Friend,
Today marks a deeply meaningful milestone for Young Voices — the official launch of the David Boaz Resident Writing Fellowship, named in honor of one of libertarianism’s greatest champions and one of my most valued mentors.
David wasn’t just a towering intellectual at the Cato Institute. He was a personal inspiration to me from the earliest days of my career. I first met David 15 years ago during a student trip to Washington, DC, and he’s been a guiding force in my life and work ever since. You can read my tribute to David from last June on Young Voices' website.
David believed in the power of ideas — and in the importance of developing young talent to carry those ideas into the mainstream. David’s early and enthusiastic support as a member of our Board of Advisors since 2017 helped shape Young Voices into a powerful launchpad for the next generation of classical liberal thinkers.
That’s why I’m so proud to announce this fellowship as a tribute to David’s legacy with the approval of his trust and to introduce you to its inaugural fellow, Sam Raus.
Sam is a nationally published political analyst and a trained public relations professional with experience spanning both the private and public sectors. A native of the Philadelphia area and a voracious reader, he recently earned his Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Miami, majoring in Public Relations and Political Science. He brings a sharp analytical voice, a deep respect for classical liberal values, and a portfolio covering tech policy, economics, foreign relations, applied history, and culture.
As the first David Boaz Resident Writing Fellow, Sam will write weekly op-eds, contribute regular essays exploring the future of the free society, and represent Young Voices in broadcast media appearances.
In Sam’s words:
"I’m excited to immerse myself fully in this work, not just during my free time, as a central part of my daily life. We’re at a pivotal moment in history, with the rise of artificial intelligence, the start of a second Trump administration, realignment of partisan coalitions and tense geopolitical challenges shaping the global landscape. At Young Voices, I’m eager to contribute to the public dialogue on these pressing issues and to support the organization’s mission of uplifting young, pro-liberty voices. There’s a lot to be done."
Read Sam's Full Interview Here
I am also so grateful for the consent and generous support of David's trust to fund this position, which we anticipate will be active for several years to come. We can’t wait to share Sam’s work with you — and with the world. Stay tuned.
Warmly,
Casey Given
President & Executive Director
