The mission of YAF is to promote principles of freedom and conservative values on college campuses.
Young Americans for Freedom was founded in 1960 at the home of William F. Buckley by 100 young conservatives who authored its founding document: the Sharon Statement.
Throughout its history, YAF has worked to advance conservative ideas on college and high school campuses. YAF helped advance the careers of Barry Goldwater and President Ronald Reagan who first joined YAF's advisory board in 1962 and eventually became the honorary national chairman.
Today, YAFers lead or hold prominent positions in many organizations within the Conservative Movement including Young America's Foundation, the National Rifle Association, the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute, the Fund for American Studies, and many others.
