Make your voice and opinion heard on campus
By Ally Ortolani// Organizations Editor
The Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) chapter on High Point University’s campus provides a way for students to advocate their political opinions. Given the prevalence and divide of politics, students should use their power to voice his or her views. However, those students in favor of the idea of limited government, individual freedom, free enterprise, and supporting traditional values, and strong national defense should take advantage of the Young Americans for Freedom chapter on campus. Young Americans for Freedom provides a safe climate for students to freely express conservative values and encourages others to energize other students’ political views. Young Americans for Freedom has a variable amount of chapters across the nation and was initially founded on Sept. 11, 1960, by young conservatives who met at the home of William F. Buckley Jr. and wrote its founding document: the Sharon Statement. Currently, the Young Americans for Freedom remains a strong force for conservative causes across college campuses.
The chapter on HPU’s campus is still relatively new and presently has a sizeable amount of active members who frequently engage in various on-campus events, such as informational sessions at the Slane Philanthropy tables. However, on a more serious matter, this past September, members of the Young Americans for Freedom held a project titled “9/11 Never Forget Project,” which was a night of remembrance for the lives and legacies lost during the horrific terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.
“Thank you to everyone who came out last night and made this year’s 9/11 Never Forget Project such a success,” said a quote on the organization’s Facebook page. “The lives and legacies of those we lost on this day 17 years ago are in our hearts today and every day. #NeverForget.” Students were able to plant a flag outside of Slane and Wanek Center in remembrance of the lives lost.
The Young Americans for Freedom additionally provides many opportunities for students who are interested. Last fall members were able to attend the Chicago Freedom Conference where they spoke on ways students can become advocates for freedom on campus.
Members during the beginning of the previous semester were also able to attend a White House Brief where they met and listened to the Deputy Political Director. The Young Americans for Freedom chapter at HPU prides itself on the many opportunities it provides for students to get involved.
Some of the benefits the Young Americans for Freedom provide is the opportunity for students to meet with other conservative students, engage in intellectual, political conversations with students of like-minded beliefs, and attend national conferences and seminars that range from Washington D.C. and elsewhere around the country. Students are additionally able to develop organizational and activism skills that will be useful to potential employers as well as one’s personal growth.
“Some of our members attended a White House Brief where they met and listened to the Deputy Political Director @yaf_ #YAFcon,” quoted by the organization on Instagram post from Janurary.
“The Young Americans for Freedom organization allows me to voice my own opinions and beliefs while also volunteering for great causes,” said Thomas Gregory, a sophomore at HPU. “I believe everyone should and must speak up on the events that are currently transpiring in society.”
Regardless of the party students may resonate with, it is undoubtedly crucial to use one’s voice to be heard. Luckily, HPU has given the opportunity for students of any party to do such. Be sure to check out announcements or events posted on HPU’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom on Facebook @hpuyaf or Instagram @hpu_yaf.
Students volunteered by planting flags outside of Slane and Wanek Center for the “9/11 Never Forget Project.” Photos by highpoint.edu