WESTPHALIA, Mo. - For young families, with little ones' activities and building careers, taking an active part in the political process can be a challenge.
Making it to the polls once or twice a year inside a 13-hour window is too much for some.
But for a surprising number of 30-somethings in Osage County, being part of the Republican Committee is a priority they squeeze into their busy schedules.
"It's fantastic to see young people step up and bring their youthful energy," said former Missouri House Speaker and former U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway, a St. Louis lawyer and the only Republican who has announced plans to run for governor in 2016. "Other communities are looking to this county - how'd they do that?"
Chairman Kevin Harvey, 36, joined the committee four years ago. He has brought along his wife, Tonya, and young children to many of the social events.
The Harveys hope that their children will have an appreciation for the process.
It wasn't the pursuit of candidacy that brought Harvey to the committee, but rather getting involved to be part of making the change he wants to see in government agendas, he said.
"I've always felt if you don't vote, you have no right to complain," Harvey said. "That extends to the process."
Through the committee's work, Harvey gets to spend time with candidates prior to elections, and he stays well-informed on current issues.
Then, he has the responsibility of passing on that information to his neighbors.
A topic that has been a common question in Osage County recently is the new township and legislative district lines.
And Harvey has been proud of the committee's work to host Meet The Candidate events the past three years.
"We're seeing more 20s and 30s who want to have more of a say than (just) a vote every other November," Harvey said. "I hope this is the beginning of a trend."
Technology may be a catalyst, making it easier to keep up with issues and events, he said.
At 30, Rachel Bauer is one of the Osage County Republican Committee's youngest member. She also happens to be the first female chief of staff for Republican leadership at the Missouri Capitol.
"I like making things happen for our state," Bauer said. "What we do has a potential impact on our lives and the lives of our children. It's fun to be an influence."
With a toddler and an infant at home, Bauer appreciates her husband, Chris, who supports her committee work outside the work day.
Bauer said she enjoys the wisdom and camaraderie among the older members on the committee.
"There's nothing like being here; we've been raised with the same morals and values and desires for our children," she said.