January 2021 changed everything. Although Kay MacQueen had prior experience being in “Facebook jail” simply for having an opinion, this time she decided it was just not right. From Mark Levin, she understood this was a clear violation of the free speech amendment and she wasn’t going to take it sitting down.
Following that latest "sentencing," she dove right in by recruiting her Dream Team from the COS dashboard. It was easy for someone as personable as Kay to reach out and speak to the other COS members individually. Many volunteers agreed that in the past they had lots of excuses to do nothing, but January was the catalyst. Most said “I am in! This has to stop. We have to stand up.”
Kay MacQueen is a busy grandmother of two, retired biology teacher from northern Michigan, bilingual former Peace Corps volunteer, but most of all, a motivated District Captain for House District 32.
Kay joined COS in 2019 when her work at a church pantry was noticed by the COS Region 4 Captain, who recruited her as a prayer warrior. It sounded like a perfect match for her values and beliefs.
COS Business
As Kay herself is a baker, their first meeting involved coffee and a homemade desert at her house. Since March, they have been meeting at each other’s homes where food and fun come first to strengthen their team. Occasionally they are joined by Richard Simo, the Region 4 Captain.
Kay creates a monthly agenda by listening to the team members’ ideas and procuring what they need. She has made ID badges and also secured giveaways that would appeal to teenagers with awards and little gifts as fun reminders of their activities.
Although District 32 runs from north of Leesburg through Clermont down to Four Corners, the group invests most of their time near Leesburg. Kay managed to speak with secretary to House District 32 Representative, Anthony Sabatini, who hadn't known about COS before her call. The team then met with the local Tea Party and got 15 out of 20 attendees to sign the COS petitions.
As all good COS teams do, they have met with Republican groups, and yes, scored some sign-ups. Their luck has not been so good with Democrat groups, even when they remain apolitical in their approach and delivery. Not to be discouraged, Kay said, “Term limits are for everyone" and provided essential information.
Their idea to have a COS-decorated truck outside a military bar fell through, but disappointment did not deter. There are always alternatives. Successful petition collection can and does happen at other locales such as gun stores and American Legion gatherings.
Kay encouraged the team to seek out other local city events. They are hopeful about a Clermont city event, “Sips and Salsa” on September 18, 2021.
The team walks their neighborhoods with petitions, brochures, and pamphlets to make citizens in HD32 aware of Article V as the big solution to federal spending, overreach, and politicians who never retire.
Leading a Diverse Team
This group includes Jewish, Japanese, and Filipino members who start each meeting with a moment of silence. They may have different views but accept each other because they are all working on a common goal. 
Left to right:
Marti White, Volunteer; Kay MacQueen, District Captain; Fran Grossi, DCTeam Member; Nettie Rose, DC Team Member; Richard Simo, Regional Director (back); “Gator” Gray, Volunteer.
“What I bring from teaching is leadership: understanding, empathy, intuition.” Kay believes a leader must treat team members as individuals and let them decide what they are good at and want to pursue and notes whether some like to call on the phone, some do not.
Faith
All these members are constitutionalists; all have faith. They recognize the founding fathers created America as one nation under God.
Kay did not mention Servant Leadership as a management style, but she seems to be practicing it. She works at being a good listener. She feels it is essential to keep in touch weekly, even if only by text.
Even though time is limited, Kay enjoys the Monday night class on the Bible and the constitution. Kay credits her faith and fortitude to her father who convinced her “we can do anything through Christ who strengthens us.” He taught her to stand up for her rights and she feels so fortunate to have had that upbringing.
The Facebook timeouts only reinforce our need to resist and speak up. Kay considers this a positive journey to “put this country back together.”
She affirms the COS platform is the best way to go: restrain federal government spending, shrink bureaucratic interference, and seek term limits.
Does your own desire to speak up and inform your community about Article V need an outlet? Join our team of volunteers today!
