What is the Free Republic Network?

The Free Republic Network ^ | Bob J

[Valin]

Ok,now Where do I find members and get them to join.

[Valin]

Well How do we pay for expenses that pop up?

[Bob J]

Or is that PDA?

[diotima]

Los Angeles SF Bay San Diego Sacramento Orange County Arkansas Fresno Northern Nevada Las Vegas Philadelphia Pittsburgh Florida West Central Florida Chicagoland Central IL Dallas/North Texas Central Texas Houston Area South Carolina New Mexico Minnesota Colorado Wisconsin Michigan Oklahoma Indiana Arizona West Tennessee CANADA Buffalo, NY Atlanta Puget Sound Tri State/New York Kansas City Area Gulf Coast Inland Northwest ISSUE CHAPTERS FR2ATF- 2nd amendment CCRM (invite only) TaskForce50- Vote Reform Education Watch Operation America Land Rights Book Review

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.

[Jim Robinson]

By the way, in the interest of avoiding any future confusion, I should also say that the D.C. Chapter has decided not to join the FRN at this time. Angelwood was originally one of the people who were working to establish the FRN, but later decided to opt out, mainly because of the split between FR and Clinton's a Liar. This is ok. The D.C Chapter will continue to operate as an independent chapter. The D.C. Chapter was one of our first and they have always been a leader in our Free Republic activism efforts and this will continue. I am very proud of Angelwood, Kristinn and all of their chapter members past and present and am very grateful for their efforts. I am looking forward to many more years of productive FReeping in our nation's capitol with the D.C. Chapter.
Thanks again, Jim

[dittomom]

Thanks, Bob!

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 ...

The Free Republic Network!

[Bob J]

From the "Chapter Manual" currently in creation, the tried and true method is to;

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!

[Valin]

Should we have structure? Bylaws?

[Bob J]

Depends on the sentiments of the chapter. Most do not and operate fine but others like having to fall back on when something goes awry. I would say wait and see what the members want.

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you so much for this. I am very interested.

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.

[abner]

Cool bump!

Jim, thanks so much for the greatest forum on the planet!

[diotima]

The first issue is, where are you so we can see if there is a chapter in your area. If there isn't, I usually suggest that people interested in starting a chapter post on the state board. Once you get some interest, and that will probably happen, you can get togther and submit a chapter application, it is on our website, www.freerepublic.net. This is so that we can set up a private forum for your chapter. In this process we ask for an executive and up to four leaders so we have people we can contact. The leaders and executives are members of the Leadership Council. The LC has its own forum and meets regularly. Every chapter has representation there and we form committees to work on different things. Since the Network is new, we have a committe working on a chapter manual that will contain suggestions for starting and running a chapter. We have a committe that just presented nominations for the Eagle awards (Announcement coming soon on FR!)

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.)

[Sabertooth]

I guess a need a flag list. It's kind of like a PDQ.

Just delegate it, we'll drive it along.

Kinda like a GT350.

[Valin]

Say I'm wondering do you think we should we have officers or leaders and if so what should their duties be?

[Valin]

Does anyone know anything about incorporation?

[Bob J]

One thing to keep in mind, you cannot collect more than $5000 in any calendar year or you could be considered a PAC! The best thing to do is let chapter members pay their own expenses as they come up.

[diotima]

;^)

[Maedhros]

What happened to Clinton's a Liar? Could somone fill me in here?

[Bob J]

Recommedations from current chapters that have been through this will be assembled and posted on the site. For now, use your own discretion.

[Jim Robinson]

We had a difference of opinion.