Chapters serve to further the mission, vision, and work of Founding Forward. As the leader in immersive civic education, Founding Forward is creating an informed and engaged citizenry and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
This work is rooted in the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. We invite you to learn more about our educational opportunities, our heritage, and how you can help us to ensure a future rooted in liberty.
The Dallas Area Chapter was organized on Constitution Day in 1970 by twenty enthusiastic volunteers from a broad cross-section of Dallas dedicated to the goals of inspiring a love of freedom, instilling pride in America, and developing responsible citizenship.
Today the chapter holds three membership meetings each year, an awards dinner in the fall, a George Washington Birthday celebration, and a meeting in April featuring presentations by Founding Forward student and teacher participants.
As of its 50th anniversary in 2020, the chapter has sent over 350 students to Valley Forge, sponsored over 100 teachers, and recognized over 600 citizens or organizations.
Trasa Cobern – President
Julie Noble – First VP – Programs
Paul Santa Cruz – Secretary
Pierce Noble – Treasurer
Lynn Hidell – VP Awards
Kyle Norwood – VP Education
Dennis D’Amico – VP Development
Sam Bonney – VP Membership
Wes Poynor – Teacher Education Chair
John Blake – Director of Public Affairs
Phil John – Immediate Past President
Sue John – Board Member
Jack Smith – Board Member
Shirley Smith – Board Member
Carolyn Willard – Board Member
We take students beyond the textbook and classroom to immerse them in the places and events where history happened. We instill insights and leadership skills to last a lifetime and give students a personal understanding of our country’s founding principles and their responsibilities as citizens.
Founding Forward’s volunteer chapters have helped recruit thousands of students from across the country who have obtained a greater understanding and appreciation of American history and civic responsibility through Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program. Through Spirit of America, students 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 their residential stay, students will also build leadership skills, engage in civil discourse, and identify how they can positively impact their community.
The Dallas Chapter sponsors students to attend the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program. If you or a student you know is interested in applying for the March 26-29, 2026 Spring program, please contact the VP of Education, or Kyle Norwood
Our accredited and critically acclaimed professional development seminars and workshops enrich educators’ knowledge of history and provide inspiration to bring back to their classrooms. More than 14,000 diverse educators have deepened their understanding of America’s founding principles through courses and seminars taught by extraordinary scholars and thinkers.
The Dallas Chapter will provide travel stipends to help support teachers who wish to attend a graduate seminar or workshop at Founding Forward. Please contact Wes Poynor, Teacher Education Chair if interested.
Through our Speaker Series, scholars, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders share their perspectives on current events, public policy, the Constitution, the American Civil War, arts and culture, and other timely and intriguing topics.
The extensive Civil War-based historic collections of the Union League and related organizations, along with exhibits in the Heritage Center, serve to educate, inspire, and inform our program participants.
Every year, Founding Forward 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.
Read the latest news and updates from our chapter.
If you want to make a difference in the Dallas community, become a member of the Dallas Area Chapter of Founding Forward. For over 50 years, our chapter, as part of Founding Forward’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.
Your support of the Dallas Area Chapter will help us ensure a future rooted in liberty by inspiring current and future leaders to carry on our country’s founding principles.
