The organization’s name is, quite literally, the way you are known on campus. The terms you include and the acronym it spells out, will produce immediate connotations in the minds of listeners and so you must make sure that it conveys what you want it to do so and avoid connotations that you do not want to have. It should represent the mission of your organization in as appealing a manner as possible. Some terms that include special consideration include:
- Libertarian- If you are a libertarian organization and wish to express yourself as such, then this is a good name. If you are not affiliated with the Libertarian Party, though, but instead advocate the philosophy of libertarianism, then the name may cause you problems. The first thing people think about when they hear the term libertarian is the LP. This has caused other organizations much difficulty in the past with recruitment and funding. It is a question of whether you prioritize expressing your organization for what you believe in and being more appealing to more people.
- Liberty- Liberty is a safer word to use. The term connotes only good things in people’s minds. Liberty is that which everyone seeks to have. It also leaves open the possibility of various views on the subject. But this may also be its downside. When you advocate for liberty, people are not necessarily sure what exactly you support and so further clarification may be necessary. Some groups have adopted the term “individual liberty” to make their purpose more explicit, which you may want to consider as well.
- Freedom- “Freedom” or “Free” is similar to liberty in its connotations.
- College/Campus- If you include the term “college” or “campus” in your name, you suggest an affiliation with a partisan organization.[1]
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[1] E.g. College Democrats and College Republicans.
