College Republicans are college and university students who support the Republican Party of the United States.[1] The Republican Party does not officially affiliate with any College Republicans groups, although operatives work alongside chapters in many instances. College Republicans chapter typically function independently, are part of an independent statewide organization, or a national alliance. The College Republicans are known as an active recruiting tool for the party and have produced many prominent Republican and conservative activists and introduced more party members to the Republican party than any other organization in the nation.[2]

Notable Organizations

Notable national College Republican organizations include:

Governance of national organizations

College Republican National Committee (CRNC)

The College Republican National Committee (CRNC), has historically been the main national College Republicans organization. The CRNC National Chairwoman and the national leadership team, including an executive director, political director, finance director, comptroller, national field director, treasurer, national secretary, and 4 regional vice-chairs, are elected at the bi-annual College Republican Convention. The current CRNC National Chairwoman is Courtney Britt. In recent years, the CRNC has lost many of its state affiliates and chapters.

National Federation of College Republicans (NFCR)

The National Federation of College Republicans was created in response to controversies arising in the CRNC. The NFCR claims to encompass 24 state federations (including but not limited to Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland),[3][4] The NFCR Leadership positions consist of a Chairperson, a National Vice Chairperson, an executive director, a treasurer, a secretary, and a Parliamentarian.[5] Rachel Howard is the current National Chairwoman of the NFCR.

College Republicans of America (CRA)

The CRU established in 2023 and encompasses four state chapters (Wisconsin, California, Arizona, and Tennessee); a plurality of clubs in Nebraska, North Dakota, and Massachusetts; and a few clubs in several additional states.[6][7][8] According to their website, they broke away from the CRNC due to it falling "into disrepair."[9] The CRA President and the national committee consist of an appointed president, appointed vice-presidents, appointed directors, and annually elected regional representatives.[10] The CRA also has a Board of Governors which consist of one National Committeeman per state, elected or appointed by that state (so long as they are "in good standing") via however the state sees fit.[10] The current CRA President is Will Donahue.[11]

College Republicans United (CRU)

The College Republicans United (CRU) was established in 2018 to oppose what was seen as a CRNC that was hostile to President Donald Trump. It consists of various college chapters in Arizona, Louisiana, Iowa, and New England (including Dartmouth).[12] The leadership structure and bylaws of the organization are not made public. The CRU have been criticized for chapters which allegedly posted "anti-Semitic" and "racist" postings online,[13] causing rifts between the CRU and other CR organizations and donors. The CRU drew further outrage after inviting Nick Fuentes, a noted "white nationalist," to their National Convention event.[14] The CRU is currently the smallest federation by state and chapter count, containing 10 chapters.[15]

Governance of state organizations

State federations

There are upwards of 40 College Republican state federations. Each federation administers the College Republican activities at the state level. The state federation leadership team, which includes a state chairperson and other officers, serve as the primary link between local university chapters and the national federation. The state chairman serves as the representative for College Republicans when dealing with the state Republican Party, local media, and governmental entities. State federations are responsible for organizing and assisting local chapters with securing proper credentials, recruitment efforts, and campus voter canvasses.[16] It is a state federation's responsibility to organize and implement activities for statewide campaigns.[16] Like the national organization, state federations operate as non-profit associations that are not legally affiliated with the Republican Party.[16]

Campus chapters

The college and university-based chapters of College Republicans operate in a dual capacity as student clubs associated with a particular campus and as members of their state federation.[16] Like the state federations and national committees, the campus chapters are affiliated with their local Republican Party, but are not official arms of that organization.[16] The chapter chairperson and leadership team are responsible for maintaining the campus club's credentials and constitution, and representing the College Republicans when dealing with university administration, other student groups, and in the surrounding community.[16] The campus chapter leadership team might include many members, with administrative responsibilities delegated to dormitory and Greek chapter chairpersons.

Activities

Recruiting new members at Ohio State University.

During election season, campus chapters are responsible for organizing and implementing the campus canvas, running mock elections, managing the local get-out-the-vote efforts. At other times, the campus chapters will organize issue advocacy and lobbying efforts, welcome conservative guest speakers to campus, and organize social events and other recruitment activities.

Generally, the hired field representative or chapter chair begins the school year with membership tables on campus for recruitment. Members use door-to-door canvassing and word of mouth to identify and register as many Republican voters among the student body as possible.[2] These individuals are encouraged to vote through an absentee ballot and assist the candidates with election day Get Out The Vote efforts. Chapters occasionally run student mock elections and other special events as a means to gain positive earned media attention for a candidate.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Schor, Elana (July 6, 2005). "With College Republicans, Keg Parties Are Smart Strategy". msnbc.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2008. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 Stewart, Scott (June 24, 2002). "The College Republicans – A Brief History" (PDF). College Republican National Committee. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 2, 2005. Retrieved September 4, 2008. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ↑ "State Charters". NFCR. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  4. ↑ "State Charters". NFCR. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Leadership". NFCR. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Chapters". www.uscollegegop.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  7. ↑ "https://twitter.com/uscollegegop/status/1697709142314803201". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved September 1, 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  8. ↑ "https://twitter.com/uscollegegop/status/1694802087572611377?s=20". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved September 1, 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  9. ↑ https://www.uscollegegop.com/about
  10. 1 2 "Bylaws". www.uscollegegop.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Leadership". www.uscollegegop.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Republicans United". Republicans United. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Conservative group at ASU apologizes for racist, anti-Semitic postings online". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  14. ↑ "https://twitter.com/National_RU/status/1677512091853557760?s=20". Twitter. Retrieved August 20, 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  15. ↑ "Join College Republicans United". Republicans United. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Stewart, Scott (Fall 2002). "College Republicans Chapter Manual" (PDF). College Republican National Committee. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 13, 2004. Retrieved September 27, 2008. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
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