Jefferson County Pachyderms

To promote political education and the dissemination of information on our political system

To assist in carrying out the mission of the Republican Party, which includes: Providing leadership in government, protecting freedoms, promoting clean government with local emphasis

To provide a public forum for the discussion of all sides of issues of local concern

To encourage citizen involvement in government at all levels from serving on boards and commissions to running for office

To provide training for both candidates and Republican volunteers throughout the year

To provide an environment of “Fun, Fellowship and Program”

History

The concept of the Pachyderm Club was developed in 1967 in Columbia, Missouri as an informal gathering of citizens with their legislator. Pachyderm founder George Parker had just become the first Republican elected to the Missouri legislature from Boone County since reconstruction and he had a strong desire to keep in contact with his supporters and constituents. He laid plans that each Friday he would return home to Columbia and have a luncheon with whoever chose to join him. The intention was simply to create a consistent forum for the interchange of ideas between himself and those in attendance, but ultimately became much more. The unofficial gathering became known as the “Noon at the Boone” group in recognition of the Daniel Boone Hotel where they meet each week. In 1968 the members decided to formalize their organization. They incorporated under the laws of Missouri and had a naming contest. The winning name was the “Grand Order of Pachyderm Clubs” a play on the words GOP. Pachyderm Clubs have since spread across the country and have been recognized by the Republican Party as a great resource.

The Jefferson County Pachyderm Club was chartered in April of 2013 and is proud to be the first chartered club in Jefferson County. We are committed work to achieve the mission and goals of the National Federation of Pachyderms.

Pachyderm Preamble

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

Whereas:

Free Government Requires Active Citizens

Therefore:

The Jefferson County Pachyderm Club Covenant to Our Community That:

We will strive to inform and involve all citizens in political participation.

We will assist in training candidates and volunteers in campaign techniques.

We will endeavor to present opposing viewpoints on political issues.

We will focus on the development of political leaders.

We will orient our members in the ideals of the Pachyderm Club movement.

We will support the purposes of the Republican Party and its ideals of liberty and justice for all.