Engaging Young People in the GOP
           Young volunteers and donors generally fall into two main groups: Generation Z and millennials. The groups come from different eras and have their own unique characteristics.
Generation Z consists of people born between 1996 and 2010. These are teenagers and people in their mid-20s who grew up early in the 21st century. This generation is characterized by traits, including:
·        A passion for activism (particularly about causes related to gun violence, bullying and social issues).
·        A desire to be treated as equals.
·        An interest in entrepreneurship (they may start their own business, or their own party).
·        A willingness to donate (after being inspired by a social media message).
Millennials are people born between 1977 and 1995. These are people in their mid to late 20s or early 40s
today. This group is characterized by traits, including:
·        Support for human rights (advocacy for victims of child abuse or human trafficking).
·        Growing representation (millennials are more than 25% of the US population).
·        Interest in donating (84% give to charity and 40% are enrolled in a monthly giving program).
·        Interest in volunteering (46% of millennials volunteer for a social cause they care about).
Both Generation Z and millennials use technology to get information. Almost 90% of 18-29 year-olds use social media channels. It is important to showcase your county party’s cause, upcoming events and fundraising efforts through social media. Engage young people in the GOP. Millennials and Generation Z will not only help fund our party but will also become our main advocates for later generations.
Keeping People Engaged Over the Long Term
           The Republican Party is a voluntary association. Keeping people engaged in the party is a challenge, especially in a time of great change. Here are some tips for retaining volunteers and donors, especially younger people:
·        Host unique, fun events. It may be hard to get away from traditional party fundraisers but give it a try. Get younger people involved who are willing to try new things. For instance:
·        Fun run
·        Celebrity auction
·        Travel raffle
·        Talent show
·        Dances
·        Sports tournament
·        Give young supporters a voice in your party.
·        Recruit/Appoint younger people to be Precinct Committeemen or Vice-Committeemen
·        Appoint young volunteers to committees and sub-committees
·        Give your volunteers titles such as Headquarters Coordinator or Data Director
·        Recruit younger people to be candidates (Get them started with lower-level local offices but don’t start them out lower than their expectations)
3.     Put young supporters in charge of social media.
·        Put younger supporters in charge of maintaining your social media accounts and website
·        Let them use their skills in a meaningful way
4.     Thank your supporters.
·        All volunteers and supporters want to be thanked and acknowledged
·        Send regular notes and thank-you emails
·        Post on social media
5.     Try video conferencing
·        People are more comfortable with video conferencing now
·        Use the techniques learned in the workplace for video conferencing
·        You won’t have to worry about not having enough room or food
Have You Considered a Virtual Event?
           Most of us had to cancel events last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps we can adapt by holding virtual events. Consider the following:
·        Can we simply transfer an original event to an online format?
·        We may provide a video presentation of a keynote speaker or do a training webinar.
·        How can we host virtual challenges with participants raising money as if they a competing with others?
·        You can market an event to people on your email list who don’t normally attend your regular events.
·        Ask your followers on social media for ideas.
·        Your supporters don’t need a fancy party as an excuse to donate. That is certainly true of your largest donors.
·        An online event may be easier to replicate each year than an in-person event.
·        If you market your events using a targeted email campaign, you might exceed your fundraising goals.
Kick Ass and Take Names
           One summer evening a dozen years ago I stood on the bluff in Rockport overlooking the Ohio River with a group of Republicans listening to U.S. Senator Richard Lugar take questions. Lugar, the statesman and champion of democracy, was responding to an audience frustrated by President Obama and Democrat liberalism. The audience was demanding strong leadership. However, there was an obvious disconnect between the audience who wanted to “kick ass and take names” and the Senator who lived and breathed the traditional civility of the U.S. Senate. That disconnect ultimately cost Richard Lugar his seat.
           The events of the past weeks reminded me of the fine line officeholders walk trying to make decisions in the best interests of the most people and keeping the electorate satisfied so that they can continue to serve. It is hard to do what is right. It is hard to hold to your principles despite the personal cost. For many people it is either black or white, there is no gray. We need to dedicate ourselves to civility and to accepting diversity. Instead of calling people names and demanding ideological purity, we need to seek to develop shared goals.  We need to listen and hear. We need to convince not coerce. We need to “walk in another’s shoes”. We have to start by unifying Republicans before we can unify all Americans.
