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ABOUT US

Take Your Stand is a non-partisan organization dedicated to informing citizens about their elected officials and fostering civil political engagement. Our mission is simple: to ensure voters know who their representatives are, what they do, and how they serve the community—without bias or persuasion.

Take Your Stand

Who We Are

Founded on October 16, 2025, Take Your Stand is led by President Daniel Helmer, Vice President Lucas Moore, Secretary Wesley Parr, and Treasurer Dalton Nystrom. While headquartered and primarily set in Rockford, Illinois, our team spans multiple states, including California, Illinois, Michigan, and Washington, D.C.

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We are supported by a diverse group of members and volunteers who contribute ideas, organize events, and help shape the direction of TYS. Whether coordinating debates, promoting our mission online, or starting a local chapter, everyone has a role to make an impact.

Our Goals

Take Your Stand aims to inform constituents about elected officials at all levels—local, state, and federal—by:

  • Highlighting who they are personally: their background, career path, and motivations for public service.

  • Explaining what they do in office: daily responsibilities, initiatives, and accomplishments.

  • Clarifying the role of the office itself: from aldermen and city council members to state legislators and governors.

We also plan to provide opportunities for direct engagement, including:

  • Q&A sessions where officials can explain their office and answer questions from constituents.

  • Debates and discussions between candidates or officeholders on topics relevant to their jurisdiction.

  • Cross-city or cross-district forums for officials to collaborate and share insights.

Through these initiatives, Take Your Stand hopes to give voters a clear understanding of who represents them and how their government works.

What Makes Us Unique

We believe every election deserves a chance for voters to hear directly from candidates and officeholders. While our initial focus is on local and state-level officials in Illinois, our vision is to expand nationwide.

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Take Your Stand emphasizes frequent, educational, and non-partisan engagement—preparing the infrastructure and opportunities for debates, speeches, and Q&A sessions, even if they are not happening yet. Members are encouraged to help build chapters, coordinate events, and expand access to political information across the country.

Vision for Debates and Engagement

When fully implemented, Take Your Stand hopes to:

  • Host debates for mayors, aldermen, city council members, state legislators, and federal candidates.

  • Offer educational Q&A sessions for constituents to ask questions and learn about elected officials’ roles and responsibilities.

  • Encourage collaboration and dialogue between officials from different districts, cities, or states.

By creating these opportunities, we aim to make civic engagement more accessible, transparent, and routine for all voters.

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