COS Missouri State Director Brett Sterley addresses a class at Seymour High School.
At Seymour High School in southwestern Missouri, teaching government, history, and current events is a perfect springboard for addressing self-governance and constitutional rights.
“I’m not locked into any certain subject,” says social studies teacher and Convention of States volunteer William Willis. “But I want my students to learn how our government works and to know they’re not powerless to enact change. If they choose to become active in the process [of government] they’ll know what to do.”
William Wills, Teacher
During Constitution Week last September, Willis invited long-time friend and COS Missouri Director Brett Sterley to discuss the COS movement and the U.S. Constitution’s amendment process.
“In my classes we speak about voting, do voter drives with Student Council groups, hold mock elections, and work to empower students,” says Willis. “But Brett brought a different perspective of securing individual rights through grassroots activism."
Brett discussed Article V, its constitutional foundation, purpose, process, and relevance to curbing federal overreach and returning power to We the People. His effort sparked post-presentation student questions about the Constitution and the COS movement.
These questions ranged from our founding principles to how a Convention of States would work. By generating a real-world understanding of how government policies affect our lives, COS advocates often empower and motivate others, no matter what their age.
Informing students of the Article V constitutional right to hold an amendments convention is only one tool to grow student interest in government. Garnering involvement is another. Willis, for instance, has his students develop current events videos, which are broadcast weekly on the high school TV channel.
Last September they participated in The Constitution Project, an experience Willis hopes to repeat this year. The Constitution Project is the brainchild of Missouri Associate Circuit Judge Douglas Gaston. It’s a hands-on introduction to the legislative process of submitting bills, debating opposing arguments in the state capitol chamber, and holding mock trials based on pseudo crime scene evidence gathered by students with the help of the Missouri Highway Patrol.
“Students in high school are basically adults,” says Willis. “They’re 16 to 18 years old, have self-interests, and are concerned about how today’s issues and events will affect their future. They are the future of our country, and it’s time we include and engage them in the COS movement to restore and protect our individual rights.”
Young Americans for COS recently was formed to engage college-age students in lobbying, learning, and promoting the principles of self-governance. A COS program to spark interest in constitutional self-governance for high schoolers is under consideration.
If you have contacts within your local school district, recommendations on how to engage students in interesting COS activities, or are interested in promoting the COS in a classroom setting, contact COS Missouri State Director Brett Sterley at brett.sterley@cosaction.com.
“We can’t write off these young adults,” says Brett. “You never know the impact you’ll have, the patriot you’ll inspire, or the legacy you’ll leave."
