The Weld County GOP started when a small group of citizens decided to speak up against slavery in the 1850s. These individuals were soon joined by others who wanted freedom from government charges, free soil, free speech, and free labor. Today's members of the Weld County GOP still hold these same values and are members of the Republican party. GOPs exist in almost every area throughout the United States, but the Weld County GOP is a particularly strong and well attended organization, one that is an exemplar to others throughout the nation. The Weld County GOP operates under some very basic but very important beliefs. First and foremost, the Weld County GOP maintains the belief that its members are fortunate to live in the great nation that is the United States of America. It believes that American citizens are blessed to have rights and freedoms and that all people have the ability to make their dreams come true and to become whatever they want. The Weld County GOP affirms that through hard work, the support of the family, and tremendous amounts of self discipline, individuals can attain their goals. It also believes in helping others through voluntary giving and community service. The Weld County GOP believes that small government is the best government, because this will keep governmental powers from infringing on the rights of citizens. The organization believes in low taxes, free markets, logical business regulations, supporting the armed forces, preserving national strength, and extending peace. Anyone who can agree with these beliefs is welcome to join the Weld County GOP. Resolutions that members of the Weld County GOP and that members of the Republican party as a whole are currently supporting include affordable health care but not national socialized health care legislation, fiscally responsible limited national government, strong national defense, private property rights, opposition of gun control, religious freedom and freedom of religious expression, conservation of Colorado water, less regulation of the oil and gas industries, English as the "official" language of the United States, controlling United States borders to stop illegal immigration, the reduction of frivolous lawsuits, educational excellence, primary elections, traditional marriage, and more. Those whose thoughts are in accordance with these and with the beliefs of the Republican party and who are residents of Weld County are encouraged to join the Weld County GOP. Those who wish to apply for membership or to find out more about the Weld County GOP and what it stands for are encouraged to research the Republican party as a whole. If more information is required or if the individual would still like to pursue GOP membership, the current Weld County GOP Chair should be contacted for an application or for further inquiries.