NFRW Model Used to Train the World's Leaders
The International Republican Institute (IRI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advances freedom and democracy worldwide through developing political parties, civic institutions, open elections, good governance and the rule of law. Within the IRI, the Women's Democracy Network connects women leaders and aspiring women leaders with their counterparts around the world to share best practices and to learn new skills. Working together, members of the Network are building thriving communities and lasting democracies by conducting skill-building programs to provide women in many countries with the tools they need to compete effectively in politics and political campaigns. The Women's Democracy Network is active in 61 countries in every region of the world.
Last month, NFRW President Rae Chornenky was invited to meet with IRI's Women's Democracy Network International Women's Day Conference delegation made up of ten women from countries around the world who were brought to Washington, D.C., to participate in training workshops, meet with policy makers and plan activities for their coming year. The delegates, chosen for having demonstrated their dedication to increasing women's political representation in their home countries, and who are running for political office, were given the opportunity to observe the governmental process in the United States, experience intensive election campaign training, and learn from their international peers.
The general emphasis of the NFRW's presentation was the importance of women's political participation, educating women to participate politically and training women who are seeking political office on how to run campaigns which reflect the concerns of voters. Reading the biographies of the delegates was particularly humbling as delegates represented countries plagued by poverty, revolution and oppression. Some of them have been imprisoned themselves for being active politically and some face economic and political backlash for their activities.
The NFRW was asked to train the delegates, who were from Syria, Burma, Zimbabwe, Moldova, the Ukraine, Tunisia, Bangladesh, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Argentina, and Nigeria, in how to increase women's leadership within a political party. Discussion questions from delegates quickly turned to the model of the NFRW as a grassroots, activist political organization led by and comprised of women across the United States. Delegates were very interested in how NFRW recruits and retains members, what role programs and community activities play in NFRW and how NFRW keeps members and local clubs connected. The NFRW's use of the Achievement Awards program to connect and provide structure for local clubs was also of great interest.
It was fascinating to learn the number of delegates' countries that have laws in place mandating that certain percentages of elected officials be female. Reasons for why there are not many female members of the U.S. Congress and Senate were explored and delegates were quite curious about this phenomenon.The potential for women leaders in political parties was examined and issues surrounding women as political leaders were evaluated.
Not long after the conference, the NFRW was invited back to the WDN to meet personally with a political activist from Egypt to present the NFRW model of recruiting, organizing and educating women to be politically active and to empower the young woman in her efforts to organize women in her own country.
NFRW At the RNC Spring Meeting
Last week the RNC met in Hollywood California for the spring meeting. Convening one block from Hollywood Boulevard, the location choice was a not-so-subtle hint that the GOP is looking to re-brand, fitting with the "Grow & Win" theme of the meeting.
At Wednesday evening's welcome reception, Michael Reagan spoke about the legacy of his father, and how his father started his political career in Hollywood. Larry Solov, the current president of Breitbart.com and Andrew Breitbart's childhood friend, urged GOP activists to never stop fighting for what they believe in, and that the key to securing the youth vote is the tenacious GOP activists who fight for them.
The keynote speaker on Thursday's lunch was former Vice President Dick Cheney, who has fully recovered from a heart transplant he had last year. He spoke about the need to keep an eye on national security and the threats we face with North Korea.
On Thursday afternoon Chairman Priebus moderated a town hall-like discussion featuring Mia Love, Ricky Gill, and Michelle Steel, and then the group separated into sessions focusing on diversity and outreach, securing the women's vote, and securing the youth vote. The session on securing the women's vote relied heavily on reaction to the RNC's Renew Grow Win report section on women in the chapter "Demographic Partners."
On Friday, resolutions were passed that included a "Resolution Celebrating the Life, Accomplishments, and Memory of Borah Van Dormolen," where "the Republican National Commitee joins with the Texas Federation of Republican Women and the Republican Party of Texas to proudly honor and celebrate the life and many accomplishments of our dear friend, Borah Van Dormolen..." Other notable resolutions passed include a "Resolution Calling for Cooperation With the Conservative Grassroots Movement," "Resolution Concerning Common Core Education Standards," "Resolution for Marriage and Children 2013," and "Resolution Supporting Core Values of the 2012 Republican Platform." Click here to read all of the resolutions.
A Message From the Membership Committee Concerning Satellite Groups
A satellite group is a way for State Federations, faced with losing a club, to save Federation members. A neighboring club can reach out to members whose club might be dissolving. The members can become a satellite group - preserving their relationships with each other and remaining part of the NFRW. The satellite group can be permanent or temporary, and might lead to a successor club.
A satellite group success story comes from Sharon Barnes, Membership Committee co-chair: "Republican Women's Club of St. Louis has taken the Reagan Republican Women's Club (that was going to dissolve) and made them a satellite group! The members are ecstatic that they can continue to meet but without the hassle of paperwork and officers!!" Is there a club in your area that is in danger of dissolving? Would a satellite group help save those members? Contact the NFRW Membership Committee for more information on how easy it is to set up a satellite group.
NFRW Winning Web of the Week
"The Most Powerful Women's Political Organization in Texas Today!"
Congratulations to State President Carolyn Hodges and to Holly Hansen, Michele Samuelson, Shannon Way, Courtney Forsell, and Cassie Daniel, the TFRW members who maintain the outstanding website for the Texas Federation of Republican Women. This website meets and exceeds the basic requirements for a NFRW Winning Web. It is easy to read, easy to navigate, and easy to access. The overall layout and design is consistent through the website. It is quick to load. And Most Important Of All -- it is updated frequently. Click here to read more about this outstanding website, and be sure to visit www.TFRW.org
To submit a RW website to be considered for NFRW Winning Web, please go to www.NFRWWinningWebs.org, click on the Application link, complete and e-mail to committee. Click here to view basic website guidelines.
