Grassroots activism came alive as advocates for hard-working, regular Americans of both political parties spoke with house representatives, senators, and staff in Lansing on Tuesday, May 10. Feedback from these 12 Convention of States Michigan volunteers consisted of their stories about the day, including an interview seen later in this article.
Several attendees noted learning the importance of relationship building with the ‘gatekeepers’ (i.e., legislative staff and learning from other teammates):
· "After calling numerous times and not receiving call backs, it felt good to show my face, so the staff knew who I am!" – Denise Steil (first time in Lansing to visit reps)
· "My rep’s aide appreciated me remembering his coming wedding last time I visited and was excited about his upcoming one-year anniversary. My House Rep. Kevin Coleman (D) heard me speaking with the aide, and said, "yes, I hear you, Laurie… come on in!" – Laurie Sallans, State Block Walk Captain (third time in Lansing to visit reps)
· "It was interesting seeing the hierarchy, seeing that, yes, there’s a House representative or senator, but there’s also the legislative coordinator. Often, this is the one you should talk to." – John Philips, District Captain
· "The aide was looking through his notes (as we spoke with the senator), and you could tell that the legislators rely heavily on their staff to keep track of issues." – Mike Ruiz, Social Media Warrior (first visit to Lansing to visit reps)
· "It was great to meet Tisdale’s staff, since I had talked with them several times. It was encouraging to watch Kathleen O’Laughlin interact with them too. It was a great experience." – Rachel (first visit to Lansing to visit reps)
· "I realized it is about just going in there and talking with them (not taking things personally, as I learned from Bill)." – Jerrie Bilello (second visit to Lansing to visit reps)
Other attendees reflected on the experience watching the House of Representatives and the Senate in session:
· "It was a great experience to understand the structure and how things work." – Mike Ruiz
· "I was glad to see them in action (in session). I also got to talk with reps from two districts I represent." – Nancy Chambers (first visit to Lansing to visit reps)
· "We tried to call our senator off the floor during session. Many senators did not appear engaged, including our senator. While she would not leave the floor to speak with us, I later noticed her fidgeting during the session, and not appearing very engaged." – Dave Ray (third visit to Lansing to visit reps)
Several attendees spoke with their legislators:
· "As I was meeting with Kevin Coleman, my House rep, I indicated that I’ve been vetting his opponent in the coming election (a Republican) and will be meeting with him today at 4:30 for him to sign the COS pledge (to support the resolution when it comes to a vote)" – Laurie Sallans
· "Halfway through the meeting, when we were talking about things moving towards socialism in the United States and that things may be too far gone already, Ruth said Convention of States gives her hope, and that Convention of States and the grassroots army is very important to the United States. She seemed very engaged and seemed to take to the COS idea so well. It blew my mind that she was so supportive and so honored by what we’re doing. I talked about living in Venezuela and about working in the Michigan National Guard for 10 years… she appreciated that and is very supportive of veterans. She seemed very attentive and very helpful. I look forward to meeting again with her soon." – Mike Ruiz
· "Today, I got to meet with my rep, Doug Wozniak. I wanted to know why he was running. I liked watching Denise go in first and speak with him. It was encouraging." – Sue Milligan (second visit to Lansing to visit reps)
· "I did not get to see my rep, Padma Kuppa, even though I had an appointment. I was able to meet with Rep. Tisdale with Rachel though." – Kathleen O’Laughlin (third visit to Lansing to visit reps)
William ("Bill") Pacey, State Grassroots Coordinator, closed by reiterating the importance of:
· Each of us finding at least one new volunteer as engaged as each of us
· Getting to at least 200,000 Michigan petition signers (we have 86,000)
· Researching the precinct delegate ‘write-in candidate’ process and becoming a write-in candidate if we missed the May 3 deadline for being on the ballot
· Block walking
