The Surge of Turning Point USA’s ‘Club America’ Chapters in Oklahoma and the Southern States

The Surge of Turning Point USA’s ‘Club America’ Chapters in Oklahoma and the Southern States

In recent months, Turning Point USA has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly in Oklahoma. This expansion follows a statement from Ryan Walters, the former Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who announced plans to establish chapters in every high school across the state. Interest has surged not only in Oklahoma but also throughout the Southern United States.

Turning Point USA designates its high school groups as “Club America.” As Mason Cottrell, TPUSA’s Southern regional director, shared with Fox News Digital, the enthusiasm surrounding these chapters has been overwhelming.

Remarkable Growth in Oklahoma

Oklahoma leads the nation in the number of “Club America” chapters during this academic year. Typically, Oklahoma concludes its school year with approximately 15 chapters. However, this year, the number has sky-rocketed to over 60. Cottrell stated that they are actively starting several new chapters each day.

Cottrell remarked, “It’s gone up significantly. We’re starting at least a couple of chapters daily.” The growth trajectory appears to be solid, with ongoing efforts to engage more students and increase participation in these conservative student organizations.

Factors Contributing to Rapid Expansion

While Walters’ announcement undoubtedly fueled interest, Cottrell noted that several factors contribute to this growth. The conservative nature of Oklahoma allows students to express their views more freely, fostering an environment conducive to such organizations. Cottrell explained that the desire for more students to lead initiatives also plays a significant role.

He stated, “I don’t think it was all Ryan Walters. His mandate added a boost, but the willingness among people here to engage has been instrumental.” Oklahoma is known for its strong conservative sentiments, consistently supporting Republican candidates in statewide elections.

The Impact of Tragic Events on Turning Point USA

The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, TPUSA’s co-founder, on September 10 during a speaking event at Utah Valley University significantly raised the profile of the organization. In the wake of this incident, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, assumed leadership as CEO and chair of the board. Under her guidance, TPUSA operates not only 900 college chapters but also around 1,200 high school chapters.

TPUSA reported receiving over 120,000 inquiries from individuals interested in establishing new campus chapters in the days following Kirk’s memorial service on September 13. This remarkable surge demonstrates a growing interest in conservative values among the youth.

The Purpose and Function of ‘Club America’ Chapters

The “Club America” chapters aim to host bi-monthly meetings where conservative students can share their perspectives and engage in discussions. Topics often cover a range of themes, including patriotism and fiscal policy. Recent events they organized included “Free Speech Week” and a themed gathering for the September 11 observance titled “United We Stand.” These initiatives encourage involvement among students who resonate with conservative ideals.

Challenges in Blue Areas

While the chapters thrive in certain regions, they face hurdles in more liberal areas. Cottrell reported that some challenges arise in blue cities, where opposition to conservative initiatives can inhibit growth. For instance, in Florida, officials have threatened legal action against schools that prevent TPUSA chapters from forming. Nonetheless, the absence of substantiated claims regarding these actions highlights the variability in responses across the nation.

Cottrell acknowledged, “We do encounter pushback from some schools, even in Oklahoma. However, laws require that these organizations be granted recognition on campuses, helping them overcome barriers to participation.”

The Community and Support Network

As Cottrell oversees a broad territory including Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Florida, he noted significant growth in Alabama and Mississippi. Their sociopolitical landscape closely mirrors that of Oklahoma, helping to replicate successful strategies for establishing chapters.

To bolster their outreach efforts, the chapters often set up promotional tables on high school campuses and invite influential conservative speakers to engage with students. By bringing in established figures, TPUSA aims to inspire and motivate students to participate actively in conservative dialogue.

A Growing Movement

Turning Point USA continues to foster a growing movement among students interested in conservative values. As the