In February of 2014, I embarked on a long journey from Washington state to Washington, D.C. – my first time in nearly a decade — to attend the International Students For Liberty Conference (ISFLC). In just one weekend, my life and college career was forever changed. My campus activism would never be the same again.

Being my first ISFLC, I barely knew a single person there. I was the only one from my school to attend and was one of the few from my state. The first thing I did was attend a breakout session on the meaning and regulation of property. Considering how nasty libertarians can be with each other online, I was pleasantly surprised at how ISFLC attendees respectfully  challenged each other’s beliefs without accusing each of being statist. I was so enthralled with the breakout sessions that I attended one during almost every block on topics ranging from theory to on-the-ground activism.

Despite being an introvert, I loved going to ISFLC’s socials because the connections I made have lasted for years. It was during one of the evening socials that I met a group of attendees I ended up hanging out with for the rest of the conference. Pro-top from an experienced ISFLC attendee: if you meet up with new people, get to know them and ask for their contact info. A few business cards and drinks later, you might just end up being friends for life.

At ISFLC, there are also many sponsor organizations tabling that you’ll want to check out. I got a handful of free books from Institute for Humane Studies at ISFLC14. However, there were plenty of more books, informational items, bottle openers, and other gifts available from other organizations as well. If you have a student group back home, ISFLC is a great time to bring back material for members, events, and tabling. For months afterwards, I recounted to my friends back home about the treasures I found.

At ISFLC14,  I was  interviewed for SFL’s Campus Coordinator Program (CC), and was eventually accepted. However, there are many other opportunities to take advantage of at any ISFLC, including internships and job openings that partner organizations are looking for candidates. Not only does Students For Liberty help with career opportunities, attending events such as ISFLC increases your chances of meeting the right people. This is the kind of conference that you want to attend if you are looking to have a career in the liberty movement.

Fast-forward a year later: I am at  ISFLC15 as a Campus Coordinator with SFL, and I am not the only attendee from my school! Because of the jumpstart I got the previous year, I had social circles to engage with at the new conference and met up with activists from around the country and the world. The first year attending is amazing, and it only builds up after that.t

Even though we cannot end the War on Drugs, unfair taxation systems, or violent foreign intervention during the course of the ISFLC, the event gives activists an occasion to gather the materials, knowledge, and network necessary to bring about the needed change. That is what will shake the world. So, will I see you at #ISFLC16?