After one year in existence, Republican Women of Chilton County has gained 28 regular members and five associate members.

The club’s organizer, Patsy Carroll, wants to top that growth in 2010.

Carroll organized the club in January 2009 to get local women, particularly youth, more involved in politics.

Since then, they have hosted such speakers as Tim James, Bradley Byrne, Roy Moore, Hank Erwin and Cam Ward.

“We’re wanting to get young ladies involved so that after they graduate from school they will continue to be involved,” Carroll said. “I would really like to encourage all women to come to our meetings.”

The club’s associate members are generally men but can also be teenagers starting at age 15. Currently, the youngest members are 21.

Carroll expects membership to double this year because of upcoming elections.

“We want to work together in Chilton County with all Republicans,” she said.

Carroll’s goals for the new year are to increase membership, hold at least two fundraisers, have speakers at every meeting to discuss topics such as illegal immigration and health and safety awareness, and spearhead community projects.

An example of a community project would be helping elderly people get registered to vote.

“A lot of times they want to register and they just don’t have a way,” Carroll said.

Many county and state events are planned for the coming year. Some of these are outlined as follows:

The next county meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Helen’s Place. Then, on Feb. 16, the club will host speaker Dorman Grace, a candidate for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture.

March 24-25 is Legislative Days in Montgomery. Carroll hopes to participate in a press conference on the State Capitol steps regarding federal bills on immigration, and charter schools in Alabama. Presenting will be Elois Zeanah, president, Alabama Federation of Republican Women.

There will also be state and national conferences for Republican women. For more information, contact Carroll at 280-7581.