Activism is one of the best ways for you to network within the conservative and liberty movements. 

Attend protests often enough and you'll begin to recognize the dedicated people there.  Become involved in -- or even lead -- a conservative or libertarian campus group and you'll get to know the other members of the club.  Access the resources of a good organization in your area or a national think tank or legal defense club and you'll build many good contacts with the staff there.  Better yet, complete an internship with one of these groups while you're still in school.

Why is networking important?  Here are several good reasons (based on this list):

• Word of mouth publicity
• Creating ambassadors who will tell about you and connect you with the right prospects
• Finding a new job
• Getting to know the right people who can help you with your career
• Attracting the right organisations to form partnerships with
• Receiving more visibility as a person or an organisation
• Door openings to people you won’t be able to reach on your own
• Developing as a person
• Developing as an organisation
• Attracting the right mentors
• Receiving more invitations to (the right) events as a participant, speaker or co-host
• Security net when something happens

It sounds like a lot of good benefits, right?  This is just a brief survey of why networking is so important -- and of how helpful it can be for you and your campus club.

Activism provides you with an easy way to access these many benefits.  So how should you get started in the world of networking?

First, if you aren't involved in a campus club already, start or join one.  Use the resources on Campus Reform to recruit new members and meet other people in the activist community.  Contact organizations which may be able to assist you here, here, and here. 

Then, pick an activism idea (or two!) (or three!) (or more!) on which to focus for the spring semester.  Start planning now.  Consult the Campus Reform Publicity Guide for promotion tips.

And once you start your activism, start networking!