Organizers at local Turning Point USA event encouraged by young leaders in the community

On the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, Firmly Planted Action, Club America, and TPUSA Faith rallied Tuesday night with a ‘Meet the Moment’ celebration

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

They rallied to encourage each other to take a stand.

Young people, this is your moment.

Churches, this is your moment.

Parents, this is your moment.

On what would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday, Turning Point USA and local partners challenged their guests to Meet the Moment with a gathering Tuesday night at the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center.

“This has definitely been a whirlwind,” said Ruby Ruiz, field representative for Club America Evergreen. “It’s been a little over a month now since we lost Charlie, but we’re very, very excited to see the growth and the passion that has been instilled … in this community.”

Club America is the new brand under Turning Point USA that is directed toward high school students. Ruiz said there are a number of new chapters opening in Clark County. Since Kirk’s death, more than 2,000 students throughout Washington and Alaska have reached out to Ruiz, asking how they can make a difference in their communities.

“They are so passionate. That makes my heart absolutely filled with pride and joy,” Ruiz said.

Heidi St. John, who founded the Firmly Planted Family with her husband Jay, introduced the program Tuesday night in front of more than 100 guests. This was on the night of the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, the founder of TPUSA who was killed Sept. 10. There were young people from the community, their parents, as well as political candidates in the crowd.

“The purpose of tonight’s meeting is to give you information that will help you engage in the political process here in Clark County,” Heidi St. John said. “I believe, and I hope you guys are with me on this … that Clark County, and Washington state, is winnable. There (are) enough people that believe that America is the greatest nation on the face of the earth and want to see it move back to the principles that made it great.”

Ruiz spoke about Club America and the Clark County action hub, introducing some of the teenagers who are leading the way.

Dillon D’Andrea said he does not want to see anyone’s voice oppressed, no matter what side of an issue an individual takes.

“I joined Club America to educate myself and help educate others on our basic rights and what we can use to get our voices out there,” he said.

Ashley Ireton said she was inspired to know more about TPUSA and Club America from the work that Kirk did. Still, she wasn’t exactly sure what she signed up for at first. Now, she knows it was the right choice for her, and she encourages others.

“You don’t have to have a big backstory, you don’t have to have a dramatic story to make a difference,” she said. “You just have to get involved.”

Now is the time to meet the moment, the young leaders said.

“We really need to continue with Charlie’s legacy,” Ruiz said. “He stood and he fought for us, and it’s time for us to fight in his honor, in his name. Go out and be bold.”

TPUSA Faith had representation at Tuesday’s event, as well. TPUSA Faith is the brand that focuses on churches.

Rich Blum, the senior pastor at Bethel Community Church in Washougal, and Sam Sanden, associate pastor at Father’s House Church in Longview, held a 25-minute discussion, challenging church leaders.

This last month has given leaders an opportunity. Blum said 40 new visitors showed up to Bethel Community Church on the first Sunday after Kirk’s death. He also has been amazed at the young people who are asking questions and/or who have stepped up to lead. 

“I am so encouraged by you being here,” Blum said. “We want to see the next generation.”

Don’t be afraid to share your faith, both pastors said.

“There is an opportunity here. There’s a permission to be bold about faith,” Sanden said. 

Meet the moment, they said.

“Our hope is you leave this place encouraged, empowered … and deputized. You have a mission and you have permission,” Sanden said. “We want to see you go and be engaged.”

Heidi St. John was even more to the point in regard to church leaders throughout the region.

“If your pastor will not step into the political fray, run for your life,” St. John said. “Find a different church.” 

Organizers also introduced those who are running for Charter Review positions in next month’s election and asked guests to take the time to get to know the candidates. Non-profit organizations also set up tables to spotlight their missions. The event opened with worship music and prayer.