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Titled the “Interim Committee For A National Conservative Youth Organization,” this memorandum and accompanying schedule outline the logistics and purpose of what became Young Americans for Freedom’s (YAF) founding conference—known as the Great Elm Conference. Held September 9–11, 1960, in Sharon, Connecticut, this gathering united dozens of college students and young graduates who sought to formalize a national conservative youth organization.

Historical Context

By 1960, the United States was riding a wave of political engagement, especially among young people galvanized by the civil rights movement and debates over Cold War policies. While liberal student groups often commanded the spotlight, an emerging conservative faction, inspired by National Review and figures like Barry Goldwater, was eager to rally youth around a vision of limited government, free markets, and strong anti-communist foreign policy.

Against this backdrop, the Great Elm Conference became a watershed moment for conservative student activism. Spearheaded by an interim committee of young intellectuals (including James Abstine, Douglas Caddy, and others), this conference solidified the creation of YAF—a hub that would channel conservative ideals into a coherent and enduring movement.

Strategy and Purpose

The memorandum’s explicit travel instructions, references to a “Hospitality Hour,” and emphasis on “Leisure Hours” hint at a strategic blend of organization and camaraderie. By providing logistical details—bus times, lodging information, and notes on the Air Defense exercise “Sky Shield”—the interim committee made sure every attendee had a seamless trip, reinforcing a sense of unity and discipline.

The attached agenda reveals the weekend’s main objectives:

• Formulating a National Conservative Youth Platform. Panels featuring prominent conservative voices (Brent Bozell among them) discussed why a strong organization was “needed” and how YAF could take shape.
• Drafting Foundational Documents. Slots on the schedule designated time to create and adopt the Great Elm Statement, which later evolved into the famed “Sharon Statement.”
• Fostering Community and Exchange. Cocktail parties, dinners, and film screenings reflect an emphasis on forging personal bonds—an effort to ensure attendees left Sharon not just as acquaintances but as committed partners in a national movement.

Language, Imagery, and Symbolism

Although this memorandum uses straightforward, practical language—“Leave New York at 5:30 p.m. sharp,” “Bring swimming, tennis, hiking gear”—it signals more than a weekend getaway. Tucked beneath details like bus fares and room costs is a larger symbolism: this was a rising generation organizing itself, creating its own structures, and shaping an identity defined by rigorous intellectual commitment and grassroots fellowship.

The phrase “Conservative Political Youth Organization” in the memo’s heading echoes a rallying cry. More than an event, the Great Elm Conference was a staging ground for a philosophical awakening, promoting an idea of conservatism that young people could own and propagate. These references subtly underscore the attendees’ aspiration: forging a path distinct from mainstream Republican politics.

Efficacy and Longer-Term Impact

In the moment, the conference proved successful. The meticulously planned schedule fostered a collegial yet focused atmosphere, facilitating the creation of a national platform (the Sharon Statement) that soon became the bedrock for YAF’s activism. Over the following years, YAF rapidly grew into one of the most influential conservative student organizations, backing the 1964 Goldwater campaign, galvanizing campus debates on foreign policy, and contributing to the broader conservative resurgence that culminated in Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

From a modern vantage point, the Great Elm Conference is an object lesson in how well-organized gatherings—complete with structured discussion, social bonding, and clear next steps—can give birth to movements that reshape national politics. Even the bus schedules and hotel details stand as testimony to the power of careful preparation.

Beyond its value as a historical document, the memorandum remains a testament to the capacity of youth to mold political landscapes. Contemporary student-driven movements—regardless of ideology—mirror many aspects of this conference, from setting agendas and drafting mission statements to creating spirited events that blend advocacy with communal fun.

For current activists, the Great Elm Conference underscores the importance of logistical clarity, thematic unity, and a bold message. That combination helped transform a loosely connected circle of young conservatives into an influential organization whose effects continue to shape American politics and debate.

Special thanks to Yale University for their support in digitizing this item.