Policy Priorities
Protecting Life and promoting the HOPE Agenda
Defending Religious Liberty
Restoring Parental Rights
The core of American government is, as the Declaration of Independence states, “to secure these rights” — namely, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Today, a dizzying array of ideas and influences counter to foundational Judeo-Christian Values threaten our inalienable rights, our democratic republic system of government, and our freedoms as Americans. The America First Policy Institute’s American Values will advance values-based messaging, develop policy ideas, craft legislation, and foster key relationships in order to protect life and promote the HOPE Agenda, defend religious liberty for all, and restore parental rights.
American Values is home to two impactful initiatives: the America First HOPE Agenda and Biblical Foundations. The HOPE Agenda is a state-focused 20-point policy agenda based on promoting the Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Empowerment of women, children, and families. This initiative emboldens state leaders and policymakers with policy recommendations so they may create life-affirming cultures within their respective states. Biblical Foundations encourages “faith in action” as faith leaders and congregations around the nation are engaged in a sermon series and events focusing on 10 foundational pillars of biblical truth in America. This initiative empowers the faith community to rise up and lead fearlessly as light in the darkness.
Team
Dr. Richard Rogers
Vice Chair, American Values
Jennifer Bauwens, Ph.D.
Director, American Values
Margo Nicholas
Senior Policy Analyst, American Values
Rebecca Yardley
Executive Director, America First Georgia & Digital State Action Coordinator
Drake Franklin
Southeastern Development Director & Policy Analyst, American Values
Latest
State Model Policy
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April 27, 2026
Parental Authority in Vaccination Decisions Act
This model policy affirms the fundamental right of parents to make medical decisions for their children, including decisions regarding immunization. It restores the proper locus of decision-making by ensuring that choices regarding non-therapeutic medical interventions remain with families rather than institutions.
Research Report
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April 27, 2026
Protecting Parental Authority in Vaccination Decisions
When a child has a fever, a doctor prescribes antibiotics, or a surgeon recommends an operation, parents must weigh the risks and benefits and decide what to do. American legal tradition entrusts parents to navigate these and other complex decisions on their children’s behalf (Parham v. J.R., 1979). The state should only become involved when parental choices place a child in immediate danger.
Op-Ed
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April 1, 2026
Why We Need Strengthened Religious Liberty Protections
Statement
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March 31, 2026
AFPI Applauds Supreme Court Decision Protecting Free Speech in Counseling
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) applauds today’s decision by the United States Supreme Court in Chiles v. Salazar, a case addressing whether the government can control what licensed counselors are allowed to say to their clients.
Op-Ed
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March 12, 2026
The Parent Trap: The Detransition Reality Schools Tried To Hide From Moms And Dads
Topics
- Criminal Justice & Public Safety
- The Courts
- Work & Jobs
- American Dream
- Post Secondary Education
- K-12 Education Freedom
- Public School Transparency
- Government De-Regulation
- Healthcare Reform
- Public Health
- Transgenderism
- Border & Immigration
- Asia
- Marriage, Family, & Children
- Faith & Religious Liberty
- Sanctity of Life
- Parental Rights
- Protect Women’s Sports
51
issues
Videos
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Ending Human Trafficking: A National Call to Courage and Action
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Honoring the Courage of Israeli Hostages and Advocating for Their Return
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Framing Religious Freedom Globally
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Biblical Foundations Launch: Applying Biblical Principles to Public Policy
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STATEMENT: Supreme Court Decision on Roe v. Wade
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