Grassroots 101

Republican Young Professionals (RYP) has been very successful in reaching-out to, and locating Republicans across Illinois who want to help a good campaign, but who have never been asked, or who do not know how to get involved.

In 2002, RYP Coordinators and members helped to recruit friends, family and co-workers for RYP's Operation Ensuring Victory, which logged over 25,000 hours of volunteer time towards building the Party, campaign work, get-out-the-vote activities (GOTV), and ballot integrity projects.

In 2004, over 500 RYP Members traveled to Bush Battleground States, at their own expense, to help the President's re-election efforts.

As part of a related project in 2002, RYP rolled-out a new service to better connect Illinois Republicans with campaign opportunities statewide - the RYP Volunteer Center. Campaigns, County, Township, Ward and other Republican organizations everywhere in Illinois were invited to forward their get-out-the-vote volunteer needs and contact information to RYP for posting at one central location on our Volunteer Center. We believe that this online clearinghouse for campaigns and volunteers represented the first of its kind at the statewide level, and allowed volunteers to quickly and easily match their preferences and schedules with the campaigns and opportunities of their choosing via the web.

Because of the Center's success and the great feedback received from Republicans, RYP will continue this service for the 2006 Election Cycle and beyond.

Everyone has had a conversation with a friend or co-worker and were surprised to find that they shared some common ground on one or more political issues. When that happens, get their business card or write down their e-mail address, let them know about RYP and forward their contact information to us. Recruiting is just that simple. Remember, when you forward their contact all you are doing is putting them on an e-mail list to receive White House Briefings, information about activities in their area, and invitations to social and networking events.

Now that summer is here, it is time to get out and start talking to your neighbors and help us identify potential voters on your street or block. Probably the easiest way (and the most fun) would be to pass out flyers inviting your neighbors over for drinks, coffee or dessert to open the lines of communication. During your gathering try to talk to as many of your neighbors as you can. By simply asking who they plan to vote for this November for President, you will easily be able to catergorize the R's and D's.

When you identify the Republicans or President Bush supporters, make efforts to stay in touch with them throughout this election cycle. Keep them posted about activities in your area, and most importantly, make sure they get to the polls on Election Day.

Let your friends, co-workers, neighbors and people in your community know that you are a Republican. You will be surprised that by simply being open about your political affiliation, you will be encouraging others to do the same.

Wear a Bush button, shirt or hat. If you are supporting a particular candidate for office, wear their campaign button. You will surprised by how many people will comment and when that happens let them know about RYP, your candidate, and how to get involved.

RYP's Ballot Integrity efforts continue to be a significant asset each election cycle. RYP has the largest membership of Republican attorneys from law firms around the state, as well as other professionals, who are willing to volunteer on Election Day for poll watching and other Ballot Integrity projects. Illinois can - and should - continue to have a sophisticated Ballot Integrity Program with essentially no expense to the Party. RYP already has the human resources and expertise to contribute, for free.