There are a lot of components involved in running a Convention. Here are some of the terms you may hear and a brief description of each.
Q: What is a Delegate?
A: Delegates are grassroots Republicans who want to help shape the Republican Party's role and direction regarding public policy. Those who are interested can volunteer at their annual Precinct Meeting and, if elected, serve as Delegates (or Alternates) to the next level Convention (County, District, or State).
In short, Delegates play an instrumental role in shaping the beliefs of the Party, determining the methods of implementation in public policy, and electing the people who will run the Party between conventions.
Q: What is a Party Platform?
A: The Party Platform represents a shared set of beliefs that drive which public policy proposals the Party will support and promote.
Q: What is a Resolution?
A: Resolutions are proposed planks for the Party Platform. They are introduced at the County Convention and presented for discussion. Each resolution is voted on separately and those with affirmative votes are sent to the next level Convention (4th District) for consideration.
Q: What is a Plan of Organization?
A: The Plan of Organization serves as the defining organizational document of the local party. It lays out the terms of membership, the organizational structure and functions at the precinct and county levels, and the general administrative procedures to be followed.
Q: What is the role of the Precinct Chair?
A: Precincts represent the most basic unit of the American political structure and are the building blocks of our towns, counties, and states. Precincts usually consist of the local neighborhood(s) surrounding where you live. Each of us vote at a polling place within our own precinct.
The Precinct Chair works to identify Republicans in their home precinct and provide a structure and means for communication and information sharing among those identified. Specific duties include:
- Preside at all Precinct Meetings (Note: An annual Precinct Meeting is held in conjunction with the County Convention each March)
- Develop a working knowledge of the precinct (boundaries, registered voters, etc.)
- Establish reasonable political goals for the precinct
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Develop and execute a voter organizing plan to inform and mobilize voters and volunteers
- Recommend names of people to serve as precinct election officials
- Attend meetings of the precinct and county executive committees, and carry out other duties as may be assigned therein
- Maintain a record of precinct-related activities and contacts and transfer all records to the next successor in a timely manner
Q: How is the Convention organized?
A: The Convention is organized through a set of committees that do a lot of work leading up to Convention day. These committees and their roles include:
- Nominations - Identify candidates for party positions and prepare a slate for consideration
- Rules - Prepare rules for running the Convention in an orderly manner
- Credentials - Verify attendees' and delegates' status as registered Republicans within their precinct of residence
- Plan of Organization - Review current structure/functions of the local Party and make recommendations for changes
- Platform - Consider the currently adopted platform of the Party and make recommendations for changes
- Resolutions - Review proposed resolutions and prepare them for consideration at the Convention
Q: Who else is involved in running the Convention?
A: Key roles on Convention day include:
- Convention Chair - Acts as Master of Ceremonies
- Convention Secretary - Records minutes of the Convention
- Parliamentarian - Ensures rules and procedures are properly followed
- Sergeant at Arms - Maintains order at the Convention
- Timekeeper - Keeps Convention running in a timely manner