Kitsap County Republicans - No Room for Communication?

In a dramatic display at the November Kitsap County Republican Board Meeting, the issue was raised as to the effectiveness and purpose of the monthly meetings. It was a vocal, yet diplomatic, debate between the board members which ultimately drew outbursts from the crowd of Precinct Officers and guests. The ultimate message was clear - this was not the forum to conduct anything but official party business.

With that dramatic conclusion, one has to ask - what avenue is afforded the public and the Precinct Officers to raise concerns or address the board if not during the board meetings?

It would appear that the board of volunteers' idea of party business may be off target.

The Bylaws of the KCRP section IV Section F paragraph 2 indicates that "[The Executive Board] shall advise and assist the County Chairman in carrying on political campaigns, and in doing all things proper and necessary to promote the welfare and success of the Republican Party."

The success of the Republican Party - an interesting term is used in the Bylaws. How would one measure success? If success is measured in electing candidates the KCRP has 3 of 17 county affiliated seats filled by Republicans, two of those three, as Ed Mitchell (Board Member) stated, "do not feel welcome at Republican Executive Meetings".

If success is measured in fielding a farm team of candidates, there is little effort being made by the part R&D group to seek out candidates, rather they are mainly relying on candidates to step forward and identify themselves. There is no farm team. There is no "holding area" used to train and coordinate a county wide effort. There is no strategy - and on that the Democrats hang their success.

The most devastating revelation last night was the suggestion by County Chair Sandra LaCelle that the KCRP should limit the organization or involvement with grassroots events for fear that GOP affiliation in an event will detract from support. Unfortunately, a County Party pulling out of grassroots events is absolute surrender. The County Party should organize a certain number of events, and ENCOURAGE even more. How, I ask, does it benefit the success of the party to limit the one monthly meeting to appointments, treasurers reports, and event date announcements while at the same time disallowing idea sharing and town hall style discussion, and how does it benefit the success by eliminating affiliation or support of grassroots events?

In fact, there is no grassroots affiliation, no room for discussion, and little room for two way communication with the board and the PCO's. The Kitsap County GOP webpage has no real avenue for real time idea sharing or issue discussion. There are no organized or advertised local "meet-ups" where those looking to voice an opinion or get involved can go. There is no avenue to channel productivity, innovation, or activism. Because of these shortcomings the Party is and will be absolutely broken, and accomplish little more than an hour long discussion about whether or not to allow comments from the peanut gallery.

The solution is simple, and can be accomplished by making the following changes:

1. Update the web-page to allow the inflow of ideas and real-time communication of action items. Incorporate an Action Tweet feed on the home page. Include real time breaking news. Make the page a dynamic location that drives action, provides information, and allows for communication in both directions - input and guidance.
2. Decide on a message. This was brought up during the hour long debate on inclusion, but no clear message was discussed or voted on. What does the KCRP stand for? What do they believe in? What is the single unifying message that we can share that will both direct activists and inspire leadership?
3. You have goals, now define strategies. This was also mentioned during the debate, but again, no strategy was discussed. HOW will the KCRP elect Republicans to office? I can tell you that it starts with the ability to mobilize and organize grassroots and foot soldiers - NOT by disassociating yourselves from them!!!
4. Organize weekly Friday Activist breakfasts. Not everyone can come all the time, but it is a great place for candidates to speak, for concerned citizens to speak, for Republicans to share ideas and to build community. If we can provide activities, more folks will get involved. It will grow from there.

The 2008 campaigns provided a necessary lesson on technology. It was successfully used by the Democrats who continue to use their base and infrastructure to motivate and drive action... the fact that we STILL don't have anything close is a shame. Long gone are the days of static web pages and week long lags in communication. We are in a communication age that leaves us with a decision as an effective Political party: Sink or Swim?

Which is it KCRP - Sink, or Swim?

Michigan Congressman blasts Healthcare - oldie but relevant

This video is from July, but it is coming to my attention today. Listen to the 4 minute blast this Michigan Congressman gives the health care proposals... listen carefully, then DONATE to this man. We need to identify the congressmen who "get it", like Joe Wilson, and support their campaigns, as well as candidates who are contesting ultra-liberal democrats across the nation.



Re-emphasizing what Rep Rogers says, the Congress is attempting to "give up" on American innovation... this is the best description I have heard to date on the ongoing struggle. And he clearly points out that this declared failure of the American innovator is THE CLEAR CHOICE OF DEMOCRATS... go get 'em, Rep Rogers!

h/t to West Sound Politics for linking the video, and to the 4.3 Million viewers on YouTube who have already seen this video and passed it on! We cannot all watch C-SPAN all of the time, so these videos are sometimes slow to spread... but the message needs to be heard.

Passion, Tears, Disarray at Kitsap County Republican Meeting

There is an electricity in the air. A political buzz, a charge, coursing through the veins of libertarians, conservatives, and independents. It is almost as if there is a great re-awakening of the "liberty consciousness".

At the October Kitsap County Republican meeting the energy manifested itself in a series of passionate statements by the board members present, who all voiced their frustration with D.C., Olympia, and their local overwhelmingly Democratic 'overlords'. When the floor was open for comments, there was a vocal chorus of desire and drive for involvement, in one case invoking tears from a woman so deeply struck with the erosion of her liberties. There was a charge in the room, an energy that if bottled would surely burn brightly...

However, there seems to be a piece of the puzzle missing, as I see it time and again across this nation... the passion is there, the voices in the crowd are there... but the leadership... the leadership is in disarray. More time was spent by the board members trying to understand the election structure of a subcommittee than discussion of actual business - how to motivate the 40+ foot soldiers who gave up their Monday night to join in the conservative movement. Many left after assuring the board that the meeting was a waste of their time and they would not return... it is very sad that the board may not have gotten the message.

To the leadership of the Kitsap GOP, and to those of you reading this who may not feel like you have been given direction in this movement, there are a number of things you can do.

1. Blog, Tweet, Facebook, Myspace... There are outlets allowing you to develop your political voice. Readers offer great constructive criticism, and also usually have great things to say in their own blogs/tweets.
2. Talk to your neighbors. It seems like Republicans and conservatives have been shamed into silence... to openly admit that you are a republican is somehow "taboo", especially amongst young individuals... Embrace your core conservative and libertarian values... Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness... and talk to you neighbors about them.
3. Find a candidate or campaign you can embrace and support. Work call centers on their behalf, canvass neighborhoods and talk to the voters... Become a foot soldier. Host "coffee's" or "teas" to openly discuss the campaign and invite the candidate to speak to individuals... start a grassroots movement and recruit more foot soldiers.
4. Educate yourself about the issues. This is most important, especially when faced with opposition illogic.

I will be taking this list of tasks to the Kitsap County GOP in hopes that they can begin to organize an effective groundswell ahead of 2010. Right now there is much to be done.

For the rest of my readers, if you are finding the same disarray, let me know about it, and let your leadership know that the short list above is a great way to direct individuals who have a burning to get involved. A willing volunteer is worth their weight in gold... DO NOT LET THEM GO AWAY EMPTY HANDED!

And remember - A good manager never forgets to thank and praise co-workers and the foot soldiers. Rewarding good behavior usually leads to repeat actions and increased productivity.