Lithia Resident Recruits Volunteers for Republican National Convention

These days, Debbie Cox Roush doesn't get to spend much time at her home in Fish Hawk Trails.

Instead, she's most likely to be found at the Tampa Bay Times Forum where workers are setting the stage for the 40th Republican National Convention in Tampa Aug 27-30.

As operations-volunteer coordinator for the Committee on Arrangements, Cox Roush has been tasked with the awesome responsibility of filling thousands of volunteer positions necessary for a successful convention.

A longtime political activist, Cox Roush served as vice chairman of the Florida Republican Party in 2009-10 and was grassroots coordinator for Restory Justice, a conservative political group.

"It is amazing to see the transformation taking place at the forum," Cox Roush told members of the Alafia Republican Club last month. "It's going to be a great event."

In addition to accommodating 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories, convention organizers will welcome Republican movers and shakers, convention speakers and 15,000 credentialed members of the media. All 670,000 square feet is expected to be packed with 50,000 convention participants and observers.

To help the event run smoothly, Roush Cox said the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee is recruiting, training and managing 7,500 volunteers to be the faces of Tampa Bay.

Volunteers will welcome guests at local airports and hotels throughout the area, as well as support host committee programs and a variety of events.

"It's an exciting time to be in Tampa Bay and it's a great opportunity for local Republicans to get involved. We're looking for people who have the passion and the personal experiences that will resonate with this amazing gift that has been bestowed upon the Tampa Bay area." she said. "Please step up and volunteer, and I'll figure out a way to use you."

Cox Roush said she's especially in need for volunteers for Monday, Aug. 27. These are positions that may require background checks. 

At the time of registration, volunteers will select a one-hour orientation session specific to their volunteer type. At orientation, all volunteers will be instructed to sign up for at least two four-hour volunteer shifts. All volunteers will be issued an official host committee uniform to wear during their volunteer service. And, following the convention, all volunteers will be invited to a celebratory event.

Anyone interested should contact Cox Roush as soon as possible at droush@gopconvention2012.com.