Matthew Dolan

Young Americans for Freedom at the Catholic University of America

Established in 1960, Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) is the oldest conservative student group in America. Through networking events, activism opportunities, unique outings, and one-of-a-kind conferences, YAF champions the timeless principles of individual freedom, free enterprise, a strong national defense, and traditional American values as outlined in our founding document, the Sharon Statement. Founded with the support of conservative giants like Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater, and William F. Buckley Jr., YAF sought to mobilize young people to transform the Republican Party into a conservative party that stood against the ever-growing tide of liberalism. Thanks to the work of generations of YAFers, we succeeded. We transformed the Republican Party and with Ronald Reagan's election in 1980, halted the bipartisan march towards an "inevitable" liberal future, reoriented America in a conservative direction, and began the work of returning America to its constitutional roots. But our work is just getting started. Today we work day in and day out to stop the expansion of government, defend the freedoms of all Americans, and vanquish the specter of communism wherever it can be found. Welcome to the Conservative Movement at Catholic University.