New Club Forming for Republican Women

A new group is forming in Rogers County.

A new group is forming in Rogers County, but while the members are new, the idea has been brewing for years. The Rogers County Republican Women’s Club had its inaugural luncheon and heard from speaker Sally Bell, Tulsa GOP Chairwoman and former owner of Bell’s Amusement Park, on June 12, 2009. Why is this group coming into existence now? Organizers say the time is finally right, with Rogers County having a Republican majority for the first time in state history. There are also more Republicans in county government than ever before, according to Julie Dermody.  

Julie Dermody of Collinsville is a leading coordinator of this new club and explains that its purpose is to organize local Republicans and build opportunities to meet elected officials on a personal basis. Plans are in the works for speakers including officials from the local, county and statewide level, as well as U.S. senators and representatives. “We would like to provide the public a way to get to know those serving us in elected offices and in turn, for those officials to hear from us in a positive, relaxed manner,” explains Dermody. “It’s much easier to make a connection when you are sitting across the table from someone sharing a meal together rather than by email or a letter.”   

Some of the goals of the RCRWC are to promote an informed electorate through political education, advance the principles of the Republican Party, promote and recruit new members for the club and Republican Party, work together to affect crucial issues that face our community and nation, and increase voter registration.

Dermody says they will also seek to support women in politics who engage in positive political activism. “Liberals have been protesting for years and traditionally conservatives haven’t really been that involved; it’s just not in their nature.” But with seemingly uncontrolled government spending and the state of the economy, Dermody says that more and more conservatives are realizing it’s time to stop being a silent majority and become the majority with a voice.

The RCRWC will serve all Rogers County communities including Bushyhead, Catoosa, Chelsea, Claremore, Foyil, Inola, Keetonville, Oologah, Owasso, Talala, Tiawah and Verdigris. Dermody says that the format is simple – the group will meet on the third Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A catered lunch will be provided, and guests will listen to a featured speaker and participate in a question-and-answer period at the end. “We will stay on schedule so that people can get back to work, and it’s a great deal to have a catered lunch, get together with like-minded neighbors and meet your elected officials. The cost is only $10 for members.”

Speaking of members, now is the time to become a charter member. Dues are $25 per year and in spite of the club’s name, associate memberships are available for $10 for men.

Senator Randy Brogdon, candidate for Oklahoma governor, will be the featured speaker in July. The meeting will be held at the new VoTech in Claremore, north of RSU on Highway 88.

The RCRWC will be a local affiliate of the Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women. With a network of over 1,800 clubs and tens of thousands of members across the nation, this is a great way to become involved with grassroots political campaigns and causes. “We are not the Republican Party,” points out Dermody, “but we are under their umbrella.” 

For more information, contact

Rogers County Republican Women’s Club

(918) 371-0309

www.rogerscountygop.com