aff annual report 2013

America’s Future Foundation 2013 Annual Report

Delivering the Promise of America’s Future

America’s Future Foundation Leadership Board of Directors

Jeff Berkowitz, Chairman Principal, Berkowitz Public Affairs

David White, Vice Chairman Chief Operating Officer, Keybridge Communications

Cheryl Miller, Secretary Program Manager, Hertog Foundation

Joanna Robinson, Treasurer Owner and Manager, Lunar Massage DC

Peter Suderman Senior Editor, Reason Magazine

Kristine Esposo Account Executive, Direct Impact

Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer, Institute for Humane Studies & Mercatus Center

Kathleen O’Hearn Director of Coalitions, State Policy Network

Kristen Soltis Anderson Vice President, The Winston Group

Kmele Foster Entrepreneur

Whitney Garrison Athayde Director of Development, Independent Women’s Forum

Kathryn Kelley Associate Attorney, Gibson Dunn

Staff

Roger Custer, Executive DirectorBrit Vorreiter, Director of ProgramsJoel Gehrke, Editor, DoublethinkHeather Curry, Senior AdvisorKathryn Shelton, Director of Chapter AdvancementKatherine Ruddy, PhotographerSarah Kerner, Director of Social MediaJason Riddle, National Chapter Coordinator

2 America’s Future Foundation 2013 Annual Report

Advisory Board

Arthur BrooksEdwin FeulnerMichael GlebaCarl HelstromLeonard LiggioEdwin Meese

Gene MeyerGrover NorquistRoger ReamRon RobinsonChad Thevenot

“America’s Future Foundation equips college graduates to keep learning about personal responsibility, limited government, and free enterprise among their peers. AFF programs shape today’s 20-somethings into tomorrow’s leaders who will advocate for liberty their whole lives.”

Arthur Brooks President, American Enterprise Institute

A Message from AFF Chairman Jeff Berkowitz

America’s Future Foundation 2013 Annual Report 3

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you for your support of America’s Future Foundation (AFF), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to identifying and nurturing young professional liberty-minded leaders.

I’m pleased to report that 2013 was an excellent year of organizational growth. Your support allowed AFF to advance liberty by hosting 102 programs in 14 cities for more than 8,000 attendees. Doublethink published 160 feature articles and americasfuture.org saw a 44% increase in page views, more than 70% of which were new to the site. Additionally, the chapter program expanded to three new cities.

More important than the events and articles we produce are the people we develop. From interns attending their first roundtable to chapter leaders and Doublethink writers, every participant at AFF events learns to lead by doing. AFF’s unique position within the free market movement and the “lead by doing” model make AFF a truly rewarding investment. We don’t aim to simply affect policy; rather, we train the next generation of policy leaders.

AFF alumni are editors of national magazines, bestselling authors, business owners, and leaders of the liberty movement’s most effective organizations. David Brooks specifically named five AFF alumni in the New York Times as writers who are influencing the national conversation, and many others have gone on to influential careers on Capitol Hill, in think tanks, business, journalism, and other fields.

“AFF’s thought-provoking events provide a much-needed atmosphere where young conservatives and libertarians can meet to socialize with a purpose: to exchange ideas. These events are not simply a rehashing of what we believe, but refreshingly, panelists dive deeper into why we believe what, and how to best solve the problems facing our nation and our generation.

Free-market supporters are outnumbered in our generation, but because of this, and because of the organizational efforts of AFF, we will come out of our early careers with a strong network, well-honed arguments, and therefore a greater capacity for outreach. One day soon, we will be called upon to offer the solutions that have been overlooked too long by the pop-star progressivism of today. As important as AFF is today, the organization will only become more important in the future, as its name suggests.

Thanks for your generous support of AFF which makes this crucial work possible.”

Hadley Heath, Senior Policy Analyst, Independent Women’s Forum

On behalf of the board of directors and all those who, like us, have benefited from AFF, thank you for your support of this important organization.

Sincerely,

Jeff Berkowitz Chairman

AFF Identifies and Develops Young Professional Leaders for Liberty

The mission of America’s Future Foundation is to identify and develop young professional leaders for liberty. The goal is to build a nationwide network of young professionals who are committed to the principles of limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility.

AFF occupies a unique niche. Many conservative and libertarian organizations target college students to teach the first principles of a free society and offer advice and resources to obtain a first job. AFF is the leader in providing resources for professionals in their 20s and 30s during their second stage of development as leaders.

AFF offers young professionals networking, educational, and professional development opportunities to write, speak, manage programs, network, and directly develop the skills that allow

them to move up in their jobs and contribute to the success of liberty-minded organizations. Many are described in this report, and AFF makes it a point to collaborate as widely as possible to make sure the ideas of liberty are shared with young professionals.

Long term, this strategy increases the supply of top-notch talent who will carry the torch for liberty as policy analysts, think tank leaders, writers, journalists, grassroots activists, and elected officials.

Your leveraged support of America’s Future Foundation fills an important gap and provides talented young professionals with unique opportunities they cannot find elsewhere. The liberty movement is stronger because the talent pipeline is further developed and deeper partnerships are forged between student organizations and AFF.


AFF programs allow interaction with prominent panelists

“When I was still new to DC, I became Membership Director of America’s Future Foundation in addition to my full-time job doing fundraising for the liberty movement. Later I founded my own retail wellness company and was able to leverage my experience as AFF Membership Director to put together a high quality customer service experience and Membership program for my clients. Five years later that business has 15 employees and three locations in DC. A lot of my success as an entrepreneur stems from what I was able to build and learn as a part of AFF.

As DC’s premier young professional organization for libertarians and conservatives, AFF put me right at the center of talented young people working to make a difference. Now I continue to serve AFF as a board member and donor myself.

Your support of AFF has impacted thousands of young professionals and grown the liberty movement. Thanks again for being a part of our strength and for making an impact on my life through America’s Future Foundation. Your continued support will allow AFF to continue to grow and impact talent in the liberty movement for many more years.”

Joanna Robinson


Fun Roundtables and Educational Programs Focus on Today’s Hottest Topics and IdeasAFF hosts monthly roundtables and co-sponsors unique educational programming throughout the year. Because AFF serves both conservatives and libertarians, roundtables often focus on the ideas the two groups share and the issues on which they disagree.

Each month, AFF presents a roundtable discussion on a timely issue featuring important up-and-coming political analysts, writers, strategists and other young activists. The energetic make-up of AFF roundtables certainly makes them entertaining and distinguishes them from other programs. Topics in 2013 included government regulations, paternalism, tax policy, messaging, higher education, immigration, drug policy, health care, and technology.

Unique professional development opportunities are available through roundtables for young minds to sharpen their persuasive skills and present their ideas to public audiences. Volunteers work alongside AFF’s staff to design and plan the program’s topics, invite speakers, and assist with marketing, allowing them a unique opportunity to hone their skills in those areas.


Rachel Bovard Evan Feinberg

AFF Roundtable

“AFF provides a fun environment for networking, professional development and promoting liberty. At AFF events I meet like minded, successful professionals in my career field. These people are always willing to provide their advice to a young professional new to DC such as myself. AFF also provides me the opportunity to interview and research high profile people and issues for Free the Future Blog. The round tables debating current issues are an additional resource that are enriching and make me excited to do my part for liberty. I highly recommend joining AFF to any young professional living in a city with an AFF chapter.”

Jordan Pic


AFF Roundtables feature debates between libertarians and conservatives

Unique Professional Development Programs Offer Special Opportunities

An essential part of AFF’s mission is to provide professional development for the liberty movement’s young staff and emerging leaders by providing unique opportunities to advance liberty in a variety of areas.

Cultivation Crew is a monthly gathering of free market development professionals who network, share best practices, and learn from experts. Distinguished guests during 2013 included Lesley Albanese from the Cato Institute, Michael Barvick and Anna DeJarnette from the Heritage Foundation, consultants Chaz Cirame and Ann Fitzgerald, Courtney Myers from Searle Freedom Trust, and Rick Hendrix from Clearword Communications. AFF is pleased to partner with the Competitive Enterprise Institute to organize this program.

In order to pair young professionals with recognized experts, AFF’s Lunch with a Leader allows young liberty-minded professionals to meet each other and improve their networking skills. In addition to a short presentation from a well-connected leader,

participants network with each other. Guest speakers included Bridgett Wagner from the Heritage Foundation, Roger Ream from the Fund for American Studies, Alex Chafuen from the Atlas Network, and Grover Norquist from Americans for Tax Reform.

Other AFF programs throughout the year give participants a special opportunity to learn valuable skills and network at a high level. AFF board member David White, editor of the renowned wine blog terroirist.com, conducted a wine education seminar. Attendees learned how to properly discuss a wine list with a client or donor through a tasting of several types of wine.

AFF partnered with the Leadership Institute to host a public speaking seminar during which young professionals practiced their articulation of the ideas of liberty. Additionally, AFF partnered with the Institute for Humane Studies for a journalism networking event featuring a launch of AFF alumnus W. James Antle III’s book Devouring Freedom.


AFF attendees learn about free markets, individual liberty, and limited government

“I had the good fortune to intern at AFF this summer. Working at AFF allowed me to gain valuable experience in the non-profit world as well as to showcase my skills by writing for both Doublethink and the Free the Future blog. When I first arrived in Washington I only had a small professional network, but through AFF’s many events I was able to quickly make contacts across the entire liberty movement. As I move forward in my career, AFF continues to provide me with opportunities to expand my network and to grow professionally.”

Rick Barton


Alex Chafuen

AFF luncheons uniquely match experts with young professionals

Rick Hendrix

“Emile Griffith’s Mortal Combat” by Joseph Hammond, on the history of gay athletes in media;

“Media Spin Masters Don’t Help the Republic” by Mollie Zeigler Hemingway; and

“Humility – America’s Greatest Virtue?” by Emma Elliott Freire.

Throughout its history, Doublethink has not only been an insightful and provocative magazine, but also a training ground for the future of conservative and libertarian journalism. It has provided unique, early career opportunities to dozens of young writers who now write for renowned political magazines and national newspapers.

The magazine’s alumni include former editors Damir Marusic and Daniel Kennelly, senior editors at The American Interest, Reihan Salam and Ramesh Ponnuru at National Review, Philip Klein and Tim Carney at the Washington Examiner, and David Skinner, editor of Humanities. Matthew Continetti is editor of the Washington Free Beacon, Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward are editors at Reason, Conor Friedersdorf writes for The Atlantic, and Brendan Conway writes for Barron’s.

AFF’s Doublethink magazine continues to give a platform to emerging liberty-minded writers. You can read the latest articles at http://www.affdoublethink.com.

Doublethink Online Publishes New Voices and New Ideas on Policy and Culture

Doublethink is the signature online magazine of America’s Future Foundation. With a national following, the magazine brings the voices of young and undiscovered market-oriented writers to readers across the country. Doublethink offers commentary and original reporting on politics, culture, economics, the arts, and other timely topics.

Joel Gehrke is Editor of Doublethink Magazine. He is also a Commentary Writer at the Washington Examiner, where he covers campaigns, congressional oversight of the executive branch, and the White House. Among other things, he has covered the Energy Department — with particular reference to the green energy loan program — the State Department, and the Justice Department’s involvement in Operation Fast and Furious and the ensuing investigation. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College.

More than 160 articles were published in 2013. The most popular included:“Che Guevara’s Racism” by Joseph Hammond,

a piece highlighting the Left’s hypocrisy in discussing Che’s legacy;

“Why the Fuss About Reading Mommy Blogs?” by Lillian Civantos, discussing the cultural context of motherhood;

“For Democrats, Is Gun Control Worth the Effort?” by David Hardy in the wake of school shootings;


Writers hone their skills Reihan Salam

http://www.affdoublethink.com

http://www.affdoublethink.com

“Doublethink has an excellent mission. The determination to identify and develop young conservative and libertarian writers through an excellent magazine of politics, culture, economics, and the arts allows Doublethink to run essays across a broad range of topics. It gives young writers an opportunity to publish unique, interesting essays while auditioning to write professionally for publications that have narrower or more specialized missions.

It’s a privilege to edit these essays, as a reader and young professional. The habit of mind required to edit a publication -- especially the managerial work of setting publication schedules and coordinating with writers to edit and publish their essays in a timely fashion -- is very different from the skill set that I have developed as a writer. By giving me the opportunity to gain this experience, Doublethink has helped me develop as a professional and prepare for future job assignments. All that, while helping me build relationships with some excellent people.”

Joel Gehrke, Editor, Doublethink Magazine

“When I was a 22-year-old cub writer in Washington, just out of college, I got my first freelance piece published by America’s Future Foundation. From there I became a regular columnist for AFF’s publications, which helped me get the training and exposure I needed to advance my career. AFF was an invaluable asset in building skills, friendships, and my career.”

Tim Carney, Senior Political Columnist, Washington Examiner

“It’s not just who you know, of course. It’s where you’re published. Doublethink works much like an Olympic qualifying run — often reaching the same level of professionalism and readability as Washington’s established media outlets, which is where the Doublethink writers I knew soon found themselves. Without AFF and Doublethink, it’s impossible to envision how things could have turned out the same way [for my career].”

James Poulos, Writer


Tim Carney, Brandon Smith, Andrew Parks, and Matthew Martini

Mark and Mollie Hemingway and Joel Gehrke

about how to grow their chapters. Free market scholar Dr. Robert Lawson from Southern Methodist University spent time with attendees talking about his research on economic freedom worldwide. He also emphasized the importance of networking with local professors and state policy think tanks to grow the liberty movement.

Chapter leaders have a unique opportunity to organize their peers, plan and promote free market events, improve their public speaking skills, and expand their local network. This kind of opportunity is rarely found with other organizations for young professionals.

New chapters receive a subsidy from the national office in order to build their brand and have a strong presence for their first several events. However, AFF leads chapters toward financial self-sufficiency by providing guidance to establish a membership program and local fundraising. Several chapters offer paid memberships and several other chapters are moving in that direction. Additionally, chapter leaders

AFF Local Chapters Educate and Develop Talent In Cities Around the CountryAmerica’s Future Foundation chapters hosted 52 events in 14 cities during 2013, reaching more than 4,000 attendees. In order to cast a wider net and find the best and brightest leaders, your support allowed AFF to expand its efforts to the states since 2007. The “AFF on the Road” initiative ensures a steady stream of young people who can staff state-based think tanks and other enterprises for liberty.

The vision for AFF chapters is to reach 20 cities through organic growth. Young professional leaders approach AFF and ask to bring a chapter to their cities. During 2013, leaders in Austin, Southeast Michigan, and Jackson approached AFF with interest in starting a chapter, and all were able to do so. Jason Riddle, AFF’s national chapter coordinator, and Kathryn Shelton, AFF’s director of chapter advancement, provided the necessary guidance for successful events.

A chapter leader retreat was held in September 2013. Leaders from around the country gathered in Dallas to discuss best practices and learn more

DC

NYC

Austin

Raleigh

Dallas

Denver


AFF chapters are active in 11 cities nationwide

are encouraged to find local sources of support including in-kind donations from restaurants or other vendors, and traditional monetary donations.

Chapter programming generally consists of roundtable discussions or guest speakers on the ideas of liberty that are coupled with networking meetings. AFF’s niche is to provide discussions of conservative and libertarian perspectives on issues that one would not necessarily find elsewhere.

Successful events in 2013 covered issues such as school choice, drug policy, welfare spending, economic freedom, the status of entrepreneurship, and financial regulations. State-specific topics are also covered, such as a Raleigh discussion of North Carolina alcohol regulations, a Columbus event on Ohio’s criminal justice system, and a Chicago event featuring a satirical play entitled “I Wish to Apologize to the People of Illinois.” Featured guests in 2013 included Lawrence W. Reed, Tom Palmer, Antony Davies, Jeff Sandefer, Carl Oberg, and Amity Shlaes.

“I’ve been privileged to support America’s Future Foundation’s work nationwide through the “AFF on the Road” initiative. Your chapters in several cities around the country provide an important outlet for liberty-minded young professionals to network and advance their careers. AFF’s programs allow for great networking but also create unique opportunities for leadership and career advancement. I encourage all liberty-minded young professionals to join AFF.”

Tracie Sharp, President, State Policy Network

“AFF’s chapters around the country provide essential opportunities for young people to learn the ideas of liberty in a fun atmosphere with their peers. I’ve seen this first-hand in Chicago and know they are making an impact in other cities as well. I invite you to join me in supporting AFF financially because it is so important to invest in the future of our movement and our country.”

John Tillman, CEO, Illinois Policy Institute


Tom Palmer

Kennedy

AFF Raleigh

AFF New York

AFF Dallas

AFF-Austin Launches with Huge Success“Finding like-minded friends in a new city is never easy. Especially when you live in Austin, Texas where most folks prefer big government, advocate for higher taxes, and promote “green” policies that hurt small businesses. After relocating from Washington, D.C. in December 2012, my husband Brendan and I jumped at the opportunity to help launch a new AFF chapter with a few other young professionals who were interested in promoting liberty in the capital city. We began regular meetings to discuss our vision for the new chapter and set out a plan for the next twelve months. Since our launch a year ago, we have held numerous events - some policy focused, others social in nature - to expand the network of freedom fighters in Austin.

The response has been incredible! Not only have we been able to secure highly respected speakers such as entrepreneur Jeff Sandefer and FEE President Larry Reed, but we have provided opportunities for Austinites to discuss important and timely topics such as internet freedom, educational choice, and entrepreneurial liberty. Our plans for 2014 are bold and expansive. We want to continue to grow this chapter, build our network, and influence the discussion in Austin. I can think of no better way to accomplish all of these goals than with the support and infrastructure of America’s Future Foundation.”

Randan Steinhauser, AFF-Austin Board Member


Larry Reed speaks to AFF Austin

“Leading the Pittsburgh chapter of AFF is an invaluable opportunity and a critical component of my professional advancement in the think tank world. Through AFF, I’ve been able to meet and build personal relationships with policy analysts in other states, analysts at national think tanks, and state legislative staff.

Introverted and quiet by nature, I prefer a book to a happy hour, but my AFF leadership role has challenged me to reach outside of my comfort zone to recruit allies, persuade political agnostics and create lasting friendships in the name of spreading liberty and freedom in the Pittsburgh area. That’s a tall order in city where dozens of universities are preaching to young adults about the dangers of limited government and unfettered capitalism.

Leading an AFF state chapter isn’t easy, but the professional benefits are well worth it. In fact, this year I received a promotion at my full-time Commonwealth Foundation job, thanks in part to the event management and coalition building skills I’ve acquired building an AFF state chapter.”

Elizabeth Stelle, AFF Pittsburgh Leader


Congressman Keith Rothfus (left) meets with AFF Pittsburgh members

Chapter Profile: Connecting Atlanta’s Liberty-Minded CommunityAFF’s Atlanta chapter has seen significant growth over the last twelve months and is establishing itself as the city’s premier organization for connecting young professionals under the banner of liberty. Phred Barnet, chairman and co-founder of the Atlanta chapter, explains: “Since starting the chapter in April 2012, we’ve made it our focus to be the central hub for liberty in Atlanta. Our goal is to bring people from the various liberty groups together, advance the conversation, and have fun doing it.”

In 2013, its first full calendar year in operation, the Atlanta chapter hosted 11 events for more than 400 attendees. Highlights included an education panel during National School Choice Week, a workshop about effectively communicating the message of liberty, an economic perspective of immigration in the U.S., and a debate about ways to effectively and humanly address the challenges of poverty.

During 2013, AFF Atlanta actively partnered with multiple organizations, both local and national, including; Atlas Network, Foundation for Economic Education, The Independent Institute, Young Americans for Liberty, Liberty on the Rocks, Georgia Public Policy Foundation, and Reason Foundation. Additionally, volunteers from AFF-Atlanta joined the LIBRE Initiative at the Peachtree Latino Festival in September to distribute information aimed to advance the principles and values of economic freedom to empower the U.S. Hispanic community.

Jason Riddle, who helped start the Atlanta chapter, added: “It is very rewarding to see young professionals engaged and actively promoting the ideas of liberty. I regularly see AFF members at events held by local think tanks and activist groups. Liberty-minded organizations in Atlanta are doing an excellent job working together to grow the city’s liberty community, and AFF is at the center.”


Attendees make new friends

Alvaro Vargas Llosa

AFF Atlanta Leaders

AFF events teach young professionals about free market ideas

Event Spotlight: Welcome to Washington: Networking for Career Advancement When interns and entry level staff arrive in Washington, D.C., they need help with networking. In a new collaboration with the Institute for Humane Studies, AFF started a regular “Welcome to Washington” series in 2013, held at the Cato Institute and American Enterprise Institute. Speakers with a few years of D.C. experience give advice about how to network and how to make the biggest impact as a young member of the liberty movement. You can watch excerpts on AFF’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/americasfuturetv.


AFF attendees meet new friends and professional contacts

Lori Sanders

The liberty movement’s newest employees learn networking tips

www.youtube.com/americasfuturetv

www.youtube.com/americasfuturetv

Leadership Dinners Provide Personal Access to Established LeadersOne of AFF’s signature programs is the Leadership Dinner. Guests during 2013 were Senator Ted Cruz and Heather Higgins, president of Independent Women’s Voice. Attendees heard these special guest speakers share their stories, strategies, and career advice. Intimate networking took place between members, donors, speakers, and others in attendance, and everyone had the unique opportunity to interact with the speakers in a unique setting.

An event in June featured Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. He discussed Obamacare and his work in the Senate to move toward policy that is fully conducive to economic growth. The fall speaker, Heather Higgins, focused on an eight point plan to repeal Obamacare and convince independent-minded people that free markets are the best solutions to today’s problems.


Gary Leff, Shanna Follansbee, and Chris Siddall

Heather Higgins shares policy solutions with Leadership Dinner attendees

Senator Ted Cruz

“As an new-to-DC intern in September 2010, I had a pretty familiar story: I didn’t know my way around the city, I couldn’t find my way out of a Metro station, I didn’t know anyone and no one knew me. When a peer invited me to attend an AFF Roundtable, I figured it might be a good way to meet a few people. Little did I know AFF would turn out to be so beneficial to my career in the nonprofit world.

Fast forward three years and I can count numerous professional opportunities that have stemmed from my long-standing involvement with AFF: the contact I made at that 2010 Roundtable that led to my first DC job; the opportunity to plan a Leadership Dinner featuring Senator Rand Paul; the writing and editing opportunities I have now with Free the Future; and the chance to share what I’ve learned with new AFF staff in my role as an advisor. Over the past three years, AFF has invested resources in me that have paid dividends for my career. With young professionals arriving in DC in record numbers, AFF is in the perfect position to continue to invest in the future of the liberty movement.”

Heather Curry


AFF provides a fun way to learn about policy and meet new friends

Gala and Social Gatherings Foster Networking and Informal Policy DiscussionsAmerica’s Future Foundation is devoted not only to helping young conservatives and libertarians build careers in their cities, but also to helping them build their lives beyond work. An important part of AFF’s mission is to bring people together in fun, relaxed settings where they can make friends with others who share their passion and ideology. Happy hours and parties help AFF members meet like-minded people and spark social connections that can last a lifetime.

The annual AFF Gala is the pinnacle of liberty-oriented social events in Washington each year. Hundreds of young professionals from across the movement gather for an evening of networking, catching up with old friends, dancing, and a genuine great time. The 2013 Gala held in May featured 14 sponsor organizations, 7 individual sponsors, and more than 250 attendees at the Columbus Club in Union Station in Washington, D.C. Cato Institute President John Allison was the featured guest.

Throughout the year, AFF hosted happy hours at popular DC and northern Virginia nightspots. AFF happy hours are well-attended by entry- and mid-level staffers at different groups throughout

the movement. With a mix of conservatives and libertarians, policy analysts and Hill staffers, writers and campaigners, and non-profit and for-profit professionals, AFF networking events hum with young energy and talent. They provide an opportunity for members and friends to mingle, forging professional and personal relationships that enhance careers and enrich lives.

AFF often partners with other organizations for themed events. July 2013 featured a happy hour called “A Transatlantic Toast to Liberty” in which AFF partnered with the Young Britons Foundation. AFF members networked with classical liberal colleagues from across the pond during the Europeans’ annual summer visit to Washington. Other partners in 2013 included the Leadership Institute, Center for Shared Services, and First Friday.

For journalists, AFF hosted two happy hours with prominent writers to market Doublethink and make connections. Emerging writers networked with AFF alumni and well-known writers Mollie and Mark Hemingway and Peter Suderman.


John Allison and Roger Custer

More than 250 young professionals network at the 2013 AFF Gala

Francesca Chambers and Michael Majors

“I’ve been in DC for almost four years and many of my professional connections have been individuals I met through AFF. When I finished my masters and started looking for the next step of my career, AFF was the first place I went. AFF is a great way to meet young professionals in the movement. It provides an intellectually stimulating environment, while also giving members an easy way to mingle and socialize. If you are new to the area, or looking for a way to expand your professional network, AFF is a must!”

Laurel Buckley


Christine Harbin Hanson, Joe and Amanda Luppino-Esposito, Tyler Martinez, and Joe Henchman

Ilya Shapiro and Sean Rushton

Collaboration Leverages Your Investment in Liberty AFF collaborates with a wide range of organizations in order to bring the ideas of liberty to young professional audiences, provide professional development opportunities for new staff, and connect student group participants to professional opportunities. Through co-sponsored programs and other collaborations, AFF builds the liberty movement and serves as the second step in the development of young leaders.

Since 2012, AFF has coordinated a networking vehicle entitled “Liberty Alumni Group” for the purpose of building bridges between student organizations and young professional organizations. More than 25 organizations (many listed here) participate in a LinkedIn group to discuss collaboration, cross-promote events, and build an

effective talent development pipeline nationwide.

The liberty movement has robust activity to educate college students about the ideas of liberty through many fine organizations. AFF is diligently working to ensure that participants of those organizations are aware of the many opportunities that await them upon graduation so that talented young people are connected with the resources to advance liberty through their 20s and 30s.

AFF collaborated with the following organizations in 2013 as gala sponsors, Liberty Alumni Group members, program co-sponsors, and other ways:

“The Institute for Humane Studies works to identify and educate young people in the fight for liberty. Success for us is being able to connect them to organizations like AFF who can keep them engaged throughout their career. We’ve co-hosted launch events with new AFF chapters to connect them with alumni and faculty in the area. We regularly feature career content from AFF’s blog on Liberty Guide, our job and opportunity board. AFF makes it easy for us to spread the IHS message by inviting our staff as panelists and guest bloggers. And we recommend scholars to participate in their educational events. Furthermore, AFF helps us stay connected to the network by hosting regular networking lunches and organizing roundtables. We’re better able to support the talented people we know and advance IHS’s mission more effectively thanks to our friendship with AFF.”

Katie Vernuccio, Director of External Relations, Institute for Humane Studies


Heather Pfitzenmaier, Chris Demming, Jarrett Skorup, and Katie Vernuccio

American Enterprise InstituteAmerican SpectatorAtlas NetworkBastiat SocietyBuckeye InstituteCato InstituteCenter for Shared ServicesCharles Koch InstituteCollege Republican National CommitteeCompetitive Enterprise InstituteFederalist SocietyFirst FridayFoundation for Economic EducationFoundation for Individual Rights in Education Fund for American StudiesGeorge W. Bush InstituteGeorgia Public Policy Foundation Grove City CollegeHarding UniversityHeartland InstituteHeritage FoundationHillsdale College Kirby CenterIllinois Policy InstituteIndependent InstituteIndependent Women’s ForumInstitute for JusticeIntercollegiate Studies Institute

Institute for Humane StudiesLeadership InstituteLiberty on the RocksMercatus CenterNational Journalism Center National School Choice WeekNetwork of Enlightened Women (NeW)R Street InstituteReasonState Policy NetworkStudents for LibertyYoung Americans for LibertyYoung Conservatives CoalitionYoung Britons Foundation


James Antle

AFF welcomed Jim DeMint as president of Heritage Foundation with a special event in 2013

AFF Experiences Record GrowthAmerica’s Future Foundation experienced record growth during 2013, hosting 102 events in 14 cities nationwide for more than 8,000 attendees. Your support allows AFF to reach even more young professionals with the ideas of liberty while providing unique professional development opportunities to the liberty movement’s future leaders.

AFF’s audited financial performance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 is broken down here.

Income

Total $324,506 Total $285,924

Expenses

Foundations $204,100 63%

Program $196,796 69%

Individuals $102,479

31%

Administrative $60,192

21%

Programs $17,927

6%

Development $28,936

10%

F P

P D

I A

Your support has allowed AFF to experience growth in all areas from 2012 to 2013. By all measures, AFF is identifying and developing young professional leaders for liberty around the country in order to strengthen the liberty movement.


Erica DeBrock Andrew Parks

Event Cities

2012 132013 14

Twitter Followers

2012 2,0002013 2,495

Website Visitors

2012 74,8632013 106,430

Doublethink Articles

2012 120 2013 160

2013 By the Numbers: Results Show Big GainsRevenue

2012 $227,293 2013 $324,506

Program Spending

2012 $145,0232013 $196,796

Number of Programs

2012 882013 102

Program Attendees

2012 5,6002013 8,000

2013 Guest Speakers

Senator Ted Cruz (TX)Justice Samuel Alito Heather Higgins, Independent Women’s VoiceRep. Keith Rothfus (PA) Jim DeMint, Heritage FoundationAmity Shlaes, George W. Bush InstituteSteve Moore, Wall Street Journal Dr. Antony Davies, Duquesne University Jeff Sandefer, EntrepreneurJohn Allison, Cato Institute Lawrence W. Reed, Foundation for Economic

Education

2013 Guest Bloggers on AFF’s “Free the Future”Claire Kittle, Talent Market

Katherine Mangu-Ward, Reason Magazine

Chad Thevenot, Institute for Humane Studies

Roger Ream, Fund for American Studies

Patti Simpson, Leadership Institute

Bob Ewing, Institute for Justice

+43%

+35%


Your support allows more young professionals to learn the ideas of liberty

Connect with AFF Online

americasfuture.org

facebook.com/ AFFDC

@AFF

youtube.com/AmericasFutureTV

Delivering the Promise of America’s FutureThank you for your support of America’s Future Foundation. 2013 was a record year for AFF. Yet as we reflect on many accomplishments, we move toward our vision for the future.

The battle for freedom never ends, even when we incur setbacks. As long as our leaders support and pass irresponsible large government policies that further burden young people and limit our liberty, we must fight on.

AFF serves as the liberty movement’s talent agency for those beginning their career. Our vision is that no young leader remains untouched. We will identify and develop the leading libertarian and conservative policy analysts, intellectuals, writers, media strategists, legislative staff, activists, and grassroots leaders. AFF will deliver the promise of America’s future.

At a recent State Policy Network Annual Meeting banquet, Shirley Roe asked those under 30 to stand. More than half of the crowd stood and everyone cheered because young leaders are taking the torch and leading our movement forward. AFF is playing a key part in identifying and developing state-based and DC-based leaders to give them the resources they need to succeed.

As supporters of AFF, your input helps us grow. You should continue to offer the advice, good counsel, and support that has built AFF since 1995. You should be proud of this organization’s record of producing a strong return for your philanthropic investment, and impacting the lives of young leaders.

The fate of our nation falls upon today’s liberty-minded professionals in their 20s and 30s to defend freedom and lead the next battles. Your support of AFF gives them the resources they need to deliver the promise of freedom—the promise of America’s future. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Roger Custer Executive Director


Lesley AlbaneseLoren RademacherMary RinerMichael McMahanMichelle TaylorModzelewski Charitable TrustMorgan KnullPatrick KlinetobePete & Karen WaltersPeter SudermanPhred BarnetPolly Townsend Randal TeagueRaul DamasRoger ReamRoger & Anne CusterTom ReadmondWayne OlsonWhitney Athayde

Corporate (Cash and In-Kind)

Curious Task Strategies EdelmanKayeScholer LLPMicrosoftMississippi Malt Beverage

AssociationPfizer U.S. Chamber of CommerceVISAWeygandt Wines

Your Support Builds the Liberty Movement

Foundations

AnonymousAnschutz FoundationArthur N. Rupe Foundation Ceres FoundationCharles Koch Foundation Dian Graves Owen Foundation Dodge Jones Foundation E.L. Craig FoundationF.M. Kirby Foundation George E. Coleman, Jr.

FoundationJohn William Pope Foundation Joyce and Donald Rumsfeld

Foundation Lynde and Harry Bradley

Foundation Robert H. & Anita Q. Lawe

Foundation Roe Foundation Sarah Scaife Foundation Strake Foundation Triad Foundation Weiler Foundation Windway Foundation Woodford Foundation for Limited

Government

Individuals

Adam KaufmanAl CanataAmanda Griffin-JohnsonAnonymous – 2

Benita DoddBruce HollandsCarolyn H. RiddleCheryl MillerChris GabrielChristopher RobertsDaniel OliverDavid WhiteDerek DouglasElizabeth StelleEwan WattFrancesca Chambers & Michael

MajorsGary LeffGerry OhrstromIlya ShapiroJason RiddleJoanna RobinsonJohn & Christie FogartyJohn BarryJohn E. & Sue M. Jackson

Charitable TrustJohn TillmanJoseph WoodsKarin AgnessKathleen O’HearnKathryn SheltonKent LassmanKip LadyKmele Foster Kris HammondKristine EsposoKristen Soltis Anderson

“I support America’s Future Foundation financially because I believe that it is an investment in people, and that is one of the best investments that can be made. Investing in AFF is literally investing in the infrastructure of the Liberty Movement. My investment in AFF is multiplied many times over as AFFers develop through their career…For these reasons and more, I’d absolutely encourage everybody to support AFF.”

John Barry, Head of Government Affairs, VISA Corporation

“We were drawn to America’s Future Foundation first by its mission and second by its strategy. AFF does more than just identify and develop future conservative and libertarian leaders; it provides an environment that encourages debate and challenges the individual to hone the skills they need to achieve civic self-fulfillment and public service.”

S. Dillard Kirby, Executive Director F.M. Kirby Foundation

Americas Future Foundation gratefully acknowledges supporters throughout the country who make its work possible. The following list reflects gifts of more than $100 during calendar 2013.


America’s Future Foundation 1513 16th Street NWWashington, DC 20036 www.americasfuture.org(202) 331-2261

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

aff annual report 2013

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