The Inspiration, Leadership and Legacy of Charlie Kirk

The Inspiration, Leadership, and Legacy of Charlie Kirk

We mourn the murder of conservative student organizer, political activist, and media influencer, the American Charlie Kirk, who was also a devoted father and loving husband—a man of deep faith, courage, and kindness, a friend and mentor. We also celebrate Charlie—an inspiration to many around the world. Charlie's life and legacy have particular relevance to those of us committed to building better nations, societies, and communities of God-fearing people.

Over recent years, a number of recurring themes have emerged across the global community. Based on that experience, and dialogue among likeminded leaders who share principles and a passion for enabling change that leads to more free, secure, and prosperous sovereign nations, we seek to encourage collaboration, further networking, and new actions and initiatives.

We, as the Friends To Liberty, work to empower and enable those committed to change.

Our focus is in five areas:

(1) Develop the ends, ways, means and courage to lead and govern as a conservative;

(2) Develop the capacity for good governance;

(3) Have the means to compete in the information and cultural space, not devolving into propaganda or content management or restricting free speech but simply having the capability to tell people honestly who you are;

(4) Build an independent, thriving, civil society-that can’t be silenced by the left and not dependent on the party, the government, or elite interests, that can engage critical elements of the society, particularly youth,

(5) Leverage the strength, support, wisdom, and courage of a global movement and the networks of a likeminded community that knit it together.

Today, we celebrate Charlie whose life and work had particular relevance to each of these five issues. 

Charlie the Leader. As the founder and leader of Turning Point USA, he created one of the world's preeminent organizations for building conservative leaders for the future. The mission of TPUSA is "to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government".

Charlie the Doer. Few private individuals dedicated more time, energy, and support helping President Trump build a team to drive meaningful and constructive change, a government that serves the people—not a people that serve the government. In short order, this administration has already tackled and made dramatic progress in addressing challenges many nations see as the most consequential of their time including combating illegal immigration, securing borders, and delivering reliable, abundant, and dependable energy. This has become an example of governance many around the world want to follow.

Charlie the Communicator.  Through his podcast, television appearances, and campus rallies Charlie set the standard for a master communicator with credible, understandable, actionable messages that articulated the conservative promise to millions all over America and the world. 

Charlie the Evangelist. His life and work were a testament to the truth that responsible politics and deep honest faith are two sides of the same coin for building a better world. Charlie bridged many communities, reminding that their common humanity was more important than their policy differences. The modern conservative movement does not stride for, nor will it succeed, by demanding loyalty to a particular orthodoxy. Rather, we are bound by a common vision and acknowledge the only path to common action is a willingness to honestly debate and dialogue and then act as our conscience dictates.

Charlie the Friend. No leader in the conservative movement did more to bring people together, to mentor others, to help when needed, to build networks, bridges, trust and confidence, and to truly act on the belief that a "rising tide lifts all boats." This axiom explains why people flocked to Charlie and the conservative movement.

Conservatives around the world have not responded to the political assassination of Charlie Kirk with fear or anger. Rather, they have turned their eyes upward and prayed, "Lord send me."  With this letter, we affirm to commit our time and talents to living the example of a good life that Charlie has taught us all. Our work is just beginning.