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Yesterday I decided to look up my local young republicans group, to see if I could actually do something political instead of just talk about it online. This is in the U.S. of course.
I was quite surprised to find that, while there are ostensibly two groups operating in my area (a major metro in a purple state), there's basically nothing happening in either. One of the groups seems completely defunct, with a broken website. The other looked more 'official' and the site worked, but there was exactly... one event listed for all the rest of the next year: an awards dinner months out, that costs $75 for anyone who is not already a member to go to.
Nothing besides a basic google form with regards to contact, and no other events or opportunities listed whatsoever.
I talked to an AI about this, and apparently this is the norm? ChatGPT recommended I volunteer to canvas or whatever at the official GOP arm in my state, but I wanted to at least go to some sort of social event to start out. Again, nothing! All official meetings, no unofficial mixers or community building volunteering or anything.
Seriously, what is going on here? These are the most major political organizations in the country, and they're being run far worse than most local Effective Altruism groups. This just makes zero sense to me.
FWIW, I looked up the young democrats group in my area, and that seemed just as bad.
Am I missing something here? Is there a reason why these incredibly powerful, important political parties seem to have zero effort involved in actually getting young people to work for them? Seems like an incredibly massive self-own.
Even a highly motivated and intelligent young person will basically be at a loss as to what to do with their political energy. No wonder our generation is so politically blackpilled. No wonder everyone freaked out about Charlie Kirk's assassination!
Am I missing something, or are things really this bleak for political activism amongst the youth in the U.S.?
The young republicans recruits individuals involved in conservative politics already(pro-life movement, block walking, etc). It does not take randos interested off the streets; it’s a social club for young people who are already politically active.
The one near me hosts events, they just don’t advertise to the public.
Why not have public events and take randos off the streets? Problem is you have a ton of motivated young men and women that would likely join or get involved, but the process is quite illegible and difficult. Surely the party wants to increase recruitment, especially with much bemoaned the lack of elite human capital?
The events are, literally, social events to network/build camaraderie among people who are already politically involved. You earn an invitation, you don’t request one.
You want an in for young republicans? Go join a pro-life protest a couple times, then volunteer for the campaign of your local further-right Republican in the primary- look for state legislator candidates with a GOA or taxpayer-friendly endorsement. You’ll get an invite.
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You don't want randos off the street. As another commenter mentioned: street randos includes a raft of unserious people (I don't think you actually have a ton motivated young men and women). Plus, with any political organization you have the problem that growing the organization benefits the organization but may not benefit the individuals who currently make up the organization.
Lack of EHC is an external critique. Most Republican organizers wouldn't agree with it.
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