The Genesis of the Young Britons’ Foundation

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

The Young Britons’ Foundation was entirely inspired by the success, drive and spirit of the American conservative movement. 

First introduced to organisations such as the American Conservative Union, the Young America’s Foundation, the Leadership Institute, Collegiate Network and the Heritage Foundation at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), it was clear to co-founder Donal Blaney and Greg Smith that Britain was behind in the training and development of younger political activists.

Working together, US think-tanks, activist groups and training organisations ensure that the next generation of conservative activists are well-briefed on the academic backbone of conservative ideas, trained in campaign techniques, media skills and political organisation.  No one group claims a monopoly, but all contribute to conservatism in America through their own initiatives.  Equally, none of these groups are directly affiliated to or at all associated with the Republican Party.

What is most striking about all of these groups, however, is their belief in principled conservatism which can be dated back precisely to the candidacy of Barry Goldwater for President of the United States in 1964.  At that time, conservatives in America were beginning to recognise the importance of individual freedom, a strong national defence, free enterprise and traditional values. 

Goldwater did not become President, but his platform acted as a catalyst to drive the conservative agenda forward, with groups such as the American Conservative Union, Young America’s Foundation and the Heritage Foundation being formed to provide the backbone of the movement. In Ronald Reagan, American conservatives found a candidate who could deliver this exciting agenda and in the lead up to and during his Presidency, the movement grew in stature and strength.  Today, with a conservative President and despite Democrat control of Congress, their success continues.

Every year, Young America’s Foundation introduces thousands of American youth to these ideas through conferences, seminars and speaker events on campus; the Leadership Institute trains them in campaigning and media skills; and the Collegiate Network gives them essential support in getting the message heard on campus through newspapers.

Conservatives in Britain also believe in the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defence, free enterprise and traditional values, and the mission of The Young Britons’ Foundation is to recreate the spirit of those US organisations in the United Kingdom. 

To change the political culture away from dependency on political parties to do all the work – and recognise that training and political development can often be more effectively delivered outside of the recognised political structures.

There is no better country than the United States for British conservatives to look for inspiration.  We share a “special relationship”, both of our peoples are freedom loving, we stand together firmly on the international war on terrorism.  Our American cousins are our best friends in the world and their training organisations have set a good example for us to follow.  It is time to follow their lead.

Ronald Reagan once said, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”  If the British youth of today are not given the opportunity to hear conservative ideas, then his grave prediction may yet come true.

YBF has recognized the generosity of the following individuals who are YBF’s Founder Donors. Without their generosity, YBF would not have been able to have been formed:

·       Kevin Fallon

·       John & Laura Midgeley

·       Paul Osborn

·       Paul Shea

·       Tom Scott

·       Chris Walsh

·       Sarkis Zeronian