as courage to track him down in the lobby to ask him a question Reagan Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. Those early before he hopped on an elevator. “I’m in a bit of a hurry,” books built the foundation for the creation of my celebrity he said, “but get on the elevator and we can talk while we ghostwriting agency, Wynton Hall & Co., which expanded ride.” I couldn’t believe it. Here was Robert Novak—a living to include books with world leaders, professional athletes, legend—giving a young college kid like me his time and entertainment celebrities, and others. insights. As today’s YAF activists like to say, “#OnlyAtYAF”! I also forged a providential friendship with fellow That first YAF conference in Atlanta left an indelible and Foundation alumnus and Director Peter Schweizer. Our lasting mark on my intellectual and career development. common experience as college YAF activists provided us Soon, I began receiving copies of Libertas and large YAF with a meaningful bond that extended far beyond mere
A Selection of Wynton Hall’s Books
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“networking”; we shared the same values and a commitment to conservative ideals. Today, I am humbled to serve alongside Peter on YAF’s board of directors. Like a constellation of stars, each point along my career path connected in some way back to YAF. As a student, Young America’s Foundation speakers and literature gave me the intellectual firepower I needed to learn and master conservative principles. Later, while serving as a professor on liberal campuses, YAF served as a reliable and respected resource I could point my conservative-leaning students to connect with and tap into. Finally, as a YAF board member, I am privileged to help shape the contours of YAF’s future trajectory as we embark on big, bold, and exciting initiatives to expand the freedom message to students besieged by socialism. To that last point, YAF’s mission today is perhaps more important than at any other time in its existence. It is imperative that Young America’s Foundation remain strong and grow to fight back against the rising tide of radical progressivism and socialism on America’s campuses. Freedom and liberty depend on it. After all, a strong YAF today means a strong America tomorrow.
Hall tours the Reagan Ranch during the Foundation’s President’s Club Weekend in 2008.
Young America’s Foundation students and staff gather with Hall (back center) at the U.S. Capitol during YAF’s 2013 Rhetoric Seminar. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Governor Scott Walker, YAF’s president-elect, meets with students following his remarks at the 41st annual National Conservative Student Conference.
The youngest member of the U.S. Senate, Josh Hawley, challenges student activists to make their voices heard.
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Vice President Mike Pence inspires students during his remarks, featured live on C-SPAN and online.
Vice President Pence, Governor Walker, Senators Cruz and Blackburn Motivate 1,300 at YAF’s 41st Annual National Conservative Student Conference By Kara Zupkus, Program Assistant for Public Relations
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YAF Conference Director Jolie Ballantyne emcees the opening dinner banquet of the conference.
oung America’s Foundation welcomed more than 1,300 participants to its 41st annual National Conservative Student Conference in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, which is the nation’s longest-running conservative youth conference, drew students from 215 colleges and universities and 37 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. YAF Conference Director Jolie Ballantyne kicked off the actionpacked week by welcoming attendees to the opening dinner banquet featuring Young America’s Foundation’s president-elect, Governor Scott Walker. Walker urged the students to push back against the Left’s narrative and continue boldly promoting conservatism on their campuses—even when professors and administrators stand against them. Walker also spoke about his new role with the Foundation, noting that YAF is “the preeminent conservative organization for young people in America.” He stayed long after his remarks to meet and take photos with hundreds of participants and also joined students from Wisconsin, the state which he courageously represented for eight years, for a special breakfast the following morning. After the opening banquet, students enjoyed a twilight tour of the nation’s capital, including stops at the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. The first full day of the conference began with remarks from The King’s College Executive Vice President Brian Brenberg, who highlighted the importance of advancing free enterprise. He encouraged students to discover inspiring narratives of entrepreneurs and success, arguing, “I think if we want to redeem the word ‘profit,’ we have got to find a lot more stories to tell.” Daily Wire host and popular YAF campus lecturer Michael Knowles then took on the Left’s attempts to popularize political correctness. He proclaimed that “the Right…will master our culture Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Recent U.S. Representative Mia Love discusses the importance of promoting common-sense conservatism.
Conference participants take photos with Senator Ted Cruz following his speech on the dangers of political correctness.
by speaking the truth—saying what we mean no matter what the campus inclusion and tolerance police threaten.” Fox News contributor Rachel Campos-Duffy exposed the liberal mainstream media’s impact on young people and asked conservative students to become full participants in the national cultural debate: “We need more of you in the arts and entertainment, and we need you to be happy warriors.” Recent Congresswoman Mia Love followed, motivating students to advocate common-sense, conservative principles. The audience then enjoyed an inside look at a leading conservative publication, with remarks from YAF alumnus and Breitbart News Editor-In-Chief Alex Marlow. Marlow encouraged students to take advantage of the resources Young America’s Foundation offers, sharing that the education and training he received at YAF helped him to launch his career in conservative new media. Students also heard from Marc Short, YAF alumnus and Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence (see page 36). He challenged students to become bolder activists, telling them, “Being a part of Young America’s Foundation and being an activist on campus…helps prepare you more than any other experience you’ll have in college.” At the evening dinner banquet, emceed by talk radio host Larry O’Connor, students heard from another accomplished YAF alumnus, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs John Bolton. Ambassador Bolton addressed some of the most pressing threats facing America, noting, “We must remain vigilant against all attempts from the outside and the inside to erode our national sovereignty.” There was an undeniable buzz of excitement for the next day, which began with inspiring remarks from Vice President Mike Pence (see page 29). During his speech, carried live on C-SPAN, the Vice President highlighted YAF’s work fighting for free speech and conservative values nationwide, describing YAF as a “bulwark of American greatness.” He energized the students, calling on them to lead the charge in advancing freedom across the country: 24
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
(From left) Students Jessica Warner and Nicole Evangelista enjoy participating in the 2019 National Conservative Student Conference.
Senator Marsha Blackburn addresses attendees at a special luncheon.
Senator Rick Scott encourages students to become informed about the economic issues facing America.
Men and women of YAF, you’re the future of conservatism in America. Make no mistake about it. As I look out across this crowd, I know the future of conservatism in America is bright. You’re not just the future leaders of a movement though, you’re leaders right now. The excitement continued into the afternoon, when students heard from Senator Marsha Blackburn during a special luncheon, followed by an informative speech from Senator Josh Hawley, the youngest member of the U.S. Senate. Blackburn praised the attendees’ activism, telling them, “I want to say congratulations to each of you for choosing to be here…There’s begun to be a war on words, and you all are on the front lines of this war.” Hawley encouraged the young leaders to voice their opinions on campus and in their communities, declaring, “We want to be heard, we want to be respected, we want this country to reflect the principles it was founded on, and we’re going to do something about it. And that’s our challenge now!” Princeton University professor Dr. Robert George and Lt. Col. Allen West continued to educate attendees, receiving standing ovations for their respective speeches on the Left’s attacks on traditional values and the importance of the equality of opportunity versus the equality of outcome. The evening dinner banquet featured a longtime Foundation friend and speaker, economist Dr. Walter Williams, who exposed the dangerous growth of government. He noted, “Our government has become destructive of the ends it was created to serve.” As the day came to a close, students advanced their understanding of conservative principles through a “bull session,” during which they discussed and debated a variety of topics with peers late into the evening. The following day began with moving remarks from Senator Tom Cotton, who discussed the history of Arlington National Cemetery—the topic of his new book, Sacred Duty, Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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which was distributed to all attendees. Cotton praised the sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to preserve and protect freedom, stating, “For all of our imperfections, the United States is still the greatest nation the world has ever seen.” Longtime CEO of CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., Andy Puzder then highlighted the success of free enterprise worldwide, and Live Action President Lila Rose provided a passionate defense of the unborn. The Foundation’s longest-serving faculty member, Dr. Burt Folsom, also delivered a memorable lecture, teaching students the stories of heroic entrepreneurs to which young people are not exposed in their classrooms. During remarks carried live on C-SPAN, Senator Ted Cruz slammed the climate of political correctness on college campuses and encouraged students to participate in vigorous debate. He argued, “What is this sense that you have a right not to be offended? You have a right not to hear ideas that are scary? Look, the entire purpose of university is to hear ideas that are scary!” Senator Rick Scott delivered an impassioned speech—also featured live on C-SPAN—about the importance of fiscal responsibility. He argued that it is never too early for students to participate in this discussion, telling them, “You have to be involved in what happens in this country. They’re putting on debt all across this country that they’re expecting you to pay for. They’re passing regulations they expect you to comply with. They’re making it more difficult for you to get a job.” The evening’s dinner—emceed by Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar and 67th Governor of Virginia George Allen—featured talk radio host and bestselling author Dana Loesch, who addressed how young conservatives can help promote personal responsibility. On the final day of the conference, students heard from an inspiring lineup of leading conservative women: Students
Live Action President Lila Rose defends the rights of the unborn.
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for Life President Kristan Hawkins, activist and 37th Treasurer of the United States Bay Buchanan, Tipping Point host Liz Wheeler, and Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women Public Relations Officer Kara Bell. Hawkins discussed the importance of protecting the lives of the unborn, while Buchanan offered advice on how to serve as a courageous leader. Wheeler highlighted the bullying tactics of the Left and provided guidance to students on how to effectively respond to this challenge. Bell delivered a lecture dismantling the myth of the gender pay gap. The week concluded with the Foundation’s annual alumni banquet, featuring YAF alumnus, director, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Peter Schweizer. Reagan Ranch Board of Governors Chairman Frank Donatelli presented Schweizer with the Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing Schweizer’s groundbreaking work exposing corruption at the highest levels of government in Washington, D.C. Schweizer told the audience of students and Foundation alumni, “Being in YAF changed everything. It got me passionate about ideas.” This conference—made possible by lead gifts from the Challenge Foundation and an anonymous sponsor— introduced young people to more conservative speakers in one week than they will hear throughout their entire educational careers. Friends were made, opinions were shaped, and lives were changed at the 41st National Conservative Student Conference. Students left the program energized and inspired to advance their values on campus and beyond. “This conference has changed my life,” said Juliana Wing from James Madison University. “Providing everything from lectures to legal counsel, YAF is giving confidence and a voice to the Conservative Movement,” remarked Nanette McCullough from Drexel University.
Economist Dr. Walter Williams educates students about the proper role of government in a free society.
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
YAF alumnus, Director, and New York Times bestselling author Peter Schweizer (left) receives YAF’s Lifetime Achievement Award from fellow Director and Reagan Ranch Board of Governors Chairman Frank Donatelli.
More than 1,300 young people from 37 states and four countries attend the 41st annual National Conservative Student Conference to learn from nearly 30 accomplished leaders and make likeminded friends.
Senator Tom Cotton discusses his latest book, Sacred Duty.
(From left) Students Sarah Garcia and Shakiba Fadaie enjoy meeting Dana Loesch at the conference.
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Vice President Mike Pence’s Remarks at the 41st Annual National Conservative Student Conference July 31, 2019
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ell, hello, YAF! and I think one of the Thank you most articulate voices for for that warm conservative principles in welcome. To Patrick Coyle America. So join me in and more than 500 young congratulating Governor conservatives gathered here Scott Walker for stepping from all across the United up to take the reins of States, it’s my great honor the Young America’s to join you at the annual Foundation. Congratulations, National Conservative Student Scott. Conference. You are the rising And, finally, let me bring leaders of a generation that is greetings from another friend making America great again. of mine and a man who I It really is great to be with promise you is fighting every all of you. But let me begin by single day for the conservative mentioning a couple of friends ideals and values that have of mine, especially a man who been at the foundation of this Vice President Mike Pence addresses Young America’s Foundation’s 41st built this organization, really, young America’s movement annual National Conservative Student Conference. from scratch over the last 42 from the first day of this years. I watched a lot of it from afar and have had the privilege administration. I bring greetings and admiration from the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald of being involved in the Young America’s Foundation on many Trump. occasions around the country and here in our nation’s capital. I’ll tell you: Greatest honor of my life to serve alongside a I know he couldn’t be here today, but he helped start this President who gets up every day to keep the promises that he annual conference 41 years ago. He’s contributed so much to made to the American people and is renewing the promise of the cause of freedom and the Conservative Movement. Would America. you all just join me in a warm round of applause to YAF The President said all of you are part of a movement President Ron Robinson? He is a truly great American. that, in his words, is “reclaiming your future, rebuilding your And I know, in a pretty short period of time in the next country, restoring your destiny, and renewing the values that year or so, Ron is going to be passing the baton of this great are the true source of American greatness.” So, congratulations organization to another friend of mine who was another to you all. It really is a movement. Midwestern governor, a champion of individual freedom, Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Vice President Mike Pence’s Remarks –––––––––—————––––––– at the 41 Annual National Conservative Student Conference –––––––––—————––––––– st
Then-Congressman Pence and his wife, Karen, enjoy a memorable visit to the Reagan Ranch in 2005.
…It’s a movement that’s been turning our nation back to humbling for me to see the way this organization has grown; the ideals of our Founders for decades. And Young America’s the extraordinary contributions that it’s made to the life Foundation has been an indispensable part of that. of this nation, including the role that the Young America’s For some 50 years, YAF has Foundation played in saving the been a bulwark of the principles of Reagan Ranch. “For some 50 years, YAF has been the American founding. YAF was Back in 2005, Karen and I a bulwark of the principles of the fighting to make America great made a trip with our three kids again, fighting for the values that out to the Reagan Ranch. And I American founding. YAF was have always made this nation strong, have to tell you, I couldn’t help but fighting to make America great long before it was cool. agree with our 40th President: “If it’s not heaven, it probably shares YAF has been out there fighting again, fighting for the values that the same ZIP Code.” The Reagan for the truths of the American have always made this nation Ranch is a national treasure. And founding, for “individual freedom, Young America’s Foundation is to a strong national defense, free strong, long before it was cool.” be commended for preserving it enterprise, and traditional moral for future generations. values.” And because of [YAF’s] The Ranch is where work all across this country, President Reagan signed his historic tax cuts back in 1981; conservative values are winning again. They’re winning hearts where he hosted heads of state; where he made countless and minds and winning on campuses all across America. decisions that changed the destiny of our nation in his time I actually have been involved with YAF since I was and have inspired this generation to do the same. first elected to Congress almost 20 years ago. And I don’t I was about your age during the Reagan Revolution…It even want to know where you people were back then. It’s 30
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Vice President Pence delivers an inspiring speech to hundreds of students in Washington, D.C., and millions watching live on C-SPAN and online.
was a time when there was a President in the White House who was putting into practice the conservative ideals of the American founding; who was putting into practice the economic principles of Milton Friedman, the political philosophy of Russell Kirk. And I have to tell you, as I look out at all of your bright and shining faces, I can’t help but think that you are coming of age in a time just like it. Another outsider who has come to Washington, D.C., to fight for everyday Americans, an outsider who’s rebuilding our military, reviving our economy, restoring constitutional principles to our courts. President Donald Trump is leading America back. And yours is the generation that’s helped make that possible. …There’s an old proverb that says there’s nothing new under the sun; that what is now has been before. But I’ll tell you what: If you look back at the days of Ronald Reagan, if you look at the time of the way the media and the political class treated Ronald Reagan when he hit town, it’ll come across pretty familiar from the times in which you live today. The truth of the matter is, back in that day, we had a President who turned his face like flint against the wind…And I promise you we’ve got the same kind of strength in President
Donald Trump. He’s fighting every day to make this country safe and prosperous. And we’ve already started to drain that swamp! Over the last two and a half years, guided by the timeless principles of this Conservative Movement, under this President’s leadership, we’ve seen a conservative renaissance. …And the results have really been remarkable. The economy that awaits you on graduation is not only the strongest economy on the face of the Earth, it is the most prosperous economy in the history of this country. That’s what we call good timing. And I just want to encourage all of you folks that see graduation day not too far down the road, there are actually more job openings in America today than there are people looking for work. And that’s almost never happened. The truth is…because of the principles that you supported and the leadership you’ve supported from the White House to the Congress to statehouses across the country, businesses large and small across this country have created more than six million new jobs. The unemployment rate has hit a 50-year low. And we’ve seen the lowest unemployment rate ever recorded for AfricanYoung America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Americans and Hispanic-Americans. The American Dream is freedom of religion. Like the freedom of speech. And like the working again for every American. Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Wages are rising at the fastest pace they have in more So, men and women, we’ve stood for liberty, for the rule of than ten years. More Americans are working today than ever law, for the foundation of our constitutional liberties—all the before. things that Young America’s Foundation has been all about And I know it’s particularly important to the President since its founding. that wages are rising most rapidly for working families, for And I have to tell you, beyond all of that, I couldn’t be more blue-collar Americans. The truth of the matter is that the proud to serve as Vice President to a President who stands fastest wage increases are for people that are going to work without apology for sanctity of human life. President Donald at our factories and plants across the country. In a word, Trump is the most pro-life President in American history. the forgotten men and women of America are forgotten no And YAF has been an indispensable partner in these efforts more. This economy is working for everybody. over the last two and a half years. And I really wanted to come …The truth is, you look around America, folks—jobs are by just to commend you and also to tell you that our work is far back. Confidence is back. In a word, America is back. But we’re from done. But the work you’ve done has truly been inspiring. just getting started, YAF! For instance, in 2017, the But beyond this growing University of California, Berkeley, “When it comes to freedom economy, I’m proud to report, as a state school which remarkably the father of a United States Marine, was the home of the Free Speech of speech, the Trump this President has worked from day movement in the 1960s, tried to administration and YAF are one to make the strongest military restrict conservative organizations in the history of the world stronger from hosting speakers. But it standing shoulder to shoulder, still. Under President Trump’s was the men and women of YAF and we always will.” leadership, we’ve already seen the who stood up. You fought this largest increase in our national policy. You took it to court. And defense since the days of Ronald when you did, this administration Reagan. And with that renewed stood with you. American strength, the United States is once again embracing And last December, after more than a year of litigation, we our role as leader of the free world. won. UC Berkeley changed its policies on freedom of speech How great is it to have a President who is standing up for because of all of you. Well done, YAF. America on the world stage instead of apologizing for America But when it comes to freedom of speech, the Trump to the world? How great is it? administration and YAF are standing shoulder to shoulder, Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re standing with and we always will. This administration has filed briefs in our allies, and we’re standing up to our enemies. The truth three other campus free speech cases. And in every case, the is, our NATO allies are contributing more to our common courts have either agreed with our position or the schools have defense than ever before. changed their policies. And last year, you saw this President stand with our most And under this administration, I promise you, with the cherished ally when he kept a promise that four administrations strong support and leadership of Young America’s Foundation, had made before him, and he moved the American embassy to freedom is winning on campuses all across America, and we Jerusalem, the capital of the state of Israel. are not going to stop until the freedom of speech is restored on This President has actually appointed more judges to every campus in this land. our federal courts of appeals in the last two years than any …This President has led this movement and led this nation President in American history. And they are all principled back. But that’s just what this President likes to call a “good conservatives who will uphold the God-given liberties start.” …But the truth is, as I stand before all of you today, I also enshrined in our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Like the want to challenge you because we’ve got a lot more work to do. 32
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And to this rising generation of conservative leaders from and that determination—that great American spirit that’s all across America, let me just say, thanks for showing up. You been present throughout the generations since the founding of picked a great time to be in this fight. But this is your moment. this country—to the cause in the days ahead. To finish what we started, President Trump and I are As I stand before you today, I see a remarkable group. I counting on all of you. We need your voices, and we need your think about all that YAF has done over the last 50 years to energy. We need your vision as never before. renew and strengthen the foundations of this nation. And I’m America was founded on a very simple principle, and that confident. I’m confident we’re going to continue to build on principle was freedom. the progress that we’ve made. …It was freedom, not socialism, that gave us the strongest But, men and women of YAF, you’re the future of and most prosperous nation in the history of the world. conservatism in America. Make no mistake about it. And as I It was freedom, not socialism, that ended slavery, won two look out across this crowd, I know the future of conservatism world wars, and stands in America is bright. today as a beacon of You’re not just hope for all the world. the future leaders of It was freedom, a movement though, not socialism, that is you’re leaders right moving us beyond the now. And I want you prejudices of the past to know that. I want to create a more perfect you to know we’re union and extend the counting on you. blessings of liberty There’s going to to every American be challenges ahead, regardless of race or so my admonition creed or color. to each one of you I want to say to this morning is: this rising generation, Prepare yourselves. the moment America Prepare your minds becomes a socialist for action…We Vice President Pence greets student Courage Nwogwugwu-Ekwonye at the National Conservative Student Conference. Official White House Photo - D. Myles Cullen country is the moment need to win the next America ceases to be generation. America. So we must say in this movement, with one voice, Each one of you has a role to play in your generation. Go as President Trump said in his State of the Union Address, and tell freedom’s story, and make sure that the siren song of “America will never be a socialist country.” socialism doesn’t take hold in the hearts of your generation; …There’s an old saying that the definition of insanity that the freedom that is our birthright as Americans is is trying the same thing over and over again and expecting preserved and expanded and is a beacon of hope for all the a different result. Socialism has been tried in dozens of world. countries all over the world, from Venezuela to North But no one can speak to your generation quite as effectively Korea. And socialism has never worked before. It doesn’t as you can. And so I want to challenge you. In the words of work now. And the American people should reject socialism the late Russell Kirk, to this rising generation: “Redeem the and embrace freedom with renewed energy and vigor. And I time.” To redeem the time, renew your mind. Be men and know we will. women of discipline and conviction. …As President Reagan used to say, “Freedom is never more Understand the foundations of this country. Take time to than one generation away from extinction.” And I know you read and study. Sit down with a mentor that you admire, who all know that here. And I know that you’ll bring that energy understands the roots of American greatness. And simply Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Hundreds of student attendees take photos with Vice President Pence following his remarks.
listen and take notes. Find your role in freedom’s story, and play it. Because this is your time. And I leave here today with renewed faith. And I want you to have faith in the days ahead. Faith in the principles of the American founding, enshrined in our Declaration and our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Have faith in the leaders, from this President and conservatives in Congress and statehouses all across the land; courageous men and women who are defending the freedom and the values that have always made this country great and are making this country great again. Have faith in the American people—that if we hold the banner of freedom high, if we put into practice those words that are carved into the Liberty Bell to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land and unto all the inhabitants thereof,” the American people will rally to our cause, just as they’ve always done. 34
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
And finally, have faith in Him who placed this miracle of democracy on these wilderness shores so many centuries ago, that when we make freedom our cause, we’re making His work on this Earth our own. For where the spirit of the Lord is, there’s freedom. That means freedom always wins. So, men and women of YAF, let’s keep on fighting. Let’s keep on winning. And with your support…and with God’s help, we will renew this nation. We will strengthen the foundations of America. We will make America more prosperous and secure than ever before. And we will keep making America great again. Thank you very much. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America. These remarks have been condensed.
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A L U M N I
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An Interview with Marc Short Chief of Staff to the Vice President Assistant to the President By Raj Kannappan, Editor
President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Marc Short walk through the West Wing Colonnade following a meeting in the Oval Office. Official White House Photo - Tia Dufour
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ver the span of five decades, Young America’s Foundation has developed a track record of recruiting students who show promise and helping to develop them into leaders who serve the Conservative Movement and the country. Marc Short is a YAF alumnus who embodies the best of what the Foundation offers. Short serves as Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and Assistant to the President. He previously served as White House director of legislative affairs in the Trump administration.
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Short began his involvement with YAF as a student activist at Washington and Lee University, hosting campus lectures and interning at the Foundation. He then served on YAF’s staff as national director and the first executive director of the Reagan Ranch from 1998 to 2001. Short is not the only member of his family closely involved with the Foundation. His father, Richard Short, was a loyal YAF supporter. His wife, Kristen Short, served on staff as conference director and development director. The Shorts’ son, Jonathan,
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
recently attended the Foundation’s National Conservative Student Conference and high school programs at both the Reagan Ranch and national headquarters. Short’s involvement with YAF came full circle in 2018, as he addressed the Foundation’s 40th annual National Conservative Student Conference—the same program he helped organize in the early 1990s as an intern. The Foundation presented Short with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this conference. We are proud to call Marc Short a YAF alumnus and pleased to offer this exclusive interview.
Libertas: What were some important experiences that shaped you as a conservative? ————————————————————
Short: I saw my dad’s passion for conservatism up close during my childhood. He lived out his convictions and really believed in fighting for more freedom and less government. That made a big impression on me. I really found my voice as a conservative as a college student at Washington and Lee University (W&L).
Libertas: You interned with Young America’s Foundation in the early 1990s. What did you take away from your internship? —————————————————
students, and he asked us if we would help start up this project. It was such an incredible opportunity. We were just married, and we had the chance to move out to Santa Barbara. We gladly accepted.
Short: The experience that really helped to shape my philosophical Libertas: Managing the launch of the thinking and career trajectory Reagan Ranch project must have been was my summer internship a big job early in your career. How did with YAF. I was responsible you tackle that responsibility? ———————————————————— for helping to organize YAF’s National Conservative Student Short: Ron [Robinson] trusted us, and Conference in Washington, D.C. we leaned on some key leaders. We relied I was given an incredible amount on these people, including Ed Meese and of responsibility, and that was Bill Clark, for advice and guidance on a positive experience for me at President Reagan and the Ranch. that stage in my life. I appreciated that YAF offered a wide spectrum Short meets with Attorney General Ed Meese III at YAF’s 14th of conservative speakers and annual National Conservative Student Conference in 1992. allowed students to make up “The experience that I graduated in 1992, and during my their own minds about issues, rather really helped to shape time at W&L, there were significant than telling students they had to adhere cultural changes happening on campus. to a particular view. my philosophical The students and alumni were mostly conservative, but the liberal faculty and Libertas: What led you to become the thinking and career university leadership were permitting first executive director of the Reagan trajectory was my multiculturalism and progressivism to Ranch? ———————————————————— creep into campus life. summer internship Short: I had been working for Ollie with YAF.” Libertas: What activities were you North, and my wife, Kristen, had been involved with at W&L? working for YAF as conference director. — MARC SHORT ———————————————————— Ron [Robinson] shared with us that YAF Short: My first significant involvement was considering purchasing the Reagan with YAF was hosting Dinesh D’Souza Ranch and using it as a site to reach more for a campus lecture. He has always been a great communicator. At the time, he had just published Illiberal Education, and his ability to expose the cultural changes taking place on college campuses—particularly in the Northeast—served as a good warning for us at W&L. I then hosted a number of other YAF speakers, including Ed Meese and Ollie North. A group of us also organized a Rally for Troops during the Gulf War to support our armed forces and victory in the Persian Gulf. W&L students were mostly a patriotic group, so there was a large group of students from campus and from nearby colleges who participated. We hosted POW Jeremiah (From left) Following YAF’s purchase of the Reagan Ranch in 1998, Foundation President Ron Robinson, Denton for a speech, which was a Development Director Kristen Short, Reagan Ranch Executive Director Marc Short, and YAF Director particularly memorable experience. Thomas L. Phillips tour the property. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
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Short: I had good justices who will influence the worked for Mike country for decades to come—these are Pence for a number profound opportunities. I’m grateful to of years when he play a part in this. was in Congress, Libertas: Most Americans don’t get to and I had gotten to know him well. engage so closely with Vice President Pence. What has been your experience Upon entering with him? the White House, ———————————————————— President Trump asked Pence to lead Short: There is no public servant the administration’s I’ve admired more than Mike Pence, and serving him is a true blessing. I’ve efforts on Capitol learned a great deal from him—how Hill. I knew many to stay grounded in my faith and of the players in understand that what matters most is Congress, and Short and his wife, Kristen, meet with Reagan Ranch Board of Governors Pence asked me to my eternal relationship with God. Chairman Frank Donatelli during YAF’s 2018 Rawhide Circle Retreat. manage the day-toIt was great timing for YAF to purchase day work on Capitol Hill. So I was named Libertas: How do you manage your commitments to serving the Vice the Ranch. Reagan’s fight with Alzheimer’s White House legislative affairs director President and your family? had become publicized by then, and and Assistant to the President. ———————————————————— here was this organization purchasing Libertas: Which of the Trump Short: My family is great about the President’s property to train future administration’s accomplishments are understanding the sacrifices we all have leaders. We received positive coverage you most proud of? to make to serve. They recognize that from the national media, including the this job isn’t forever. The Lord has called New York Times, Washington Post, and the ———————————————————— Short: I’m a fairly traditional us to these roles. It’s an amazing blessing Today show. Public interest was high, and conservative, so I’m proud of our to be able to serve the American people YAF had a good story to tell. deregulatory work, the 2017 tax cuts— and help get government out of their which are rivaled only by Reagan’s tax lives. Libertas: Who most influenced you as cuts—our pro-life achievements, and the The Vice President is terrific about you got started with your career? conservative judges we’ve confirmed. The understanding his staff’s personal ———————————————————— judicial accomplishments may end up commitments, but the reality is that Short: I have to point to my dad first. being the biggest legacy He was so committed to advancing of the administration. freedom, and I was surrounded by politics growing up. Libertas: What Ron [Robinson], who was my first do you find most boss, also had a big impact on me. YAF was my first work environment, and I got rewarding about your the great benefit of watching and learning role today? ——————————— from how Ron managed the staff and Short: I care deeply developed a vision for the organization. about the conservative Ollie [North] influenced me greatly, principles that the in more ways than one. He has been a administration is mentor to me, and I credit him for my advocating. Working faith. Here is a tough Marine who also for the President and led deeply moving prayer groups. Vice President to advance policies that Libertas: How did your involvement in rebuild our military, the Trump administration come about? Robinson presents Short with the Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement cut taxes, and confirm Award at the 40th annual National Conservative Student Conference. ————————————————————
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Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
President Trump meets with Vice President Pence, Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, and Short in the Oval Office.
there is always some emergency that comes up, which means we have to juggle our obligations at the last minute. I’m sure I don’t manage all of this as well as I should. My wife is the most understanding and patient person in the world.
Short: I’m miserable at talking about my five-year plan. I’ve never had a set path. It took me a while, but I eventually figured out that it’s not my plan; it’s God’s plan. Instead of trying to lay out a perfect plan, I try to discern what God’s plan for me is. That has freed me up.
Libertas: How did your experiences with YAF help prepare you for your career?
Libertas: Your son, Jonathan, has attended YAF’s programs. Is this something you pushed him to do?
————————————————————
————————————————————
Short: YAF helped me learn how to be persuasive without turning people off. Sometimes, as young campus activists, we have a righteous perspective and feel strongly about our views. But it’s important to be able to make arguments without burning bridges. For example, our three kids attend our local public schools. We are raising them in an environment where they have friends from all backgrounds, and we meet and know parents with a range of views. I want other parents to feel comfortable having a real conversation with us, not say, “Oh, he works for the Trump administration, so I can’t talk to him.”
Short: No. In fact, we really haven’t pushed him at all. Jonathan is incredibly bright, and he has always loved history and debates. His involvement with YAF and interest in the issues have become a way for us to bond as a family. We hope Jonathan’s siblings, Christopher and Savannah, get involved with YAF as they get older.
Libertas: What more do you hope to accomplish in your career? ————————————————————
Libertas: What advice would you give to a young person considering getting involved with the Conservative Movement? ————————————————————
Short: Don’t look through the lens of wanting to work for the White House or Congress. Instead, find the right people whom you admire and create a good work environment. That’s where you’ll learn the most. I didn’t go to work on Capitol Hill until my mid-30s, and that didn’t set me
Official White House Photo - Joyce N. Boghosian
back, even though I thought it might. I found the right people, and everything else sorted itself out. In the Vice President’s office, we look for people who fit our culture— who put their personal ambitions aside and seek to serve the American people, the Vice President, and the administration. Libertas: Supporters like your dad have made YAF’s work possible. What would you tell someone considering making a gift to YAF? ————————————————————
Short: First, it’s great to gain that sense of supporting someone’s future and changing someone’s life for the better. So few students are given the opportunity to hear conservative ideas, values, and beliefs. This is such a meaningful purpose in and of itself. Second, I would encourage potential supporters to look at YAF’s track record of stewardship. YAF doesn’t have peaks and valleys. There is great consistency in the financial stewardship and growth of YAF, and donors can rest assured that their gifts will be used responsibly and for their intended purpose.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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S U P P O R T E R
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An Interview with Ray & Susie Screbant By Amy Brooker, Development Officer
At that time, Young America’s Foundation was not even on our radar. We didn’t know about YAF until we first visited the Ranch in 2010. But we were intrigued. Since then, we’ve fallen in love with YAF and the people of the organization. Libertas: What do you recall about your first visit to the Reagan Ranch? ————————————————————
Ray and Susie Screbant meet President Ronald Reagan in 1997.
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ay and Susie Screbant are passionate supporters of Young America’s Foundation who split their time between Bell Canyon, California, and Rhinelander, Wisconsin. They have been involved with YAF for nearly ten years, generously sponsoring the Standing Up for Faith & Freedom Seminar, Freedom Sanctuary at the Reagan Ranch, and other key programs and projects. They have four married daughters and twelve grandchildren, with a thirteenth on the way. Ray and Susie celebrated their 50th anniversary in October, one month prior to YAF’s 50th anniversary.
“Visiting the Reagan Ranch was one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever received because it got us involved with YAF, which has been such a big part of our life for the past ten years.” — RAY & SUSIE SCREBANT
Libertas: How were you introduced to Young America’s Foundation? ————————————————————
Ray & Susie: Ashley Reagan (Ronald Reagan’s granddaughter) is a teacher at St. Mel School—where our daughters and four of our grandchildren began their educations. She offered a tour of the
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Reagan Ranch at an auction at Louisville High School, which our daughters attended after St. Mel. We won the tour. By then, our conservatism had come out, and everyone knew we were going to take the tour!
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
Ray & Susie: We’ll never forget the day. Everything about the Ranch spoke to Reagan’s humility, work ethic, and appreciation for nature. When you go to the Ranch, you get to know the character of Reagan, in addition to his achievements. Visiting the Reagan Ranch was one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever received because it got us involved with YAF, which has been such a big part of our life for the past ten years. We are so grateful. Libertas: Today’s college and high school students don’t have first-hand memories of Ronald Reagan. What are your memories of Reagan? ————————————————————
Ray & Susie: We met Ronald Reagan in his Century City office in April 1997. There was still a twinkle in his eye, but he was on his way for the long goodbye. He meant so much to us. We just enjoyed knowing that he led us as our Governor and President through the 1970s and 80s. He gave us an uplifting feeling about our country. He brought patriotism back to us when it had been diminished. That was the main thing we appreciated about Reagan. His values also helped us thrive in business. We didn’t realize then the total impact he would have on our country and how much we would miss him.
Libertas: As we move further from the Reagan Presidency, what are the most important lessons you think young people can learn at the Ranch? ————————————————————
Ray & Susie: We are amazed by the genius of Ron Robinson to recognize the need in the 1990s to preserve the legacy of Ronald Reagan by preserving the Ranch. I don’t think even Ron realized the impact it would have on young people moving forward. Visiting the Ranch—where Reagan lived—is truly a portal for young people to really understand Reagan’s character and the principles he cherished. You can Vice President Mike Pence welcomes Ray and Susie to the U.S. Naval Observatory during Young America’s Foundation’s Rawhide Circle Retreat in Washington, D.C., in 2019. talk and read history books, but when you see and touch the Ranch, it has a real impact. peaceful dirt road to Freedom Wall. correct activist. It’s a good feeling to have A young YAF staffer was standing that freedom to communicate with likeLibertas: You have been a key part minded people. That is consistent, without there. He spoke to us about Freedom of many YAF programs at the Reagan Wall and its purpose. We looked over the exception, across all YAF student and Ranch and elsewhere. What keeps you supporter programs. horizon and saw a big hole in the ground engaged? filled with two feet of water. We asked ———————————————————— Libertas: Do you have any favorite YAF about that hole, and he told us about the Ray & Susie: An important point speakers? seasonal lake that Ronald Reagan had ———————————————————— we recognized right away—and what wanted to line, just like he had done with makes YAF experiences so great—is Ray & Susie: We love the speakers who Lake Lucky. The staffer said YAF needed “birds of a feather flock together.” When are on campus all the time: Ben Shapiro, a sponsor to finish this project, and we we get into a YAF group, we are totally Michael Knowles, Dinesh D’Souza…they just looked and said, “We’ll do it!” unreserved. We say what we feel and are one of a kind. These are incredibly agile We were moved. We were excited to what we believe, and we know we are not intellectuals who can handle anything. fulfill Reagan’s last wish for his beloved going to get criticized by some politically They are all on the same page based Rancho del Cielo. on a very simple thing: We later sponsored Freedom truth. To quote Robbie Sanctuary to help recognize the many George of Princeton people, who believe as we do, that the University, “We’ve got young people of our nation are the the facts on our side.” If primary and most important element in you have a command of preserving America’s greatness. We have the facts, you will never to take charge and support YAF’s mission lose an argument. of making a conservative impact on the young leaders. Without these many Libertas: What is the supporters, the mission will struggle. most rewarding YAF We think of Freedom Sanctuary as a project you’ve been tribute to those who really support and involved with? perpetuate our shared cause! ————————————
Ray and Susie participate in YAF’s Rawhide Circle Retreat at the Reagan Ranch Center in 2016.
Ray & Susie: In 2011, we attended President’s Club Weekend at the Ranch. Having toured the Ranch home the year before, we instead wandered down the
Libertas: What do you hope to achieve with YAF moving forward? ————————————————————
Ray & Susie: We want to see YAF reach new levels. We want to have many more programs, have new impact on campuses, and do things we haven’t
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Ray and Susie’s family gathers with Governor Scott Walker and his wife, Tonette, to dedicate Freedom Sanctuary at the Reagan Ranch in 2016.
done before—on a grander scale. We’ve seen YAF’s programs move to state-of-the-art online platforms, which expands the whole ball game. Governor Scott Walker (YAF’s president-elect) has similar objectives of expanding and growing YAF in this brave new world we live in. We are excited to see the impact YAF
is having. We truly feel like we are seeing a rebirth of the 1960s on campuses, only in reverse. The radicals of the 60s were liberals, and now the free-thinking young people are conservatives! Libertas: Are you optimistic about the future of the country? ————————————————————
Ray & Susie: As far as the future goes, Ronald Reagan was the eternal optimist. He saw the shining city. The future is dependent on how successful we are in our project. That project will go on forever. We have to stand up and be bold. We, as adults, need to help our young people to stand up and be bold. That’s a message that rings out loud and clear among YAF’s speakers. They encourage young people to be proud, confident, courageous, and assertive. It’s exciting to see these kids taking on the establishment. Why do they do it? They are brave, smart kids, but they don’t want to shoot themselves in the foot. They do it because they know they have YAF behind them. ————————————————————
Lt. Col. Allen West greets Ray and Susie following his remarks at the Rawhide Circle Retreat in 2013.
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Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | 50th Anniversary Issue 2019
Young America’s Foundation thanks Ray and Susie Screbant for their generosity and commitment to advancing the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values among young people. For information about giving to YAF, please call 800-USA-1776 or visit YAF.org.
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oung America’s Foundation staff and students meet with Vice President Mike Pence prior to his remarks at YAF’s 41st annual National Conservative Student Conference. (Pictured from left: Vice President Patrick Coyle, Kate Westa, Spokesman Spencer Brown, Director of YAF Chapter Services Kyle Ferrebee, Vice President Pence, Conference Director Jolie Ballantyne, Sarah Long, Bryan O’Shea, and Parker Bowman.)