Massachusetts Federation of Republican Women - Get Involved

Know the Issues

Now more than ever it is important to know the issues and where your elected officials stand on those issues. Be sure you have all the facts before lobbying your representative, writing a letter to the editor or representing your local unit.

The NFRW's Information Network is the key to educating yourself on the issues. The NFRW web site is constantly updated to give you the information you need. By joining the NFRW e-mail network, you will ensure that all important information gets to you quickly. News from National Headquarters, Congress, the White House and other important sources is available to you with just a few clicks of your mouse.

By utilizing the NFRW Information Network, you will obtain talking points on all the major issues facing the country. Through the NFRW web site, you can also access the web sites of many of your elected officials and other Republican associations.

Campaigns

Republican women have always been the foot soldiers of the Republican Party. It is our tireless efforts working at phone banks, in campaign headquarters, going door to door, etc., which have produced Republican victories in the past, and will continue to produce the, in the future. To continue the tradition of Republican women making a difference on the campaign trail, remember the following:

• Don't wait for a campaign in your community to contact you - stop by and introduce yourself! If you know of a Republican man or woman running for office in your city or state, stop by their campaign headquarters and tell them about your federated unit. Your help will make a difference!
• Encourage members of your unit to run for office - constantly be on the lookout for future office holders. If they are not already Federation members, get them to join!
• Work closely with the Party organization to coordinate and not duplicate campaign efforts.

Action

Your voice is as powerful as you make it. Let your opinion be heard! Weigh in on the important issues of the day by doing the following:

• Write Letters to the Editor - A letter to the editor can be as valuable as the publisher's editorial in helping the general public make up their minds on an issue.
  
  
  • All letters should be well written, concise and to the point.
  • The subject matter should be timely.
  • Avoid overloading newspapers with too many letters.
  • When conducting a letter-writing campaign, encourage members to use their own words instead of a form letter. Any newspaper that receives many letters in all the same or similar words will not print any of them.
    
    
• Write Letters to you Elected Officials - Remember, your elected officials represent you. Let them know what you think.
  
  
  • State your case briefly, in one typewritten page if possible.
  • If you are referring to a bill, cite both its name and number. You can find bill numbers at www.house.gov or www.senate.gov.
    
    
• Call a Talk Radio Show - Talk radio has become an important communication tool for the Republican message. Call local or national radio talk shows and let them know what you think.

Membership Recruitment

Want your unit to have a voice and be more powerful in your communityand the Republican Party? Increase your membership! There is strength in numbers and the strength of Republican women increases as we build our membership and come together as a unified voice.

Ideas for Membership Recruitment:

• Invite a friend or family member to each meeting and event. Encourage your fellow members to do the same.
• Carry brochures about your unit in your purse. You never know when you might meet a Republican woman! (Units can also order NFRW membership brochures or ask for help developing their own.)
• Ask new members for referrals.
• Advertise! Place a flyer at the Chamber of Commerce, local Party headquarters, and other public areas with information about your unit.
• Provide that personal touch. When a potential member attends a meeting, make sure she is introduced to members and feels comfortable.

You Are Limited Only By Your Imagination!

Reach Out to All Women

Make an effort to reach out to women of all ages and ethnicities - the strength and influence of our Federation relies on a united grassroots network.

Young Women

The Federation accepts women of all ages who embrace the Republican philosophy. It is never too early to recruit women into the Party. Reach out to daughters, granddaughters and students and get them involved today.

• Create a mentoring program in your unit for young Republicans. Get them involved in your unit's activities and events.
• Develop a coalition with a local group of Teen Age Republicans, College Republicans or Young Republicans. Work together to increase the strength of the Party in your area.
• Reach out to younger women with small children by creating family friendly meetings or events.

Women of Diversity

To truly be a strong, vibrant and effective political organization, we must represent people from all walks of life - regardless of age, culture or ethnicity. With our national grassroots network of 100,000 women, the NFRW has an opportunity to play a key role in reaching out to all communities and attracting diversity at the local, state and national level.

• Attend heritage month meetings in your local area and introduce yourself to new people.
• Attend other organizations' meetings, including NAACP, United Methodist Women, Chamber of Commerce, etc.
• Attend Republican rallies and fundraisers, especially in areas where various ethnic groups reside.
• Get involved with community service projects that include women of diversity.
• Showcase women of diversity - approach those who are community leaders to speak to your unit or to run for public office.
• Advertise your group and its mission in the local media.