Page 14 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2024 Final1

14 THE SOJOURNER

Founding Forward

Founding Forward, formerly known as Freedoms Foundation, promotes the non-partisan study of the
principles, philosophies, and documents upon which the United States was founded and increases civic literacy
to foster informed and engaged civic leaders. Each year in July National Sojourners sponsors a class of
students from around the country. This year’s session had over 50 students who are pictured here. During the
weekend participants prepare and argue bills in the same manner as our Congress. They build lasting
friendships with the new people they meet. Two of the students who represented Old Dominion Chapter, No.
364 were from a Scout troop, finalizing their Eagle Project. Brother and sister, Audra and Jude Schmitt, are
seen here along with the Sojourner chaperones and the historical representative portraying Thomas Jefferson.
During the course of the weekend, they also met and heard from George Washington. In the chapel at
Freedoms Foundation they experienced a unique opportunity on Saturday night.

Each student was able to sign a copy of the Declaration of
Independence. They finished up the program in Philadelphia, PA where
they saw the Liberty Bell and Carpenters Hall. Each year National
Sojourners is given 100 seats at the mid-July session. We have not used
them all for some time now. Every Chapter is encouraged to recruit
students from Masonic Youth Groups, JROTC, Boy and Girl Scouts as
well as local high schools. Chapters also need to raise funds to support
their students and to make donations to the Spirit of America Education
Foundation so they can provide scholarships to supplement the
chapters. In addition to sending students, each Sojourner should
endeavor to volunteer or attend as a chaperone. Attendance is a very
rewarding experience.

William “Bill” Sanner
Federal Area Representative