BISMARCK—More than 70 people attended a grassroots workshop in Bismarck Friday, Jan. 7. These citizens gathered for a day-long workshop to glean wisdom from current and former North Dakota legislators and from others who understand the political process. The goal is to educate people on how they can get involved in the political process.
“There’s so many people who want to know how they can help,” said organizer Kathy Schneibel, Lincoln, a self-described “retired patriot.”
“We want people more aware of what’s going on in North Dakota, and that’s why we’re doing this event." Kathy Schneibel, organizer
“We want people more aware of what’s going on in North Dakota, and that’s why we’re doing this event,” she said.
“We’ve got a great lineup of speakers,” Schneibel indicated. That lineup included Rep. Jeff Magrum, R-Dis. 28, Hazelton, Rep. Kathy Skroch, R-Dis. 26, Lidgerwood, Rep. Sebastian Ertelt, R-Dis. 26, Lisbon, Rep. Jeff Hoverson, R-Dis. 3, Minot, and former representative Luke Simons, Dickinson, along with Jared Hendrix, Chair, District 38 Republicans and North Dakota Young Republicans (NDYR) state chair Daryle Mindeman.
The speaker topics included election integrity and poll workers, campaigning, political engagement opportunities, and mobilization. The afternoon ended with discussions about district reorganization, district endorsing conventions, and the state party conventions.
Blaise Olson, New Salem, was there with his wife and three of their children. “We’re new at all this,” he said, “trying to get a feel where people are at.” Olson explained, “I’m looking to see how the current leadership is planning on vetting any newcomers.” He added, “When we get back to our precinct, what would be their gameplan to vet somebody that has never even run? What fruit are we going to look at in their life to try to vet them?”
Olson’s family came along not only for the experience, but since they homeschool, it makes for great hands-on material for their civics class.
Karmen Siirtola, Mandan, explained her interest in attending. “I really want to learn how to dig into public/private partnerships,” she said. “When public funds are involved, I really think the taxpayers ought to be able to know who’s profiting from those partnerships.”
For anyone who missed Friday’s workshop, a similar event will be held Saturday. Schneibel stated that they had 50 people pre-registered for Saturday’s workshop, and she emphasized, “There’s plenty of room for walk-ins” on Saturday.
Tickets are $20, which includes not only the workshop but also a continental brunch and a turkey or meatball dinner.
For more information, email ForGodCountryAndNorthDakota@gmail.com or see the inset workshop flyer.
