NYSYR Leadership Conference

As history teaches us, a groundswell of popular support or opposition can make the difference on any political issue. The grassroots are the key to affecting change at the local level.

The events of the New York State Young Republicans Spring Board Meeting & Leadership Conference sought to improve the grassroots-organizing skills of New York State’s Young Republicans and recognize those Republicans who have made a difference in the past year.

The Arlington, V.A.-based Leadership Institute joined us for the weekend, bringing some well-seasoned grassroots and fundraising experts to share their knowledge with us.

Nancy Bocskor kicked off the school with her thorough seminar on effective fundraising techniques and strategies.

Ms. Bocskor is a nationally recognized educator, speaker and author, named a “Rising Star in Politics” by Campaigns and Elections magazine, and profiled in the Wall Street Journal as one of the “top PAC-party organizers,” has now been tagged an international Democracy Coach by Die Welt. Having worked on numerous campaigns helping candidates achieve their financial goals, she works to inspire citizen activists to take the proven path to positive politics: Passion Driven Leadership.

She emphasized the need to understand your constituency, particularly what attracts wealthy donors, medium-dollar donors, and low-dollar donors.

Organizing a Finance Committee whose members are skilled at salesmanship is ideal, plus they should know how to work their contacts effectively for the candidate.

The Leadership Institute’s Chris Malagisi and Jennifer Hoff also presented strategies on how to organize campaigns and utilize new media, such as blogs and YouTube, to succeed in 21st century politics.

Both brought their own extensive political experience into their presentations.

Malagisi, the grassroots coordinator for the Leadership Institute, most recently served as the National Youth Director for Fred Thompson’s Presidential Campaign.

Hoff currently serves as the public affairs liaison for the Michigan Townships Association where she develops and maintains a strong public image for township government in Michigan. Previously, she served as a regional communications manager for the Michigan State Legislature’s House Republican Communications Services.