It is CPAC week! Here at FFL, we are more than excited about CPAC, the annual Conservative Political Action Conference that is attended by elected officials, public speakers, activists, journalists, reporters, and more. Each year, over 100 different organizations contribute to CPAC’s success, so it felt only necessary that this week we highlight a woman who is working hard, at this very moment, to make sure CPAC 2015 is a hit. We are delighted to feature Turning Point USA’s Crystal Clanton as our Weekly Conservative Woman.
Crystal serves as a National Field Director for Turning Point USA, an innovative, grassroots youth movement that focuses on small government, public awareness, and fiscal responsibility. TPUSA strives to empower both the young and old about the perils of high debts and deficits. They believe in an informed electorate, an independent approach, and in a better tomorrow. Turning Point holds todays youth to a high standard, believing that this generation can make a difference in the world more than ever before.
Crystal is just one member of this incredible organization, but it’s the people like her that push large-scale movements in the right direction. One of the reasons we love Crystal is that despite her important role in TPUSA’s success, she is just like many of us; a young individual who keeps this nation’s best interests near to her heart. Crystal is a great role model for young people looking to get involved and work towards something BIG.
1) Who were your role models growing up and do you have any role models now?
I’ve always admired my grandparents — they’re perfect examples of strength, grace, and kindness. I still admire them more than anyone in the world. I also look up to SC Governor Nikki Haley. She embodies everything we need in government and her story is nothing short of amazing. She overcame so much adversity to get to where she is today. She leads her state with courage, grace, and conviction — and she gets results! I love that about her.
2) What inspired you to get involved with politics?
I’ve always cared about politics. I grew up in a very politically-aware household. Around the time of the 2008 primaries I heard my family talking about all the ways Obama’s policies were going to make it harder for them to get ahead. I thought it was unfair and I didn’t like the direction Obama wanted our country to go, so I decided to do something about it. I decided to go to college to be a government teacher so I could teach students about politics and citizenship.
One summer I thought it would be fun to get some political experience so I applied for an internship on a Congressional campaign. It wasn’t long before I “caught the political bug” and I haven’t looked back since. I decided to change my career path a bit, and I’m really glad I did. I love the energy and excitement in politics, and I hope to be involved for the rest of my life.
3) What are some of your biggest accomplishments to date?
The thing I’m most proud of is being part of the Turning Point USA team. I’ve been with the organization for a few years now and I’ve had the privilege to see it grow from nothing to an organization with 30+ full-time staff members and a presence on 750+ campuses nationwide. I can’t take credit for that, but it’s been really rewarding to be part of it.
4) Do you have any words of advice for young people in the political field?
Don’t pass up any opportunities. There are so many incredible experiences to be had in this field, and you’ll regret all the opportunities you didn’t take.
5) What is one thing you would like FFL readers to know about yourself?
Turning Point USA has changed my life — I mean that wholeheartedly. Join our team at www.turningpointusa.net/GetInvolved. I promise you won’t regret it!
Danielle B
CABINET MEMEBER
Danielle is a conservative political consultant who aides organizations in communicating their big ideas and empowering leaders. She works with a multitude of organizations, most notably including the American Conservation Coalition, OUTSET Network, and Future Female Leaders. Danielle can't explain why she doesn't need feminism, she's too busy succeeding without it. She likes coffee, capitalism, and proving people wrong.
