AFP National Defending the American Dream Summit Participant Shares Experience

The 3rd Annual Defending the American Dream Summit was a huge success! Missouri was well represented. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing stories from participants from the summit.

Mattie is a college student who attended the DAD09. Here is her view from the summit:

For the third consecutive year, Defending the American Dream Summit was one again held in Washington, D.C. this past weekend! Along with over two thousand activists from all across the country, I had the privilege of listening to some of the most educated, leading experts on issues such as healthcare, cap and trade, global warming, and free markets. Some of the speakers included former Speaker of House, Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain, Radio Host and Fox News Contributor, and Tim Philips, the President of Americans for Prosperity.

From listening to their thoughts and ideas about the urgent need to take action, I realized something that I think many young adults do not completely grasp- that is, we’re not taking the necessary amount of time to update ourselves on the important issues that we will begin to face, if not now already. Therefore, from a student’s perspective, I think we have the obligation to focus on important political issues, whether local or national, and attendinng events, such as The Summit, will help guide us to a more enjoyable, politically active lifestyle.

Sometimes we tend to turn our cheek on political issues and simply agree with the beliefs of our family and friends, but to my surprise, however, many young activists participated in the the Summit. Whether they attended on behalf of another organization, for their own curiosity, or for the future of our country, seeing them there and watching them actively participate encouraged me to keep gaining knowledge on such important issues. I anticipated that I would not understand every concept discussed, and needless to say, I was right- but that’s OK! It just gave me that much more of an incentive to learn. The questions were either answered by a fellow participant or by using the touch of my iPhone. There was no need to feel foolish because it would have led me on the path to nowhere. Not only did I gain valuable knowledge, but I got the chance to listen and share thoughts with very politically passionate citizens.

After the session of listening to the keynote speakers, my friend Maria and I got the opportunity to ask a couple questions to one of the very politically passionate individuals, Tim Phillips, the President of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation. Obviously he was very busy giving speeches and tending to the operations of the convention, but he was sincerely interested in answering and discussing our questions. So, because I am graduating from college in May, I wanted to ask him a question concerning young people. I asked him, “Based on the AFP’s issues, what advice would give to young adults or students approaching graduation who are looking for employment in such a distressed job market?” Tim responded, “In the political world, usually job prospects are good. Go and do internships early on because almost always, the opportunity is better than the money…Meet people, network, have broad responsibilities, and make a difference. Eventually the money will come.” Even as we concluded our conversation, he gave us his e-mail and told us to contact him if we had any questions. Because he was so personable, passionate about AFP’s issues, and willing to give up his time to a couple of twenty-one year olds, I enjoyed my experience at The Summit that much more.

As a young adult and not knowing how I am going to find my niche in the real world, is in fact, a little scary to think about. But, by participating in the political movement convention, Defending the American Dream Summit, I found out that not knowing what is going on in the political world will be troublesome to my future. Being a part of such an incredible movement and surrounding myself with people who are passionate about their country is something that has inspired me. It has inspired me to stay informed, get politically active, and voice my opinion. So, from me to you, please motivate yourself to stay informed and stay active with the political affairs going on in our country and around the world.

Thanks Mattie!