"You owe it to your philosophy to learn how to win." This statement by Morton C. Blackwell, president of the Leadership Institute, rightly applies to the members of Youth for Western Civilization.
As part of our mission to "organize, educate, and train activists dedicated to the revival of Western Civilization", YWC sent representatives from Liberty University in Virginia, Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, Auburn University in Alabama, San Diego State University in California, and Washington State University in Washington, to the Youth Leadership School (YLS) in Arlington, Virginia on December 5-6.
During the two days of political "boot-camp," the YWC members were taught how to effectively recruit members, host activism events, garner publicity, and manage crisis situations. During one of the YLS group activities, Daniel Ashwood, vice president of Liberty University YWC, proudly shared his group's "balloon poster" that took a stance against illegal immigration:
Paul Welch, president of Auburn University YWC, felt the experience was well worth the trip and the long, arduous hours. He made it clear he gained valuable knowledge and left with enthusiasm to implement the techniques learned during the training: “The Leadership Institute's Youth Leadership School provided me with essential training for launching a career in politics and effectively recruiting others to my student organization. Since completing the training, I utilized the recruiting techniques and the membership of my chapter has doubled.”
Most importantly, over the course of the weekend the members of YWC built camaraderie with each other. On Friday, the national YWC leadership held a social gathering for all the attendees. Everyone took a trip to the nearby Iwo Jima Memorial and had the opportunity to meet YWC president and founder, Kevin DeAnna, vice president, Devin Saucier, and East Coast field director, Amanda Prevette. The campus leaders shared battle stories, successes, and exchanged ideas for the coming new year.
After learning valuable techniques in political technology and forming lasting friendships, YWC members left Arlington with a renewed sense of purpose and guidance, ready for the battles ahead.
