TAMPA (CBSMIAMI/AP) — Do you want to get involved in politics? Now is the time. The host committee for the Republican National Convention is looking for about 7,500 volunteers to greet people, hand out t-shirts and other tasks.

According to the Tampa Tribune, the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee has signed up about half of the needed volunteers.

Committee organizers say they’re looking for all ages, ethnicities and political affiliations to help with the August convention.

Training, maps and manuals will help the volunteers answer common questions about the area. Organizers hope the friendly volunteers will help sway convention-goers to return to the area on vacation.

To register for the volunteer program, go to www.2012tampa.com/getinvolved.

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