Hawaii's Summit team meets Pete Hegseth! Left to Right: Emil Svrcina (DC), Jake Wilson (DC), Francie Whitfield (DC), Pete Hegseth, Mark White (SD), Brett Kulbis (GC).
WOW!
That's the only way to describe the reaction of five intrepid members of the Hawaii team who made their way to the state of Virginia to attend the first-ever Convention of States Leadership Summit.
Held in Colonial Williamsburg, the Summit was history in the making as 400+ grassroots leaders from all 50 states assembled to participate in one of the best-run, best-organized conferences attended by any member of the team.
The list of guest speakers, presenters, and workshops was impressive and ambitious.
Notable speakers:
- President George Washington
- Wallbuilder's David Barton
- Political Activist and COS Board President Eric O'Keefe
- Fox News Anchor Pete Hegseth
- Representative, VA 6th Congressional District, James Madison
- Council for the NRA Charles Cooper
- U.S. Ambassador to France, Thomas Jefferson
- Businessman, Christian Philosopher Tim Dunn
Two especially powerful and emotional presentations were made by two tireless advocates for Convention of States:
- Dr. Tom Coburn, retired U.S. Senator from Oklahoma and Convention of States Senior advisor received a unique COS Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Conservative radio/TV host/author Mark Levin gave an incredibly rousing Saturday evening keynote address.
Photos tell the story:
David Barton talked about constitutional principles. President Washington gave a farewell address. Members of Team Hawaii spent a pleasant moment with Dr. Tom Coburn.
Representative James Madison addressed the "delegates assembled." The NRA's Charles Cooper was enthusiastically received. Ambassador Thomas Jefferson explained the purpose for a limited government. On Sunday Tim Dunn closed the event with incredibly inspirational sermon on the Bible and politics.
Watch Representative James Madison's address below.
Workshops Enhance the Experience
The many workshops and panel discussions put on by the COS national staff provided valuable information about how to build grassroots and legislative activity at state level with topics such as:
- How to engage state legislators
- Principles of servant leadership
- Strong District Captains and engaged volunteers
- Using COS tools to our best advantage
- Simple ways to make a difference
Watch this Facebook live streaming event introducing our three Hawaii District Captains attending the event:
Jake Wilson 
Emil Svrcina 
Francie Whitfield
Keynote Address
The Saturday evening dinner with Mark Levin proved to be the highlight of the Summit. The popular conservative broadcaster and author mesmerized the full room of grassroots activists.
With his wife Julie looking on (lower right, center photo) Mark Levin speaks to the Summit audience and then enjoys some lighthearted moments with Mark Meckler.
Saturday's presentations included national awards given out to several state and region leaders and culminated in a very moving award for lifetime achievement given to Senior Advisor Dr. Tom Coburn for his incredible commitment to Convention of States.
View the entire Saturday evening program as well as other live-streamed events on our Convention of States Facebook page here.
