California was once a beacon of opportunity and prosperity. The Lincoln Institute of California hopes to support young students in cherishing traditional values, becoming sensible and proactive leaders, and guiding California towards a bright future through four key initiatives.
On April 12th, Isabella Mourani, the Director of Communications of the Lincoln Institute, spoke at an event organized by the Orange County Republican Women’s League. She emphasized that 80% of elected officials have backgrounds in student government, making them significant influencers in shaping future policies.
Student governments control millions of dollars in activity funds, distributing resources to various clubs on campus. Mourani highlighted that last year, the “Palestinian Justice Student Association,” which led campus protest activities, received funding, while conservative student groups struggled to obtain financial support. She emphasized the pivotal role of a “progressive” student government president in deciding resource allocation, with the financial director of the student government also playing a critical role.
Mourani, coming from an immigrant family, witnessed the opportunities provided by California. However, under Democratic governance, she noted the state’s current chaos and questioned whether the government can offer the same future her family once enjoyed. Joining the Lincoln Institute, she aims to restore hope and common sense.
She believes that selecting and nurturing student leaders who can have lasting impacts on the community and align with future leaders is crucial in winning the cultural battle. She hopes to transform California’s legislative body to once again serve the people.
Introducing the Lincoln Institute as a highly localized nonpartisan nonprofit organization, Mourani mentioned California’s 307 culturally influential universities, including public and private institutions. The Institute currently has representatives in 50 universities, facilitating student connections with speakers, providing legal assistance, encouraging student participation in elections and campaigns, and helping them establish ties with legislative bodies.
Many young individuals have ambitious goals but lack the knowledge of how to achieve them. The Lincoln Institute aims to provide training and guidance to support them in their endeavors.
Moreover, the Lincoln Institute provides students with policy education. For instance, when a homelessness proposal enters the voting process, it signifies the need to allocate more funds to the project. The Institute hopes to enhance students’ understanding of such matters and the impact of their votes.
Ensuring campus freedoms through 307 initiatives is crucial for Mourani, who has a deep attachment to her homeland of California and dislikes the idea of leaving. She emphasizes that changing California means truly transforming the nation; without efforts from this generation, there will be no one left willing to strive.
Collaborating with the Orange County Lincoln Club, the Lincoln Institute invites business leaders and experts from various industries such as finance, law, and marketing to interact with students, establish connections, and assist them in securing internships and part-time jobs.
Through the annual series of “Institute Connect” events, consisting of ten gatherings, students have the opportunity to network with prominent local entrepreneurs and gather valuable insights from guest speakers. Mourani highlighted that this project bridges the gap between students and business owners, addressing the disconnect between education and industry.
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the US, and the Lincoln Institute hosts seminars during this period, inviting guests to engage in discussions. Mourani aims to involve students in dialogues on topics of interest to them, openly discuss health-related issues, and drive meaningful change.
Referencing the “Let America Be Healthy Again” movement and the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young individuals, Mourani stressed the urgency of addressing these issues.