Turning Point BYU kicked off the semester with a club social in honor of Charlie Kirk at Hillcrest Park Sept. 26.
Turning Point USA is a nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics on high school and college campuses. The nonprofit was founded in 2012 by Kirk and Bill Montgomery.
Turning Point BYU is not like other clubs on campus; the organization is not allowed to set up tables on campus to advertise their program, so they rely heavily on social media channels to reach others and share their message.
The event was announced on the organization’s Instagram. The post read: “Come kick off the semester with food, friends and freedom as we honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy and build momentum for the year ahead.”
Sarah Moline, social media chair for Turning Point BYU, said remembering Kirk at this event is a way to honor the legacy he left behind.
“It’s important to remember Charlie Kirk because of what he's done for us as young people and as our generation," Moline said. "I think it's important to recognize him as a Christian, somebody who believes in faith, but also recognize him as the leader of Turning Point, and how he's brought all of us together in this way."
Pizza and drinks were served as old members and newcomers got together to meet new people. Natalie Yates, a BYU student, came to the event in hopes of meeting new people and making new friends.
“I just want to start building more connections with people who share similar beliefs to some degree," Yates said. "I don't want it to be like an echo chamber or anything, but I don't have a lot of friends that share those beliefs.”
The event, while being part of the BYU community, welcomed all, even those outside of campus. Jared Noble, who is not a BYU student, saw the post on social media and decided to join the event. Noble was at Utah Valley University the day Kirk was murdered during his “American Comeback Tour."
“I came here a little nervous, just because of what happened on the 10th, maybe someone could open fire, maybe bombs could come off, but we can't live our lives in fear. I talked to a lot of people, and they're really friendly,” Noble said.
The event had banners, posters, pins and stickers with various messages encouraging students to get involved in politics and to share their voices and beliefs.
The organization welcomes all regardless of political affiliation.
“We stand for our values, and that introduces members from both sides of the political spectrum. You know, you can be left, right or center, it doesn't matter,” Moline said.