Pinging some Arizona Chapter folks. If you've got questions, we've got answers.
ARIZONANS - I have been organizing the Arizona Chapter. If you are interested in knowing more about our efforts, FReepmail me or sign up at ...
Posted on 03/16/2002 5:35:55 PM PST by Bob J
There has been questions and some confusion about the purposes of the FreeRepublic Network which I hope to clear up. When Forum volunteers sat down to build a plan for this organization, the result was very good but sounded as if we were making an engineering proposal to NASA. I hope this explanation clears up that confusion and answers some of the questions you might have had.
The concept of what was to become the FRN has been discussed by Jim and Forum participants for some time. Over the years, we consistently received questions like those listed below. The problem is we didn't have all the answers and when we did they weren't in one place where someone could access and digest them at their leisure.
1. I want to start a chapter, where do I go?
2. Where do I find members and get them to join.
3. How do we pay for expenses that pop up.
4. Should we have structure? Bylaws?
5. Should we have officers or leaders and what should their duties be?
6. Should we incorporate?
7. Do you have sample operating guidelines or by laws?
8. How do we conduct a protest? Do we need permits? What can we legally do and not do?
9. Do we need insurance?
10. Can someone answer a few legal questions?
11. How can I get the NRA to help with our 2nd Amend FREEP?
12. Should we put out a press release and how do you do that?
13. I've got the press coming, what do I do next?
14. How should we run a meeting?
15. How do I get guest speakers invited?
16. What signs should we have?
17. I have a great idea for a national FReep, how do I contact all the Chapters and discuss it with them?
18. It's difficult to get my chapter together, they are spread out. How can we communicate on a timely basis?
19. It's a big investment for people to give up their Sat or Sun and stand on sidewalk and I'm not sure we're getting the results to justify asking them for the time. What can we do to make a bigger impact and make sure they feel really good about what we've accomplished?
It was felt that FR activism could benefit from developing a support organization that would collect the knowledge and experience of Forum activists and add it to information on a wide range of issues of interest and importance to activists and leaders starting or developing activism groups. We needed secure chat rooms where chapter members could discuss plans and activities in privacy. This was one of the original intents of Jim and John's new "Private Forums". However, we weren't sure when that would be available so Nick Danger took the ball and designed a similar site to fill this need until they came online. Next, it was important to get chapter leaders together on a regular basis where they could discuss common issues, help each other solve problems, and act as the main organization point for activism on a regional or national level. Lastly, it was felt that our activism could be enhanced by establishing working relationships with existing conservative organizations with which we could partner on issues of common concern.
There is some concern that the Network intended to replace the Forum, this is untrue and in fact quite the opposite. The Forum is the FRN's first strategic partner and will always be the main vehicle through which chapter leaders and their members post, discuss and gather information on the days news and political issues, not to mention increasing their ranks. Nothing could ever replace the Forum and any attempt would be futile. The FRN is dedicated to providing information, education and resources to activist groups and facilitating communications. It is here to assist chapter leaders in building successful grassroots group and helping them maximize the effectiveness of their efforts. In a nutshell, the FRN is committed to;
1. Make starting or joining a chapter easy.
2. Make FReeping easier.
3. Help chapter leaders develop and build their groups. 4. Equip activists with the tools and knowledge they need to be effective.
5. Derive maximum impact and benefit for the time we invest.
6. Start thinking and planning strategically.
7. Improve communications between members.
8. Develop working relationships with other conservative organizations who we can partner with to achieve common goals.
These goals are compatible with and in line with goals of Free Republic and Jim Robinson.
Membership, as and individual or group, is voluntary and free. Individuals and groups that believe what we are doing is valuable will always remain independant and can choose whether or not to take part in any project proposed by others. We desire and hope to work with anyone and everyone who is fighting the good fight!
The FRN does not have all the answers yet, but we are working on them! We are in the early developmental stage but have great enthusiasm and excitement about the future! If you are interested in helping to build the Network or starting/joining a chapter, here is where you can go to get information!
In past posts, people have asked questions and we fell all over oursleves to get them answered quickly. Consequently, we had a few missteps. Feel free to post your questions here and please be patient with our response, as we want to get the answer right the first time. We will be noting questions and adding them to our FAQ page! Thank you for your time and interest in the Free Republic Network!
And we have a few in development.
There is a chapter in your area, talk to dittomom. I thought you were already a member of that chapter.
Pinging some Arizona Chapter folks. If you've got questions, we've got answers.
ARIZONANS - I have been organizing the Arizona Chapter. If you are interested in knowing more about our efforts, FReepmail me or sign up at ...
1. Post a "New Chapter Forming in Peoria!" article. Bump it.
2. Post several notes on your State board.
3. Send individual FReepmails to everyone on your State board!
It takes a while to build chapter membership so don't be discouraged! Also, we have chapters with 5-10 members that do excellent work! It's the quality, not the quantity. The Network is planning membership building efforts to help drive people to the chapters!
Good luck!
My only problem is that my husband ( FallGuy) and I are going to be very possibly moving to another State.God willing.And he said it is best to wait till we find out where and get settled before I do this.I can understand why and I agree with him.
But please keep me on your list. I believe in FR and all it has to offer in various ways to get involved.
Jim, thanks so much for the greatest forum on the planet!
As for expenses, they do crop up. In the past the chapters buy their own freeping materials. If there are other expenses, members usually pitch in and cover them. (For instance the Chicagoland Chapter did that to pay for an exhibit booth at the Chicago Conservative Conference last year.)
The Network also fundraises. We don't have a big push on the Forum although anyone can donate to us through our website. We have and are hoping to acquire more tools for the chapters to use, so the Network fundraises and has fundraisers in DC.
I hope that answered your question.
(Nobody returns from ZAHADOOM. I like your screen name. I am a big B5 fan.)
Just delegate it, we'll drive it along.
Kinda like a GT350.
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