County Young Republcians Receive Award
By SANDRA RHODESSMETHPORT - The McKean County Young Republicans group is less than a year old, yet it has garnered attention statewide.
The local Young Republicans group recently won the Young Republicans of Pennsylvania Best Small Club Award.
“It was a complete surprise,” said Chairman Andrew Johnson of Port Allegany. “I received an e-mail and didn’t even know we were nominated … it’s encouraging to
be recognized at the state level.”
The group, which held its kick-off event last May, is now up to about 30 members. The group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport.
“I was impressed someone even noticed us,” said Secretary Laura Yohe. “To be acknowledged … we haven’t even been a club for a year.”
Johnson explained that nominations were taken at the state conference and then members of the Young Republicans vote.
The McKean County Young Republicans made an impression through its social networking and use of social media. They are on Facebook and have a website – www.mckeanyr.org. Voters were also impressed with the number of events the small group holds.
“We’ve staffed booths at many local events, including the (McKean County) fair, at which we’ve helped to register many new voters and members of our group,”
Johnson said. “One of the main goals of the McKean County Young Republicans is to increase voter turnout among Republicans ages 18 to 40. By registering new voters and educating them on political topics, we hope to realize this goal.”
The group has also held several Happy Hour events that have featured guest speakers who discuss current events at local, state and federal levels. In the near future, the group will be holding weekend social events.
“We have formed a long list of public officials we will be seeking to speak at the events,” Johnson said.
The group’s social events are announced through a variety of methods, including Facebook. This has allowed the group to be noticed outside of McKean County.
And while the group is small right now, its enthusiasm is mighty.
The group will be holding a candidate forum for those Republicans running for
McKean County commissioner. The event will be held May 11 at a location to be
announced. Those interested have the opportunity to submit questions for those candidates. Questions can be submitted to mckeanyoungrepublicans@gmail.com or on the Facebook page.
Those interested in learning more about the Young Republicans can call
814-366-2168 or attend one of the meetings. The group is open to anyone demonstrates the Republican ideals and reside in McKean County; its core membership age is 18-40, but anyone can join.
Pictured, Andrew Johnson of Port Allegany holds the Young Republicans of Pennsylvania Best Small Club Award the McKean County Young Republicans received. He is flanked by, on left, Melanie Clabaugh of Smethport, the group’s vice chairman, and Laura Yohe of Bradford, the group’s secretary.
.jpg)
Comments