The AF Blog’s Top Ten of 2018

As 2018 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of the most popular, insightful, and helpful posts published on the AF blog this year. The AF blog presents liberty as a life philosophy. We’re interested in exploring how the ideas of liberty and free markets intersect with policy, culture, and career growth and how those aspects affect our daily lives.

1. Why I Left the Music Industry for Politics
Read how Hannah Cox, Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty manager and former AF-Nashville chapter leader, left behind a glamorous job in the music industry and found fulfillment in politics, working to advance the policies she’s passionate about.

2. Why You May Need to Pay Union Dues, Even if SCOTUS Says You Don’t
Janus v. AFSCME was a critical court case in advancing worker freedom, but the State Policy Network’s F. Vincent Vernuccio and Chantal Lovell detail how some unions have been planning how to work around the decision and force workers to continue to pay union dues against their will.

3. Meet the 2018 Buckley Awards Winners
This year, AF recognized the talent and accomplishments of four outstanding liberty-minded leaders at the 9th annual Buckley Awards. Be sure to check out our individual profiles of winners Ericka Andersen, Rob Bluey, Christina Sandefur, and Carrie Sheffield.

4. & 5. Lady’s and Gentleman’s Guides to Dressing for the AF Gala
While the 2018 AF Gala may have already passed, it’s never too late to start planning next year’s outfit, with a little help from these guides by Shoshana Weissmann and Robert Ordway.

6. The Biggest Lie You’ll Ever Hear in a Commencement Speech
Graduation season is filled with optimistic commencement speeches focused on the importance of following your passion. However, in his post, Christopher Goffos encourages graduates to be mindful of their strengths and weaknesses and to find ways to be passionate about the things they’re best at.

7. How I Became Disillusioned with Communism
Lynn Hu writes of how moving to Canada gave her access to an education in history that shattered the illusions created by a childhood spent being indoctrinated by the Chinese education system.

8. How Minimum Wage Increases Actually Hurt Those They’re Intended to Help
While supporters of increased minimum wage laws mean well, Chloe Anagnos explains how those increases lead to reduced hiring, job loss, higher prices, and failing small businesses.

9. A Gift Giver’s Guide to Finding Something Meaningful for Everyone
While Christmas gift shopping season is over, finding the right gift on any occasion can be stressful. AF’s Kristine Goffos provides a few ways to find something worthwhile for whoever you may be shopping for.

10. Joy in Giving: Be a Smart Year-End Giver
During the Christmas season, charity is often more in focus than any other time of year, but finding the right place to start can be intimidating for those new to charitable giving. Peter Lipsett of DonorsTrust offers some advice on how to wrap up 2018 generously and prepare for more giving in 2019.