Get Involved

This is your call to action . . . as Americans we enjoy freedoms and rights like no other people in the world, but what we often forget is that these precious commodities come with obligations and duties. Every American citizen has the duty to be an active citizen involved in government, politics, and public policy at whatever level possible. Not everyone will become the next U.S. Senator or Governor of Pennsylvania, but everyone must become actively involved in the political process—the process of governing and creating public policy in this great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A democracy is fueled by the participation of its citizenry—voting, lobbying, donating money to support issues and candidates, running for office—are all ways for you to become involved. A democracy will not thrive when only a select group of individuals or a microcosm of a population represents the whole of the population. While women comprise nearly 53% of the population in this country, women have long been underrepresented in the political process. Yet, women comprise over half the workforce in the country, write nearly 85% of the personal checks in this country and women are the primary caretakers for the young and old in this country. Research indicates that women's participation makes a difference in politics. Women simply offer different experiences and can provide leadership based on these experiences. Public policy, government, and politics all impact women as they do men and women must be a part of the decision making in these arenas. The time is now for women to become involved—the Republican Party in Pennsylvania invites women to make a difference in your communities—local, state and beyond.

The Republican Party is the Party of all people, the Party founded on the belief that individuals make the best decisions not institutions, the Party that has historically invited the participation of all individuals in the political process and the Party that now challenges each individual to become involved to guarantee the future of our children and the generations to come! If not you—who?

Everyone has something of value to offer—find your place or a starting point by attempting one or two of the things below (ideally complete five or more!).

1. Vote and register other people to vote and take them to vote
Your vote does matter AND every election matters! Voting provides you with a voice in government that we take for granted. If it is information you need, there are plenty of ways to get it—candidate debates, news sources, printed and on line candidate profiles. Take the time to learn about the candidates and the issues on the ballot. Did you know that the 1960 Presidential election was decided by a total of 1 vote per precinct? Or, that Adolf Hitler was elected by a margin of 1 vote!

To learn more about how to register to vote, visit the PA Department of State website, Click Here. 

2. Become an advocate—write a letter to the editor or attend a local township or county meeting
As a citizen you have the ability to impact public policy by becoming an advocate for a cause, issue or candidate. Voice your opinion in support of or against issues, candidates, etc. by writing a letter to the editor or articulating your opinion at a local township or county meeting. You will likely influence others or at a minimum organize others of the same opinions in order to affect change. For information on how to contact the local or national press in your area, visit the League of Women Voters, USA website to use a searchable database.

When you visit the League's website follow these instructions:
1. Click on Get Involved on the right side of the page.
2. Next click on Write a Letter . . .
3. Scroll down to the Guide to the Media and enter your zip code for local media contacts.

Visit the League's website now:
Click Here

3. Lobby your local, state or national elected officials
Your opinion does matter and as a constituent you become an expert of sorts to your local, state or national elected officials as they are elected to represent you and your interests.

For information on how to contact the local or national press in your area, visit the League of Women Voters, USA website to use a searchable database.

When you visit the League's website follow these instructions:
1. Click on Get Involved on the right side of the page.
2. Next click on Find Your Representative and enter your zip code.

Visit the League's website now:
Click Here

4. Volunteer (candidate, State Party, etc.)
Everyone has something to offer as a volunteer—the only thing you need is an interest to volunteer! Volunteers are needed for endless tasks on campaigns, at the local and state party, etc. Time is a valuable thing and you do not need a great deal of time to volunteer. Volunteers are needed on an on-going basis and for one-time events. Contact the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania, your local county committee or a candidate today to volunteer. For assistance, contact us at (724) 463-5110.

5. Become involved in the State Party
The Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania is dedicated to promoting the Party and Republican candidates for the benefit and general welfare of the citizens of Pennsylvania. This is no small task to continue to get Republican candidates elected and appointed. Also, the State Party needs leaders at all levels. Your help is needed—find out how you can help today by contacting the State Committee at (717) 234-4901 or visit the website at www.pagop.org.

6. Become a precinct worker, judge of elections, etc.
Every year there is a primary and general election and volunteers are needed at the polls in partisan and non-partisan rolls. Become involved at your local level giving a few hours of your time and learn more about the political process.

7. Donate to a candidate, a cause, the Republican Party
Giving money is often something people don't do for a variety of reasons—they don't think about it, they feel they don't have enough money to give or they don't think it is important. Most importantly, people particularly women, do not make the connection between donating and the ability to effect change in government. Candidates, the local and state parties rely on the donations of individuals to operate and succeed. We recognize that it is hard to manage the expenses of a family, etc., but individuals should realize that every donation counts. You don't have to give thousands to be a donor and women in particular need to realize that giving to political causes is important and makes a difference.

8. Help organize a fundraiser—ask others to donate
Organizing a fundraiser can be as simple as having a few individuals over to your house to meet a candidate. Yes, it can be time consuming, but it is certainly something that is manageable for most folks. Asking others to donate money can be daunting, but when you believe in a candidate or a cause and you can lead by example it becomes easier.

9. Seek out an appointed position on a local or state commission, board or authority
Quality leaders that care about good sound public policy and government are needed as members of commissions, boards and authorities. The work of such groups is invaluable and impacts all of our lives—again, at the local level the decisions made by commissions, boards and authorities affect the way we live. To prepare you for leadership roles, learn more about the Anne Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series, a leadership training program to prepare women for appointed and elected office.

10. RUN FOR OFFICE YOURSELF!
Currently, women represent only 13.4% of the Pennsylvania Legislature far below the national average of 22.4%. Women's leadership is needed in the halls of government at the local, state and national level. Consider running for office—for school board, township supervisor, county council, state representative, etc. To prepare you for leadership roles, learn more about the Anne Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series, a leadership training program to prepare women for appointed and elected office.

If you need assistance, contact us at (724) 463-5110 or comfortb@ptd.net and we will provide as much assistance as possible to help you become active in the political process.