The Republican Party seeks to learn from its mistakes—and it wants your help

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—The Republican Party is looking for advice.

To kick off this week's Republican National Committee's winter strategy session, which will focus in part on how to broaden the party's appeal to women and minority voters, the RNC on Thursday launched a website soliciting ideas and constructive criticism about what the party did wrong in 2012—and what it can do better over the next four years.

The site, which is part of its "Growth and Opportunity Project" created to analyze the last election, includes a wide-ranging survey seeking input on things such as whether Republicans should spend more or less time talking about the economy, national security, social issues or taxes. "Do you think the Republican Party shares your values?" it continues, after asking about demographics like race, age and gender. "Do you think the Republican Party listens to voters like you?"

The survey also asks about five areas where it needs improvement: "Diversity within the Party," "The Party's position on issues," "How the Party communicates with voters," "The process of selecting the best candidate" and "The Party's infrastructure and tactics used in campaigns."

Although Republicans dominated the 2010 midterm elections with gains in the House and Senate, Democrats retained control of the White House and Senate, and bolstered their minority in the House just two years later. President Barack Obama won 332 Electoral College votes and, perhaps more alarming for the GOP, enjoyed support from more than 70 percent of Hispanic and more than 95 percent of black voters.

Now, Republicans are keen to learn how to conduct better outreach to minorities and regain a foothold among a new pool of voters.

The RNC has tasked five co-chairs to lead the effort. The team, which consists of two white men, one white woman and one Hispanic woman, and a black man, will produce a report in the spring that summarizes their findings about last year's election and advice they received from RNC members and the public.

In a video accompanying the new site, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus urged voters to lend a hand in the effort.

"What do you think the party must do better? Where do we go in the future?" he asked. "We're listening."