Guide to Club Activities

A College Republican’s job is never done…

Considering the liberal climate that is so pervasive on college campuses today, that phrase has never been truer. Finding things to do with your club isn’t always easy, and not every event is a perfect fit for every CR chapter – but here’s a list of good ideas to get you started:

Call Radio Shows

Another great way to express your views and get some publicity is to call a radio show when you have the opportunity and feel it is necessary. Not only will the College Republican name be transmitted throughout your area (and to local donors), but you will tremendously help the conservative message.

Community Service

Become civically active by volunteering in your community. The publicity is always good but the derived personal fulfillment and bonding experience is even greater. The USA Freedom Corps, President Bush’s initiative, are a tremendous resource. Otherwise, any of the local churches or charities would welcome your help.

Debates

Organizing a debate will be the best way for your club to convey your point of view and show the might, determination and rationality of the Republicans. As soon as a new issue is brought up, consider it as an opportunity for debate. Choose the most appropriate liberal group (i.e. BAMN for Affirmative Action, College Democrats, etc), reserve the venue, and publicize the event. Usually “2 vs. 2” format works very well. The other option would be to invite professors to debate each other. The conservatives might be harder to find but the debates are all the more interesting.

Distribute Literature

For those who do not have the time to stop by your table and ask for your opinions and stances on issues, make sure you still give them the opportunity to learn about our party. Handouts with a bulleted list of arguments are often are the best way to do so. The basic Republican principles as well as the Republicans stance on current issues should be covered.

Get Out the Vote

GOTV activities always increase voter turnout. As a matter of fact, the extremely well orchestrated Republican GOTV efforts of 2002 gave us our victory in that year’s midterm elections. With public opinion shifting back into our favor, we have a great opportunity to get more Republicans elected. On Election Day, coordinate with your local central committee and campaigns to urge the campus community to go to the polls.

Guest Speaker

Bringing guest speakers on campus serves many purposes. Experts in their fields will do the best job in carrying the conservative message, which will have the greatest impact on students. Guest speaking events are also very popular, guarantee good publicity and are also a good opportunity to connect with the conservative residents in your area by inviting them. Check out our Speakers Program to find out how you can bring someone to your club for free!

Information Tables

Tabling is the best way to make your club known and increase membership. Place a table in the most frequented area of your campus; add to it a “College Republicans” banner, membership forms, pamphlets, flyers and the like to give away to potential or new members.

Keep in Touch!

Create a database of the contact information for the local republican organization. Let them know about your events and activities, and make sure you know about theirs. It will only increase your attendance, publicity and reputation and will contribute to a stronger, more united party.

Lecture Series

If your fellow students are not Republicans, it’s either because they have not been exposed to the Republican viewpoint or they misunderstand it. A lecture series is often a powerful way to educate your community. They should be fairly brief and straightforward: a speech of 10-15 minutes followed by questions and answers.

Legislative Activism

Follow the legislature to make sure things are going the way they should! If an issue is particularly relevant to your campus, the Republican viewpoint should be heard by your entire campus and elected official. Flyer up your school to let the students know and write letters to your representative. And don’t be afraid to embark on a lobbying campaign: team up with other CR groups, make an appointment with your legislator and have your voice heard.

Letters to the Editor

The liberal press and especially the leftist bias of most college newspapers should not go unchecked. Make sure you look over your college newspaper every day. As soon as the paper is used by its authors as a means to promote their political agenda, your club should write a letter to the editor. Don’t just stop at your campus paper, but do the same with mainstream papers as well.

Membership Outreach

You would be surprised to find out how Republicans there actually are on your campus. One of your goals should be to recruit every single of these Republicans to be in your club. Organize membership outreach activities at least once a semester. Go to the weekly fraternity meetings, to the dorms, in the Dinning Commons or the campus’ lounges and introduce students to the College Republicans. Always keep in mind that any event you put together is an opportunity for you to increase your membership. Finally, sign up your friends! Carry membership forms at all time and sign up anyone who is even remotely interested in Republican politics.

Newsletter

To promote your message and for some good publicity, publish a periodic newsletter. Use it to publicize your meeting time and location, your upcoming events, as well as the College Republicans’ perspective on current events and campus issues. It is a great way to get a lot of members involved and the first step toward a publication.

PARTY!

Is there anything to say about that? Find a house or co-sponsor with a frat, publicize it, invite the dems and enjoy! You can also host house parties. Invite the local Republican organizations, College Republicans and candidates (if any) to get together at your house and on your campus. There could even be a fundraising component to it.

Political Campaign

For years now, College Republicans have been key in electing Republicans at every level, everywhere around the country. Obtain a list of the ongoing and upcoming races from your central committee and keep in touch with their volunteers’ coordinator for activities your club would be able to participate in. Be sure to get campaign paraphernalia and distribute it around campus.

Rallies

Rallies are loud and powerful! Choose a time and place with high traffic. Get your American flags out, “GOP” Banners, and blast Toby Keith! Have a few speakers in front of your members cheering and shouting. Have some membership forms or literature for those who decide to join your rally or simply stop by. Rallies are often thematic: Pro-America or Pro-Bush rallies are always very timely. You can also host a rally for a candidate you and your group are campaigning with. Issue-centered rallies are also very effective: anti-Affirmative Action, pro-War on Iraq, etc…

Counter protests also make for good publicity and impact. Make sure that democrats do not go unpunished if they host a rally and spit out their liberal propaganda. Be out there, in force, with signs and flags reminding the crowd that democrats are, in essence, political terrorists.

Volunteer at the Central Committee

A healthy relationship with your central committee can really help your club. Their activities are always short-staffed and could always use the help. You will learn very valuable political tools and it will be a great way for you to promote your club and meet important Republicans.

Voter Registration

Having voter registration forms at your table is always a great idea. When election time approaches, however, voter registration campaigns are a great way to attract new members and help fulfill an important civic duty.

Weekly Club Meetings

These meetings are essential for your club. Hold them once a week preferably; begin with announcements for upcoming events, upcoming opportunities to get involved, etc. Let it be an open forum afterwards, discuss current issues, possible guest speakers you could bring or activities and events you could put together, etc.