I was honored to be asked to speak at the Republican National Convention (RNC) as part of a panel on the Republican Leadership Initiative (RLI), which is the party’s 2016 program for grassroots campaigning and volunteer recruitment. I was asked to be on the panel because I am an RLI Fellow and also because of my past political activities, including interning for Senator Voinovich in Washington D.C., volunteering at the 2008 RNC, interning on Rob Portman’s 2010 Senate campaign, working as a field director for Romney for President in Florida, and working for multiple small, political businesses. Since the convention did not convene until the evening, there were breakout sessions and events scheduled during the day for delegates and guests to attend.

This official RNC event was held July 19 and took place at the brand new Hilton on Lakeside Drive. The program started with an in-depth look at the RLI. So far the program has over 20,000 applicants and is still accepting more participants. Then there was a question and answer period, and because of my previous experience, I was able to discuss how the RLI has improved Republican campaigning. In previous election cycles, staffers and volunteers were focused on two activities: phone calls and door-to-door.

This year, the RLI is teaching leadership skills, the latest campaign technology, the importance of voter registration, and how to build a volunteer network. By preparing staffers and volunteers, it creates a larger support system and it’s easier to become involved. Unfortunately, I cannot be as involved this election as I have in previous years, but the RLI allows me to stay invested and contribute as much as I can.

I’m thankful State and Federal Communications provided me with the ability to take the day for this wonderful experience. Overall, it was a great event, and it’s a day I will always remember.