CDPAN Community Outreach

The goal of community outreach by Capital District Political Action Network is to mutually grow and develop our grassroots organization through partnerships with like minded conservative groups in the community based on our core traditional values.

Target Community Groups

•Local Seniors Every town and municipality offers and supports senior groups, many with their own dedicated centers. Members of the “greatest generation”, these people are very patriotic and the keepers of traditional values that have been lost in later generations.
•Youth Groups The next generation is being saddled with the debt and mistakes of our generations and will suffer the loss of personal liberties if we allow our governments to continue to erode our rights as citizens. These groups include 4H, Scouts, church youth groups, and Young Republicans.
•Church Groups Probably the most traditional groups we can reach out to in our communities, Bible studies, Rosary societies, church youth groups, and church auxiliaries should welcome our message. The government is actively eroding the church’s role in our society and impacting our fundamental freedoms of religion.
•Charities Service to the community with support of local charities is a demonstration of our core traditional values. Though conservatives are more generous to charities and the poor, we have been painted as cold, heartless individuals only concerned with accumulating wealth which must be reversed.
•Other Groups Other groups would include sportsman (fish & game) clubs, granges & farm groups, women’s business groups, veterans and so many more associations in our communities. We need to reach out to as many as possible to build relationships and future support.
•Regional Effort Although the primary grassroots organizations of CDPAN are based in Saratoga County, our efforts must reach out regionally to the seven county area of the Greater Capital District and beyond.

“Make Friends by Being a Friend”

•Reach Out with Education There has to be a reason for our outreach to other groups in the community. Most groups have to have an agenda and welcome the presentations of guest speakers for the education and as a motivation for members to attend. We need to make a occasion to present ourselves to others’
•Teach Others of the Constitution The Constitution is a great topic for lecturing because it is one of our core values that we all know and is not socially controversial. We all have a basic understanding of the Constitution, but first we have to become better informed and study the Constitution ourselves so we can speak with authority. We will develop PowerPoint presentations of the principals of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, illuminate our lectures with interesting trivia, and engage in discussion of how the Constitution has been subverted by Progressives. A group of CDPAN members will be educated on the Constitution and trained in public speaking.
•Modify the Message Once a core presentation has been created then we can modify the presentation to fit the audience. While the presentation may be simplified for youth groups, a more focused presentation of “God and the Constitution” could be offered to church groups.
•Change the Message Once the initial Constitution program is developed then other topics can be developed such as Agenda 21 & property rights, or 2nd Amendment gun rights . These programs might be used for property owners, farmers and sportsman groups.
• An Offering of Friendship We will be the guest of these other community groups. When visiting a friend a good guest will typically bring an offering of food or a bottle of wine. Unless it is sacramental wine for a church group we may be better off bringing an offering of food. While many of our members may not be able to lecture in front of a group, they may be great cooks and can prepare a wonderful pot of soup or bake a loaf of fresh bread to be shared with our new friends at the senior center or with a Bible study group. Cookies, cakes or other treats would be great for youth groups and others. This is a warmer, more personal approach to making new friends of our neighbors. There is a role for everybody in this community outreach.
•Assist with Their Goals Another approach to community groups is to facilitate their goals. Help out with their fundraisers by promoting their events amongst our members and lending hands-on support. Or lend a hand with repairing or building their facility by picking up a paint brush or swinging a hammer. Again, we can tap the wealth of talent amongst our memberships, and keep them involved by building together. The goal is to build friendships that will be there when we call.

“Good Times”

Outreach should not be limited to education and community volunteerism. Everybody needs a break and enjoyment with friends. This is true for our members and our new friends, so a number of events can be planned just for the social fun of it.

•Popcorn & Patriots There are several services that will allow access to quality films, many with traditional values, that can be enjoyed in groups. These outings can be arranged at local theaters or halls of our choosing. Pass the popcorn.
•Summertime Sundae Socials What’s better on a hot summer day than a dish of ice cream topped with syrup, whipped cream and a cherry. A simple event to gather families together.
•We All Need to Laugh We can share a laugh together by organizing comedy nights with conservative comedians at a local venue. A reasonable fee would be charged to cover talent costs but afford us all an opportunity to get out an relax together.
•Summertime Picnics Using local church facilities or parks, host a picnic with hot dogs and hamburgers, salads, lemonade and cake to sit back enjoy summer and each other’s company.

For More information on CDPAN Community Outreach or to volunteer, contact Rick Gutheil, patriotrick@verizon.net CDPAN Community Outreach w