Chapter President

Chrissi Richards
203-645-5000

Our Mission

The Tucson Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge educates students and teachers about the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, inspiring them to preserve and advance our freedoms.

Our Vision

The Tucson Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge envisions an America where the rising generation loves their country and understands, values, and defends its founding ideals.

Who We Are

The Tucson Chapter was chartered in 2012 by Jerry Simmons and Hank Jepsen. President Jerry Simmons generously found the seed money to start the chapter by selling jewelry. Since the Chapter began, 37 students and 15 teachers have been sponsored to attend educational programs at the Valley Forge campus of Freedoms Foundation. We strive to support more young Americans from not only Tucson, but all of Arizona in learning more about our great nation.

Students

Thousands of students from across the country have obtained a greater understanding and appreciation of American history and civic responsibility through Freedoms Foundation’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program.

Learn about democracy, the judiciary, the political process, founding documents, and the free enterprise system through innovative workshops and historical site visits that allow you to encounter our nation’s past, present and future. During your residential stay, you will also build leadership skills, engage in civil discourse, and identify how you can positively impact your community.

The Tucson Chapter sponsors students to attend the Spirit of America Youth Leadership. If you or a student you know is interested in applying for the 2023 Spring program, please contact the chapter at chrissi_richards@yahoo.com.

Teachers

Expand your teaching repertoire with fresh, new resources and obtain direct access to prominent American history scholars and thinkers. Experienced by 14,000+ educators worldwide over five decades, Freedoms Foundation’s accredited seminars and history workshops provide compelling discussions and immersive site visits. These dynamic in-person seminars underscore the relevance of our Constitution and American history for your students.

Energize your students’ discovery and preservation of their freedoms through your own renewed sense of civic purpose.

All applicants are eligible for full scholarships once accepted.

Awards with mini American Flags on them

Chapter Awards

Annually, the Freedoms Foundation and its Volunteer Chapters recognize exemplary civic achievements through its National Awards Program.  Guided by an independent panel of expert jurists, the National Awards Program honors the exceptional efforts of individuals, organizations, and schools that promote or personify the ideals of responsible citizenship. 

Get Involved

If you want to make a difference in the Tucson area community, become a member of the Tucson Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. For nearly 50 years, our chapter, as part of Freedoms Foundation’s nationwide network of volunteer chapters, has brought the message of engaged citizenship and leadership to hundreds of thousands of Americans, students, teachers, and ordinary citizens. We encourage you to join us to help promote the ideals of our national heritage. Reach out to our Chapter President to learn more.

Contact the
Tucson, AZ Chapter

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Tucson, AZ Donations

Supporting America’s first principles of freedom is essential to ensure future generations understand and cherish the blessings of liberty. With your donation, the Tucson Chapter will reach even more young people from the area with the truth of America’s unique past, its promising future, and the liberty for which it stands. Help us prepare the next generation of leaders.

Please send all donations made out to
The Tucson Chapter of Freedoms Foundation
5720 N. Mountain Reserve Place
Tucson, AZ 85743