The Young Americans for Freedom Board of Governors named the University of Iowa YAF (Iowa YAF) the 2023 Chapter of the Year and New Mexico State University YAF (NMSU YAF) the inaugural 2023 Rookie of the Year.
In recognition for their leadership in boldly promoting conservatism on campus, YAF has awarded Iowa YAF a $10,000 grant and NMSU YAF a $5,000 grant to bring conservative speakers to their campus this upcoming school year. The announcement was held at the National Conservative Student Conference in Washington, D.C.
University of Iowa YAF
Despite facing doxing, stalking, threats, and harassment, Iowa YAF stood firm in their beliefs. The chapter hosted Lt. Col. Allen West to a standing-room-only crowd and organized the largest conservative event in the school’s history, drawing 850 people to hear from Matt Walsh on his What is a Woman? tour.
Iowa YAF participated in YAF’s national activism initiatives and developed their own, including a “Detransition Table” held on the Trans Day of Visibility. Students threw crumpled posters and dirty underwear and dumped water on the chapter’s tables, and over a dozen leftist student organizations called for Iowa YAF to be kicked off campus. But Iowa YAF did not blink in the face of this Leftist intimidation.
Iowa YAF Chair Jasmyn Jordan stated “Despite facing threats and opposition, our conviction remains unshaken. We have stepped outside our comfort zones, engaged with the campus and surrounding communities, and remained steadfast in our activism.”
New Mexico State University YAF
After starting the chapter at last year’s NCSC, NMSU YAF returned to campus and made an immediate impact, participating in YAF’s 9/11: Never Forget Project and organizing multiple pro-life initiatives on campus. The highlight of NMSU YAF’s rookie year was hosting Matt Walsh on campus to a crowd of over 500 people. Starting from just the chapter leadership at the start of the year, NMSU YAF grew to over 50 members and is just getting started.
In response to being announced the winner, Jewel Navarette, NMSU YAF chair, stated “We are honored to have received Rookie Chapter of the Year! It is not easy being a conservative on a primarily liberal campus, but with the support of YAF we are able to succeed in our conservative efforts. We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish next year! Go Aggies!”
YAF congratulates both Iowa YAF and NMSU YAF on their fantastic years, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish this upcoming year.
If you are interested in bringing Young Americans for Freedom to your college or high school, reach out to YAF Program Officer for Chapter Services Charlie Jones!
