End-of-Semester Update and Talent Applications
In April alone, Dissident Project speakers reached over 2,700 students in classrooms across America, sharing their firsthand stories of censorship, communism, and oppression.
April Speeches
Tahmineh Dehbozorgi gave two speeches: one to middle schoolers and another to high schoolers; and she even made remarks to our first-ever donor reception at Naples Classical Academy in Florida! Attendees found her journey from Iran to the United States fascinating; specifically, the fact that Iranian women are outlawed from singing in groups—Tahmineh finally got to join a women’s chorus when she and her family arrived in the States. Many of us Americans take for granted the degree of freedom that we have. It was good to see the people of Naples prove the contrary. They were quite welcoming to our team, and we would love to return in the future!
Tahmineh Dehbozorgi in action.
Mailyn Salabarria visited Utah to present her life story and lessons to students at American Preparatory Academy. An educator wrote to me that Mailyn’s “presentation was very strong and she was engaging. She is one of our best speakers we have had so far.”
To the students of Warner Christian Academy (South Daytona, FL), Gaby Blanco spoke about communism and how its central planning ruined her home country of Cuba. She shared how the Communist Party of Cuba would mandate that every child attend boarding school, ensuring no family member could interfere with Party indoctrination.
Partnerships
We partnered with Foundation for Economic Education to host Grace Jo at Lakeside Middle School in Cumming, Ga. Our partner’s big takeaway was that “freedom is both present and fragile. It depends on people who recognize their worth as human beings and as individuals, who practice self-responsibility, and who choose courage over silence. We challenged students to listen intentionally and leave with one moment they won’t forget—one freedom they usually take for granted, and carry that awareness into spring break and beyond.”
In partnership with Leadership Institute, we hosted Shay Khatiri at Paradise Valley Community College (Phoenix, AZ) and Alvin Hailin at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana, IL). We also created another area of value: One undergraduate student told us that hosting a dissident speaker helped to “train me to be a good leader.”
Dissident Project Talent Applications
If you know anyone who has fled tyranny and wants to be a “good leader” by joining the Dissident Project, feel free to share this email or submit this form!
We want leaders: men and women of principle who felt that they had no choice but to speak out against tyranny in their home countries and share their lessons with the world. Those who inspire courage but also model humility in how they work with others.
Here are the ways a dissident can find his or her voice:
Live, in-person speaking events at high schools, colleges, and conferences across the United States.
Writing opportunities on blogs, Substack, local papers, and even national newspapers.
Social media influencer coaching to take one’s brand to the next level.
Broadcast media and podcast bookings to share your truth and reach international audiences.
The deadline for consideration is June 28 at 11:59 PM EDT. If you’re a dissident and want to join us, click below to apply.
In our culture where many young Americans seem to tune out the message of liberty, our speakers reach them where they are, reminding them of how precious it is to live and participate in our 250-year-old experiment in democracy.
Until next time,
