Train Up! You, Too, Can Turn Back the Leftist Assault on America
- Interview with Liberty University Ninja Haley Collins
by Claudia Henneberry
April 2024
CampusTown.US: Please tell me about you. (Where you grew up, went to school, what your interests
are, etc.)
Collins: My name is Haley Collins. I reside in the Smoky Mountain region. I am completing my junior
year with Liberty University online, majoring in Business Administration and Data Analytics. At
nine years old, I ventured into the conservative movement. My passion lies in protecting our
God-given rights and motivating the youth to be involved. Beyond politics, you can find me
reading, spending time with my nieces and nephews, and exploring new places.
CampusTown.US: What prompted your interest in the Leadership Institute (LI)?
Collins: When I was first introduced to the political sphere, it was in great part due to Phyllis Schlafly's
Eagle Forum and the wonderful efforts of the Tennessee Student Eagle program. In 2016,
fourteen of my fellow Student Eagle peers and I landed in Washington, DC for a long-awaited
trip of a lifetime. The highlight of this trip for me was my first Leadership Institute experience.
At twelve years old, I was extremely encouraged by the Leadership Institute's speakers and their
insight on activism. Since then, I have taken 200+ hours of Leadership Institute training. The
following words I heard at my first Leadership Institute training challenged me to take a stand
and make a difference for the causes I believe in:
CampusTown.US: How does the Leadership Institute attract young leaders like yourself or what do they
do that piques the interest of people (at the age when you first joined) that makes you want to be involved?
Collins: The Leadership Institute excels at capturing the interest of young individuals by focusing on
their vital role in preserving America's freedom. The Left's agenda is targeting the next
generation. Frequently, young people enter college as lambs to the slaughter, unable to handle
the full-scale, frontal attack on their values. LI’s well-structured campus network plays a
significant role in engaging those my age and equipping them with the necessary tools to
become effective conservative activists and leaders.
CampusTown.US: What was your main interest as a student with the Institute and what did you learn
about that interest? How do you engage with those not on our side and convince them
to join us?
Collins: My main interest as a student of LI was to learn how to maximize my efforts as a youth leader.
My involvement in politics at a young age was driven by the negative impact of government
overreach on the public school system. From there, my passion was to establish the first
Student Eagle chapter in East Tennessee, offering an outlet for my peers to engage and
understand the public policy issues that impact them. As a student at the Leadership Institute, I
acquired skills such as the best practices for managing tables at events, the BACON method for
maximizing social media impact, and the art of creating messages that capture the interest of
my peers. This knowledge from the Leadership Institute was instrumental in achieving my goal.
When interacting with those who hold different views, I was taught to define the opponent
rather than attack them. It's crucial to approach from a place of understanding. For instance,
our group handled differing opinions by requiring students to research all sides of an issue, even
if they already had a stance. This approach was beneficial as it compelled students to explore
various viewpoints, fostered debate, and led to a deeper comprehension of their own positions
and the reasons behind them. Morton Blackwell, the President of the Leadership Institute,
often states, "Politics is of the heart as well as the mind. Many people don't care how much you
know until they know how much you care." Engaging those with opposing views and persuading
them to join our cause begins with open, well-informed, and actionable conversations.
CampusTown.US: Are you still involved with the Institute and what is your role if you are?
Collins: I was a Political and Fundraising Intern at the Leadership Institute in Fall 2022. Following the
conclusion of my internship, I have remained actively involved by attending Leadership Institute
schools and events whenever possible.
CampusTown.US: What have you done/accomplished with the knowledge you gained from your training at the Institute?
Collins: Since my initial training at the Leadership Institute, I have been dedicated to impacting my
community positively. Beyond establishing a Student Eagle chapter, I have worked on 13+
political campaigns. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience I
have gained to ensure the success of competent and aligned candidates for political positions.
CampusTown.US: Please enlighten us as to the most important issues (according to your age-group) that are affecting
the U.S. currently. Of those, which affect your age-group the most?
Collins: A common theme of concern among young individuals is the attack on patriotism, freedom of
speech, and the nuclear family. Schools are using a combination of propaganda and suppression
to push the next generation into the ensnaring grip of socialism and anti-patriotism. They are
being indoctrinated with an alternative version of history. Without knowledge of our country’s
true history, we lose a sense of our shared identity and its characteristic values, including
perseverance, integrity, and liberty. If students dare speak up, they are censored and at risk of
cancel culture. My age-group is witnessing and experiencing firsthand their freedom of speech
being stifled.
The collapse of the nuclear family through abortion, radical feminism, gender identity, and
over-sexualization is also a top issue facing young people. Women are convinced murdering
their children is "healthcare". Marriage is increasingly in disfavor. Men are no longer allowed to
be masculine. Homosexuality and transgenderism are presented to us in school and the media
as normal and even desirable. Pornography is now mainstream. The list continues. The attack
on faith and family is relentless.
CampusTown.US: In your opinion, what should be done to solve one of the most important issues you
mentioned above?
Collins: In my opinion, awareness is the optimal starting point. A significant number of people are either
misinformed or apathetic. The ability to engage in calm and constructive conversations with
others, despite disagreements, is crucial.
Another essential aspect of combating these issues is holding our leaders accountable. We need
responsible and effective leadership in office. If elected officials wish to stay in their positions,
they must understand their duty to serve and safeguard us by enacting policies that guarantee
our freedoms.
CampusTown.US: Do you believe the number of conservative young people has grown or diminished in the past 10 years?
I’m sure you can define “conservative young people,” but, here is what I mean when I say it: Those who believe we are
veering drastically away from our Constitution, that the rule of law is not being adhered to (crime on our streets, the
weaponization of the Executive branch-DOJ, et al., prosecution/imprisoning of political opponents), and that leftist
propaganda exists in all media, that our American principles (like the 1st Amendment) and values are being tossed
out the window, and our border has been left wide open. Gosh, I could go on, but you get the picture.
Collins: It is tempting to see this generation as a united, Left-wing force. However, the reality is
complicated. Gen Z is more conservative than others realize, and I would argue we are highly
active and mobilized. Despite polls indicating that younger Americans lean more liberal than
their elders, the conservative youth movement is strong, suggesting hope for the nation's
future.
CampusTown.US: Why do you think the number of young conservatives has grown/diminished?
Collins: The inclination of younger Americans towards more Left-wing views compared to their
conservative elders reflects a lack of knowledge influenced by media propaganda and the public
education system. To quote my favorite teacher, "History does not repeat itself. Stupid people
repeat history."
The current conservative youth movement's momentum, I believe, is largely driven by
individuals my age waking up (not being "woke") to the gravity of the issues we face today. With
organizations like Turning Point USA, PragerU, and Daily Wire educating young people, and the
Leadership Institute equipping them with essential leadership tools, I foresee a steady increase
in the number of young conservatives.
CampusTown.US: What will your role be in trying to fix our country’s problems - to bring us back to a
country with liberty and equal justice for us all?
Collins: My contribution to solving our nation's problems will be marked by faith and determination.
While my particular ways of involvement may change over time, presently, I am focused on
mentoring and advocating for education that empowers families, not the government. Fighting
for our freedoms and battling corruption always begins in our backyards. I am committed to
being a beacon of light in this fight to save our country. (Matthew 5:14-16)
- Interview with Liberty University Ninja Haley Collins
by Claudia Henneberry
April 2024
- “Gen Z is more conservative than others realize, and I would argue we are highly active and mobilized.”
CampusTown.US: Please tell me about you. (Where you grew up, went to school, what your interests
are, etc.)
Collins: My name is Haley Collins. I reside in the Smoky Mountain region. I am completing my junior
year with Liberty University online, majoring in Business Administration and Data Analytics. At
nine years old, I ventured into the conservative movement. My passion lies in protecting our
God-given rights and motivating the youth to be involved. Beyond politics, you can find me
reading, spending time with my nieces and nephews, and exploring new places.
CampusTown.US: What prompted your interest in the Leadership Institute (LI)?
Collins: When I was first introduced to the political sphere, it was in great part due to Phyllis Schlafly's
Eagle Forum and the wonderful efforts of the Tennessee Student Eagle program. In 2016,
fourteen of my fellow Student Eagle peers and I landed in Washington, DC for a long-awaited
trip of a lifetime. The highlight of this trip for me was my first Leadership Institute experience.
At twelve years old, I was extremely encouraged by the Leadership Institute's speakers and their
insight on activism. Since then, I have taken 200+ hours of Leadership Institute training. The
following words I heard at my first Leadership Institute training challenged me to take a stand
and make a difference for the causes I believe in:
- "We are a government 'By the people, For the people.' But that only works if the people are
CampusTown.US: How does the Leadership Institute attract young leaders like yourself or what do they
do that piques the interest of people (at the age when you first joined) that makes you want to be involved?
Collins: The Leadership Institute excels at capturing the interest of young individuals by focusing on
their vital role in preserving America's freedom. The Left's agenda is targeting the next
generation. Frequently, young people enter college as lambs to the slaughter, unable to handle
the full-scale, frontal attack on their values. LI’s well-structured campus network plays a
significant role in engaging those my age and equipping them with the necessary tools to
become effective conservative activists and leaders.
CampusTown.US: What was your main interest as a student with the Institute and what did you learn
about that interest? How do you engage with those not on our side and convince them
to join us?
Collins: My main interest as a student of LI was to learn how to maximize my efforts as a youth leader.
My involvement in politics at a young age was driven by the negative impact of government
overreach on the public school system. From there, my passion was to establish the first
Student Eagle chapter in East Tennessee, offering an outlet for my peers to engage and
understand the public policy issues that impact them. As a student at the Leadership Institute, I
acquired skills such as the best practices for managing tables at events, the BACON method for
maximizing social media impact, and the art of creating messages that capture the interest of
my peers. This knowledge from the Leadership Institute was instrumental in achieving my goal.
When interacting with those who hold different views, I was taught to define the opponent
rather than attack them. It's crucial to approach from a place of understanding. For instance,
our group handled differing opinions by requiring students to research all sides of an issue, even
if they already had a stance. This approach was beneficial as it compelled students to explore
various viewpoints, fostered debate, and led to a deeper comprehension of their own positions
and the reasons behind them. Morton Blackwell, the President of the Leadership Institute,
often states, "Politics is of the heart as well as the mind. Many people don't care how much you
know until they know how much you care." Engaging those with opposing views and persuading
them to join our cause begins with open, well-informed, and actionable conversations.
CampusTown.US: Are you still involved with the Institute and what is your role if you are?
Collins: I was a Political and Fundraising Intern at the Leadership Institute in Fall 2022. Following the
conclusion of my internship, I have remained actively involved by attending Leadership Institute
schools and events whenever possible.
CampusTown.US: What have you done/accomplished with the knowledge you gained from your training at the Institute?
Collins: Since my initial training at the Leadership Institute, I have been dedicated to impacting my
community positively. Beyond establishing a Student Eagle chapter, I have worked on 13+
political campaigns. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience I
have gained to ensure the success of competent and aligned candidates for political positions.
CampusTown.US: Please enlighten us as to the most important issues (according to your age-group) that are affecting
the U.S. currently. Of those, which affect your age-group the most?
Collins: A common theme of concern among young individuals is the attack on patriotism, freedom of
speech, and the nuclear family. Schools are using a combination of propaganda and suppression
to push the next generation into the ensnaring grip of socialism and anti-patriotism. They are
being indoctrinated with an alternative version of history. Without knowledge of our country’s
true history, we lose a sense of our shared identity and its characteristic values, including
perseverance, integrity, and liberty. If students dare speak up, they are censored and at risk of
cancel culture. My age-group is witnessing and experiencing firsthand their freedom of speech
being stifled.
The collapse of the nuclear family through abortion, radical feminism, gender identity, and
over-sexualization is also a top issue facing young people. Women are convinced murdering
their children is "healthcare". Marriage is increasingly in disfavor. Men are no longer allowed to
be masculine. Homosexuality and transgenderism are presented to us in school and the media
as normal and even desirable. Pornography is now mainstream. The list continues. The attack
on faith and family is relentless.
CampusTown.US: In your opinion, what should be done to solve one of the most important issues you
mentioned above?
Collins: In my opinion, awareness is the optimal starting point. A significant number of people are either
misinformed or apathetic. The ability to engage in calm and constructive conversations with
others, despite disagreements, is crucial.
Another essential aspect of combating these issues is holding our leaders accountable. We need
responsible and effective leadership in office. If elected officials wish to stay in their positions,
they must understand their duty to serve and safeguard us by enacting policies that guarantee
our freedoms.
CampusTown.US: Do you believe the number of conservative young people has grown or diminished in the past 10 years?
I’m sure you can define “conservative young people,” but, here is what I mean when I say it: Those who believe we are
veering drastically away from our Constitution, that the rule of law is not being adhered to (crime on our streets, the
weaponization of the Executive branch-DOJ, et al., prosecution/imprisoning of political opponents), and that leftist
propaganda exists in all media, that our American principles (like the 1st Amendment) and values are being tossed
out the window, and our border has been left wide open. Gosh, I could go on, but you get the picture.
Collins: It is tempting to see this generation as a united, Left-wing force. However, the reality is
complicated. Gen Z is more conservative than others realize, and I would argue we are highly
active and mobilized. Despite polls indicating that younger Americans lean more liberal than
their elders, the conservative youth movement is strong, suggesting hope for the nation's
future.
CampusTown.US: Why do you think the number of young conservatives has grown/diminished?
Collins: The inclination of younger Americans towards more Left-wing views compared to their
conservative elders reflects a lack of knowledge influenced by media propaganda and the public
education system. To quote my favorite teacher, "History does not repeat itself. Stupid people
repeat history."
The current conservative youth movement's momentum, I believe, is largely driven by
individuals my age waking up (not being "woke") to the gravity of the issues we face today. With
organizations like Turning Point USA, PragerU, and Daily Wire educating young people, and the
Leadership Institute equipping them with essential leadership tools, I foresee a steady increase
in the number of young conservatives.
CampusTown.US: What will your role be in trying to fix our country’s problems - to bring us back to a
country with liberty and equal justice for us all?
Collins: My contribution to solving our nation's problems will be marked by faith and determination.
While my particular ways of involvement may change over time, presently, I am focused on
mentoring and advocating for education that empowers families, not the government. Fighting
for our freedoms and battling corruption always begins in our backyards. I am committed to
being a beacon of light in this fight to save our country. (Matthew 5:14-16)