NeW caught up with the women from NeW at William Paterson University. Learn about the great work these women are doing on campus from their e-board members.
Why is NeW important to your chapter?
When people ask what NeW is we always say it’s a conservative women’s organization, where you can be yourself with like-minded women. NeW is important at William Paterson because we stand out from the rest. We allow everyone to share their opinion without being penalized for what they say. NeW has had a very positive impact on some of our members’ lives. The women finally found a home to be who they really are.
NeW has also helped us grow our leadership skills and inspired us to be strong when people try and bring us down. We are able to support each other when needed and have provided a safe space for like-minded women to be able to speak their thoughts without judgement or feeling attacked.
What kind of impact has your chapter had on campus?
Our chapter has changed the way some people on campus view politics. Our chapter is the ONLY conservative group. The best feeling is when people come to us at football games or in class and ask us if we are the brave NeW group!
What has been your chapter’s favorite event/meeting to host and why?
Our best event so far would be, candy-land, but make it NeW-LAND! We all got to table for the first time together. It was scary and no one knew what to expect since we go to a very liberal school. When we received hate, we all laughed it off and our sisterhood grew even more. We all got up there and showed William Paterson what NeW is all about. NeW is about being a leader and being proud you are a conservative women. All the women got dressed in pink with candy necklaces, pink heart glasses, NeW pins, and pink hair! The best part of all of this was drawing attention because all of the women were having fun and had smiles on their faces which went a long way. While tabling we had more women join our chapter and we even had people tell us how they give us credit for being strong to stick up for what we believe in.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a chapter on their campus?
DO NOT GIVE UP! It took a few meetings to get William Paterson to allow NeW to come on campus. Learning that backlash from staff members is temporary, you just need to tune them out. You learn to keep your head high, because the sky is the limit, you need to chase the stars. I think every campus should have a NeW chapter. The bonds, sisterhood, and friendships formed by like-minded women is an amazing thing. When our President, Ariana Alonso, pitched the idea of starting a NeW chapter to the school, they laughed. When she wanted to give up, her e-board encouraged her and said “no, you got this.” On April 26, 2022, NeW was officially accepted at William Paterson.
Do not let people’s words crush your dreams. Crush theirs by accomplishing yours. Be a proud conservative woman and it is okay to ask for help if you need something.
In the beginning our NeW Campus Program Coordinator, Catherine, was amazing with guiding us. Now, we are so lucky to have Julia and Chloe. Julia is our life savor. She is always there when we need her most. Thank you, Julia, for helping us with everything! We love you! We are so grateful to you for being the best role models for us.
Last thing, be yourself, be proud of who you are, and don’t let people bring you down. You got this!
