America's largest College Republican chapter
finishes most successful Spring semester in recent history!
finishes most successful Spring semester in recent history!
Under the dynamic leadership of first-term Chairman Katie Flanigan , the largest student-political organization in the nation (at over 2,000 members) achieved several "firsts," including hosting their first statewide candidate debate in April, with Secretary of State candidates Bill Stephens and Karen Handel squaring off in the University Chapel. The chapter also hosted both Lieutenant Governor candidates, Ralph Reed and Casey Cagle, as well as Ag Commissioner candidate Gary Black, State Senate candidate Bill Cowsert, and Athens Mayoral candidate Charlie Maddox . Other activities included travel to CPAC 2006, the AIPAC Policy Conference 2006 , meeting with the President of Canada's BC Conservative party and with the President of the Objectivist Center, and hosting Governor Perdue's "Student Project," a seminar on the finer points of politics and campaigning.
Last year's Technology Director (and current Executive Director) Shay Frendt spent most of the Spring designing the new, user-friendly UGACR website, which includes an integrated blog (between this and the old "blogspot" blog, also a brainchild of Mr. Frendt, the UGACRs have posted over 270 items this Spring, which have been linked to by several other blogs and websites, including Representative Kingston's), precise membership, activity, and volunteer opportunity tracking, and access to the club's Constitution and meeting minutes, as well as many other spectacular features.
The CRs increased their level of exposure both in the local area and nationally with an unprecedented series of newspaper, radio, and internet appearances. Newly appointed Public Relations Director Jeff Emanuel, a Special Operations military veteran, greatly expanded the UGACRs' sphere of influence, as he was published several times by conservative opinion powerhouse Townhall.com on various topics of Georgia politics. Emanuel was also featured on both Atlanta and national radio following his column on Georgia's efforts to combat illegal immigration, greatly increasing the organization's exposure at every turn. The University's award-winning student-run newspaper, the Red and Black, featured the UGACRs in 40 separate pieces this semester (an average of 2.5 times per week!), including nine on the front page. The Athens Banner-Herald (which recently added Emanuel as a regular columnist) also featured the CRs several times, and, even more importantly, several Senatorial and Congressional staffs in Washington, including Senators Chambliss and Isakson and Congressmen Kingston and Price, were made more aware of the UGACRs, and took an active interest in the projects and achievements of the organization.
Vice-Chairman David Ballard, last year's Policy authority, completely revamped the organization's Constitution, making the document much more user-friendly, and hopefully ensuring that future versions of the UGACRs won't have to tackle this giant task. The new Constitution passed by unanimous vote on Wednesday, April 26.
Treasurer Preston Mintz also organized a massive direct mail fundraising drive, which has helped the UGACRs be able to fund many of their great activities, as (being a "political organization") they are unable to receive funding of any kind from the University.
Spring 2006 was a semester of giant strides for America's largest CR chapter. An improved working relationship with the state College Republican federation (GACR), something which had been sorely lacking in past years, as well as with the local and state GOP, has greatly increased the organization's effectiveness. Under the capable leadership of Chairman Katie Flanigan, Vice-Chairman David Ballard, and Executive Director Shay Frendt, the UGACRs are poised to charge into the fall of this election year with an unprecedented level of activity, volunteerism, and initiative, and are ready to win votes and seats for the GOP in November!
Spring 2006 was a semester of giant strides for America's largest CR chapter. An improved working relationship with the state College Republican federation (GACR), something which had been sorely lacking in past years, as well as with the local and state GOP, has greatly increased the organization's effectiveness. Under the capable leadership of Chairman Katie Flanigan, Vice-Chairman David Ballard, and Executive Director Shay Frendt, the UGACRs are poised to charge into the fall of this election year with an unprecedented level of activity, volunteerism, and initiative, and are ready to win votes and seats for the GOP in November!
