Davidson’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) has been named Rookie Chapter of the Year by the national organization, less than a year after relaunching on campus. As part of this recognition, Davidson’s chapter received a 5000 dollar grant to bring conservative speakers to campus.

The recognition came as a surprise to the group’s president, Caroline Wilutis ’26. “I didn’t realize Rookie of the Year was something that they did,” Wilutus said. “So, being recognized was motivating.”

She added that relaunching the chapter—it first came to Davidson in 2016 but eventually fell inactive—was an accomplishment in itself. “Especially at a smaller school, there are hurdles to getting a club going, and finding a good following on campus was something we were proud of.”

YAF is an organization based on supporting conservative youth by helping them express their political values and take action in communities across the country. Wilutis specified that YAF’s following goes beyond just conservatives. “A lot of students from all sides of the political spectrum came to our events […] That’s the whole point […] to spread some new ideas.”

According to Wilutis, YAF represents a perspective that sometimes gets lost on campus. “Davidson does a good job of having clubs that represent different perspectives. But some clubs are certainly louder than others,” Wilutis said.

This year, the chapter plans to create programming on economic issues such as tariffs and inflation while building partnerships with Davidson Republicans and Davidson Libertarians. Wilutis said those collaborations could help raise participation and deepen conversations on campus with YAF.

Beyond programming, YAF’s leaders are focused on continuity. With leadership either already graduating or in its last year, building an executive board and recruiting new members has become a goal.

The group’s return last year came with both interest and controversy. Pamphlets distributed by Davidson YAF entitled “The Five Myths About Israel Perpetrated by the Pro- Hamas Left” sparked backlash and raised questions about how YAF fit into Davidson’s political climate.

In its announcement naming Davidson Rookie Chapter of the Year, the national organization cited the incident as an example of the chapter “standing strong” in defense of free speech. “the school claimed one of the pamphlets they were handing out […] was Islamophobic. Instead of acquiescing to the school’s demands, the chapter stood strong in their beliefs and in their right to free speech.”

Wilutis said that although the situation was hard, it helped prepare YAF for disagreements. “It was a tough situation, especially since it was our first year,” she said.

“I’m glad it happened, because I know how to handle a situation if there’s controversy. This year, a big goal is to change that. We’re not meant to be an organization that makes people upset or feel attacked. It’s supposed to be about opening up so that everyone feels like their opinions are voiced,” Wilutis said.

Some student organizations have noticed YAF’s visibility. Planned Parenthood Generation Action (PPGA), which advocates for reproductive freedom, has come into conflict with YAF in the past over pro-life speakers the group brought to campus.

Co-presidents Nora Fenn Gilman ’25 and Victoria Burch ’25 argue YAF’s presence has not created substantive political conversations at Davidson, but it has made moments of debate. “Honestly, I don’t think the presence of YAF has changed political conversations as much as one might think,” Fenn Gilman said. “Their group is very small, but when they do take a stance, it has a ripple effect.”

Rather than debates, Burch explained PPGA’s priority is building spaces for dialogue that feel safe and constructive. “What we’re trying to do, with the current state of the world right now, is just open up honest dialogues,” she said.

Fenn Gilman said YAF does not do the same. “It’s not a safe space if one side of it is saying trans people shouldn’t exist,” Fenn Gilman said. “These boundaries are a priority to PPGA as without them debate leads to no real nuance for those who feel unsafe.”

Even with their differences, both YAF and PPGA leaders said that they want political conversations to continue growing. For YAF, that means ensuring voices and opinions they feel are often overlooked become part of the discussion on campus. For PPGA, it means creating spaces where students can exchange and talk about views without fear or disrespect.

While the Rookie Chapter of the Year award is a great motivator, YAF’s place in Davidson’s political conversation is still uncertain as the chapter finds its footing going into its second year hoping to still continue its work.

“A big goal of mine is […] a stronger foundation so that the club can continue,” Wilutis said.