Table of ContentsIntroduction: TPUSA Chapters & Handbook Overview ..........................................................1-4
● LetterfromtheNationalFieldDirector .............................................................................. 2 ● WhatisaTPUSAChapter? .................................................................................................. 3● ChapterLeaderTestimonials .............................................................................................. 4● ReasonstoStartaTPUSAChapter...................................................................................... 4
Section 1: Turning Point USA .................................................................................................... 5-7● HistoryofTurningPointUSA .............................................................................................. 6● MissionStatement ............................................................................................................. 6● TPUSAOrganizationalStructure ......................................................................................... 7● HowtoContactTPUSA ....................................................................................................... 7
Section 2: Starting Your Chapter .......................................................................................... 8-11 ● ApplytoStartaTurningPointUSAChapter ....................................................................... 9 ● RecruitYourA-Team(OfficerTeam) .............................................................................. 9-10● DevelopaLeadershipStructure&Plan ............................................................................ 11● SignyourChapterCharterAgreement ............................................................................. 11
Section 3: Getting Your Chapter Approved by Your School ..............................................12-14● BenefitsofBeinganOfficialStudentGroup ..................................................................... 13● LearnyourSchool’sStudentGroupProcess ..................................................................... 13● WriteaConstitution/By-Laws ........................................................................................... 13● FindaFacultyAdvisor ....................................................................................................... 14● WhatToDoifyourChapterIsDenied ............................................................................. 14
Section 4: Getting Started on Campus ............................................................................... 15-16● DraftaStrategicPlan ........................................................................................................ 16● RecruitNewMembersforyourChapter .......................................................................... 16 ● PlanyourFirstMeeting ............................................................................................... 16-17
Section 5: Internal & External Communication .................................................................18-20 Internal Communication ............................................................................................................... 19
● CreateaChapterEmailAccount ....................................................................................... 19● MaintainaMembershipDatabase ................................................................................... 19 ● EmailTips&Strategies ..................................................................................................... 19● FindWaystoCommunicatewithOfficers ........................................................................ 19
External Communication .............................................................................................................. 20● CreateaFacebookPage ................................................................................................... 20● CreateaTwitterAccount .................................................................................................. 20● CreateaChapterWebsite ................................................................................................ 20
Section 6: Establishing and Growing Your Chapter...........................................................21-25● ConsistentRecruiting ........................................................................................................ 22 ● TablingTips&Strategies.............................................................................................. 22-23 ● MeetingTips&Strategies ................................................................................................ 24● DealingwithPushbackonCampus .................................................................................. 24● WorkingwithLike-MindedCampusGroups ..................................................................... 25
Section 7: Resources from TPUSA ....................................................................................... 26-28● ConnectwithaTPUSAFieldDirector ............................................................................... 27 ● OrderaChapterLogo ....................................................................................................... 27● OrderaChapterBanner ................................................................................................... 27● OrderActivismSupplies ................................................................................................... 27 ● ApplyforanActivismGrant .............................................................................................. 28● DownloadGraphics .......................................................................................................... 28● InviteaSpeakerfromourSpeakersBureau ..................................................................... 28 ● WatchourTechnologyTutorials ....................................................................................... 28 ● AccessourOnlineResources ............................................................................................ 28
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events ............................................................................... 29-43 ● TPUSA’sCampusActivismProgram .................................................................................. 30 ● ActivismIdeas .............................................................................................................. 30-43
○ VisualizetheDebt/HumanDebtClock ...........................................................30-31○ DrowninginDebt ................................................................................................ 31○ CuttheDebt/SliceofDebt .................................................................................. 32○ AffirmativeActionBakeSale ............................................................................... 33○ FrackedorFiction ................................................................................................ 34○ PongOfftheDebt ................................................................................................ 35○ MovieScreening ............................................................................................. 35-36○ UnionizedHotDogStand ............................................................................... 36-37○ FreeSpeechBall .................................................................................................. 37○ FreeSpeechWall ................................................................................................. 38○ BuildYourOwnSafeSpace ............................................................................. 38-39○ ChalkYourCampus .............................................................................................. 39○ HostaPanel/Debate ............................................................................................ 39○ DebateWatchParty ............................................................................................ 40○ TablewithTPUSAActivismSupplies ...............................................................40-41○ CampusBlitz ........................................................................................................ 41○ Petitions ............................................................................................................... 42○ 9/11Memorial .................................................................................................... 43
● TPUSA’sPolicyforBringingSpeakerstoCampus ............................................................. 43
Section 9: Fundraising for Your Chapter ............................................................................ 44-46● CreateaChapterBankAccount ........................................................................................ 45● RequestFundingfromYourSchool.................................................................................. 45● ApplyforActivismGrants ................................................................................................ 46● HostFundraisersonCampus ............................................................................................ 46
Section 10: Resources from Partner Organizations ..........................................................47-49 ● HYPELINE ......................................................................................................................... 48● LeadershipInstitute ......................................................................................................... 48● PragerUniversity .............................................................................................................. 48● FoundationforEconomicEducation................................................................................. 48● TheHeartlandInstitute .................................................................................................... 49● NationalReview ................................................................................................................ 49
Section 11: Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 50● AMessagefromtheExecutiveDirector ........................................................................... 51
2 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Letter from the National Field Director
Greetings,
OnbehalfofournationalleadershipteamI’dliketopersonallywelcomeyoutoTurningPointUSA!WeareexcitedabouttheopportunitytobringTPUSAtoyourschoolandmakeasignificantdifferenceonyourcampus.
EnclosedinthisChapterHandbookyouwillfindseveralusefultipsandguidelinesthatwillhelpyouasyoulaunchyournewTurningPointUSAchapter.Pleasetaketimetoreviewthisguidewithyourleadershipteamandcoremembers.
Inaddition to the resources in thisChapterHandbook,TPUSAhasa teamof full-timeFieldDirectors thatworkwithstudentleaderslikeyou.Ifyouhaven’talreadyconnectedwithaTPUSAFieldDirector(professionalactivistswhoaretheretohelpyoustartandmaintainyourchapter),pleasereachouttomesowecanconnectyouwithsomeonenearby.Wehaveateamreadyandwillingtohelpwithanythingyoumayneed.
BringingTPUSAtoyourcampusisabold,courageousstep.Ittakescouragetoleadastudentorganizationthatidentifiessilentconservatives,organizesactivists,andpromotes limitedgovernmentvalues.Thankyou forsteppinguptoleadandforbeingpartofourmovement.
Pleasedon’thesitatetocontactmeifthereisanythingwecandotohelp.Youcanreachmeanytimeatcrystal.clanton@turningpointusa.netorviaphoneat(844)872-1776Ext.100.
Ilookforwardtoworkingwithyouaswedevelopyourchapterandmakeamajorimpactonyourcampus.Thankyouforbeingpartofthismovement.
Regards,
CrystalClantonNationalFieldDirector
Introduction: TPUSA Chapters & Handbook Overview
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 3
What is a TPUSA Chapter?TurningPointUSAchaptersarecommunitiesofpro-freemarketactivists thatwork toeducate theirpeersabouttheimportanceoflimitedgovernmentandcapitalism.TPUSAchaptersalsoworktoidentify,empower,andorganizeotheractivistssothatourmovementconsistentlygrows.
AsaTurningPointUSAchapterleader,youwillhavetheopportunitytobuildastrongconservativeactivistnetwork on your campus, plan and execute activism initiatives, help students get registered to vote, andinformyourpeersabouttheimportanceofeconomicfreedomandlimitedgovernment.Youwillchangewhatitmeanstobeaconservativeoncampusbyre-brandingandpromotingfreemarketvalues.
What do TPUSA Chapters do?TPUSA chaptersorganizeeducational activismevents suchasdebates, protests, and tablingevents (manyexamplesareprovided inSection8).Chaptersalsobringspeakerstocampus,make iteasyandexcitingtolearnaboutcurrentevents,andre-brandconservativevaluesoncampusbyspreadingTPUSA’smessage ininnovativeways.
Chapter ObligationsIn order to remain an active TPUSA chapter the group is responsible for:
I. MaintaininganExecutiveBoard/OfficerTeamwithatleastthree(3)positions:President,VicePresident,andTreasurer.Morepositionsmayberequiredbythechapter’sschool.
II. SubmitaChapterCharterAgreementform(foundonline).III. Organizingatleastone(1)activisminitiativeperacademicsemester.IV. Submitting an “End of Year Activity Report” report document to Turning Point USA’s National
HeadquartersbyMay30ofeachyear.Thedocumentwillbecompletedonlineandshouldtake20-40minutestocomplete.
V. RemainingincommunicationwithaTPUSARegionalDirectororFieldDirectoronaregularbasis.VI. AdheringtoTPUSA’sChapterCodeofConductandensuringalloperationsareinaccordanceto501(c)
(3)guidelines.
Chapter Code of ConductTPUSA chapters are expected to adhere to the following conduct expectations:VII. TPUSAchaptersmayneverendorseanycandidatesrunningforpublicoffice.Leadersofthechapter
mayendorsecandidatesintheirpersonaltime,butmaynotdosoonbehalfofthechapter.VIII. TPUSAchaptersmaynevercampaignforpoliticalcandidatesoraidpoliticalcampaignsinanymanner
(donatemoney,recruitcampaignvolunteers,etc.).Leadersofthechaptermaydotheseactivitiesintheirpersonaltime,butmaynotdosoonbehalfofthechapter.
IX. TPUSA chapters may never host a speaker on campus without approval from TPUSA’s nationalheadquarters.Theapplicationtohostaspeakercanbefoundatwww.tpusa.com/RequestASpeaker.
Introduction: TPUSA Chapters & Handbook Overview
4 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Chapter Leader Testimonials“Being president of the Turning Point chapter at my school has been an incredibleexperienceandhasopenedthedoortosomanynewopportunities.Ithasallowedmeto host famous conservative speakers and attend amazing conferences with peoplethatsharethesameviewsasme.Notonlythat,butthesuppliesthatTurningPointUSAprovidesuswithareallamazing!TurningPointUSAiseasilythebestconservativegroupinthenationforcollegestudentsandIamincrediblythankfulfortheopportunitytobeinvolved.” -Devin Bilski, The Ohio State University
“IampresidentoftheTurningPointUSAchapteratSamHoustonStateUniversity.Westartedwith nothing andquickly grew to be themost powerful force on campus.Wefighteverysingledayforfreedom,notfreestuff!Noneofthiswouldhavebeenpossiblewithout Turning Point USA’s Young Latino Leadership Summit. It simply changedmylife.Ifeelfartoooftenthatconservativesdon’tcareaboutlatinos.TurningPointUSAischanging thegamebyoffering real trainingandempowerment foryoungconservativelatinos. TurningPointUSA ismaking themovementmorediverseandpowerfuleverysingleday.”- Joanna Rodriguez, Sam Houston State University
Reasons to Start a TPUSA ChapterBystartingaTPUSAChapteryouwillhavetheopportunityto:
1. Developandhoneyourleadershipskills.2. Makenewfriendswhoshareyourvalues.3. Educateyourpeersandregisterfirst-timevoters.4. Attendtrainingconferencesallacrossthecountry.5. Networkandbuildupyourresume.6. Fightbackagainstliberalbiasandindoctrinationonyourcampus.7. Gainexperiencethatwillleadtointernshipandjobopportunities.
Introduction: TPUSA Chapters & Handbook Overview
6 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Section 1: Turning Point USA
History of Turning Point USATurningPointUSA(TPUSA)wasfoundedonJune5,2012bythen-18-year-oldCharlieKirk.TPUSAwascreatedtobe a grassroots studentmovement that identifies, empowers, andorganizes youngpeople topromotelimitedgovernment,freemarkets,andcapitalism.SincetheinceptionofTurningPointUSA,theorganizationhasnowgrowntoover1,000collegeandhighschoolcampusesnationwide.
TurningPointUSAisa501(c)(3)non-profitorganization.ThismeansthatalldonationstoTurningPointUSAaretax-deductible.
Mission StatementTurningPointUSAeducatesstudentsabouttheimportanceoffiscalresponsibility,freemarkets,andlimitedgovernment.Throughnon-partisandebate,dialogue,anddiscussion,TurningPointUSAbelievesthateveryyoungpersoncanbeenlightenedtotruefreemarketvalues.
TPUSA activists strive to:
Identify studentactivists ineverycornerof thecountrywhobelieve in limitedgovernmentand individualliberty.TPUSAactivistsarethecommunityorganizersoftheright.
Empower youngactiviststogetinvolvedinthefightforfreemarketsandlimitedgovernment.TPUSAempowersyoungpeopletomakeadifferencewithintheirowncampusandcommunitythroughbuildingstrongcampusnetworks,organizingconferencesandtrainingworkshops,andequippingactivistswiththeknowledgeandstrategiesneededtocombattheleft.
Organize youngactivists inchaptersandnetworksoncollegesacross thecountry.TPUSAbelieves there isstrengthinorganization,andouractivistsworktirelesslytobuildgrassrootsnetworksoneverycollegecampusinAmerica.
Educatestudentsabouttheimportanceoffiscalresponsibility,limitedgovernment,andfreemarkets.Withinnovativemessaging techniques and strategic outreachmethods TPUSA is able to educate thousands ofcollegestudentseachday.
Registerstudentstovote.TPUSAhashelpedthousandsofcollegestudentsapplyforvoterregistrationandaccessvote-by-mailballots.
Mobilizestudentswhobelieveinfreemarkets.Emaillistsdon’tmeananythingiftheyaren’tusedproperly.TPUSAmobilizesitsactivistnetworkstogetinvolvedinactivism,issue-advocacy,publicpolicyeducation,andgrassrootsorganization.
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 7
How to Contact TPUSA
ThebestwaytocontactTurningPointUSAforgeneralquestionsregardingchaptersistoemailchapters@turningpointusa.net.
Inmostcases,TPUSAwillconnectchapterswithalocalFieldDirectorwhocanprovideon-campusassistanceandguidance.
ChaptersarewelcometocontactTPUSAHQbyusingtheemailabove,orcontacttheirlocalFieldDirectordirectly(findcontactinfoatwww.tpusa.com/Staff).
National HeadquartersNational Field Director/Deputy Field Director/
Field Program Associates
Regional RegionalRegional Regional
Field Directors Field DirectorsField Directors Field Directors
Section 1: Turning Point USA
TPUSA Organizational Structure
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 9
Apply to Start a Turning Point USA ChapterThefirststepinestablishingyourTurningPointUSAchapterisapplyingtostartachapterontheTPUSAwebsite.Theapplicationcanbeaccessedatwww.tpusa.com/StartAChapter.
ThepurposeoftheapplicationistohelpyouformaplanforyourchapterandinformTPUSA’snationalstaffoftheresourcesandsupportyouwillneed.Uponsubmittingyourapplicationtostartachapter,TPUSAwillconnectyouwithaFieldDirectorandprovideyouwithacopyoftheChapterHandbookandotherhelpfulresources.
ItispossiblethatifyouarereadingthisHandbookyoualreadyappliedtostartachapter.Ifthatisthecase,pleaseproceedtothenextstep:recruitingyourA-Team!
Recruit Your A-Team (Officer Team)Themostimportantstepindevelopingyourchapterisputtingtogetherastrongleadershipteam(anA-Team).Thequalityofyourleadershipteamwilldeterminethesuccessofyourchapter;it’sthatsimple.
Thisstepcanbedifficult,especiallyonsmallcampuses.Manycampusesrequirecertainpositionstobecomea registered student organization.We suggest having at least a President, Vice President, Treasurer, andSecretary.Asummaryofwhateachrolewoulddoisbelow:
President● Presidesovermeetingsoftheorganization● Callsmeetingsoftheorganization● Facilitatesofficermeetings● Appointscommitteechairsand/orappointedofficerpositions● Developsplansandgoalsfortheorganization● Maintainscontactwithaffiliateduniversity● Maintainscontactwithorganizationadvisor● Maintainscontactwiththenationalorganization● Servesasaspokespersonfortheorganization
Vice President● AssumesthedutiesofthePresidentinhis/herabsence● Developsplansandgoalsfortheorganization● Directsconstitutionalupdatingandrevisions● Facilitateselectionofofficers● Assistsallexecutiveofficersasneeded● Organizesendoftheyearcelebration
Section 2: Starting Your Chapter
10 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Section 2: Starting Your Chapter
Treasurer● Servesasprimarysignatoryonfinancialaccounts● Paysorganizationbills● Developsandexecutesfundraisinginitiatives● Appliesforactivismgrantsanduniversityfunds● Maintainsfinancialhistoryoftheorganization● Collectschapterdues(ifapplicable)
Secretary● Obtainsappropriatefacilitiesfororganizationactivities● Maintainsarecordofallmembersintheorganization● Notifiesallmembersofmeetingsandevents● Preparesandmaintainsorganizationcalendar● Keepsanddistributesminutesforeachmeeting● PerformsotherdutiesasrequestedbythePresident
Optional Positions:
Outreach Coordinator● Plansandexecutesoutreachinitiatives● Maintainsrelationshipswithlike-mindedgroupsoncampus● Developsstrategiesforlike-mindedcampusgroupstocollaboratewiththeorganization
Social Media Coordinator/Digital Director● Managessocialmediaaccountsfortheorganization● Maintainschapterwebsite(ifapplicable)
Historian● Takespicturesofchapteractivities● Maintainsdocumentedrecordsofchapterevents● Maintainsfiles/documentstosharewithfutureofficersduringtransitions
Since finding strong, dedicated officer candidates can be challenging. Here are a few suggestions:
● TalktosimilarlymindedfriendsandclassmatesaboutTPUSA.● Hostaninterestmeeting.Invitestudentsbytablingoncampus,postingflyers,andthroughsocialmedia.● Talkwithprofessorsandaskthemtoconnectyouwithstudentsthattheyfeelwouldbeagoodfit“
forTPUSA.● UseFacebookGraphSearchtofindstudentsoncampuswhohavelikedTPUSAorothersimilar
conservativepagesonFacebook.AtutorialonhowtouseFacebookGraphSearchcanbefoundonourwebsite.
● AlwaysremembertoremindprospectiveofficersofthebenefitstheywillexperiencebyjoiningTPUSA!
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 11
Develop a Leadership Structure & PlanOnceyouhaveformedateamofofficers,itisimportanttodevelopaleadershipstructureandplan.Youwillneedtodetermineeachperson’sspecificresponsibilitiesandduties,aswellaswhen/howyour leadershipteamwillmeetandoperate.
Youwill alsoneed todevelopaplan foryour chapter’sactivities.Wesuggestwritinga strategicplan thatincludesyourgroup’sgoals,objectives,activismplans,andeventplansfortheschoolyear.Oncegoalsareestablished,assignspecificprojectsandtaskstoyourofficerteam.Thiswillkeepyourteamaccountableandensurethateveryonestaysfocusedonthechapter’sgoals.
Sign your Chapter Charter AgreementOnceyouhavefinalizedaleadershipteamandmadesomeinitialplansforyourchapter,youwillneedtosignyourChapterCharterAgreement.ThisdocumentneedstobesignedbytheChapterPresidentatthestartofeachschoolyear.Thedocumentcanbeaccessedonlineatwww.tpusa.com/ChapterCharter.
OncetheChapterCharterAgreementissigned,yourgroupwillbeconsideredanofficialTPUSAchapterfortherestoftheschoolyear,providedthatallguidelinesintheagreementarefollowed.
Section 2: Starting Your Chapter
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 13
Benefits of Being an Official Student GroupWhilestudentsareusuallyfreetoassembleanywhereoncampus,therearemanyadvantagestobecominganofficialstudentgroupthatisrecognizedbytheschool.
Benefitsofbeinganofficial studentgroup include:official recognition,access toschool funding,access toclassroom/eventspace,tablingspace,acampusmailbox,listingonyourschool’sstudentgroupdirectory,andmuchmore.ItisimperativethateveryTPUSAchapterworkstobecomeofficiallyrecognizedbytheschool.
Learn your School’s Student Group ProcessTheprocessforbecominganofficialstudentorganizationvariesateachschool.Somecampusesrequirethatyoufilloutafewforms,whileothercampusesrequiremeetings,presentations,andseveraldocuments.Asyoubegintomakeplansforyournewchapteritisimportanttoresearchandunderstandtheprocessforbecomingaregisteredstudentgrouponcampus.
If you are unsure where to start, begin by reaching out to your school’s Student Life/Student Activitiesdepartmentcontact.Thestaffinthatdepartmentshouldbeveryfamiliarwiththeprocess.
It is important that someone from your chapter is responsible for following upwith the school after thepaperwork/applicationhasbeensubmitted. Insomecases,schoolsforgettomovetheapplicationforwardorhavelongdelaystoprocesstheapplications.Itisbesttofollow-upregularlysothatyouknowthestatusofyourgroup’spendingapproval.
TPUSAiscommittedtohelpingeachandeverychapterachieveofficialrecognitionfromtheirschool.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheprocessatyourschoolorneedhelpnavigatingthedetails,pleasereachouttoyourFieldDirectorand/[email protected].
Write a Constitution/By-LawsMostschoolsrequirenewstudentorganizationstosubmitaConstitutionand/orBy-Lawsaspartofthestudentgroup registrationprocess. It is important to familiarize yourselfwith your school’s specific requirements;someschoolshaveveryspecificguidelinesfortheConstitutionthatyourclubmustmeet.
TurningPointUSAoffersasampleChapterConstitutionandbylawsontheTPUSAwebsite.Toaccessthesedocuments,navigatetoChapters>ChapterResources. It is recommendedthatyouworkwithyourofficerteamandtailorthetemplatetofityourchapter’sindividualneeds.
Section 3: Gettting Your Chapter Approved by Your School
14 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Find a Faculty AdvisorMostschoolsrequireregisteredstudentorganizationstohaveafacultyadvisortosponsorand/orsign-offontheclub.Manyprofessorswhoserveasadvisorsknowstudentswhomaybeinterestedinjoiningyourclub.Besuretoaskyouradvisortoconnectyouwithanyprospectivemembersassoonaspossible.
Ifyouarehavingdifficultyfindingafacultyadvisor,tryreachingouttolike-mindedgroupsoncampustolearnwhotheyhaveastheiradvisor.Someprofessorswillsponsormorethanonegroup,ormayrecommendedotherprofessorswhomaybeagoodfitforyourgroup.YoumayalsoconsideremailingprofessorsofPoliticalScience,Economics,andBusiness.
Once you have a faculty advisor,meetwith him or her to determine his/her communication preferencesandidealroleinyourclub.Inmanycases,advisorsdon’tintendtohaveamajorroleinthestudentgroup’sactivities.Regardlessofyouradvisor’sroleintheclub,besuretokeephim/herupdatedwithmajoreventsandclubhappenings.
What To Do if your Chapter Is DeniedSometimes TPUSA chapters will get denied by the school when they apply to be a registered studentorganization.Ifyoufindoutthatyourgroupwasdeniedbecauseyoumissedadeadlineand/orakeypieceof information in your application,make thenecessary edits and re-submit your application as quickly aspossible.Ifthereasonwassomethinglessspecific,askifyoucangetareasonforthedenialinwriting.Manyschoolsrequirethatthisbeprovidedtoyouifyourequestit.
Next,contactyourTPUSAFieldDirectororTPUSAHQ.Besuretoincludeacopyoftheletterfromyourschool.Neverworryorfeelbadifyourchapterisdenied;insomecases,collegeshaveactivelytriedtoblockTPUSAandotherconservativegroupsfromorganizingoncampus.TPUSAwillprovideassistancetochapterswhoarestrugglingtogetapproved.
Section 3: Gettting Your Chapter Approved by Your School
16 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Draft a Strategic PlanIntheearlystagesofstartingyourchapteritisimportanttodraftastrategicplanwithyourofficersandkeymembers.Youshoulddothisbeforeyouhostameetingor recruitextensively formembers.Developingastrategicplanwillhelpyoutoorganizeyourgoalsandobjectivesanddevelopastrategyforachievingthem.
Whiletherearenospecificrequirementsforyourstrategicplan,werecommendthatyouinclude:● Goalsandobjectivesforthegroup● Well-definedleadershiproleswithspecificdutiesforeachofficer● Detailedplansforactivismeventsthatyourgroupwillexecutethroughouttheyear● Calendarthatincludesimportantdatesanddeadlinesforyourgroupandyourschool
Werecommendtypingyourplanandsharingthefinalproductwithallofficers.
Recruit New Members for your ChapterOnceyouhaveastrategicplan,itisimportanttostartrecruitingnewmembersforyourstudentgroup.Youcanneverhavetoomanymembers,sorecruitasoftenasyoucan.
Thebestwaytogetsign-upsistotableoncampus.Viewour“TablingTips&Strategies”insection6foradviceonhowtomaketablingeffectiveforyourchapter.
Youcanalsorecruitnewmembersbypostingonsocialmedia,hanginguppostersforyourfirstmeeting,andinvitingstudentsfromlike-mindedcampusgroupstojoin.
Plan your First MeetingAfterdevelopingastrategicplanandrecruitingnewmembersforyourgroup,itisimportanttohostyourfirstmeeting.Thismeetingshouldbeheldshortlyafteryourfirsttablingeventwhilestudentsarestillinterestedinyourclub.
Mostregisteredstudentgroupsareabletoreservemeetingspacethroughtheschool.Besuretoreservespaceearly--sometimesspaceisverylimited.Youwillneedyourspacereservationtostartatleast30minutespriortothestartofyourmeetingsoyouhavetimetoset-upandgetorganized.
Besuretoadvertiseforyourmeeting.Youcandothisbyhangingupposters,distributingflyers,andtextingand/oremailingeveryonewhosigned-upforyourgroup.Alsobesuretoaskyourofficerstopromotethefirstmeetingonsocialmedia,throughword-of-mouth,andtocommitonbringing2-3newpeopletoyourfirstmeeting(1-2newpeopletoeverymeetingafterthat).
Section 4: Gettting Started on Campus
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 17
Besurethatalladvertisementsincludethepropermeetinginformationincludingthedate,timeandlocation.Ifyouwillbeservingfoodorrefreshments,besuretoincludethataswell.
Priortoyourmeeting,taskanofficer(usuallythePresident)withdevelopinganagenda.Theagendashouldbewellorganizedandspecifywhowillbepresenting/leadingeachportion.Topicswesuggesttocoveratyourfirstmeetinginclude:
● OverviewofTurningPointUSA● IntroductionofOfficers(explaineachofficer’srole)● Mission/ObjectivesofyourTPUSAChapter● OverviewofChapterActivities(upcomingevents,tablingopportunities,etc.)● Sign-UpforEvents/ActivismInitiatives● PrepforUpcomingEvents/ActivismInitiatives(thismayincludemakingposters,brainstormingideas,
orformingcommitteesforanupcomingactivity)
Youmayconsiderdoingasurveyatyourfirstmeetingtolearnmoreaboutyourmember’spreferences.Thingstoaskmayinclude:
● When/wheredoyouprefertohavemeetings?● Whatactivitieswouldyouliketoseethechapterdo?● Howwouldyouliketobeinvolvedinthechapter?
Atyourmeetingbesuretocollectcontactinformationfromeveryonewhoattendsandaddanynewmemberstoyourmembershipdatabase.
Keepmeetingsconciseandontopic. Ifyoukeepthelengthbetween30and45minutes,andstayontask,peoplewillbemorelikelytoreturntomeetings.
Section 4: Gettting Started on Campus
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 19
Internal CommunicationCreate a Chapter Email AccountInorder to keep chapter communicationorganizedand coming fromone source, it is recommended thatyoucreateachapteremailaccount.Youcancreateafreeemailaccountatwww.gmail.comoranotherfreeemailprovider.TPUSArecommendsusingGmailbecauseoftheadditionalfeaturesavailablesuchasGoogleCalendar,GoogleDrive,andmore.
Yourchapter’semailaddressshoulddescribeyourgroupandbeeasytoremember.ItisrecommendedthatyourchapterfollowtheyourschoolTPUSA@emailprovider.commodel.
Maintain a Membership Database Fromthemomentyoustartyourchapter it is importanttohaveanorganizedandaccessiblemembershipdatabase.WerecommendorganizingamembershipdatabaseonGoogleDriveinaGoogleSpreadsheetsothatyourfileisbackedupandmultiplepeoplecanaccessthefileasitisupdated.AtutorialonhowtouseGoogleDrivecanbefoundontheTPUSAwebsite.Youwillneedthisdatabaseforcontactingyourmembers.
Atminimum,youshouldhavethefollowingpiecesofinformationforeachmemberinyourgroup:● FirstName● LastName● EmailAddress● CellPhoneNumber
Wealsorecommendmakingnoteofeachperson’syearinschoolandTwitterhandle.Besuretoseparateeachitemintoseparatespreadsheetcolumns.
Email Tips & Strategies● BCCrecipientstoprotecttheprivacyofyourmembers.● UseGmasstopersonalizeemails(atutorialonhowtouseGmassisonourwebsite).● Uselistsandbulletpointstohighlightkeyinformation.● Keepyouremailsbrief.Peoplegetalotofemailsandaremorelikelytoreadyourannouncementsif
theemailsarebrief.
Find Ways to Communicate with Officers In addition tomaintaining communication with your members, your chapter will need a plan for officercommunication.
Setascheduleformeetingsthatworkswellwitheveryone.Sincemostpeoplearebusy,trytokeepmeetingstoaminimumandusedigitalcommunicationwheneverpossible.
Someofficerteamscommunicateviaemail,whileotherspreferemail forannouncementsandaFacebookGroupforbrainstorminganddiscussions.
Section 5: Internal & External Communication
20 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
External CommunicationCreate a Facebook PageTPUSAchaptersareencouragedtocreateaFacebookpagetocommunicatewithmembersandthegeneralpublic.BesuretocreateapublicFacebookpageratherthanaprivateFacebookgroup.
FacebookpagelinksforeachchapterarelistedonTPUSA’sonlineChapterDirectory.WithoutaFacebooklinkitwillbedifficultforprospectivememberstoconnectwithyourgroupthroughtheTPUSAwebsite.
TPUSArequeststhatallchapterscreateFacebookpageswiththename“TurningPointUSAat(insertuniversitynamehere)”.Anexampleofapropertitlewouldbe:TurningPointUSAattheUniversityofAlabama.
TPUSAprovidessocialmediagraphicsforchapterstouseonsocialmediaatwww.tpusa.com/ChapterGraphics.
Create a Twitter AccountChapterleaderswhofeelthegroupmaybenefitfromaTwitteraccountareencouragedtolaunchaTwitteraccountforthechapter.
Create a Chapter Website Whilemost students prefer to get updates via email, phone, or socialmedia, a chapterwebsitemay bebeneficialdependingontheschoolandstudentbody.Ifmoststudentorganizationsonyourcampushaveawebsite,itisrecommendedthatyoucreateoneforyourTPUSAchapter.
Someschoolsofferawebsiteplatformtoregisteredstudentorganizations.Ifyourschooloffersthisserviceitisrecommendedthatyoucreateabasicwebsiteforyourchapter.
Ifyouwantawebsite,butyourschooldoesnotprovideaservice,youcandesignoneforfreeatWix.comorWeebly.com.Bothofthesewebsiteservicesarefreeandeasytouse.
Ifyoucreateawebsiteforyourchapter,besuretoassignanofficertoupdatethewebsiteonaregularbasis.
Section 5: Internal & External Communication
22 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Section 6: Establishing & Growing Your Chapter
Consistent RecruitingThekeytobuildingandmaintainingasuccessfulchapteristoconsistentlyrecruitandexpandyourmembership.Yourgroupisonlyasstrongasitsmembership,anditisinyourinteresttohaveasmanymembersaspossible.
Oneoftheprimarywaystoensurethatyourgroupisalwaysgrowingistoconsistentlyrecruitnewmemberswhiletablingandhostingactivismevents. Wheneveryouorganizeachapteractivitysuchasameetingorevent,besuretohaveaclipboardwithasign-upsheetreadytogo.
Tabling Tips & StrategiesTablingissomethingthateveryTPUSAchaptershoulddo.Bytabling,youcaneducatethestudentbodyaboutimportanteventsandissueswhilealsorecruitingnewmembersforyourclub.
Herearesometipstomakeyourtablingexperienceaspositiveandeffectiveaspossible:
Gather a core team of activists to help you. Tablingisalottotakeonbyyourself.Beforeyouorganizeyourtablingevent,findacoregroupoffriendsandactiviststohelpyou.Effectivetablingusuallyrequiresatleast2-3people.
Ifyouplantotableforseveralhours,youmaywanttoscheduleshiftssothatthetableisstaffedthroughoutthedayandyourteamdoesn’tgettired.
Pick a good location.Pickahigh-trafficareaoncampustoset-upyourtable.Wesuggesttablingonthequad,inthestudentunion,oroutsideapopularacademicbuildingorlibrary.Thebesttimestotablearewhenstudentsareinclass;werecommendbetweenthehoursof9amand3pm.
Some colleges anduniversities restrictwhere you can table to a “Free Speech Zone”. TPUSAbelieves thesezonesareunconstitutional,astheFirstAmendmentshouldapplytoeverysquareinchofAmerica.ManyTPUSAchaptersspeakoutagainstFreeSpeechZones.Ifyouwouldlikehelpwithchallengingafreespeechzone,besuretocontactyourlocalFieldDirectororTPUSAHQ.
Be prepared with the proper supplies.Effectivetablingrequirestherightsupplies.TPUSAishappytoprovidechapterswithfreetablingsuppliessuchasbanners,posters,buttons,rallysigns,stickers,giveaways,andinformationalflyersandbooklets.Youcanorderthesesuppliesbyorderingastandardactivismkitatwww.tpusa.com/OrderKits,oryoucanplaceanorderforcustomsuppliesattheTPUSAChapterStorebyvisitingwww.tpusa.com/ChapterStore.ChapterStoreordersarefreeforofficialandactiveTPUSAchapters.Contactchapters@turningpointusa.nettorequestacouponcodeforyourstudentgroup.
Be sure that your members are well-versed in the policy/talking points.Priortotablingoncampusitisimportanttoensurethatyouractivistsarewell-versedintheissuesthatyouwillbediscussing.TPUSAprovidestalkingpointsforseveralissuesonlineandontheflyersprovidedinactivismkits.
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 23
Doyour researchaheadoftimeso thatyour team iswell-versedandprepared todiscussanddebate theissues.Developa fewtalkingpoints foreveryoneto focusonso thatyourmessage isuniform.Besure tocommunicatethesetalkingpointstoeveryonewhowillbetabling.
Have sign-up sheets ready to go and easy to access.Asyouaretablingyouwillmeetstudentswhoexpressinterestinyourcauseand/orgroup.Besuretomakethesestudentsatoppriorityandcollectcontactinformation(aname,cellphonenumber,andemail)fromeachstudent.Youcancollectsign-upinformationonsign-upcards/sheets,alaptop,ortablet.Whateveryoudo,makesurethatyoursign-upmethodisreliableandeasytouse.
Stand in front of your table. Standinfrontofyourtabletomakeyourgroupapproachable.Itiseasiertoengagestudentsinconversationifyouareinfrontofyourtableengagingthem.
Ask engaging questions to get people interested in your group.Ifyoustandinfrontofyourtablewaitingforpeopletotalktoyou,manypeoplewillwalkbywithoutstoppingtolearnaboutyourgroup.Thinkofengagingquestionsthatyoucanaskstudentsastheywalkbytogettheminterested.Somequestionswesuggestinclude:
● “Doyouthinkbiggovernmentsucks?”● “Doyoulovecapitalism?”● “Haveyouheardaboutournewstudentorganization?”
Befriendlyandcheerfultoeveryonewhowalksby,eveniftheydisagreewithyou.Itishardtoignorepeoplewhoarefriendlyandkind.
Put your phone away.Ifyourmembersaretextingwhiletablingyouwillmissvaluableopportunitiestoconnectwithstudentswhomaybeinterestedinyourclub.Putyourphonesawayandfocusonrecruiting.Studentswillbemuchmorewillingtotalktoyouifphonesareawayandeveryonelooksapproachable.
Follow-up immediately with your new members.Aftertablingbesuretoentereachnewsign-upintoyourmembershipdatabase.Onceyouhaveenteredthenewsign-upinformation,besuretofollow-upwithatextoremailinvitingthemtoameetingorevent.Itisimportanttofollow-upwithin24hoursbeforepeopleloseinterestorforgettheirinteractionwithyourmembers.
Section 6: Establishing & Growing Your Chapter
24 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Meeting Tips & StrategiesThroughout the semester you may need to host general membership meetings in order to keep yourmembershipinformedandprepareforupcomingevents.
Itisimportanttomakeyourmeetingsinterestingandworthwhile;ifstudentsfindthemboringanduselesstheywilllikelynotreturnandwillloseinterestinyourclub.
Belowareafewstrategiestoorganizemoredynamic,engagingmeeting:● Provide a brief update(5-7minutes)ontheactivitiesofthechapter;summarizethesuccessofprevious
eventsandhighlightthepeoplewhomadethoseeventspossible.● Invite members to participate in an activism activity(chalking,makingpostersforanupcomingevent,
etc.).Givingmembersanactivitytodoatthemeetingwillhelpthemfeellikethemeetingsaremakingadifference.
● Select a short video(fromPragerUniversity,Hypeline,etc.)aboutacontroversialvideooradebatecliptowatch.Invitememberstodiscussanddebatetheconcept.Besuretocapthedebateat10-15minutestokeepyourmeetingonschedule.
● Invite members to sign-up for shifts for upcoming activismeventsandtablingopportunities.Ifyou’replanningtotablesoon,briefyourmembersonthetalkingpointsfortheissues.
● Invite members to brainstormforupcomingactivismevents.● Host a speaker at your meeting(mustbeapprovedbyTPUSAHQ)oratrainingsponsoredbyTPUSAor
anotherorganizationsothatmembersarelearningsomethingwhileatyourmeeting.
Wheneverpossible, it isrecommendedthatyoucombineyourmeetingwithsometypeofactivismeventoractivity(chalking,campusblitz,socialevent,etc.).Peoplewillbemorelikelytoreturntofuturemeetingsifthereissometypeofworthwhileactivitytakingplace.
Dealing with Pushback on CampusIt’snosecretthathighereducation isnotalways friendlytoconservatives. It iscommonforTPUSAchapterstoencounterpushbackfromadministrators,StudentLife/Activitiesstaff,professors,andotherstudentgroupsoncampus.Ifyoueverfeelthatyouand/oryourgroupisbeingtreatedunfairly,pleasereachouttoyourFieldDirectororTPUSAHQimmediately.
Whenorganizingactivismoncampus,besuretorememberyourfirstamendmentrights.Youandyourmembersshouldbeallowedtofreelydiscuss ideasandprinciplesanywhereoncampus,especiallyonpublicuniversitycampuses.
TPUSAisheretohelpandsupportchaptersthatreceivepushbackoncampus.IfyouhaveanyquestionsorwouldlikeinformationabouthowTPUSAcanhelp,pleasereachouttoourChapterDepartmentbyemailingchapters@turningpointusa.net,orbycallingourNationalHeadquarters.
Section 6: Establishing & Growing Your Chapter
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 25
Working with Like-Minded GroupsTurning Point USA recommends reaching out to like-minded groups on campus that may have a similarmissionand/ormessage.Whileeachstudentgrouponyourcampushasadifferentpurpose,theremaybeopportunitiestoworktogetheronevents,recruitment,andactivisminitiatives.Wheneverpossible,TPUSArecommendsthatyoucollaborateandjoinforceswithotherstudentswhoshareyourvalues.
Atminimum,youshouldintroduceyourselfandyourofficerteamtotheleadershipoflike-mindedorganizationsonyourcampus.Ifyouareunsureofhowtofindotherlike-mindedgroups,startbyreviewingyourschool’sClub/OrganizationList,whichisusuallyfoundonyourschool’swebsite.
Section 6: Establishing & Growing Your Chapter
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 27
Connect with a TPUSA Field DirectorTurningPointUSAemploysateamofFieldDirectorswhoserveasadvisorsandaidsforTPUSAstudentgroupsoncampusesacrossthecountry.
TPUSAFieldDirectorsareprofessionalactivistswithextensiveexperienceincampusactivismandgrassrootsorganizing.Theyareusuallyrecentgradsthatstartedandledtheirownstudentgroups--justlikeyou.TPUSAFieldDirectorsarewell-versedinalloftheresourcesofferedbyTPUSA,aswellastheresourcesavailabletoyoufromotherstudentorganizations.
FieldDirectorsareavailabletomeetwithyoutodiscusschapterplans,assistwithtablingandactivismeventexecution,andprovideyouwithTPUSAresources.They’re#1goalistomakeyourchapterassuccessfulaspossibleandprovideyouwith the resourcesyouneed.Neverhesitate to reachout toaFieldDirector foranythingyourchaptermayneed.
TofindyourlocalFieldDirectorpleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/[email protected].
Order a Chapter LogoInordertoensurethatallTPUSAchaptershaveconsistentanduniformdesigns,TPUSAcreatesandprovidesschool-specificlogostoitschapters.Toorderalogo,pleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/ChapterLogo.Logoswillbeprovidedin.png,.jpg,.eps,.gifand.pdfforms.
Order a Chapter BannerTurning Point USA provides its chapters with custom 2x4 vinyl banners that can be used for tabling anddecorationatevents.Toorderacustombanner,pleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/ChapterBanner.PleasenotethatTPUSAcanonlyprovideone(1)bannerpergroup.
Order Activism SuppliesTPUSAishappytoprovidechapterswithfreetablingsuppliessuchasbanners,posters,buttons,rallysigns,stickers,giveaways,andinformationalflyersandbooklets.Youcanorderthesesuppliesbyorderingastandardactivismkitatwww.tpusa.com/OrderKits,oryoucanplaceanorderforcustomsuppliesattheTPUSAChapterStorebyvisitingwww.tpusa.com/ChapterStore.
ChapterStoreordersarefreeforofficialandactiveTPUSAchapters.Contactchapters@turningpointusa.nettorequestacouponcodeforyourstudentgroup.
Section 7: Resources from TPUSA
28 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Apply for an Activism GrantTurningPointUSAprovidesactivismgrantstoTPUSAchapters.Thesegrantsmaybeusedforactivismsupplies,bringingspeakerstocampus,andmore. Tolearnmoreaboutourprocessortoapplyforanactivismgrant,pleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/ActivismGrants.
Download GraphicsTurningPointUSAofferssocialmediagraphicssuchascoverphotos,profilepictures,socialmediagraphics,andmore. Allof thesegraphicsaredesigned forchapters todownloadanduse.Toaccess thesegraphicspleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/ChapterGraphics.
Invite a Speaker from our Speakers BureauTurningPointUSArequiresthatchaptersrequestapprovalfromTPUSA’snationalheadquarterspriortohostingaspeakeroncampus.TPUSAHQmustapprovetheeventbeforethechapterreachesouttothespeaker.Theapplicationforhostingaspeakeroncampuscanbefoundatwww.tpusa.com/RequestASpeaker.
TurningPointUSAhasaSpeakersBureauwith50+possiblespeakersforyourgrouptoinvitetocampus.YoucanviewthisSpeakersBureauonlineatwww.tpusa.com/SpeakersBureau.
ChaptersarealsoallowedtohostspeakerswhoarenotpartoftheSpeakersBureau,providedthatthespeakingeventhasbeenapprovedbyTPUSAHQ.Thebesttypesofspeakerstobringarepeoplewhocanspeaktotheimportanceoffreemarketsandcapitalism,and/oreducationalspeakerswhohaveinsighttogiveonarelevanttopicorcurrentevent.Theonlyspeakersyoucannothavearepeoplewhorepresentcampaignsand/orpeoplewhoarecurrentlyrunningforapoliticaloffice.
Watch our Technology TutorialsTurningPointUSAoffersfreetechnologytutorialsforchapterleaderstowatchonline.ThesetutorialsexplainhowtoutilizehighlyusefulresourcesthatcanhelpyougrowandmaintainyourchaptersuchasMailChimp(anewsletterservice),GoogleDrive,Doodle,FacebookGraphSearch,andmore.Tolearnmoreabouttheseresourcesandhowtousethem,pleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/TechnologyTutorials.
Access our Online ResourcesTurningPointUSAoffersmanymoreonlineresourcestochaptersincludingaPDFofthisHandbook,activismideasandinstructions,freeresourcedownloads,andmore.Toaccesstheseresourcespleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/ChapterResources.
Section 7: Resources from TPUSA
30 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
TPUSA’s Campus Activism Program Everyfallandspring,TurningPointUSAorganizesathematiccampusactivismcampaignforallchaptersandFreeMarketAlliancegroups(like-mindedpartnergroups).Eachthemelastsabout2-3weeks.TPUSAprovidestalkingpointsandactivismsuppliesfortablingaswellasactivismideasforeachtheme.
Toviewourthemesandactivismschedulepleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/ActivismThemes.
Byparticipatinginourthematiccampusactivismcampaign,youwillbejoininghundredsofgroupsacrossthecountrywhoareadvocatingforthesameissuesandprinciplesoncampus.
Activism IdeasIn addition to organizing the activism events in conjunctionwith TPUSA’s campus activismprogram, yourchaptermaywishtohostadditionaleventsthatpromotesissuesthatarerelevanttoyourgroupmembers.Thefollowingpagescontainideasandinstructionsforotherpro-freemarketactivismevents.
Visualize the Debt/Human Debt Clock
Purpose: Informstudentsoftheirshareofthenationaldebt
Required Materials:● Posterboard● Paint/paintbrushesorthicksharpies● Printedmaterialsregardingthenationaldebt(handouts,flyers,etc.)● TPUSAactivismkitmaterials(orderanactivismkitatwww.tpusa.com/OrderKits)
Budget: $100 - $130
Instructions:Toprepareforthiseventyouwillneedtoorganizeagroupof14-15clubmemberstoexecutetheeventoncampus.Becauseorganizesuchalargegroupmaydifficult,itisimportanttoselectadateandtimethatworksforeveryonewellinadvance.
Priortoyouractivismeventyouwillneedtoprepareyournationaldebtsigns.Youwillneedtomake14signstotal(1foreachnumberinthenationaldebt).Ifpossible,havea15thsignwitha“$”symbolonit.Thewritingonthepostersshouldbebigandboldsotheycanbeseenfromadistance.
Eachpersonparticipatingintheeventwillholdalargeposterboardwithanumberonitandstandinordertocreatethenationaldebt.Wheneveryonestandsinorderwithalargesignitshoulddrawalotofattentiononcampus.Studentswalkingbywillbegintoaskwhatthenumberrepresents.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 31
Inadditiontohavingstudentsholdingthesigns, it is importanttohave1-2studentsavailabletotalkwithstudentsaboutthemeaningofthenumber,giveawayactivismsuppliesaboutthenationaldebt,andcollectsign-upinformationfromprospectivemembers.
Ifyou’reshortonactiviststoexecutethisevent,considermakingonelargesignwiththenationaldebtonittoreducethenumberofpeopleneeded.
Drowning in Debt
Purpose: Educatestudentsabouttheimpactofthenationaldebt
Required Materials:● Dunktank● Tennisballs● Towels● Table● Triviaquestions● Nationaldebtflyers/infosheets
Budget: $185 - $225
Instructions: Tohostthisevent,startbyresearchingandreservingadunktankatleastonemonthinadvance.Inmostcases,thedunktankdeliverycostisincludedintherentalcost.SelectadateandtimeforyoureventthatHavethedunktankdeliveredandsetupinacentrallocationoncampus.Advertisetheeventonallsocialmediaplatformsaswellasonflyersand/orchalkingaroundcampus.
Besuretohave3-4peopleworkingtheeventatalltimes.Ifyouhaveenoughmembers,considercreatingshiftsforeachjobattheevent(runningtheinfotable,trivia,andbeinginsidethedunktank)sothatstudentsgetachance to trydifferent things.Whoever isworking the tableshouldbeable toengagestudents inaconversationabouttheUSNationalDebtandhandoutprintedflyers/information.
Createalistoftriviaquestionstoaskstudents.Onepersonshouldhandlethetriviaquestionswhilerunningthedunktank.Allowstudentstoanswer1-2triviaquestionsfromyourlist.Ifastudentanswerscorrectly,theyhavetheopportunitytothrowthetennisball/softballatthedunktanktarget.
Triviaexamples:● HowmuchisthecurrentUSNationalDebt?(answer:19.2trillion)● HowmuchistheUSNationalDebtperperson?(offermultiplechoice)● Howmanyzerosareinatrillion?(answer:12)
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
32 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Cut the Debt/Slice of Debt
Purpose:Educatestudentsabouttheirshareofthenationaldebt
Required Materials:● Cake(sheetcake)orpizzas● Table● Forks(ifusingcake)● Paperplates● Permanentmarker● Knifeforcutting● Halfsheetsofpaperwithinformationaboutthenationaldebt
Budget: $30 - $200
Instructions: Hostinga“CuttheDebt”event is fairlysimpleandcanhavea large impactonstudents.Thiseventtakesatleast2-3peopletoexecute,sopickadateandtimethatworksforatleast2-3ofyourmembersandofficers.
Tobeginpreparingforthiseventyou’llneedtodecideifyou’regoingtousepizzaorcake.Ifyouusecake,placeanorderforasheetcakefromalocalbakery.Someschoolshavecateringservicesavailablethatwillprovidesheetcakes.Ifyou’reusingpizza,placeanorderforpizza.Theamountyouorderwilldependonhowlongyouanticipateyoureventtolast(thelongertheevent,themorefoodyouwillneed).
Onceyouselectafooditem,you’llneedtopurchaseothersuppliessuchaspaperplates,napkins,andcutlery(ifyou’reusingcake).Priortoyourevent,yourgroupwillneedtowritethe“studentshare”ofthenationaldebtoneachpaperplateinsharpie.YoucanresearchthisnumberthroughGoogleorbydividingthenationaldebtbythetotalnumberofU.S.citizens.
You’llalsowanttoprepareinformationalflyersaboutthenationaldebtissuesothatstudentswhopick-upasliceofpizzaorcakecanlearnabouttheimpactofthenationaldebt.Forexample,yourinformationflyermaysay,“TheU.S.NationalDebtmattersbecausehigherdebtresultsinhighertaxes,reduced‘benefits’andprograms,higherinterestrates,andaweakdollar--allofwhichwillmaketheUnitedStatesamuchweakerandlessfreenation.Itisstealingfromthefuturebyspendingtheirmoneytodayandreducinggrowthnowwhichhurtseveryoneincomingyears.”
Next, you’ll need to reserve tabling spaceon campus for yourevent.Most registered student areable toreservetablingspaceforfreethroughtheschool.Ifthisisn’tanoption,buy/rentafoldingtablethatyoucanset-upforyourevent.Besuretopickahigh-trafficareaoncampussuchasthequad,studentunionoroutsideamajoracademicbuilding.
Onthedayofyourevent,set-upyourpizzaorcakeonthetableandasstudentswalkby,handthema“sliceoftheUSNationalDebt”alongwiththehalfsheetoffactsthatyoucreated.Trytoengagetheminameaningfulconversationsandinformthemaboutthedangersofhavingsuchahighnationaldebt.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 33
Affirmative Action Bake Sale
Purpose:Educatestudentsabouttheunfairimpactofaffirmativeaction
Required Materials:● 2tables(1forbakesaleitemsand1forrecruitmentandhandingoutliterature)● Posterboard● Markers● Ducttape/maskingtape● Ziplocbags● Homemadegoodsorstoreboughtbakedgoods● Cashdrawer/moneybag● Blankpaperforallergenlisting
Budget: $100 - $150
Instructions: Hostinganaffirmativeactionbakesaledemonstratestheunfairnessandinadvertentracismofaffirmativeaction.Thiseventrequires5-8memberstoexecute.
Beforeyoubegin,besuretofamiliarizeyourselfwithyourschool’spoliciesforsellingbakedgoods.Thiseventmayrequireaspacepermitand/orafoodpermit.Makesuretoalsoreserveatablingspotoncampus(ideallysomewherewithhighfoottrafficduringclasshours).
Onceyouhaveselectedadate,time,and locationfortheevent,decidewhetheryourgroupwillbakethegoods(cookies,cupcakes,andbrownies)orbuytheminbulkatastore.Evenifyourentiregroupisnotatthebakesaleevent,theyshouldallbeassistinginpreparation.Remindallmembers,whetherhomemadeorstorebought,tolistallpossibleallergens.
Next, decidewhatmaterials youwant for publicity purposes. Youwill need at least one (1) poster board for affirmativeactionprices.Pricesforcookies/browniesshouldbeavariationofthefollowing:$2forWhite,$1.50forAsian,$1.00forLatino,$.50forBlack,andFreeforNativeAmerican.Consideraddinga$.25centsdiscountforallwomen.
Ifyouwantan“AffirmativeActionBakeSale”sign,youwillneedmoreposterboard.
Priortoyourevent,hangupsigns/postersaroundcampustoadvertiseforyourbakesale.Ifyouneedalotofsigns,considerhavingmembersmakethematachaptermeeting. Mostschoolswillpublicizeyourevent incampuswideeventemails;seeifthatisanoptionaswell.Advertiseyoureventforapproximatelyone(1)week.
Next,determinetherolesyouwillneedfilledduringthebakesale.Atminimumyouwillneed:● 1persontovideotheevent/postonsocialmedi● 1persontostandattherecruitmenttabletocollectsign-upsfrominterestedstudentsandtalkto
studentsaboutyourclub● 2-3peopletostaffthebakesaletable
Priortoyourevent,besurethatyourteamiswellversedonaffirmativeaction.Itisimportanttoexplainthatthebakesaleillustratesthewayaffirmativeactionworks--certainpeoplegetanunfairadvantagejustforthecoloroftheirskin.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
34 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Fracked or Fiction
Purpose: Educatestudentsaboutthefossilfuelsmyths
Required Materials:● Posterboards● Cardboardorplywood● Markers● Cardstockpaper● Ducttape● SmallPrizes(Optional)
Budget: $65 - $80
Instructions: To runFRACKEDORFICTION, thefirst thingyou’ll need todo is createagameboard; itwilllikelytake2-3peopletocompletethistask.Inmostcasestheseboardsaremodeledafterajeopardygameboard.Dependingonhowsturdyyourchapterwishesfortheboardtolook,itisrecommendedtouseeithercardboardorplywoodasit’sbase.Fromthere,decoratetheboardwithglitter,markers,orotherdecorativepieces.Forfacts,buy9-15piecesofcardstockpaper.
Onthefrontofeachpaper,writeatrueorfalsestatementaboutfracking.Onthebackofeachpaper,writewhetherthestatementonthefrontis“FRACKED”or“FICTION”andexpandonthestatementfromthefrontexplainingwhyitistrueorfalse.
Forexample, the frontofone card could say: “Fracking supportsmillionsof jobs in theU.S.” Thebackofthiscardwouldsay,“FRACKED!Frackingsupports1.7millionjobsintheU.S.todayandthisnumberisonlyexpectedtogrowhigherinthenext20years.”Anotherexamplecouldbe“FrackinghascausedearthquakesinOklahoma.”Theback sidewould read “FALSE!TheU.S.Geological Surveyhas claimed thatOklahoma’searthquakesarefromwastewaterdisposalintoinjectionwells,andnotfrackingitself.”
Setupatableoncampuswithheavyfoottraffictogatherasmanystudentsaspossiblearoundyouractivity.Have3-4peoplemanningthetableatalltimes,2runningtheactivitywithstudentsandtheother2handingoutfactsheetstothosewalkingby.Setupyourboardeitheronthetableoronthegroundnexttoyourtable.EncouragepeoplewalkingbytoplayFRACKEDORFICTION,perhapsusingsmallgiftstogettheminterested.LetstudentspickoutwhatcardtheywouldliketoguessisFRACKEDORFICTIONandleteachstudentcontinueuntiltheyguessincorrectly.
Besuretocongratulateeveryonethatplays.Asanincentivetogetstudentstoparticipate,youmayalsowanttoofferprizessuchasfood,giftcards,etc.forpeoplewhogetatleast3-5correctinarow.
Wealsorecommendhavingfactsheetsonthetablethatexplainthemythsontheboardinsummaryformat.Handthesetostudentswalking--especiallyiftheydon’thavetimetoplaythegame.Thiswillallowthemtolearntheinformation,too!
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 35
Pong Off the Debt
Purpose:Educatestudentsaboutwastefulgovernmentspendingandthedifferentwaysgovernmentspendsourmoney
Required Materials: ● 6-125gallonbuckets(sixforeachsideorsixforoneside)● Twoballs(bouncyballs,orsoftballs)● Labelstoputonthebucketswithdifferenttypesofwastefulgovernmentspendingwrittenonthem
(Obamacare,SocialSecurity,USPS,TSA,etc…)● Waterorsandtoputinthebuckets● Signupsheets/cards● TPUSAmaterials● Flyersaboutthenationaldebt● Snacks(ifwanted)● Posterboard&markers
Budget: $50 - $200
Instructions:Pongoff thedebt isaneducational twiston the iconiccollegegame“beerpong.” Insteadofplayingfordrinks,participantswillbeplayingtocutwastefulgovernmentspending.
First,youwillneedtobuyallofthematerialslistedabove.Ifyourbudgetallowsyoucanorderapre-assembledsetofsuppliesatbearpong.com.
Next,youwillneedtoreserveanoutdoorspaceinahigh-trafficareaoncampus.Iftheweatherisnotideal,itisinyourclub’sbestintereststorescheduletheevent.Youwillneedatleast3chaptermemberspresenttohelpputonthisevent.Beforestudentsbegintoplay,makesuretheysignuptogetinvolvedwithyourTPUSAchapter.
Thegoalof thegame is tomakea shot ineachbucket,until therearenobuckets remaining.Throughouttheevent,educatestudentsonhowwastefulgovernmentspendingisharmingthemnowandinthefuture,specificallytheprogramslabeledoneachbucket.
Movie Screening
Purpose:HostafuneventwherestudentscangettogetherandenjoyamoviethatpromotesTPUSA’svalues
Required Materials:● Movie● Projector/ScreenorDVDPlayer/TV● Popcorn/snacks,ifdesired
Budget:$0-$200dependingonsnacksprovided
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
36 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Instructions: MoviescreeningsareagreatwaytodrawpeopleintoyourclubthatarenotfamiliarwithTPUSAandnottypicallyinvolvedinactivismevents.Moviescreeningsalsodoubleandsocialeventswheremembersofyourclubcanbringtheirfriendsandmeetnewpeople.
Selectafilmthatrelatestocurrentevents,capitalism,elections,history,orfreemarketvalues.SomeideasformoviesincludeAmerica:ImaginetheWorldWithoutHer,ClimateHustle,CanWeTakeaJoke,AmericanSniper,andFrackNation.Checkyourschool’spoliciesonhostingmoviescreenings,thenobtainacopyofthemovie(buytheDVD,verifyitisonNetflix,etc.).
Priortotheevent,besuretoreserveaspacethatwillaccommodateyouranticipatedaudience.Ifpossible,selectaspacethathascomfortableseating(loungechairsasopposedtodesks).PlanhowyouwillshowthemovieandbesureyouhavetheproperA/Vequipment(projectors,DVDplayers,etc.).
Priortoyourevent,planoutanagendaforthemovienight.Itisimportanttohavesomeoneintroducethemovieandexplainwhyyourgroupselectedtoshowthisparticularfilm.Youmaywishtohostadiscussionbeforeoraftertheeventtotalkaboutthethemesanddrawaconnectionbetweenthestoryandourvalues.
Onthedayofyourmoviescreening,arriveearlytoset-uptheroom,putoutsnacksforyourguests,andtestyourmovie.Asstudentsarrive,collecttheircontactinformationsoyoucanfollow-upaboutfutureactivismeventshostedbyyourgroup.
Unionized Hot Dog Stand
Purpose: Exposetheinefficiencyofunionsandhowitnegativelyaffectsworkersandtheirworkethic
Required Materials:● Hotdogs● Hotdogbuns● Condiments● Plates● Hotdogrollerorgrill● Plasticgloves● Stand● Signs● Picketsigns
Budget: $100 - $250
Instructions: To host a unionized hot dog stand you’ll need 5-6members to execute the event. The firstthingyou’llneedtodoispartnerupwithanothergrouponcampussuchasYAL,YAF,CRs,etc.Thisishighlyrecommendedduetothelargeamountofpeopleneededtoworktheevent.Beforetheevent,createpicketsignsandstandsignsaswellasrentingahotdogrollerorgrillandpurchasingthenecessarysupplies.Forsetup,have two tablesplacednext toeachotheron campus.One shouldbe labeled “UnionizedHotDogStand”andtheotherlabeled“RighttoWorkHotDogStand.”Pricethehotdogsas$25attheunionizedstandand$2attherighttoworkstand.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 37
Oncesetupiscomplete,haveseveralpeopleworkingbehindeachtabletoorganizethehotdogsandsales.Otherstudentsshouldholdunionpicketsignsandgoonstrikearoundthe“UnionizedHotDogStand.”Whilethisisgoingon,ensurethatthestudentsworkingthe“RighttoWorkHotDogStand”areworkingatanefficientpaceincomparisontotheunionizedworkers.
Free Speech Ball
Purpose: Promotefreespeechoncampusandeducatestudentsaboutthedangersofsuppressingfreespeech
Required Materials: ● Giantbeachball(6’,8’,10’or12footissuggested)● ThickSharpiesordryerasemarkers● Sign-upcards/clipboardwithsign-upsheets(youwillneedenoughsheetstosignupseveralhundred
students)● Pens
Budget: $50 - $150
Instructions:Thiseventwillrequire4-5people(minimum)toexecuteoncampus.First,pickadateandtimetohostyourFreeSpeechBallevent.Thiseventneedstobehostedoutside,soyoumayneedtore-scheduleiftheweatherisnotgood.
Next,orderalargeblowupbeachball(8’or12’isrecommended).YoucanfindseveraloptionsonAmazon.Youwillalsoneedsharpiesordryerasemarkersfortheevent.Dryerasemarkersarerecommendedifyouplantore-usethebeachball.Youwillneedtoorderanelectric/batterypoweredpumpfortheballaswell;largeballstakealongtimetoinflate.
Onceyouhaveyoursupplies,organizeateamofactiviststohelpexecutetheevent.Youwillneed1-2peopletomanagetheball,2-3peopletocollectsign-ups,and1persontotakepictures.Everyoneshouldmeetatleastanhourpriortoyourscheduledstarttimesothatyoucanblowupthebeachballandgetthepetitionsready.
Toexecutetheevent,startrollingthegiantbeachballaroundoncampusandaskingstudentstowriteanythingandeverythingtheywantontheball.Thepurposeistoallowuncensoredspeechonyourcampus.Thestudentsrollingtheballshouldhavemarkers/sharpiesonhandsothatinterestedstudentscanwritesomethingontheball.Befriendlywitheveryonewhowritesonit,andtellthemaboutyourstudentgroupastheywrite.Iftheyareinterestedingettinginvolved,encouragethemtosign-upforupdateswiththestudentsholdingsign-upcards/clipboards.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
38 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Free Speech Wall
Purpose:Informstudentsofthisimportanceoffreespeechandhowitisbeingviolatedoncollegecampusesalloverthecountry
Required Materials:● Tri-foldboards/canvases/posters/structurestodisplay● Paint/paintbrushes(todecoratethe“wall”)● Permanentmarkers● PocketConstitutionsorprintoutsoftheFirstAmendmentthathighlightsthefreedomofspeech
Budget: $20 - $200
Instructions: AFreeSpeechwallcanbesuccessfullydoneinmanyways, it justcomesdowntowhatone’sindividualchapter’sbudgetis.Youcangoasbasicasoneortwotri-foldboardsthatcanbeboughtatanylocalcraftstore,orhaveahandyactivistbuildanactualstructuremadewithwoodanddrywall.Keepinmindthattherewillbepermits/approvalstoberequiredfromyourinstitutionifyouchoosealargeroption.Youwillneedatleast3chaptermemberstohelpwiththisevent.
Beforeyoureventbesuretowrite“FreeSpeechWall”astheheaderoftheposterboard/wall.Onceyour“wall”iscomplete,letstudentswriteanythingtheywant!Thepointofthisprojectistoemphasizethatwehavefreespeechasaconstitutionalrightinthisnation,andthattheentirecampusisa“freespeechzone.”Aftertheywriteonthewall,givestudentsapocketConstitution,andhavethemsignuptogetinvolvedwithyourTPUSAchapter.Theactivistsfacilitatingthiseventshouldbepreparedandconfidentindiscussingtherighttofreespeech.
Build Your Own Safe Space
Purpose: Educatestudentsonhowsafespacesprohibithigherlearningandfreethought
Required Materials:● Table● Crayons● Coloringbooks● Juiceboxes● Stuffedanimals● Posterboard/banner
Budget: $15 - $50
Instructions:Thegoalofa“BuildYourOwnSafeSpace”eventistohelpsafespacesupportersrealizethechildishnatureofsafespacesoncollegecampuses.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 39
First,gatherthematerialsyouwanttohaveinyoursafespace.Theconceptistodemonstratethatsafespacesareforchildren(notcollegestudents).Onceyouhaveyoursupplies,determineatimeandplaceforyourevent.Somestudentgroupshostsafespaceeventsinconjunctionwitheventsoncampusthathaverealsafespaces.
Ifyouarehostingasafespaceeventindependently,besuretoset-upyourtableinahightrafficareaoncampuswhereitwillbeseen.Onthedayofyourevent,set-upyourtableandhangaposterorbannerthatreads,“SafeSpaceHere.”Aspeoplecometoyourtableyouractivistsshouldeducatethemonwhysafespacesareaproblemoncollegecampusesandhowtheyhaveanegativeimpactonhigherlearning.
Chalk Your Campus
Purpose:Spreadconservativeideasbyputtingmessagesonthegroundforstudentstoreadontheirwaytoclass
Required Materials:● SidewalkChalk
Budget: $5 -$10
Instructions:Toprepareforthiseventyouwillneedissidewalkchalkandateamofactivists(themore,themerrier).Onceyouhaveyoursidewalkchalk,selectamessageforyourchalkingevent.Besurethatyourmessagecanbesummarizedinafewsensibleandcleartalkingpoints.Someexamplesinclude:
● CapitalismRocks!● I<3Capitalism● BigGovernmentSucks● TheNationalDebtis$19,000,000,000,000+!● TaxationisTheft
Onceyouselectamessageandsometalkingpoints,organizeyouractivistsandstartchalking.Besuretoincludeyourgroup’sTwitterhandleneareachchalkingdesignifyouwouldlikeinterestedstudentstocontactyouandjoinyourclub.
Host a Panel/Debate
Purpose:Debate/discussrelevantissuesthroughgenuinedialoguebetweenpeoplewithopposingviewpoints
Required Materials: ● Pizza/refreshments● Table/chairs● Microphones
Budget: $150 - $300
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
40 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Debate Watch Party
Purpose:Educatestudentsaboutcurrentissuesthroughvideosandentertainment
Required Materials:● RoomwithaTV● Refreshments/snacksforguests
Budget:$25-$200(forfoodanddrinks)
Instructions:Adebatewatchpartyisagreatwaytogetyourmembersengagedincurrentevents.Tostart,selectanupcomingdebatetowatch(thiscouldbePresidentialdebates,localdebates,etc.).Findoutwhattimeitwillstartandwhatchannelwillbeshowingitand/orifitwillbeavailabletowatchandstreamonline.
Onceyouconfirmadateandtimeyoucanstarttoplanyourevent.First,youwillneedtoreserveaspacetowatchthedebate.BesurethatyouwillhaveaccesstoaTVwithcable,oraprojectorandcomputerifyouplantostreamthedebatefromtheinternet.Trytofindaroomthathascomfortableseating(couchesasopposedtodesks).Ifyourbudgetallows,itisagoodideatoofferfoodatyourevent.
Whenalllogisticshavebeenconfirmed,starttoadvertiseforyourevent.Youcandothisbysendingemailstoyourmembers,hangingpostersaroundcampus,andhandingoutflyerstostudentsastheywalktoclass.Youmayalsoconsiderinvitinglike-mindedstudentgroupstoinvitetheirmembers.Besurethatalladvertisementsincludethedate,time,andlocationofyourdebatewatchparty,andmentionfreefoodifyou’reofferingit.
Onthedayofyourdebatewatchparty,arriveearlytotesttheTV/projectorandset-uptheroom.
Table with TPUSA Activism Supplies
Purpose:SpreadTurningPointUSA’smessagebyadvocatingforfreemarketprinciplesoncampus
Required Materials: ● TPUSAActivismKit● Table● Candy/giveaways(ifdesired)
Budget: $0 - $10
Instructions: ToprepareforthiseventyouwillneedtoorderaTPUSAactivismkit.Youcandothisonlineatwww.tpusa.com/OrderKits.Youmayalsowanttobuycandy/snackstogiveawayatyourtable.Onceyouhaveyoursuppliesonhandyoucanbegintoprepareforyourtablingevent.
Ifyouarearegisteredstudentorganizationoncampusyoushouldstartbyreservingatablingspot(selectsomewherewithhighfoottrafficduringclasshours).Besuretopickadateandtimethatworkswellforseveralofyourchapterofficersandmembers.Youwillneedatleast2-3peopletohelpyouexecutethisevent.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 41
Priortoyourtablingevent,selectwhichissues/topicsyouwouldliketoaddresswhiletabling.TPUSAactivismkitscomewithresourcesthatcoverawiderangeofissues.Onceyoupickamessage/theme,besuretoeducateyourmembersonthetalkingpointssothateveryonewillbereadytodebateanddiscusswithotherstudents.
On thedayof yourevent, setupyour table inaheavy trafficareaon campusanddisplayposters,flyers,buttons,pamphlets,andmorefromtheactivismkit.Itisbesttohaveatleast2-3peoplestandinginfrontofthetablesothatyoucanengageasmanystudentsaspossible.
Bereadytostarttheconversationwithpeoplewalkingby.Youcandothisbyaskingquestionssuchas,“Doyouthinkbiggovernmentsucks?”oraskingstudentsifthey’dliketolearnaboutyourcampusgroup.Ifyoumeetsomeonewhosupportsyourprinciplesorwantstolearnmore,encouragethemtosign-uptojoinyourstudentgroup.Besuretofollow-upwiththemimmediatelyafterthetablingevent.Ifyoumeetpeoplewhodisagreewithyou,haveafriendlydiscussionandprovidethemwithsomeinformationalgiveawayslikeflyersorbooklets.
Forextrahelpmakingyourtablingeventsuccessful,reachouttoaTPUSAFieldDirector.FieldDirectorsareprofessionalactivistswhowillcometoyourcampusandhelpyoutableallday.YoucanfindyourlocalFieldDirectorbygoingtowww.tpusa.com/Staff.
Campus Blitz
Purpose: VisuallyspreadTPUSA’smessageacrosscampus
Required Materials:● TPUSAposters/flyers● Tapeand/orstaples● Teamofactivists
Budget: $5 - $10
Instructions: Priortoevent,orderaTPUSAactivismkitoralargesupplyofspecificTPUSArallysigns.Inordertohaveabigimpactitissuggestedthatyouselect1-2posterstousesothatthemessageisconsistentandhighlyvisibleacrosscampus.Ifyouusethesameposterallacrosscampus,themessagewillbemoreimpactful.
Next,organizea teamof activists tohelpwith this event. It is suggested that youhangupposters in theeveningsothattheyareseenacrosscampusthefollowingmorning.Itislikelythatyourschool/otherstudentsmaytrytotakethepostersdown,soputtingthemupatnightmaximizesyourchancesofalargenumberofpeopleseeingtheminthemorning.
Onthedayofyourcampusblitz,bringyourTPUSApostersandlotsoftape.Hangupthepostersallaroundcampusonbulletinboardsandotherpublicareas.Besuretousetapethatwillnotdamageproperty.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
42 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Petitions
Purpose:Bringawarenesstoaspecificissueonalocal,state,ornationallevelandallowstudentstovoicetheiropinion
Required Materials:● Petitionsheets(canbehomemade)● Pens● Clipboards● TPUSAActivismKit(optional)
Budget: $0 - $5
Instructions:Thisactivisminitiativecanbeexecutedwithasmanypeopleasyouwouldliketohaveparticipate.Themorestudentsyouhavecollectingpetitionsignatures,themoreyouwillbeabletoaccomplish.Thiseventcanbedoubledasarecruitingeventforyourstudentgroupbecauseeveryonewhosignsupisaprospectiveclubmember!
Priortoyourpetitioneventyouwillneedtoselectanissueforyourpetitions.Youcanpetitionforanationalissueoralocalissuefacingyourcampusorcommunity.Onceyouselectanissue,createyourpetitionsandincludeatitleatthetopofeachpetitionpage(example:StudentsforConcealedCarryorStudentsforUberorStudentsforAllowingXYZtoSpeakonCampus).
TPUSAhassamplepetitionsavailabletodownloadfromtheTPUSAwebsite.Ifyouaremakingyourown,besuretoincludeaplaceforstudentstowritetheirname,emailaddress,andphonenumber.Onceyouhaveyourpetitionsprepared,placethemonclipboardsandgatherpens.
Onthedayofyourpetitionevent,walkaroundcampuswithyourclipboardandaskstudentstosignthepetitionforyourcause.Befriendlywitheveryone,andifsomeonedoesn’tsupportyourissue,useitasanopportunitytoeducatethemaboutyourperspectiveandviewpoints.ConsiderusingTPUSAactivismkitsupplies(booklets,flyers,etc.)asgiveawaystostudentswhowouldliketolearnmore.
Besuretotellstudentswhosupportyourpetitionaboutyourstudentgroup,andfollow-upwithallpetitionsignersaftertheevent.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 43
9/11 Memorial
Purpose: Bringstudentstogethertorememberthosethatdiedduringthe9/11terroristattack
Required Materials:● Largegroupofvolunteers● Largeopenspace● MiniAmericanflags
Budget:$10-100(dependsonpriceofflags)Instructions: Toprepareforthisevent,contactyourschooltogetpermissiontoplaceflagsinthegroundon9/11.Ideally,aimtodothisinahighlyvisiblecampuslocationsuchasthequad.
Next,decidehowmanyflagsyouwillpurchaseforthiseventandorderthemafewweeksinadvance.Planouthowyouwould like toarrange them.Examples includearranging theflags towriteout“911”or “WeRemember.”
Priortoyourevent,organizealargegroupofvolunteerstohelpset-uptheflagsonthemorningof9/11.Youmaywishtooffercoffee/donutstoincentivizepeopletowake-upearlytohelp.
Onthemorningof9/11,decoratealargeopenspaceonyourcampuswiththeseminiflags.
TPUSA’s Policy for Bringing Speakers to CampusChaptersareencouragedtobringspeakerstocampus;however,allspeakersmustbeapprovedbyTPUSA’sNationalHeadquarters.Theformtorequestaspeakercanbefoundatwww.tpusa.com/RequestASpeaker.
Section 8: Organizing Activism Events
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 45
Create a Chapter Bank AccountIfyourchapterplanstomakefinancialtransactions(whichmostdo),itisimportanttoset-upabankaccountforyourgroup.Abankaccountwillmakeiteasierforyourgrouptoreceivefunds,payforchapterexpenses,andmanagechapterfundsinaresponsiblemanner.
Someschoolshaveanon-campusbankthatwillworkwithstudentorganizations.CheckwithyourStudentLife/StudentActivitiesdepartmentisyouareunsure.Ifyourschooldoesnotrecommendanyparticularbankyoumaygotoabankinginstitutionofyourchoice.
Toset-upacheckingaccount,mostbanksonlyrequireyourgrouptohaveachapterconstitution,twoco-signers(yourtreasurerandfacultyadvisor),andanEmployerIdentificationNumber(EIN)foryourgroupwhichcanbecreatedhere:https://sa.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp.YouwillnotbeabletouseTPUSA’sEINnumberforyourbankingpurposes.
Remembertomakearrangementswithyourbankwhenyoutransitionchapterleadership.
Request Funding from Your SchoolMostschoolsofferfundingopportunitiestoallregisteredstudentorganizations.Inmostcases,fundingrequestswillgothroughtheStudentGovernmentorStudentLife/StudentActivitiesdepartment.Ifyou’reunsureofwheretostart,contactsomeoneatTPUSAoryouron-campusStudentLife/StudentActivitiesDirector.
Schoolswilloftenprovidefundingforactivismevents,travelto/fromconferences,andbringingspeakerstocampus.Besuretorequestfundingforprojectsandactivitiesthatwillbenefityourclubandthestudentbodyingeneral.Themoreusefulandimpactfulyourprojectoractivitywillbe,themorelikelyyouaretoreceivefundingfromyourschool.
Whenrequestingfundingforyourstudentgroup,besuretofollowallproceduresasoutlinedbyyourschool.Besurethatallproposaldocumentsandbudgetsareorganized,clear,anderrorfree.Itisimportantthatyoudemonstrateastrongabilitytosuccessfullymanagethefundsandmakegooduseoftheresourcesprovidedtoyourgroup.
Besuretostartearlyandplanaheadforfundingrequests.Inmostcases,fundingneedstoberequestedatleast2-3monthspriortoyourevent/activity.
Ifyourgroupisdeniedfundingandyoufeeltheprocesswasunfair,besuretocontactsomeoneatTPUSA.Ourteamishappytoinvestigatetheprocessandensurethatthefundingallocationprocessatyourschoolisadministeredfairly.
Section 9: Fundraising for Your Chapter
46 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
Apply for Activism GrantsSeveralorganizations, includingTurningPointUSA,provideactivismgrants tostudentgroups thatwork topromotefreemarketsandlimitedgovernment.Inmanycasesthesegrantscanbeusedfororderingactivismsupplies,bringingspeakerstocampus,andmore.
Turning Point USA’s Student Group Grant Application:www.tpusa.com/ActivismGrants
Leadership Institute’s Student Group Grant Application:https://www.leadershipinstitute.org/campus/?Resources=5
Atlas Network’s Student Group Grant Application:www.atlasnetwork.org/grants-awards/grants/student-project-grants
Host Fundraisers on CampusSome chaptersmay choose to host on-campus fundraisers to raisemoney for the group. Some ideas forfundraisers include bake sales, cook-outs/picnics (charge for admission), and social events (charge foradmission).Besurethateachfundraiseriswell-plannedandwell-executed.
Somerestaurantswillpartnerwithstudentorganizationstohostfundraisersinwhichaportionofsalesonaparticulardayaredonatedtothechapter.Contactlocalcampusrestaurantstoseeifthisisanoptionforyourgroup.
Section 9: Fundraising for Your Chapter
48 | TPUSA Chapter Handbook
HypelineHypeline (hypeline.org) is a news site formillennials and a project of Turning Point USA. Hypeline can helpyour chapter by exposing liberal bias, promoting your chapter’s events and activities, and providing writingopportunitiestoyourmembersandofficersinterestedinjournalism.
Breaking News --Ifyounoticeaninstanceofliberalbiasonyourcampusthatyoubelievesneedtobeinvestigatedandexposed,pleaseuploadallrelevantinformationatwww.hypeline.org/tip.
Chapter Promotion--IfyourchapterishostinganawesomeeventorwouldlikeHypelinetoreportonasuccessfulactivity,pleasesendadetailedsummaryandpicturesofyoureventtotips@hypeline.org.
Writing Opportunities --IfamemberofyourchapterisinterestedinwritingforHypeline,pleaseencouragethemtoapplyforaContributorpositionatwww.hypeline.org/Write.
Leadership InstituteTheLeadershipInstitute(LI)offersnumerousresourcestopro-freemarketstudentgroupsincludingfieldstaffsupport,trainings,activismsupplies,activismgrants,andmore.
Tolearnmoreabouttheseresourcespleasevisitwww.leadershipinstitute.org/Resources.
Prager UniversityPrager University (www.prageru.com) produces educational videos that explain current events and relevantissues insimple,straightforwardterms.BesuretocheckoutPragerUniversity ifyourchapter is interested inshowingeducationalvideostomembersandprospectivemembers.
Foundation for Economic EducationTheFoundationforEconomicEducation(FEE)offersLibertyKitstostudentgroupsthatpromotecapitalismandfreemarkets.ToorderaLibertyKitpleasevisithttps://fee.org/resources/liberty-kits/.
Section 10: Resources from Partner Organizations
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 49
The Heartland InstituteTheHeartland Instituteoffers several books andprintedmaterials for TurningPointUSA chapters. If yourchapter is interestedinHeartlandInstitutebooksorresources,pleasecontactTPUSAwithyourrequestbyemailingchapters@turningpointusa.net.TurningPointUSAwillprovideyourchapterwithanupdatedlistofavailableresourcesandorderinginstructions.
National ReviewThe National Review offers a free digital subscription of the National Review to all Turning Point USAchaptermembers. Toreceiveasubscription link foryouandyourmembers,pleasevisitwww.tpusa.com/NationalReviewPartnership.
TheNationalReviewalsoassistsstudentgroupswithbringingNationalReviewspeakerstocampus.IfyouareinterestedinbringingaspeakertocampuspleasecontactTPUSAbyemailingchapters@turningpointusa.net.OurteamwillputyouincommunicationwiththeproperNationalReviewcontact.
Section 10: Resources from Partner Organizations
TPUSA Chapter Handbook | 51
A Message from the Executive DirectorThankyouforsteppinguptoleadaTurningPointUSAchapteratyourschool.Itleaderslikeyouthatmakeournationalstudentmovementpossible.
ThroughoutthecourseofyourinvolvementwithTPUSA,itisimperativethatyourememberwhyyou’repartofthisorganization.Webelievethatgovernmentistoobig,thenationaldebtistoolarge,andstudentsareuninformedaboutthedangersoftheseissues.Wealsobelievethatourprinciplesoffreemarkets, limitedgovernment,andcapitalism,canfundamentallyimprovethequalityoflifeforeachandeverypersoninourcountry.
Thelefthasbeenorganizingcollegecampusesforyears.It’stimeforustodothesame.PleaseletmeknowifthereisanythingwecandotohelpyourTPUSAchaptersucceed.
Regards,
CharlieKirkFounder&ExecutiveDirectorTurningPointUSA
Section 11: Conclusion
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