Bylaws   

Goals of the Committee:

·         Review organization's bylaws every 2 years.

·         Keep abreast of changes in state or national bylaws and amend the

                   organization's bylaws to conform when necessary.

·         Be prepared - make sure all applicable bylaws are available at each

       meeting

Campaigns

Goals of the Committee:

·         Elect Republican candidates at the local, state, and national level.

·         Encourage members in the organization to run for public office - constantly

                   be on the lookout for future office holders. (If they are not already members

                   of the organization, get them to join.)

·         Be a source for candidates to call when they need someone in the area with

                   special expertise.

·         Maintain a file on club members who have special talents that are useful to

                   campaigns, i.e. computer work, fundraising, voter banks, etc. This is easily

                   obtained by circulating a detailed questionnaire to your membership.

·         BE ENTHUSIASTIC and able to inspire your membership to get involved in

                   campaigns!

·         Work closely with your Party organization to coordinate and not duplicate

                    campaign efforts.

·         Organize a system that is easy for members to report their volunteer

                   campaign hours. This will prevent last minute confusion.

Fundraising

Goals of the Committee:

·         Plan, organize and complete at least one fundraising event per year.

·         Establish a "signature event" for your organization that can be repeated

                    yearly.  GBRW hosts a fashion show every year.

·         Establish a procedure notebook on successful fundraising events.

·         Be enthusiastic!

Legislative

Goals of the Committee:

·         Have a working knowledge of the legislative process at every level of

·         government.

·         Increase legislative knowledge and interest among your organization's

                   members.

·         Make your voice heard! Write your representatives and let them know what

                    you think.

·         Develop a plan of action for your organization to influence government

                   positively.

Hospitality - The Hospitality Committee greets guests as they arrive at meetings and events making sure visitors feel welcome. 

Membership/Outreach - The motivation, dedication, and activity level of the membership determines the level of accomplishment of the organization. Membership is an ongoing program thatrequires the participation of every member of the organization. An energeticcommittee is needed and everyone must be alert to that potential new member.Effective membership recruitment is essentially a sales job.

Goals of the Committee:

·         Set reasonable and realistic goals for increasing membership each year.

·         Develop a plan for membership growth that specifically meets your

                   organization's goals.

·         Develop a brochure or flyer to promote your organization. Place at the

                   Chamber of Commerce, with realtors, at Republican Party headquarters and

                   other locations in your community where you can reach new people.

·         Attend state and/or national federation board meetings and conventions for

                   information, ideas and inspiration.

Programs - The First Vice President leads the Programs Committee. 

Public Relations - The Public Relations (PR) chair is the public information officer for the organization. It is the PR Chair and her committee who build true rapport and friendship with the

news media. The PR Committee voices not only the thoughts and opinions of the

organization, but also of the Republican Party. Hence communication with the news

media must be properly prepared and must accurately represent the thinking of

those within the organization and the party.

The PR Committee has the key responsibility of keeping the public informed of the

organization's participation in Republican activities and building understanding and

acceptance of the Republican Party.

Achievement Awards - The Awards Committee is responsible for the organization's participation in the NFRW awards programs as well as any state awards programs.

Budget and Finance - The Treasurer leads the budget and finance committee.

Newsletter - The Newsletter Committee, in addition to creating and publishing the newsletter each month, updates the GBRW website.

Americanism - The chairman of Americanism leads the Pledge of Allegiance or assigns someone to do so.  The committee may also:

·         Teach the rules of flag etiquette

·         Donate patriotic books to libraries and schools

·         Sponsor patriotic essay contests for schools

·         Present flags to schools and community groups

Literacy and Caring for America - The Caring for America Committee chooses projects to help support our community and country.  Past projects have included:

·         The Birthday Wish for Foster Children which won a national award

·         Walmart gift cards for troops' families

·         Dictionaries for Birmingham elementary schools

·         Cracker Barrel gift cards for Katrina evacuees

Each committee chairman may choose her committee members.  Additional committees require a bylaws amendment.

November brought many Republican victories to Alabama. Some victories were easy and some were hard fought. Some were so hard fought it took days before the candidate and voters knew who the winner was. Ask Judge Julie Palmer of Greater Birmingham Republican Women how hard she had to continue to fight to prove her victory. Without the help of Republican women many of these victories throughout the state would not have come about.

The next presidential election is right around the corner. Americans watched in fear as Obama's healthcare was passed, we continue to watch as gas prices climb to over $4.00 a gallon, and entrepreneurs remain helpless as this administration continues to stifle small business. Higher taxes are the answer from the democrats. There is no answer at all from our opposing party of how to repair our rising national debt.

All of us have choices in life and our choice now has to be to continue to fight for what is right for America. Change will not come by sitting home watching Fox news and continuing to complain about the problems our state and country face. We all have to get involved. Everywhere I go I hear frustration and concerned citizens asking what they can do.

For a Republican to win the presidential election in 2012 I am ready to step up and do my part as a member of Greater Republican Women. Republican Women who get involved have high aspirations and expectations that they will change the world. I am ready to change the world but I can't do it alone. Be a voice for our club and recruit new members who are ready to donate their time and talents! I can't do it alone and Alabama and America is worth fighting for. Make it a point, the next time you hear a friend complain, to tell her to get involved and invite her to our next meeting! Let's roll up our sleeves and get busy.