A new chapter of the national organization Turning Point USA has launched at Owensboro Community and Technical College, with students aiming to promote civil discussion and community involvement through conservative and faith-based principles.
Tyler Allison, the chapter’s founder at OCTC, said the effort was inspired by the fatal shooting of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk earlier this year and a desire to channel that tragedy into positive action.
“What happened was tragic, but it made me realize I needed to do more in the community with the gifts I’ve been given from God,” Allison said. “We started small, but after our first tabling event on campus, we doubled in size. We’re now up to nearly 30 members, mostly through word of mouth.”
The chapter has registered as an official student organization with OCTC, allowing it to host meetings and events on campus. Allison said the group plans to meet biweekly to plan outreach efforts and hold monthly events featuring guest speakers.
“We’re here for dialogue, not violence,” he said. “There’s a quote from Charlie Kirk that says when people stop talking, that’s when violence happens — and that’s what we don’t want to see.”
While the chapter is based at OCTC, membership is open to anyone interested in the group’s message. Allison said the organization welcomes associate members from surrounding colleges and the community, with outreach already extending to high schools and neighboring universities.
The group is working closely with the Daviess County Republican Party, whose chair, Jesse Hagan, praised the students’ initiative.
“It’s really inspiring to see young people who are so passionate and willing to discuss their political beliefs and their faith with total strangers,” Hagan said. “They’ve done a lot of the legwork themselves, but we want to support them however we can — whether that’s helping them find speakers, connecting them with local candidates, or offering fundraising support.”
Hagan said the party and the chapter plan to collaborate on local events such as the Veterans Day and Christmas parades, and that student members have already expressed interest in volunteering during campaign season.
Charles Smith, a Brescia University student who serves as outreach coordinator for the OCTC chapter, said he initially tried to start a Turning Point USA group at Brescia but didn’t find enough student support. He has since joined OCTC’s chapter to help it grow.
“I want to help people and spread the word of Christ,” Smith said. “It’s not about being Republican or Democrat — it’s about having open discussion. When people stop having conversations, that’s when things break down. This is about creating a better future for our youth.”
The group can be found on Instagram, where it shares updates about meetings and upcoming events.
