How I Changed My Campus: Activist Strategies from WI

Rising Senior Jason Schneider knew that it was up to him to revitalize the dormant conservative student group at Concordia University Wisconsin. After stepping into the role of club President after failed leadership, Schneider proceeded to restore the club to full vitality. But he wasn’t left alone to establish a conservative presence on campus.

Working alongside Schneider, American Majority Wisconsin Campus Director Michael Spoke trained students at Concordia to utilize social media to advance their cause. “We’re using Twitter and Facebook,” Schneider said, “which helps [us] to reach out into the community and show people that we’re doing things.”

Schneider, who attended the social media training in November 2012, was able to use the training to further the conservative cause on campus and in his community. For example, whenever he hosts an event, he ensures that pictures are taken and posted on their Facebook page in order to keep the community informed.

Schneider also picked up a greater sense of confidence from the training. He says he feels much more comfortable with approaching people and simply talking to them about politics. With this new-found confidence, Schneider has secured most of the speaking arrangements at his school, including an appearance by Wisconsin State Senator Glenn Grothman. “I talked with him at an event, and he told me to email his secretary, so I did.”

Soon after, Grothman came to speak at the school regarding issues that lined up with biblical values and how they affect America. Schneider and Concordia students were involved in local politics as well and tried to arrange a debate between opposing circuit judge contenders Tom Wolfgram and American Majority-trained Joe Voiland. But amidst heated events leading to Voiland ousting Wolfgram, Wolgram pulled out. Schneider saw this as a small victory since his attempt to arrange the debate brought even more attention and conversation about the issues at hand on campus and in his community. Schneider would like to go into sports marketing but also hopes to work as a campaign manager for a conservative candidate.