Although Pachyderm Clubs are allied to the Republican Party, they have no direct control over party politics.They represent a movement that is intended to keep the spark of Republicanism alive between elections. The “Preamble” of the Pachyderm clubs states:

“It is our belief that most of the corrupting influences in American politics could be erased and government generally made more responsive by one basic improvement. That is, simply, for more good citizens to participate in politics. ‘We get the government that we deserve, not the one we wish for’ remains a guide star for free people. We offer a meaningful movement of political clubs as the most practical means by which a broad citizen citizen participation in politics may be achieved.

The Pachyderm “Purpose” is as follows:

• To provide a practical means for broad citizenship participation in politics.
• To promote practical political education and dissemination of information on our political system.
• To promote the development of potential political leaders.
• To assist in carrying out the purposes of the Republican Party, whose purposes we believe include:

• To provide leadership in government
• To protect individual rights and freedoms
• To promote clean government with local emphasis
• To keep the public informed on the status of their government

Pachyderm clubs function much like civic service organizations, normally meeting over lunch for programs, fellowship and community service. But unlike most service clubs, Pachyderms emphasize presentations on local, state and national issues in quest of information designed to upgrade our knowledge and enhance our political effectiveness.

Any political funds raised are provided directly to the Republican Central Committee in support of
Republican candidates. No club position is established where there is more than one candidate in a primary election. Nor does the club, under any circumstance, take a position on issues.

Pachyderm clubs are organized under the offices of the State Federation of Pachyderm Clubs. The State Federation reports to the offices of the National Federation of the Grand Order of Pachyderm Clubs located in Missouri. Local Pachyderm clubs coordinate closely with local Republican Central Committees, with the chairperson of the Central Committee serving as an ex oficio member of the Pachyderm Board of Directors.

The Republican Central Committee is a direct subsidiary of the State Republican Party. Its purpose is to organize local Republican Party activities. This includes finding precinct chairs, developing candidates for government office, supporting local, state and national Republican candidates, as well as many other services to Republicans of the county. The Central Committee is primarily responsible for finding workers to assist candidates in their office races and to facilitate communication from the “grass roots” level to the office holders. Ultimately, the Central Committee helps the party function locally, keeping Republicans energized, organized and unified.

Statement developed by Five Valleys Pachyderm Club Missoula, Montana. 3/10/98.