Seven tips for new party activists

So you've decided to get involved in the party.  Now what?

If you really want to be effective over the long haul, it pays to keep certain things in mind.

Seven Tips for New Party Activists

1.    Attend meetings.  Yes, meetings can be boring, but you can’t have much of an organization unless people meet, discuss business and make plans.  Be there when they do.  In most party organizations, the person who is always there eventually ends up in charge of something!

2.    Volunteer.  Offer to assist with party functions and volunteer to help candidates with their campaigns.  Offer to serve on party committees that interest you.

3.    Recruit others.  The more people you get involved who think as you do, the more effective you can be.  (It’s like a pyramid scheme!)  Find other conservatives who want to have an impact and teach them what you’ve learned.

4.    Cultivate allies.  To be more effective, it’s important that you develop relationships with others that will work closely with you and support your initiatives.  Remember, politics is people, and it’s all about networking.

5.    Know the rules.  As with most things in life, if you know the rules, you’re more likely to be successful.  Party rules (and parliamentary procedure) aren’t exactly exciting, but they’re important.  Get to know them.

6.    Learn from others.  Imitation, as they say, is the sincerest form of flattery.  Keep an eye on what others are doing, (even your opponents), and learn from it.  Adopt what works.

7.    Stay focused – and involved.  Success usually breads opposition.  But when it comes, just remember why you got involved in the first place.  Don’t let opponents distract you or run you off.  Double your efforts!