January 6, 2012

A Note from the Executive Director

By: AF Editors

Thank you for all you do to make America’s Future Foundation possible.  Whether you are a member, regular attendee, financial supporter, Doublethink reader, or otherwise a fan, you play an important part in AF’s mission to identify and develop young professional leaders for liberty.

2011

2011 was a transitional year for the organization.  The board of directors maintained continuity and helped me get started on the right foot during the summer.  We worked hard to re-engage our supporters and re-launch AF’s core programs while also building on the success of AF’s regional chapters.

Highlights of the year included AF’s 15th anniversary gala, a return of the monthly roundtable discussions in Washington, D.C., a leadership dinner with Senator Rand Paul, and numerous happy hours, and co-sponsored programs.  A new group of talented staff joined us in the fall and improved programs and communications for members and attendees.  Doublethink magazine was re-launched with editor Noelle Daly and has already published 15 feature pieces covering issues from marriage to tax policy, and more.  In addition, the “Conventional Folly” blog included colorful commentary from AF members and friends.

AFF’s mission does not stop at the beltway.  Richard Lorenc was hired this year as National Chapter Coordinator to replicate his success as the Chicago chapter leader over the past three years.  In addition to leading 17 events in Chicago last year, he mentored the Pittsburgh chapter which had three events, and helped launch the New York City chapter. Highlights included visits by Governor Gary Johnson, author Richard Miniter, and Cato Institute scholar Mike Tanner along with events about religion and liberty, free markets, entitlements, and a film screening.

2012

In 2012, America’s Future Foundation is positioned for growth to further our mission of identifying and developing young professional leaders for liberty. In addition to strengthening AF’s core programs, we will try new programs and build on partnerships with other groups advancing liberty.  Details will be announced soon, but we are also open to your ideas and feedback.  What do you want AF to become and how do you see yourself participating in that vision?  Please let us know.

Roundtables in Washington, D.C. are scheduled for each third Thursday and happy hours are scheduled for each fourth Thursday.  We hope you can join us for these and other AF programs.  The annual AF Gala will be held in May and a Leadership Dinner will be held March.  Details and invitations will follow.

Regional chapters are growing and AF is working to expand them even further.  In 2012, we will strengthen existing chapters in Chicago, New York, and Pittsburgh, while also starting new chapters in Raleigh and several other cities.  If you are interested in AF coming to your city, please contact Richard Lorenc at [email protected].

Membership will be a key component of America’s Future Foundation in 2012.  We will strengthen our offerings for members, increase personal follow-up, and further solidify the connections needed to advance liberty in Washington and around the country.  In addition, AF’s Crabfest will return in the fall as a much-anticipated social event in the DC area!