About RYP

RYP's work falls into three main categories: get-out-the-vote, base building, and community service. RYP has grown from a few hundred members during the 2000 Bush Campaign to over 20,000 statewide. We are very proud of the work our people have performed, especially given that RYP is 100% volunteer. It is the dedicated people donating their hours because they believe in our Party, which allows RYP to accomplish so much real work. RYP has very little overhead expense, and so only a small part of our efforts are devoted to fundraising. We believe what our Party needs most in Illinois right now, isn't more money - it's more involvement and volunteer efforts.

RYP truly has the best Republican volunteer base Illinois has ever seen. Our projects and events typically have lawyers, doctors, teachers, secretaries, managers, bankers, tech and marketing professionals, firefighters and folks from just about every other occupation, all working together to help our Party and to advance its ideals. Most of our members have no interest in a state job, and probably wouldn't take one if offered. But they do share a passion for contributing to a cause larger than themselves. RYP has opened up the doors to a lot of people who would not otherwise be involved in Illinois politics. Our membership is nearly 50/50 male/female.

RYP is organized geographically, with Area Coordinators based around the State and in Chicago neighborhoods to lead our efforts. To locate your Area Coordinator, visit our Directory.

GET OUT THE VOTE (GOTV)

RYP has been very successful in fielding scores of volunteers around the state for phone banking, door-to-door literature drops, and ballot integrity work. In 2002, RYP volunteers donated over 25,000 hours towards helping statewide and local candidates.

During each election cycle, RYP hosts a volunteer clearinghouse on its website where we invite campaigns and other organizations to post their volunteer needs from around the State at one central, convenient location. We believe this service represents the first of its kind, allowing volunteers to quickly and easily connect with the campaigns, schedules and opportunities of their choosing, through the Internet.

BASE BUILDING

RYP social events have become THE place for young professionals to get together for lively discussions and networking. Many of our members utilize the social events as a way to introduce their friends and co-workers to RYP, especially to those who may have Republican leanings but who just haven't taken an active role in the past.

RYP's social/networking events provide an avenue to hopefully greater involvement, through a casual, no pressure introduction. Approximately 30% of those attending the typical RYP social event are new members. RYP social events were also used during the campaign season by several candidates - with RYP's blessing - to meet and mingle with some of our members and to sign up interested volunteers for GOTV activities and fundraising efforts.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

RYP has a strong belief that one of the best ways to reach out to new voters is through the Compassionate Conservative agenda of President Bush. Giving back to our communities and helping others is not only the right thing to do - it's also good politics. Through volunteer service events, RYP develops contacts with community leaders and residents, and demonstrates by its actions that Compassionate Conservatism is more than just a campaign theme.

If you have any questions about RYP, or would like to offer a suggestion or idea, contact Doug Ibendahl, Founder & State Coordinator, at (312) 648-0061 or dibendahl@ilryp.org