Introduction
The American Family Association (AFA) is a conservative Christian nonprofit organization based in the United States. Founded in 1977 by Donald Wildmon, the AFA has focused on promoting what it describes as traditional family values, often opposing LGBT rights, abortion, and pornography. The AFA’s influence has grown over the decades, positioning it as a prominent voice within the Christian Right.

History and Origins
The AFA was originally founded as the National Federation for Decency (NFD) by Donald Wildmon, a United Methodist minister from Mississippi. The organization was created in response to what Wildmon perceived as the growing immorality in the media, particularly in television programming. In 1988, the NFD was renamed the American Family Association to reflect its broader focus on cultural and social issues affecting the American family.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the AFA became involved in boycotting corporations and media companies that it believed were promoting content contrary to Christian values. It also expanded its focus to include fighting against abortion and LGBT rights, particularly same-sex marriage, which it continues to oppose vehemently.

Mission and Goals
The AFA’s mission is to “restore America’s moral foundation” by promoting biblical principles in society. The organization is dedicated to preserving and advancing the traditional Christian understanding of marriage, family, and sexuality. It seeks to influence public policy and culture through activism, media campaigns, and lobbying efforts. The AFA opposes:

• LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.
• Abortion and reproductive rights.
• Pornography, which it believes is destructive to society and family life.
• Secularism, including efforts to remove religious symbols and practices from public spaces.

The AFA emphasizes that its work is rooted in Christian faith and seeks to bring about a culture where biblical values guide public life.

Main Activities and Campaigns
The AFA is highly active in campaigning on social issues and leveraging media to influence public opinion. Some of their key activities and campaigns include:

• Boycotts: The AFA is known for organizing boycotts against companies that support LGBT rights or produce media content it deems inappropriate. Notable targets include Disney, Target, and various entertainment networks. One of their most famous campaigns was the boycott against Ford Motor Company due to its support of LGBT causes.
• Radio and Media Presence: The AFA operates a network of Christian radio stations under the American Family Radio (AFR) brand. Through these stations, they broadcast news, commentary, and religious programming that aligns with their views.
• Public Policy Advocacy: The AFA lobbies lawmakers at the state and federal levels on issues related to abortion, marriage, and religious liberty. It encourages Christians to engage politically by voting and influencing public policies based on biblical values.
• One Million Moms Campaign: A project of the AFA that focuses on influencing media content by organizing mothers to pressure advertisers and companies to remove material considered objectionable or offensive.

Controversies and Criticism
The AFA has been involved in numerous controversies due to its strong positions on social issues, particularly LGBT rights and its approach to other religious and secular groups. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has designated the AFA as a hate group due to its anti-LGBT rhetoric. The organization has faced criticism for:

• Anti-LGBT Stances: The AFA has been at the forefront of efforts to oppose LGBT rights, particularly same-sex marriage, and has been accused of promoting homophobic rhetoric. It has also sponsored campaigns against businesses that support LGBT causes.
• Boycotts and Media Censorship: Critics argue that the AFA’s boycott campaigns amount to censorship, as the organization pressures companies and media outlets to remove content that conflicts with their values.
• Religious Intolerance: The AFA has been accused of promoting a narrow version of Christianity, dismissing other religious or secular perspectives in public life. Its aggressive opposition to religious pluralism and secularism has drawn criticism from civil rights groups.

Activity on Campuses
The AFA does not have a strong presence on school or university campuses in the traditional sense, such as organizing chapters or student groups. However, its influence is felt through the broader conservative and religious movement that has a foothold on some college campuses. The AFA supports student activism through its partnerships with other Christian organizations that engage with young adults.
In particular, the AFA’s messaging against abortion and LGBT rights has resonated with some conservative Christian student groups, and they often serve as a resource for such organizations in terms of guidance and materials for activism.

Impact and Influence
The AFA has significantly shaped the conversation around family values and social issues in the United States. Through its boycotts, media campaigns, and lobbying efforts, it has influenced both public opinion and corporate policies. The organization’s impact is particularly felt within conservative and Christian circles, where it has galvanized like-minded individuals to take action against what they perceive as moral decline.
The AFA’s radio network, website, and campaigns have given it a broad platform for influence, making it one of the most recognized voices within the Christian Right. It has also had success in mobilizing large numbers of people, particularly in boycotts and lobbying campaigns.

Internal Structure and Organization
The AFA operates as a nonprofit organization with its headquarters in Tupelo, Mississippi. The organization’s leadership consists of a board of directors, with Tim Wildmon, the son of founder Donald Wildmon, serving as president. The AFA is a family-run organization, with various Wildmon family members holding key leadership positions.
The organization relies heavily on donations and grassroots support from conservative Christian communities across the United States. It also operates under a decentralized model, allowing local chapters and supporters to take part in campaigns and initiatives in their respective regions.

Conclusion
The American Family Association is a major player in the Christian Right movement in the United States, advocating for traditional family values and opposing progressive social movements. Though its influence is strongest within conservative religious communities, its boycotts and campaigns have had broader societal effects, particularly in shaping corporate behavior and public debates on LGBT rights and abortion. While it has been criticized for its intolerance and opposition to civil rights for marginalized groups, the AFA remains a powerful and influential force in American activism.