Monthly General Meeting
The February General Meeting is on Friday, the 12th. For time and location go to the Members Only section.
How To Get Involved In Politics And Why
By JJ Swiontek
“I was born in a log cabin. When I was a young man, I chopped down my father’s cherry tree. But, I could not tell a lie…. Later I became a community organizer.” :) But, seriously folks….
My name is JJ Swiontek. Born in Roswell, NM. Raised in South Texas. Moved to beautiful Colorado in 1979. Age 53; happily married; two kids; both grown. Cancer survivor, diabetic. Telephone man; 30 years, AT&T. And, of course, fellow Mensan.
I started getting involved in politics in November of 2006. I ran for the Colorado House of Representatives as a Republican in 2008 getting 19.9% of the vote. I’m running in 2010 for the same seat, but this time as a Democrat. You can get the rest of the story at the meeting. :)
I will be speaking on my experiences in my runs for public office and how you can get involved also. I deeply believe that more Mensans should get involved and apply their abilities to problems in our government at all levels.
Frank Herbert wrote, “Fear is the mind killer.” And the fear of public speaking is the largest hurdle in running for office.
The caucus system in Colorado; self-control and focus in meeting people; choosing in advance how you will react to your response triggers; creating a plan on how to reach your elected goal; knowing which hat to wear and at which time; and Labels…. I will be touching on these and a few other points, and then I will be answering your specific questions in detail.
All you ever wanted to know about the election process…. I look forward to meeting everyone.
Your servant,
JJ Swiontek
Candidate Colorado House of Representatives, District 5
Denver Mensa Contact phone: 303-279-1730