Written by Parker Hollingshead and Carl Miller.
1 Tim 4:12 (NIV) “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Nothing expedites friendship more effectively than laughter—just ask the Convention of States interns.
From the moment we crammed into a car with COS President Mark Meckler, destined for the Ronald Reagan Library and Prager University studios, it was clear we were in for a whirlwind of patriotic experiences and fun conversations.
Our group of young patriots from across the nation had never met in person, but we became instant friends who shared laughs and stories.
The bonds we formed grew from our contribution to COS during the preceding four months—strengthening the movement’s social media presence, making technological improvements, working with citizen volunteers, writing press releases, and researching vital information.
The California excursion capped a 14-week internship in which seven liberty-loving students immersed themselves in the COS movement and built lasting friendships.
In our brief two days together, we shared multiple once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
After touring President and Mrs. Reagan’s personal quarters, we boarded Reagan’s Air Force One plane. Later that day, we visited the studios at Prager University, filmed two videos, and had an unforgettable meet-and-greet with Will Witt.
The day culminated with a wreath-laying ceremony at President Reagan’s graveside. Reagan’s legacy inspired us to be a voice for our generation in the fight for self-governance.
As we honored the great statesman, we realized exactly what we had gained from COS: a heart for humble service and the tools to defend liberty.
Throughout the internship, we learned the value of servant leadership—committing oneself to a greater cause, so that others may be influenced to excel in life. In the more simplified and straightforward words of Servant Leadership author David Kuhnert, true leadership means “influencing others to get THERE.”
The exemplary national staff at COS modeled this standard of leadership for us, investing their time and resources to mentor each intern on a personal and professional level.
“The environment drove me not just to be an efficient worker, but a good person and an effective leader as well,” said Illinois intern Jadon Buzzard.
At the President’s graveside, our understanding of servant leadership came full circle as we reflected on Reagan’s service to the country. He believed that “America’s best days are yet to come.”
As young people committed to COS, we embrace Reagan’s optimism for the future of our country.
Youth activism is an integral component of the COS movement. More than ever before, college and high school students must recognize that their future is at stake.
“As young people,” writes intern Jacob Zanca, “we have the opportunity to lead the way for others in changing this country for the better.”
We currently face a national debt that threatens to exceed 100% of the GDP within 10 years. Yet the federal government seems oblivious to the impending crisis.
Politicians in D.C. jealously guard their careers and enrich themselves at the expense of We the People.
It’s time we use the constitutional tool that our Framers gave us to solve these problems.
You can join our ranks with thousands of other young people and help accomplish this by supporting the Convention of States resolution in your state.
Whether you sign on as a volunteer or apply for the internship, you have the capacity to make a difference.
Let’s show the country that Reagan was right. “America’s best days are yet to come,” and our Constitution is worth protecting.
