Gen-Z Group Launches “Democracy Grants” Program to counter Turning Point USA on campus
Dream for America is a pro-Biden Gen-Z movement fighting back by mobilizing a new generation of democracy defenders to re-elect Joe Biden, stop antisemitism, fight back against MAGA extremism, and take on Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA.
Armed with hundreds of millions of dollars from billionaire donors like the Koch brothers, Turning Point USA has built an army of 4,000 chapters across the country – pouring millions into racial and gender outreach, campus organizing, voter turnout, adolescent entertainment, podcast and production ecosystems in conjunction with PragerU, a private charter school dedicated to indoctrinating Christian white nationalism, quarterly leadership conferences drawing thousands of young Americans; and as recent reporting now reveal, investing heavily in “Activism Grants” which seeks to provide monetary support to any young person seeking to organize for “pro-free market activism initiatives.” It’s time to fight back.
Quotes from the Dream Team on our Launch:
“President Biden is right when he says we are in a battle for the soul of America. It’s not just for the presidency — it’s all across this country. When I talk to folks – whether they’re my age or older – they’re shocked that Turning Point USA is pouring millions into outreach at the high school and college level. 12th grade boys are now more conservative than they have ever been in the last 50 years. The alarm bells are blaring and It’s time for progressives to go on the offense and take on MAGA extremism in places where we’re in the philosophical minority. We may not always be welcome — but we win when we go there anyways. Young people are our margin of victory, and every student that we fire up, every young voter that we engage – that’s another +1 for democracy.” – 17-year-old founder & CEO William He
“Just as we saw with School Board races over the past decades, we cannot take our eye off the ball at the local level. We must compete and organize everywhere. People are always shocked when we explain to them just how organized and well-funded Turning Point is and that they are involved in funding far-right efforts even at the high school and college levels. We are launching Democracy Grants to fight back and empower young progressives focused on creating change in their communities and schools. It’s often said that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. However, if Gen-Z has proven anything it is that today’s students are already leading. Our Democracy Grants will support these young changemakers across the country.” – Press Secretary Kaivan Shroff
“Politics is local, and Gen-Z knows that. Democracy Grants will knock down the financial barriers that have hindered the efforts of young organizers and advocates. Turning Point USA’s anti-democratic actions, xenophobic and sexist statements, & MAGA sympathies will not go unanswered.”
– Organizing Director Joshua G. Brons
PROGRAM SPECIFICS:
Dream for America is countering TPUSA’s “Activism Grants” with an alternative: Democracy Grants, providing monetary and strategic resources to any student supportive of Dream for America’s Gen-Z Bill of Rights policy platform or interested in organizing for freedom, democracy, & a new vision of progressive government.
The first round of grants will be up to $1,000. Students will typically be provided grants via financial reimbursement, but may also apply to receive urgent financial support for their organizing efforts. Students seeking grants fall into one of 3 categories: organizing campus events and initiatives, operational costs for local chapters, or supplies and resources for mounting a progressive pro-democracy campaign for student government elections on campus.
TPUSA THREAT & POSSIBLE “ACTIVISM GRANTS” IN ACTION:
- 12th grade boys more conservative in the last 50 years (The Hill)
- Seeking to ban Martin Luther King Day (WIRED)
- “Professor Watchlist” & “School Board Watchlist” targeting, harassing, & doxxing education professionals allegedly pushing “leftist propaganda” (POLITICO)
- Funded busses to take 350 students & others to Trump’s January 6th rally & later insurrection (Washington Post)
- Dumping millions into supporting alt-right student government candidates across the country, seeking to capture over 80% of all elected student government positions in Division 1 NCAA schools (New Yorker)
- Priorities include: defunding progressive initiatives and programs on campus (ie. DEI), hosting far-right speakers and events, & blocking progressive speech on campus
- Just last week, TPUSA chapters recently recruited and hosted Kyle Rittenhouse for a speaking tour across college campuses (Fox News)
A list of proposed projects by potential Democracy Grant grantees (including but not limited to):
- distributing banned books
- voter registration tables
- local policy advocacy
- education & awareness campaigns on pressing issues
- student events such as hosting speakers or forums
- letter writing campaign to local officials
- offering free contraception to students if your state has restricted abortion
Any student enrolled at an educational institution may apply for a grant, subject to their school’s academic, institutional, & legal requirements.
Case studies & grant analysis will be conducted after the student has completed their initiative and funding cycle.
Students can apply: here.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 13, 2024
Media Contact
Kaivan Shroff
kaivan@dream4america.org
(914) 610-1157
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About Dream for America
Dream for America is a progressive Gen-Z group focused on identifying, educating, and mobilizing America’s students to promote the principles of freedom, democracy, & progressive government to rival far-right groups like Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA & PragerU. They are building the most organized, active, and powerful pro-democracy grassroots network both online and on-campuses across the country to engage young Americans of all backgrounds at all times — not just on the eve of an election.
Visit www.dream4america.org. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.