Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Turning Point USA to host 'Change My Mind' event

Thursday, April 19, 2018

In the midst of a politically polarized era, Madison Smith knows how important even-keeled discussions are about hot-button issues.

That’s why the Southeast junior founded the school’s chapter of Turning Point USA, a nonpartisan club whose mission it is to educate students about free market values. Through the organization, Smith said she has become an activist rather than someone just interested in politics.

Madison Smith
Photo by Rachael Long

The Farmington, Missouri, native wears many hats. Besides being the founder and sitting president of TPUSA, she’s also a student government senator for the Harrison College of Business, the secretary of Students for Life and a member of Catholic Campus Ministry.

Smith said she comes from a household where interest or involvement in politics was minimal, and while she feels strongly about specific political issues, she doesn’t exactly align with any one political party.

“I am first and foremost a conservative before I’m a Republican,” Smith said.

After two years at Southeast, Smith said she realized there was a need for new ideas when she mostly disagreed with the rhetoric of her peers about political issues. Last fall, her interest in political activism was born and she decided to create a place where those new ideas could grow.

Since beginning the organization, Smith said they have hosted events informing and engaging students about First Amendment rights such as free speech and other issues pertaining to free markets, fiscal responsibility and limited government. Smith said the organization also has hosted speakers such as former presidential candidate and current U.S. Senate candidate Austin Peterson, as well as political forums and regular on-campus meetings.

Smith said TPUSA does not take a stance on social issues, does not endorse political candidates and does not hold any party affiliations. That being said, many of the values the organization is built upon gravitate toward conservatism.

The organization’s non-stance on social issues is what Smith hopes differentiates the club from other political groups on campus. She said not all of her members identify with one political party but thanks to TPUSA, they can engage in civil discussions about issues that may be divisive.

In the spirit of fostering those discussions, Smith said TPUSA will host an event called “Change My Mind” on April 25 in the University Center third floor lobby from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is modeled after a series by Canadian-American conservative political commentator Steven Crowder, the host of the “Louder with Crowder” podcast. Crowder makes regular visits to college campuses, posting a controversial idea on a poster (such as “male privilege is a myth,” or “I’m pro gun”) followed by the words “change my mind.” The idea of the series is for students to engage Crowder about his opinion and have the space and time to have an informative and civil discussion about why they may disagree.

Several political organizations will participate in the event including the Secular Student Alliance, the College Republicans and Students for Life. While TPUSA will also have a table and welcome other organizations to present any issue they want.

The organizations who have committed primarily represent conservative viewpoints, something Smith hoped to avoid. She hoped to include groups with liberal-leaning ideologies, but was unable to secure any commitments.

“It’s a little disappointing because now we’re not going to have any liberal point of view represented at this event,” Smith said. “That was not the intention.”

Smith said she hopes the event can help create a conversation about issues typically flying under the radar at Southeast.

“Realistically, in politics, you have to realize that the other person wants the same thing you do. Everyone wants what’s best for country and all of the citizens,” Smith said. “The thing is that we just disagree on how to get there.”

The TPUSA executive board consists of four other students: vice president Gavin Sample, secretary Reagen Tibbs, media director Steve Heine, and treasurer Evan Hankins.

Smith said the organization has about 10 active members and 170 overall registered for the group.

While she’s enjoyed her time in the role of president, Smith said she won’t be at the helm next year. Instead, she will be running for a supporting role to help future TPUSA leadership to promote organizational growth.

The only nonpartisan group on campus that represents multiple viewpoints, Smith said she hopes TPUSA continues to be a place where people can come together across different political ideologies.

“It’s all about being kind to people. There’s always middle ground to be found,” Smith said.

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