COS MO June, 2019 Newsletter

June, 2019

All Eyes on the Prize

State of the State Update

Brett Sterley, State Director

Convention of States Missouri

Activism is Critical to Restoring Constitutional Governance

The Missouri State Legislature concluded its 2019 regular session in May, but the work of building a Convention of States army of activists and advocates has really just begun. Our experiences at this year’s session solidified a foundational belief: changing hearts and minds, gaining votes and moving legislation requires continuous grassroots involvement.

Every legislative session takes on a life of its own, and Missouri’s 2019 session was no exception. This year the Missouri General Assembly experienced a significant amount of turnover. With 63 new legislators of a total 197 we had a lot of work to do, including growing new relationships and educating freshman legislators about the Convention of States movement. Between our team’s presence at the Capitol and our Capitol Surge event in February, we contacted every legislator. Yet we also faced a jam-packed legislative agenda that overshadowed moving our Commissioner Selection Resolution into law.

Missouri passed the initial Convention of States application in 2017, and passing this Commissioner Selection Resolution was the next step in the process. As submitted, the resolution established guidelines for how Missouri will select its commissioners and monitor their behavior at a Convention of States. Although the resolution stalled in the Senate, there’s no need to fret. The inability to pass it wasn’t the beginning of the end. Rather, it was the end of the beginning. With your help, we’ll work harder, smarter and more effectively in 2020 and move this legislation into law. Why? Because our ultimate goal is growing our grassroots army of citizen activists who are committed to the principles of self-governance.

If you’re not yet fully engaged in the Missouri Convention of States, now’s the time to get involved. In fact, you can jump-start the process by:

Getting in touch with your district captain to see where your skills and passion can have the greatest effect
Building a healthy relationship with your local legislators
Becoming a convention of states advocate or ambassador at every opportunity.

You will find learning links, volunteering ideas and a host of other resources on the Convention of States website. Additionally, watch your e-mail and text messages for upcoming newsletters, updates and calls to action. The Missouri Convention of States movement is only as strong as our grassroots team. Thank you for being a champion for restoring our freedoms.

Spotlight on Volunteering

Simple Ways to Become an Engaged Volunteer

The lazy days of summer are the perfect time for parties, casual conversation – and advocacy. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact on future generations, now’s the time to brush up on Article V of the U.S. Constitution (at COS University) and consider your local outreach options. Registration for COS University requires that you set up a profile and instructions are available on the COS Missouri website.

The Missouri Convention of States team could use your help in three specific areas: Legislator Outreach, Special Events Planning and Coordination, and Community Outreach. The break before the 2020 election season poses a host of opportunities for you to actively grow awareness of and to educate others about the constitutional right and urgent need of holding a convention of states amendments convention. Message points, background information, and Convention of States presentation materials are available on the COS Missouri website. Also, consider these advocacy outlets:

Legislative Outreach

Hosting a networking 'meet and greet,' happy hour or 'coffee with your congressman'
Meeting personally with your local legislator
Volunteering for a candidate's 2020 campaign

Special Events

Staffing a COS informational booth at local and state fairs, gun shows and craft festivals
Planning a COS Q&A presentation at your local High School for U.S. Constitution Day on September 17

Community Outreach

Engaging with local civic and religious groups
Volunteering for open board positions

Spotlight on Education

COS University is your Gateway to Learning

Whether you’re a veteran or a recent recruit, learning is a fundamental requirement of being an engaged COS volunteer. Do you know the background of how Article V originated? Are you prepared to correct false claims made by opponents to the Convention of States movement? If not, it’s time to log into COS University and begin an inspiring journey. At COS University, you’ll learn about America’s foundational principles and how to relate them to everyday conversation. You’ll find tactics to effectively influence your local government officials. Plus, you’ll receive in-depth training on Article V and the Convention of States movement. COS University currently offers two online introductory and six leadership courses – all of which you can take at your own pace. Courses continue to be added and updated, so make sure to check the COS University course catalog frequently.

Spotlight on Jefferson City

Your Involvement is Crucial to Effective Government

Please consider contacting your legislators and thanking them for their service this past session. Contact Your Legislators In Jefferson City. Your legislators may be back in their districts but their Jefferson City offices remain open to receive mail and to help their constituents with any issues. Their service to our state is invaluable and often under-appreciated. We hope you will take the time to express your appreciation.

It's Quiz Time

On May 12, 2017, Missouri became the 12th state to adopt our Resolution, and this Resolution has a Sunset Clause attached (expiration.) When does this Sunset Clause expire? [Answer will be in the July, 2019 Newsletter]