This month’s Forge Story shines a spotlight on an exceptional alumni family, the Princes, illustrating how the Forge Leadership Network has profoundly shaped their lives and careers. Luke and Kaelyn Prince, participants of the 2017 Forge Summit, quickly became cherished members of the Forge community. Driven by their faith, The Prince Family has dedicated themselves to serving in the foster care system, embodying a deep commitment to protecting both the unborn and children in need of loving homes.
Their inspiring journey is a testament to the impact of Forge. As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s truly uplifting to witness young individuals like Kaelyn and Luke dedicating their lives to service. This remarkable couple, in their early to mid-twenties, exemplifies servant leadership through teaching, coaching, active church involvement, and nurturing both their biological and foster children in a loving home environment.
Kaelyn’s Forge Awakening
Kaelyn shares, “My introduction to Forge began unexpectedly during a trip to Israel with the Passages program. In a twist of fate, a last-minute seat opening on a bus connected me to an incredible network of leaders who shared my core values. Meeting Adam, Justin, and other key figures within Forge, I immediately recognized it as a network I wanted to be a part of.”
Prior to attending the Forge Leadership Summit in 2017 with my husband, my interest in politics was minimal, and my understanding of the political process was even less. While I held conservative values and admired the leaders at Forge, I wasn’t sure how much I would personally gain from attending. Yet again, a spontaneous decision – to attend the summit – proved to be life-altering. Forge opened my eyes to the complexities of the political system and the critical need for principled conservative leaders committed to serving their communities and safeguarding liberty.
Luke, Kaelyn, and Forge Co-Founder Justin Powell at the 2017 Forge Leadership Summit
Luke’s Classroom: Forge Principles in Action
Luke reflects, “After completing the Forge program and graduating college, I embarked on my teaching career as a social studies educator at a large high school near Lexington, KY. Civics, focusing on government and politics in general and specifically in America, is a regular part of my teaching schedule and my absolute favorite subject. The knowledge and insights I gained at Forge are directly relevant to the Civics curriculum.”
“One particularly impactful aspect of the Forge program resonates with my students each semester. The Legislative Simulation at Forge was a standout activity. Working in groups to navigate bills through committees and the full chamber was not only engaging but also incredibly insightful into the challenges legislators face daily. Explaining the intricacies of legislative processes to students can be difficult – they often wonder why Congress can’t pass laws more quickly or why seemingly bipartisan bills face delays. Inspired by the Forge Leadership Summit’s simulation, I developed my own version for my civics students. It’s consistently a student favorite and significantly deepens their understanding of the legislative process. Forge’s influence indirectly shapes future leaders through its impact on my teaching and this specific, highly effective lesson.”
Luke and Kaelyn at the 2017 Forge Leadership Summit
The Prince Family’s Calling to Foster Care
Luke and Kaelyn share their journey together, “About a year after Forge, our church hosted a foster parenting certification class. Despite being young and new to parenting, we felt a strong calling from God to serve our community through foster care. Our passion for pro-life values extends beyond protecting the unborn; we are also committed to providing loving homes for children in need. Since April 2019, we’ve been foster parents to two siblings and have become vocal advocates for legislation supporting foster parents and children.”
Kaelyn adds, “I believe my primary calling is motherhood – not only to our biological children but also to foster children needing a loving family. I am actively raising the next generation of conservative leaders within our home. I am immensely grateful to Forge for solidifying my conservative values, which I strive to instill in these children. We are dedicated to advocating for both the unborn and children without loving homes, feeling equipped to engage with this system thanks to the invaluable lessons learned through Forge.”
Luke and Kaelyn with the first Forge group to go to Israel
Cultivating Future Leaders Like The Prince Family
The inspiring story of the Prince family is just one example within the Forge Story Series. This past summer, 75 young conservatives experienced the Forge Leadership Summit in person, safely and successfully. The leadership training and mentorship provided by Forge are indispensable for shaping young leaders and securing the future of our communities and nation. To expand Forge’s impact, financial support is crucial.
Would you consider making a contribution in 2020? Your generosity directly enables more young individuals like Luke and Kaelyn to benefit from the Forge experience. Thank you for your continued support.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Adam Josefczyk
Forge Leadership Network Co-Founder & President
