As part of our Chapter Spotlight, Vanessa Rivera caught up with ladies at NeW at the College of Charleston. Check out what they have to say about their experience with NeW!

What does it mean to you to be a conservative?

“I am a conservative because I believe that everyone has potential. It’s the way that it is presented is what could be construed. I believe that conservative principles present everyone a fair chance of doing whatever they want in life.” – Jessica Parks, President

“I am conservative because I have always been taught to be responsible for my own actions. Throughout my entire life I’ve never been the type of person to make excuses on my own behalf. I’ve never considered myself to be entitled to anything, for I have always had to put in hard work to get and stay where I am. Success is earned, not given. I also have the freedom of thought, rather than having others make decisions for me. As a conservative woman, I don’t consider myself to be a victim, as modern society portrays that all women should be. There isn’t one right that I don’t have that someone else does.” – Charlotte Townsend, Vice President

“Being conservative means believing in individual freedom, limited government, free enterprise, and traditional American values.” – Allie Hoover, Secretary

“I am a conservative woman because I believe in the potential of every person as an individual and trust in our Constitution to provide us with the best government possible.” – Abby Anderson, Treasurer

What kind of impact has your chapter had on your campus?

“NeW at CofC wants to enhance our liberal arts education and to expand different ideas on campus.” – Jessica Parks, President

“Just from tabling, we’ve actually had many people come up to us confessing their conservatism. On the other hand, I don’t think many people know how to take us. Most have only been exposed to the modern-day feminist ideas, not the kind where women empower each other. This demonstrates just how badly NeW was needed on our campus. We hope that we can educate others on what conservatism is, and that we can empower other women to flaunt it.” – Charlotte Townsend, Vice President

“Our chapter is just getting started this semester on campus, but from the recruitment we have done so far it is easy to see that there are actually a lot of conservatives on campus, they are just afraid to speak up. They are eager to have outlets to discuss their beliefs and debate current political topics. Hopefully NeW will empower these individuals to speak up more in class and around their peers now that they know they are not alone.”  – Allie Hoover, Secretary

“I hope that our chapter will encourage conservative students to come out from the shadows of a liberal campus to find a community that allows promotes the open discussion of politics.” – Abby Anderson, Treasurer

What book is your chapter reading this semester? Why did you choose it?

“The book that our chapter is reading this semester is Disinherited by Diana Furchtgott-Roth and Jared Meyer. We chose it because it can relate to all of our members, as all members are America’s youth and this book shows how Washington is betraying America’s youth.” – Jessica Parks, President

“This semester we have chosen to read Diana Furchtgott-Roth and Jared Meyer’s “Disinherited.” We thought this would be a perfect college read due to the fact that we have already entered or will enter the working world. It’s important to be educated on such situations.” – Charlotte Townsend, Vice President

“We are reading Disinherited by Diana Furchtgott-Roth and Jared Meyer. We chose this book because we are all college students who will be entering the workforce within the next few years. We will see first hand the amount of taxes we pay into government programs that are not sustainable for utilization when our own generation ages. It will be a great introduction to the role government plays in our daily lives and our personal finances.” – Allie Hoover, Secretary

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a chapter?

“Advice that I would give to someone who wants to start a chapter is to not be discouraged by how little people show interest, as there is someone like you looking for an organization like NeW where they will meet people just like them.” – Jessica Parks, President

“If it seems like a crazy idea to start a chapter, do it. Even if you are scared of backlash, do it. Oftentimes people only listen to the viewpoint that they wish to hear, and doing so is in no one’s enlightened self-interest. Therefore, enlighten them. Be that new voice and demonstrate that liberalism isn’t the only choice people have.” – Charlotte Townsend, Vice President

“If you have any thought of starting a chapter, go for it. The process of starting a chapter was eye opening of just how badly one was needed. This is because our club was met with hostility from our own student government association and other members of the campus community. These were the same people that claimed to want diversity on campus, just not our kind.” – Allie Hoover, Secretary

“I would advise anyone who wishes to start a chapter to just do it! The impact you can make on your campus will be worth it!” – Abby Anderson, Treasurer

What does NeW mean to you?

“NeW serves as a comfortable environment to openly talk about politics.” – Jessica Parks, President

“I found out about NeW during my senior year of high school and ever since I became involved it has always given me a sense of community. It’s a place where I can connect with like-minded women that empower and embolden each other to think for themselves. NeW is a place where I am respected for having the mindset that I do and am encouraged to share it with others.” – Charlotte Townsend, Vice President

“NeW has given me an outlet to discuss conservative principles with other strong, hard-working women. It has given me the opportunity to develop my own ideas and have the courage to share them with others.” – Allie Hoover, Secretary

“NeW is an organization where I can connect with others with similar values in the most comfortable setting. It is a community of women who are passionate about politics and are working together to promote their ideas.” – Abby Anderson, Treasurer