Over the past twenty years, the Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans (TARS) have proven to be a valuable volunteer army for local, statewide, and national GOP candidates and campaigns.
My group is the first to tailor a fresh batch of future party leaders. From making phone calls to knocking on doors in one hundred degree weather in the middle of July, we do it all. This dedication isn't because we have a paycheck waiting on the other side or some lavish prize, its because we truly believe in the principles of the Republican Party.
In recent years, amid an exciting political time in our country's history our group has blossomed to over 800 members and 40 clubs statewide. The involvement and energy is unlike any I have ever seen. We are working harder, sacrificing more of our time, and craving victory at the ballot box like never before. With this increased involvement, comes an increased need to be recognized or at least acknowledged by the candidates we have worked for.
After thinking about how to connect the candidates with my TeenAge Republicans I decided to offer them the opportunity to thank us and acknowledge our efforts in fighting for the Republican party. Why not let them write a letter to TARS? I thought.
A few months ago I began approaching campaigns and asking them to do so. The first three campaigns to agree to write letters of support and encouragement to TARS were Charlie Crist, Jeff Kottkamp and Bill McCollum. (View their letters by clicking on their names. As I continued to ask other campaigns, I began to see that a simple letter to a group that won't be able to vote isn't a top priority.
But while we may not be able to vote, our volunteer army could make the difference in helping you win.
Two months ago, I started asking campaigns to give back to a volunteer army that has given them and our party so much. Three campaigns have shown the TeenAge Republicans they care. Marco Rubio, Pam Bondi, Paula Dockery ... grab a pen and paper, you have some writing to do!
To learn more about the Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans and how to start a club please call or email Jacob Engels.
