‘Youth for Ron Paul’ Member Total Exceeds 110,000 Lifelong Small-Government Activists

Supporters in 627 nationwide chapters commit to lasting political reform as they carry responsibility to govern their lives and bring about real change

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that its ‘Youth for Ron Paul’ (YFP) program membership has surpassed the 110,000 mark.

Since the program launched in September 2011, and as of yesterday, the number of YFP members was 110,880.  Members have established 627 sanctioned chapters in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

Young supporters including college-age activists and new workforce entrants established these chapters nationwide to remain politically involved expressly to challenge the status quo, bring about lasting prosperity, and work toward the full, permanent restoration of their economic and civil liberties.  Ron Paul, the champion of these aims, often declares that the free-market and constitutional ideas he espouses are young ones, and that an idea whose time has come stands no chance of being stopped.  The intellectual revolution youth are bringing about, then, is a manifestation of all that Dr. Paul hopes to achieve through his lifelong advocacy and pursuit of our nation’s highest office.

“Young Americans are often viewed as a solid constituency for the left and establishment Washington, who make promise after promise about a federal government that will ‘take care of them’ from cradle to the grave.  Now it’s clear that more than 110,000 young Americans reject this empty rhetoric and have committed themselves to the principles of constitutionally-limited government and the restoration of their economic and civil liberties as real solutions to our nation’s challenges,” said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Manager John Tate.

Editor's note: 110,000 people say that the GOP cannot win against Barack Obama unless Ron Paul is the nominee.

Synergy and Cohesion in the Liberty Movement

By Zach Foster

A heavily edited version was originally published in April by Young Americans for Liberty

Syn-er-gy. n. 1. The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. 2. Cooperative interaction among groups, especially among the acquired subsidiaries or merged parts of a corporation, that creates an enhanced combined effect.

This is a very delicate subject, but please approach it with an open mind, and know that in no way do I wish to threaten YAL’s non-partisan, non-profit status in the writing of this communique to my fellow liberty activists.

First of all I must congratulate all the YAL chapters who have actively established and maintained a presence on their campuses and nearby towns.  The many protests and creative demonstrations against violations of privacy and dignity by the TSA have made the papers in many cities.  YAL members have shown that they have what it takes to raise awareness to the issues.

However, I am concerned with a perceived lack of unity among different factions within the greater liberty movement.  For example, in California there have been many complaints of YAL chapter members being hesitant or opposed to partner in activism with members of Youth for Ron Paul.  Among Youth for Ron Paul, there is widespread opposition to working with grass roots activists.  Furthermore, though this gap is being bridged, there are still liberty factions within the Republican Party who will not work with Libertarian Party members to enact change, and vice versa.

I fully understand that overtly doing so would threaten tax-exempt and legal statuses of these various organizations.  However, let us not forget that we are individuals, and as individuals we have a freedom of association.  This author happens to be a member of various organizations, from YAL and YFP to the state defense force.  However, being a member of one organization does not mean that identity is tattooed on my forehead.  I still have the right to associate freely as a private citizen, as do all of you.  If you wish to not compromise the status of your organization, then simply don’t wear the uniform, or the name tag, or the badges, etc.  Wear your Ron Paul t-shirt or Gary Johnson t-shirt, or even a Murray Rothbard shirt or hat.

I urge all liberty activists to reach out to neighboring liberty organizations [you all surf on Facebook, you know who they are!].  Organize with them.  Educate voters on the issues.  Team up with them to get people registered to vote.  Combine your numbers so that you can go door-to-door and cover a greater areas.  Follow the example of groups like the LA Liberty HQ, who are constantly distributing literature, knocking on doors, canvassing parades and farmers’ markets, and making phone calls on behalf of multiple liberty candidates from multiple parties.

Just like having more laborers in the market creates more goods and more wealth, having more liberty activists working together creates more projects and more people reached and voters won.  Multiplying your output means multiplying the chances of our victory.

For those of you who are already working with neighboring organizations, setting aside minor differences for the sake of spreading the message of liberty, I commend you.  Keep up the good work!  We have a lot more ahead of us, but we have the privilege of being the forces on the ground leading the charge of this revolution.

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Image by markn3tel (via Flickr) and published via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License. The owner does not necessarily endorse this author or his work.

Ron Paul to Make Three-Day Campaign Visit to California

Organizes Cal State  Chico, UCLA and UC  Berkeley town hall meetings, holds fundraisers and schedules media appearances

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will visit California this week for a three-day campaign tour.  The 12-term Congressman from Texas will visit the Golden State from Tuesday, April 3rdto Thursday, the 5th for a series of town hall meetings, media appearances, and private fundraisers.

A major feature of Ron Paul’s California visit is sizable college campus town hall meetings that are free and open to students and the general public.  One college campus town hall meeting will take place on each day of Dr. Paul’s visit, beginning with Cal State – Chico, then UCLA, and then UC – Berkeley.  These events often attract large crowds, so the public are strongly encouraged to RSVP online using the information provided below.

Ron Paul’s town hall meetings in California are being organized in part by ‘Youth for Ron Paul’ (YFP).  YFP, an initiative of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign, launched in September 2011, and since its inception, students nationwide have organized 591 chapters and recruited more than 53,600 people.  To learn more about ‘Youth for Ron Paul,’ including how to sign-up and establish a local chapter, visit the YFP website by clicking here.

“Ron Paul’s message of individual liberty, prosperity, and peace resonates with California students and voters.  In California, almost 60 Youth for Ron Paul chapters are recruiting new supporters for the campaign each day, more than in any other state.  That’s why we’re excited for Ron Paul’s upcoming visits to Cal State – Chico, UCLA, and UC – Berkeley.  He will continue to inspire this new generation of voters and bring them into the political process, which is vital to defeating President Obama and revitalizing the Republican Party.  No other GOP candidate offers that possibility,” said Edward King, National Youth Director for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign.

“Nationally, Ron Paul’s support among youth is unparalleled by any of the other Republican candidates.  This carries over into California voters, who are creating a powerful organization and are showing the potential to make a key difference in this election,” added Ani DeGroot, Deputy National Youth Director.

An open press opportunity will follow each of Ron Paul’s campus town hall meetings.

Dr. Paul’s fundraisers are closed to all media.

Details of the events are as follows.  All times Pacific.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

7:00 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting w/ Ron Paul

California State University, Chico

Bell Memorial Student Union – Trinity Commons

548 West Second Street

Chico, CA 95928

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

8:30 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting w/ Ron Paul

University of California, Los Angeles

Sunset Canyon Recreation Center – Lower Lawn Amphitheater

111 Easton Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90095

Thursday, April 5, 2012

7:00 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting w/ Ron Paul

University of California, Berkeley

Zellerbach Auditorium

101 Zellerbach Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

Ron Paul to Hold Two College Campus Youth Rallies in Iowa

‘Countdown to the Caucus’ events hosted by ‘Youth for Ron Paul’ aim to solidify youth support

 

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will address college students and Iowans at two “Youth for Ron Paul” campus rallies to energize young supporters and reach out to new and undecided voters in the run-up to the January 3, 2012, Iowa Caucuses.

 

The first event, which is free and open to supporters of all ages, will be held on Thursday, December 8th in the Iowa State University (ISU) Memorial Union Great Hall, located at 2229 Lincoln Way in Ames.  Doors will open to the public at 6:30 p.m.  To enter 30 minutes early and secure a spot near the front of the room, RSVP for the ISU event featuring Dr. Paul at http://ronpaulatisu.eventbrite.com/.

 

The second event, which also is free and open to supporters of all ages, will be held on Friday, December 9th at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in the Commons – Slife Ballroom, located at 1224 West 23rd Street in Cedar Falls.  Doors will open to the public at 6:30 p.m.  To enter 30 minutes early and secure a spot near the front of the room, RSVP for the UNI event featuring Dr. Paul at http://ronpaulatuni.eventbrite.com/.

 

Youth for Ron Paul (YFP), an initiative of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign, launched on Wednesday, September 7th and since its inception more than 15,300 people signed up to get involved, forming 307 chapters in 46 states.

 

“The enthusiastic support for Ron Paul continues to grow, especially among college students.  Young people understand he is the only presidential candidate who will fix our economy, so they’re eager not only to vote for him, but also to volunteer for his campaign,” said Edward King, National Youth Director for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign.

 

“Young people from across the country are inspired by Dr. Paul’s message of a strong national defense, prosperity, and individual liberty.  No other campaign can claim or match the dedication of our youth support,” said Ani DeGroot, Midwest Regional Director for Youth for Ron Paul.

 

To learn more and sign up for Youth for Ron Paul, please visit: www.YouthForPaul.com and “like” the Facebook page found at: www.Facebook.com/YouthForPaul.

Ron Paul to Celebrate Homecoming with an Event at the University of Iowa

‘Youth for Ron Paul’ to host its first ever event in the Midwest in key early state

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will address University of Iowa supporters and community members at a special youth-oriented event held on the university’s campus.

 

 

The event, which is free and open to supporters of all ages, will be held at the University of Iowa Memorial Union in the Main Lounge on Friday, October 21st.  Doors will open to the public at 7:15 p.m.  To enter 15 minutes early, RSVP for the University of Iowa event featuring Dr. Paul at http://www.ronpaul2012.com/university-of-iowa-ron-paul-event/.

 

 

“No other candidate running for the GOP nomination generates support from students like Ron Paul does, and it is the youth vote that will help determine the 2012 election.  That’s why Ron Paul enjoys bringing his message directly to students.  Young people who want authentic change gravitate to his reliable message of peace, prosperity and individual liberty,” said Edward King, National Youth Coordinator for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign.

 

 

“Let me add that it is an honor to add to the festivities surrounding the University of Iowa’s homecoming celebration with Ron Paul’s campus visit,” said Mr. King.

 

 

Youth for Ron Paul (YFP), an initiative of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign, launched on Wednesday, September 7th and since its inception more than 7,100 people signed up to join the campaign and get involved, forming more than 100 chapters.

 

 

The University of Iowa event is the third major YFP event, taking place two days after a planned visit to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Last month, Dr. Paul spoke to a crowd of more than 1,300 Louisiana State University students, supporters, and community members in Baton Rouge prior to the grand opening of his Louisiana campaign headquarters.

 

 

“Since the announcement of Youth for Ron Paul, we’ve seen tremendous interest and excitement from students across the nation.  It’s inspiring to be able to work with young people dedicated to their principles and Ron Paul’s campaign,” said Ani DeGroot of Iowa.

 

 

“President Obama successfully organized young people in 2008, but he has failed to deliver on his campaign promises.  Young people now understand Ron Paul is the only candidate running who will significantly change Washington’s failed policies at home and abroad,” said Ms. DeGroot, who is on a leave of absence from the University of Iowa so she can serve as the campaign’s Midwest Regional Director for Youth for Ron Paul.

 

 

To learn more and sign up for Youth for Ron Paul, please visit: www.youthforpaul.com and “like” the Facebook page found at: www.Facebook.com/youthforpaul.

Ron Paul Speaks to Capacity Crowd at Louisiana State University Event

Inaugural Youth for Ron Paul event exceeds expectations

LAKE JACKSON, Texas–2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul spoke to a capacity crowd in Baton Rouge at Louisiana State University’s Union Theater tonight.

The visit marked the first on-campus visit since the launch of his Youth for Ron Paul initiative, and it exceeded expectations with more than 1,250 LSU students, other youth and the at-large community.

“The sense of excitement here at LSU just after Dr. Paul’s successful visit to Florida was palpable, as young supporters and Baton Rouge residents demonstrated that Ron Paul’s support is found everywhere nationwide,” said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

“Remember, at this first YFP event – which we plan to duplicate on other campuses – there were no freebies, no exclusive opportunities to greet the candidate, and no well-organized straw poll event.  There was just Ron Paul, which appears to be more than enough to draw the 1,250 or so supporters,” said Mr. Benton.

The visit to LSU for the YFP event occurred immediately prior to Dr. Paul’s presiding over the grand opening celebration of his Louisiana state headquarters, also in Baton Rouge which drew an additional crowd of 700.

“I think I speak for YFP supporters nationwide when I say how pleased we are with the turnout at this inaugural event and the campaign’s demonstration of young people’s enthusiasm,” Edward King, National Youth Coordinator, said.

“This encouraging turnout shows just how popular Ron Paul’s ideas are among youth, who this election cycle will comprise a core set of voters and volunteers,” said Mr. King.

To learn more and sign up for Youth for Ron Paul, please visit: www.youthforpaul.com and “like” the Facebook page found at Facebook.com/youthforpaul.