AF Around the Country – East Coast Chapters

Over the course of December, America’s Future Foundation has featured its chapters around the country. Thus far, AF highlighted west coast, southwest, and midwest chapters. This week, we spotlight AF’s east coast chapters. These chapters are some of the longest-standing, and the Washington, DC, chapter is where it all began in 1995! The AF team is excited to celebrate these hubs of free-market young leaders and highlight some upcoming events. Check out some of the great events this region hosted in 2018!

Past Events

Celebrate School Choice – Rhode Island
Earlier this year, AF-Rhode Island hosted a School Choice panel, highlighting the paramount importance of parental freedom in educational choices for their children so every child may reach their full potential. The panel featured an all-star lineup of school choice advocates, including:

-Edward Bastia of the Diocese of Providence Catholic Schools
-Justin Katz, research director for the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity and managing editor of the Ocean State Current
-Sheila Konis, director of Rhode Island Families for School Choice

Millennials across the country are demanding that school choice is instituted and the Ocean State is no exception.

Networking Social at FEECon – Atlanta
In June, AF-Atlanta collaborated with the Foundation for Economic Education to host a networking social following the Foundation’s annual conference, FEECon. Conference attendees and AF members joined the second annual social to meet other like-minded individuals and debrief about the conference. The popular event brought over 220 free-market young professionals together!

Why We Need Allies in the Private Sector – DC
AFF-DC hosted a panel at the Hillsdale College Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center on the importance of free-market advocates in government, non-profits, and the private sector to work together to enable greater freedom for all. Panelists also discussed how individuals can shift from government or non-profit roles to working in the private sector and why it’s important to have free market proponents in different fields. The panel included former non-profit and Capitol Hill employees who are current work in various industries throughout the private sector.

Whiskey Economics – Raleigh
AFF-Raleigh teamed up with T.U.R.N. and John Hood of the John William Pope Foundation to host an invitation-only event at men’s clothier, Alton Lane. The event brought free-market leaders together from around Raleigh for a discussion on alcohol deregulation. Attendees enjoyed a whiskey tasting, cocktails, and hor d’oeuvres while conversing about policy regulations. The event was wildly successful and we hope to see more like this in the future!

Free Our Spirits – Philadelphia
Anna McCauslin, deputy state director of Americans for Prosperity, joined AF-Philadelphia for a happy hour discussion on Pennsylvania’s antiquated liquor system. Members took the opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn how government control of an industry harms entrepreneurs and consumers.

Upcoming East Coast Events

Holiday Party with Rob Wilson – Atlanta, December 18
Today, AF-Atlanta hosts its holiday event, featuring motivational speaker and writer, Rob Wilson. Rob is a long-time AF member and will provide insight into creating achievable 2019 goals and finding fulfillment in life. Members should walk away from the talk renewed to achieve their lofty career and life aspirations.

Holiday Happy Hour – Jacksonville, December 20
On Thursday, AF-Jacksonville will celebrate the joy of the season during their holiday happy hour at Culhane’s Irish Pub. Join members to build community and learn how to get more involved in AF and sharing the ideas of liberty moving into 2019!

Freedom is Coming to Town – Rhode Island, December 21
This season, AF-Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity take time to be thankful for the freedoms the United States bestows during their year-end holiday event. Imagine Ubering between stores to finish last-minute holiday shopping. It may seem normal that a driver wishes a “Merry Christmas” or a “Happy Hanukkah.” But what if ridesharing didn’t exist, and there was no alternate form of transportation? What if someone could be jailed for wishing another the wrong happy holiday statement? Mike Stenhouse, founder and CEO of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, will discuss these concepts, and the future of American values and the sharing economy in the Ocean State, while members enjoy holiday drinks, appetizers, and conversation.

We would love for you join AF’s holiday events this season! If you, or are someone you know, may be interested in attending these or other upcoming events, check out AFF’s Facebook page! For questions, or to learn more about starting an AF chapter in your city, reach out to Leah Whetstone at [email protected].