If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you probably know that I’m a runner. If not, then you know now. I don't set any land speed records. I do run at a steady pace, with no threat to win a race. And, it’s been a couple years since I’ve run consistently so I’m working to get back on track.
I was out for a run last week and something occurred to me. Why does it feel like there’s more resistance running into the wind than there is assistance running with the wind? Well, the answer came to me pretty quickly. Let’s do the math using this example.
Wind speed: 10 mph
- Running speed: 10 minutes/mile or 6 mph
- Running into the wind: 10 mph wind + 6 mph running speed = 16 mph headwind
- Running with the wind: 10 mph wind – 6 mph running speed = 4 mph tailwind
So, it wasn’t just me! It does require much more effort to run into the wind than I save by running with the wind. Here I thought it was simply age slowing me down! And this is quite often how it feels when we’re working on pro-liberty issues – like volunteering for Convention of States Action (COSA.)
Today’s the day. The winds of change are about to blow. – Representative Ken Ivory (UT) and President of the 2017 Convention of States Foundation’s Article V Simulation
To increase volunteer participation, first, we need to educate the person we’re speaking with. Often, there’s a high likelihood they’re not familiar with the Constitution, or how government is supposed to work. How many times have you heard someone say, “Oh, I am not interested in politics.” Well, one of the reasons we are where we are is because there’s not enough grassroots involvement in the political process. That’s the main reason COSA exists! If we don't know what our rights are, then how will we ever know our rights are being violated or what to do about it.
After that, we can describe the amendment process in Article V. This is a point where we may encounter a misunderstanding of the amendment process and an inaccurate view of history. It’s difficult for someone to change their mind because they first must admit to themselves their current point of view is incorrect, and this goes against human nature.
If they make an honest effort to seek the truth, even though it may be contrary to their point of view, they may conclude their initial belief was incorrect and arrive at a new conclusion. When this occurs the person, often they become much more committed to their new position. National endorsers of Convention of States Action like Mark Meckler, Mark Levin, Rob Natelson and several others were initially opposed to the convention of states process. Once they did the historical research to challenge themselves, they realized their original position was incorrect. The fact that they went through this process strengthened their conviction and support for COSA.
Now, contrast the aforementioned steps in speaking with someone who has a limited government mindset and is not familiar with Article V. When you explain the history and process, it’s more likely they’ll agree more quickly. They’re more receptive to agreement than the person who’s had to “unlearn” their opposing position first. They may be just as strong an advocate as the person in the first example. And yet, I’ve found the first type of person is consistently a stronger advocate.
Yes, there’s way more time and effort invested in the first case. And even though the second example is easier, the amount of effort saved is much less than the additional effort needed to bring a change of heart with person #1.
The next step is to inspire the supporter to volunteer for Convention of States Action. Inspiring supporters and advocates will be the subject of other blogs in this series.
In commemoration of Convention of States Action’s 10th anniversary, we’ve launched our Power of 10 Challenge. We are asking all of our supporters to gather 10 new petition signers in the month of October. Additionally, we’re passing this challenge on to the new petition signer to obtain 10 petition signers of their own. Building a grassroots team of self-governing citizen activists is our primary goal.
Click this link for more information on our Power of 10 Challenge. If you want to volunteer on the Missouri Convention of States Action team, click this link to our Take Action page. Today, our republic hangs in the balance. We The People have the ability to correct our nation’s course. Will you step up to the challenge? There is no time better than Now!
In liberty,
Brett
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