Platform
In order for the Iowa Federation of College Republicans to succeed in the 2010 elections and beyond, our organization must focus on several key objectives to construct a foundation for the future:
1. “R&R” – Recruiting and Retention – It’s easy to say we need to recruit and retain members; far more difficult is the task of actually accomplishing it. While some chapters are in great shape, others in the state are struggling with attendance at meetings and on-campus energy in general. A key to recruiting new members is to make the group look fun; when doing a recruiting table, it is key to have a group of students there, interacting with one another. One student standing at a table by himself is not impressive; most people will not be attracted to such a scene. Likewise with retention, we need to focus on activities on campus that are enjoyable for members, and activities that make our organization visible.
2. Relationship with Party Leadership - One advantage I’ve had as treausrer this year is the opportunity to attend functions for the Republican Party of Iowa. Through this I’ve established relationships with members within the RPI Executive Board and State Central Committee. Additionally, as a clerk in the state senate this spring, I’ve built relationships with many of our state senators and state representatives, who have stated a willingness to work with IFCR to help chapters within their home districts and around the state. Matt Sexton’s experience as a page in the State House last year only further bolsters our ticket’s relationship with party leadership.
3. High School Program – One cornerstone of my administration will be the establishment of a high school recruiting program. My first policy move as chairman will be to officially create the position of High School Republican Program Director, whose chief responsibility will be to provide oversight to the program. The HSRP Director will establish contacts, recruit, and serve as a liaison between high school chapters and the IFCR Executive Board. This person will work with Teen Age Republicans (TARs) and Young Republicans to ensure that the program has the resources and support to succeed. The HSRP Director will not have a vote on the Executive Board but will be expected to give reports during monthly conference calls.
4. Fundraising – One problem IFCR has faced over the past couple years is a shortage in fundraising. However, with a strengthened relationship with our state party, these problems appear to be a thing of the past. Not only has RPI increased their allocation to IFCR in their budget for next year, but they have also offered to train our next executive board to effectively raise money on our own and establish our own fundraising base from which to draw from. This is a huge step for IFCR, and one I will focus on heavily as chairman.
5. Communication – Another problem plaguing IFCR in the past has been communication. As chairman, I will send out weekly newsletters, via email and facebook, to update CR’s around the state on any events or IFCR related business. The IFCR facebook group will be updated regularly to keep CR’s up to date on the most current IFCR news. Additionally, we will continue to increase utilization of the newly created IFCR Youtube account to post videos from around the state of activities going on. Finally, I will continue to use Twitter, as I have during the course of my current chair campaign.
