Kankakee Times

Family values and a focus on future opportunities for all are driving a group known as the Kankakee County Republican Women (KCRW) to get more and more involved in promoting conservative objectives in local, state and national government.

According to the KCRW's website, the women who make up the group are united by a strong focus on family values and education, as well as policy that promotes economic growth and prosperity. They say their efforts are designed to build a future where Illinois has continued opportunities and freedoms.

With an emphasis on the role of women in politics, the grassroots group works to enhance the effectiveness of women in the promotion of conservative principles. It supports the Republican National Party and Republican candidates across all elections, fostering loyalty to the party. The groups also strives to serve as a resource for conservative viewpoints, providing information to its own members and the public at large through education and outreach.

KCRW lists its three primary goals as advocacy, education and inspiration.

Through its advocacy work, the group promotes candidates with similar beliefs, including Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee). The women try to help candidates by identifying, encouraging and empowering them on their path to public office. The group also promotes causes and events that align with their objectives, values and policy beliefs.

KCRW’s emphasis on education includes hosting events featuring prominent speakers and Republican candidates. The group promotes foundational education on a range of political topics as well as career-building information that benefits multiple facets of people's lives.

Using their group's expertise and policy knowledge, the women promote conservative policy within their communities and especially in their local education systems, lobbying elected representatives making decisions for their school districts.

Illinois has a long history of women’s political involvement, particularly in relation to schools. The state granted women the right to vote in elections for school officials in 1891 after determined work by Illinoisan women, a source of inspiration for members of KCRW, the group said. Building on that history of action, the group said it wants to inspire its own member and women in Kankakee County’s various communities.

Though its website and Facebook page, the KCRW covers political developments at the local, state and national level and emphasizes fellowship among members. KCRW also turns its resources toward promoting its members and other candidates for public office.

The group hosts a meeting on the third Saturday of every month and often holds speaking engagements, debates and question-and-answer sessions with candidates and elected officials. It also develops, publishes and distributes educational materials. KCRW often works in conjunction with the Illinois Federation of Republican Women, and many of its members are active in the state-level organization.

KCRW is led by Tinker Parker, the president of its board of directors, and Sandi Cianci, the vice president. Other board members include Carol Webber as secretary, Sharon Reilly as treasurer and Judge Susan Tungate as parliamentarian.

Those interested in working with the organization, whether to learn more about local political initiatives or support conservative policy and candidates, can join as full or associate members. Associate members, with an annual membership fee of $15, are full participants in the group but do not have voting rights. Full members, who do have voting rights, pay $30.