A combination of consistency, coalition-building and innovations of members are a few of the qualities that Jacob Nestle, president of AU’s Young Americans for Liberty (YAL), credits to the chapter’s recent win at the most recent YAL convention, which took place in Michigan.

On Sept. 28, the second night of YALCON, AU’s chapter won the “Best Chapter” award, which came in the form of a glass, tear-drop shaped trophy and recognition for their work throughout the years.

YAL is described by Nestle as, “a principled, nonpartisan environment for political discussion. We include members of both other clubs and people who belong to neither. YAL fundamentally provides a home for students on campus who want to see a government that works well within its proper scope but doesn’t intrude on their lives elsewhere.”

“I was amazed and ecstatic but not surprised. I’m the president so of course I was honored, but I think it’s not so much a reflection on me as on the wonderful political environment on campus that so many people have worked hard to build over the last few years,” Nestle said. “There are many wonderful chapters of YAL nationwide, and I think the fact that our chapter here has flourished is a testament to the fact that students love and care about the issues of human rights, civil liberties, and sound government.”

The process for selecting the award winner each year depends upon the YAL national staff who select a chapter with both past success and high goals for the future. While the AU chapter is not the biggest in the country, it came down to the initiative to continue growth and to spread a mission statement to the students on campus.

This is the third year Nestle has attended YALCON and he had the biggest turnout of AU students from the group come to show support for Nestle and the group they have contributed time toward. There were not only other groups from around the country, but also the keynote speakers which included Senator Rand Paul, Congressman Justin Amash and Virginia Delegate Nick Freitas.

All the members of YAL had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with these famous political figures at a reception. One of the members that attended to support the AU chapter was Secretary Justin Politzer.

“My favorite part of YALCON was getting to hear Jennifer Zeng speak,” Politzer said.

Zeng survived China’s forced labor and re-education camps four times until she escaped China, and at the convention, gave her account of the brutality she endured.

“Seeing this survivor tell her story talk about the terrors and inhumanity millions of people across the globe face from authoritarian states reinforced for me how lucky I am to be an American, and redoubled my dedication for defending liberty,” he said.

Many of the students were surprised to hear that they were in the running for the award.

“Everyone in YAL has a lot of fun with what we do [promoting liberty], and we take it seriously, but we also put in a lot of work,” Politzer said. “Jacob Nestle, YAL’s chapter president, has worked tirelessly to make us deserving of the award, and not only am I proud of our entire chapter, I am especially proud of his achievements as our president, and as my friend. I was also a bit surprised actually, and had no idea we were even up for the award.”

The group hopes to have continued success and recognition for the activities they put on and the way they reach out to students on campus. YALCON is one of the many events this group participates in, there are plenty of events held on campus annually too.

YAL has biweekly meetings that all are welcome to attend, which occur Mondays at 9:30 p.m. on the eighth floor of the library.