This month, NeW caught up with the women from NeW at American University in Washington, DC. Learn about the great work these women are doing on campus from e-board members Katy Selinger (President), Shannon Stillwell (Vice President), Devin Davidson (Membership Coordinator), Abby Daniels (Freshman Ambassador), and Briana McCoy (Freshman Ambassador).
Why is NeW important to your chapter?
NeW is important to us because it provides a space for conservative women to express their honest thoughts and opinions about current political events without fear of ridicule or animosity from other students. Being on a campus as political as American University means that politics is a nearly unavoidable subject, though there is not always a welcoming environment to a broad range of ideas. NeW at American allows women to engage in political discourse without feeling afraid or uncomfortable like they may in other settings.
What kind of impact has your chapter had on campus?
In the five years since NeW at American was founded, our chapter has created a home for conservative women on campus. Not only do we engage in thoughtful conversations in our weekly meetings, but we also host a variety of speakers such as Carly Fiorina, Author and former Presidential candidate; Lisa Boothe, Fox News Contributor; and Lindsey Burke, Director of the Center for Education Policy and Will Skillman Fellow in Education at the Heritage Foundation. We have found that because our campus is very political, the best way to promote conservative ideas within the American University community is to engage in respectful conversation about substantive political issues – an approach that has earned us respect from the students and administration at American University and which allows us to continue to provide a space for conservative women.
What has been your chapter’s favorite event this year?
Our favorite event so far this year has been our discussion on education policy with Lindsey Burke of the Heritage Foundation. We had an exciting conversation on the history of government interference in education and the lasting effects of that today. It was great to hear from such an inspiring conservative woman as well as engage in a thoughtful Q&A session after her presentation!
Learn how you can get involved with the chapter on your campus or find out how you can bring NeW to your school. Contact Vanessa Rivera, NeW Campus Program Coordinator, if you have any questions.
