“Meet the Candidates Forum” hosted by the Federated Republican Ladies of Liberty (Florida chapter) on October 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m
- The Chairman
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
A Snapshot of Civic Engagement
This striking flyer announces the upcoming “Meet the Candidates Forum” hosted by the Federated Republican Ladies of Liberty (Florida chapter) on October 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446. The event features four Republican congressional candidates: Jared Gurfein, George Moraitis, Raven Harrison, and Joe Kaufman. According to the group’s website, the forum is part of their mission of helping women engage in the political process and fostering Republican‐friendly civic leadership. (Join us!)
Why This Matters
Access to candidates – In an era when many campaign engagements feel slick or remote, a “Meet the Candidates” forum offers an authentic opportunity for local citizens to see, hear, and engage with those who may seek to represent them. It brings democracy from abstraction into a tangible space: questions can be asked, visions can be compared, and voters can form more informed impressions.
Bringing women into politics – The hosting organization explicitly aims to empower women to participate, lead, and act in the political arena. Their mission: “to encourage greater participation of women in the political process by empowering our members … to serve as leaders in the political, governmental and civic arenas.” (Ladies of Liberty Florida) This kind of intentional outreach is a vital counterbalance to the often‐male-dominated nature of politics and helps diversify voices at all levels of decision‐making.
Local democracy in action – The event is not at the national or purely symbolic level; it is grounded in the local context: Palm Beach/Broward region, Florida’s Congressional District 23. Getting involved locally matters because many policy decisions—education, housing, infrastructure—are shaped by those closest to us. And yet citizens often underestimate how much impact local elected officials and candidates will have.
Encouraging voter readiness – Forums like these remind us that voting isn’t just a once-every-few-years act; it’s part of a continuum of civic engagement: showing up, asking questions, holding leaders accountable, staying informed. The organization’s website lists activities such as voter registration drives and issue education. (Ladies of Liberty Florida)
The Broader Importance of Political Involvement
Representation matters: If a community doesn’t step up to shape its leadership, decisions will still be made—but often by those who show up the most or are best organized. Your voice only counts if you use it.
What happens locally matters globally: Local forums impact how national‐level politics play out. Congressional campaigns feed into national balances of power; local policy sets precedents.
Civic health is sustained by participation: Democracy isn’t self-running. It thrives when citizens are engaged—when people ask questions, understand issues, hold leaders accountable, and step in when change is needed.
You’re not powerless: It can feel daunting to make a difference. But attending a candidate forum, joining a civic group, volunteering, or simply educating yourself are all ways of stating: “I care and I’ll be heard.”
Informed action beats apathy: Voting is foundational—but following up, staying aware of how policies affect daily life, and getting involved beyond election day builds a healthier society.
Takeaways & Tips if You Attend
Arrive with at least one question: Ask something concrete: “How will you address X issue in this district?” or “What do you see as your biggest challenge if elected?”
Note your values: Before attending, jot down 2‐3 issues you care most about (education, economy, housing, environment, etc.). That way you can evaluate candidates more clearly.
Engage respectfully: These forums are valued spaces for discourse. Listening to opposing views and asking clarifying questions doesn’t weaken your beliefs—it strengthens democracy.
Follow up: After the event, check what the candidates promised and see how they act going forward. Also consider volunteering or supporting a cause you believe in—it deepens your impact.
Bring a friend: Many people stay away simply because no one asked them to go. Invite a neighbor or colleague—community engagement grows through personal networks.
Final Word
At its heart, this flyer represents more than just an event—it symbolizes openness, dialogue, and civic empowerment. The “Meet the Candidates Forum” by the Federated Republican Ladies of Liberty is a reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport. From Delray Beach to statewide decisions, from women stepping into leadership roles to voters holding candidates to account—political engagement works when ordinary people show up.
If you're reading this and thinking, ”I don’t have time” or ”I’m just one person”—remember: one person attending one forum might spark conversations, memories, and action in a community. Collective impact begins with individual steps. Your voice does matter.
Comments