Thank you for that rather sad, cautionary tale. I will look into the foundation you mentioned. As I contemplate a run for office your comments offer an important reminder.

Hi Brad, RE:  Your New Rule - YES, indeed! Seek to understand!!*

Here's a brief sad "communications micro-economic" story about how the Republicans missed that point at the grass roots level in my city in 2004:

      In early 2004 at a small community gathering in a public library just north of Boston, MA, the local Republican Official organizer introduced a fine brave (previously unknown) candidate to the local voters who had gathered there. As a casual networker of "new American Neighbors" (read that: immigrants at all stages of naturalization and otherwise) I attended the meeting, hoping to find a communication bridge to help these new voters become engaged and participate in democracy.  At the Q/A session, I asked what kind of infrastructure would the Republican Party build so that average people could interact more with the party - i.e. become INVOLVED.  The official replied that they would do what they've always done, etc. etc.  Likewise, the middle aged candidate had nothing new to offer. They did not inquire of me or anyone else in the room what in our opinion could be done to help get us on board!!  During the mingling time following the meeting, I spoke to the organizer and candidate to offer a suggestion for an approach that had already proven successful in greater Boston*. Their response seemed cool as the Official kept looking at his watch and interjecting instructions to the committee about their schedule.  Result: (1) I got the distinct impression that people who would not listen to me for 2 minutes on the campaign trail probably would not listen to me if elected to office; (2) without a mechanism to get connected with the party and engaged and build bridges to the new American neighbors, I got so disappointed I dropped out of the active scene. 

      Many months later, I discovered that the candidate had borrowed against his home mortgage to finance the campaign.  After losing the election, he lost his home, where he and his lovely wife had raised and educated three children.

 Eventually I did find a way to assist ethnic communities in learning the electoral process by using community access TV.  The local Republican mayoral candidate who, as longtime City Clerk, had vigorously interacted with the new American neighbors in our city.  He won.

Brad, the successful approach to building constituencies of understanding is taught by the Industrial Areas Foundation. It has an impressive nationwide track record.  Although I am no longer actively participating, I still believe that their training programs could be used effectively to strengthen the Republican Party.