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Explore economic and cultural principles
Students will become more equipped to preserve the ideas upon which America was founded.
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A line up of dynamic speakers
Students will experience media, discussions and labs that emphasize strong leadership and excellent character.
National Leadership Forum
June 4-9, 2023
EMERGENT LEADERSHIP IN A COMPLEX WORLD
The American Studies Institute is proudly preparing for the Harding University’s 65th Annual of the National Leadership Forum in Searcy, Arkansas. For 2022, speakers include Brad Montague, Mischa Martin, Terry Davis, Dr. Andrew Baker, Dr. Jim Miller, Dr. Michael Crouch and Amy Cox.
The cost is $160 for the week. This is an outstanding value. During this program, student leaders in rising grades 10-12 will explore the economic and cultural principles that were the foundation of civilization in the Western Hemisphere. Through labs, lectures, and open discussion sessions, they will become more equipped to preserve the ideas upon which America was founded, including personal freedom, strong leadership and excellent character.
It is open to student leaders in grades 10, 11 and 12. Students should be rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. They must have excellent character and demonstrate leadership ability.
The experience includes supervised university dorm life. College aged counselors will provide supervision for men's and women's residence halls at all times. Students will be housed in traditional dorm rooms with a roommate of the same gender and share a bathroom with two other same gender students. Learn more with the Packing List.pdf.
Students should plan to arrive Sunday afternoon from 4-6 P.M. Dinner will be at 6 P.M. that evening. All activities will begin at 7:30 P.M. Transportation and associated costs are to be arranged by each applicant and/or his sponsor.
Register
2023 Registration Form
Schedule
More information coming soon.
About The Harding University National Leadership Forum
At the dawn of a new century, the United States has begun to look at the challenges it faces in the future. To meet these challenges American citizens must become more interested in the economic, political, and cultural principles that were the foundation of civilization in the Western Hemisphere. For more than two centuries these principles have brought to the United States the highest standard of living the world has ever known under any other political and economic system.
In this age of ideological conflict, educated citizens are indispensable. Thomas Jefferson said, "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, it expects what never was and never will be." There must be a reaffirmation and redefinition of the American heritage for each oncoming generation if the blessings of our civilization are to continue.
America can preserve her freedom only by instilling her principles and ideals into the hearts of each oncoming generation. Unless youth are taught to love American freedom and ideals, these ideals and principles that have given us the highest standard of living and the greatest measure of personal freedom will disappear.
During the 1930s in the United States, emphasis was on vocational training; in the 40s and 50s, on science; in the 70s and 80s the emphasis was on the development of an enlightened citizenry; and from the challenging 90s to the present, the emphasis must be directed to a citizenry that is responsive to the principles of democracy and willing to contribute to America's cause of freedom.
As builders of good citizenship, Civitan Clubs in Alabama and West Florida in 1956 requested that a forum be developed for youth. Since its inception, the National Leadership Forum has welcomed thousands of students to Harding's campus to engage with issues important to American civic life. Civic clubs, Farm Bureaus, and other organizations have sponsored attendees in cooperation with Harding University's American Studies Institute. Students have also been supported by families, schools, and friends. The American Studies Institute and the National Leadership Forum hope to use this week to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Through the media of lectures, films, research, and association with internationally recognized authorities, we will collectively assist youth to become better acquainted with the American scene and motivated to a more forceful expression of pride in our traditions and ideals.