The conservative movement can’t truly remain on offense without a farm team. We must train young patriots to take up the mantle of freedom and engage with the culture and fight for what’s so good in America. I am so excited by the work Forge Leadership Network is doing to identify, prepare, and equip the next generations of conservative leaders, and I look forward to seeing their efforts expand in the years ahead.

Forge has the most incredible educational and vocational opportunities. The knowledge and experiences I have gained from it will impact me for the rest of my life. But what truly makes it the amazing experience that it is, is what makes any experience what it is – the people.

When I ran for West Carrollton school board in 2019, I was fresh off my experience at the Forge Leadership Summit. Although I lost that election, Forge taught me to be persistent. I returned to the race in 2021 to lead a powerful campaign that knocked on over 2,000 doors and connected with the community through social media and in-person events. Success is not just about winning, it’s about learning. I saw the larger vision to learn from my mistakes years prior — Forge taught me that.

The Forge Leadership Summit has changed my life in ways I never thought it could. Getting connected with a network of amazing people that espouse similar ideals as my own has truly been a blessing.

Forge helped me realize how I need to grow, personally and professionally. The Forge Summit encouraged me to embrace and overcome my fear of public speaking. I came away with a clear idea of my next steps so I can challenge myself to become a better communicator and leader.

Refreshing – Refreshing is the descriptor I would use to comment on my experience working with various classes of Forge’s participants. What a privilege it has been for me to seek to be a catalyst with them! The truth is their energy, outlook, and capacity have far more greatly encouraged me, than I them. Sometimes I get concerned that America’s future could be bleak: the Forge participants would inform me otherwise!

It has been my tremendous honor for years to have addressed and connected with young conservatives from the Forge Leadership Network, and I hope they don’t stop inviting me back!  What Forge does is vital for growing the Conservative Movement.

If we truly value our freedom as Americans, we must equip the next generation to fight for that freedom. Forge Leadership Network has stepped into the much-needed role of identifying and mentoring young conservative leaders – it’s an honor to support their mission and work.

The training and mentorship I received at the Forge Leadership Network was vital to my success.

Forge is providing a tremendous service to the conservative movement. By building a farm team of future leaders, organizations like The Heritage Foundation have seen its benefits firsthand. One of Forge’s Fellows, Rachel del Guidice, interned at Heritage and quickly made her mark. Now, she’s part of our reporting team at The Daily Signal and she’s covering the biggest news stories happening in Congress. Thanks to Forge’s training, Rachel understands how the legislative process works and she’s prepared to take on the assignment. I hope future Forge Fellows follow the same path.

The [Forge grad] I hired has been as good as advertised! I can see why Forge thinks so highly of him and why you recommended him so strongly. He’s been a great addition and not just me, but everyone in our office has been very impressed. Forge is providing an invaluable service, building up the next generation of conservative leaders and public servants who are well prepared to take on the noble task of preserving our republic and creating a brighter future. Their efforts to help place graduates in positions where they can give back to their community is vital to growing the conservative movement.