As of last month, ADM High School is home to a Club America chapter. This will be a club where students, typically with more conservative values, can go to speak about politics and current events happening within the nation.
In understanding what Club America’s all about, it’s crucial to first note that it functions under its “mother organization” Turning Point USA, which was founded in 2012 by the conservative activists Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery, who are both now deceased. That being said, it mirrors many of the same values emphasized by Turning Point USA. Club America’s website states that it “serves to empower the patriotic leaders of tomorrow” and that “all students who believe in American exceptionalism, the importance of constitutional rights, and standing for freedom are encouraged to get involved.”
Now, to dive into how this all got brought to ADM High School.
Seniors Camden Wilson and Claire Roorda were the prime students involved in the process of getting this to become a legitimate club part of ADM activities.
When asked about their initiative in starting the club, Wilson said, “There was just a lot of political things going on, and there was a lot of misinformation being spread, so we just decided that we would start this club to help everyone so that people could understand what was going on and kind of be able to process it with their peers.”
Roorda, sharing this same sentiment in her response, also added how they felt about having a group that could agree on political issues.
“We really just wanted to have a group that had the same mindset. A big thing in today’s world is talking about politics, so we just wanted to create a group that had like-minded values and would be able to agree together,” Roorda said.
While the pair initially came up with the idea of bringing a club to ADM in mid-September, it took months and lots of teamwork to turn it into a reality.
“First, we had to talk to Mr. Wiebers and get the idea approved. Then, he gave us the sheet, and we had to get several members and find a teacher advisor,” Wilson said. “We then had to talk to the field rep for Club America, from the national organization, so we met with her and kind of got a plan for the chapter.”
Wilson went on to go over what the club’s typical meetings will look like.
Wilson said, “Club America has meeting templates on its website, so we’re just gonna pick a topic from the website each week, give a presentation, and have a discussion about the topic. I think we’ll probably have some fun games too.”
PJ Kamm, a freshman interested in joining and becoming a club member, shared how she was first introduced to the idea of Club America at ADM. She and Wilson often carpool to wrestling practice together, which is when they discussed it.
Kamm said, “We were talking about politics and how I didn’t agree with some situations and was sharing what I thought could be done better, and [Wilson] mentioned, ‘Well, there’s a club for that.’ And I was like, ‘What does it look like? What is it about?’ And she continued to explain that it’s a club about discussing our views on political situations and trying to think about how to make the world a better place.”
When asked what she hoped to gain by becoming part of the club and attending meetings, Kamm shared her optimism.
“I want to get a better community of people around me, and be able to voice how I feel and boost confidence within that. Then, maybe one day, I can do something about it,” Kamm said.
Next, the club sponsor, and ADM’s industrial technology teacher, Brad Mortensen, discussed how he got involved in Club America at the school.
Mortensen said, “[Wilson and Roorda] came to me asking about it, so I’m not exactly sure how they got the notion that I’m more conservative in nature and have value in faith, which are a couple of the core ideas or standards built within Club America.”
When prompted to elaborate on his reaction to being asked to be the club sponsor, Mortensen shared his initially mixed feelings.
“I was a little bit hesitant, especially being a teacher and knowing that you have to stay pretty neutral with your thoughts and ideas, but I also wanted to foster an area where we can practice objective thinking and reasoning, even if that means presenting ideas on both sides,” Mortensen said. “I was kind of honored at the same time as being a little bit cautious.”
Mortensen also briefly talked through his role and responsibilities at meetings as the club’s sponsor.
“I’ll be present at the meetings and facilitate conversation or prod some questions as necessary, but the national organization itself supplies most of the information and content that we’ll actually dive into and go through, as stories come up in real time,” Mortensen said. “I’ll be present for sure, but not necessarily driving the meeting itself.”
Additionally, Mortensen shared his vision for the future of the club.
“I think so long as we do a good job of being inviting and being neutral, as neutral as possible while using logic and critical thinking, it’ll only invite people in. I think people want a place, whether they realize it or not, where they can discuss things and ask questions where they won’t be ostracized or made fun of. I think that’s alluring to anybody that has ideas on anything.” Mortensen said. “So yeah, hopefully it grows and it becomes a place where we can learn to articulate our views on things while respecting other people’s similar views or even contrasting views.”
One final factor to consider and be wary of when bringing a club like this into a school community, full of varying political views, is potential backlash or unhappiness from students. Wilson and Roorda shared their views on this as well.
“I do [anticipate backlash], but I think it’s important for everyone to get their voices heard, and I don’t think there’s very much representation for Republicans at ADM right now. And so I think that the club, for everyone that’ll be upset about it, I think there’ll be a person that feels supported by it, and that’s our goal.” Wilson said.
Roorda shared her similar beliefs regarding resistance towards the club.
“I don’t want to say I’m not afraid of it, but we’re always there to have conversations with people. If someone comes up to me and is like, ‘Hey, I don’t like that you’re doing this,’ I’m gonna say, ‘That’s fine. You can believe that,” Roorda said. “They’re always welcome to come to meetings, and we will talk with them and not try to change their minds or anything, but just tell them why we’re doing this. They can totally have their own values and everything, but they can also understand why we’re doing this.”
The club had its first meeting at 7:45am before school on Tuesday, January 20, and will meet once a month moving forward. With that, Wilson had some last words to say to any students who are interested but hesitant about joining Club America.
“Just come out for a meeting or email Claire or I and ask us some questions. We’d be happy to answer questions. We’d be happy to talk. So just come out to a meeting, and see what it’s like. If you don’t like it, you never have to come back.”
