On a cold winter night, 45 citizens came out to attend the Convention of States Town Hall meeting in the sleepy little town of Naugatuck, CT. The room was packed and heated with emotions and anticipation.
Before the panel of seasoned Convention of States volunteers was introduced, attendees immediately began asking questions:
- "Has there ever been a Convention of States before?"
- "Can the states order the National Guard to oversee elections to ensure integrity?"
- "What's the best way to reach young people about the importance of our Democracy?"
After providing a succinct overview of the Convention of States, State Director Maureen Zollo skillfully moved the discussion to the panel of speakers who held the attention of everyone in the room.
Each speaker offered specific examples and advice for how they are contacting and building relationships with their state representatives, starting with the "why" we need to do it, the process of getting in touch with them, and what a meeting would look like.
They also addressed dealing with resistance and misunderstandings about how the Convention of States can return power back to the states and local citizens.
Panel highlights include:
Bill Guiffredo, Volunteer: "Before speaking with your representatives, you first need to become educated about the Constitution and Article V. The change we all want begins inside each of us. Your vote alone will not make the change that's needed in "Washington, but rather, it's the support of the Convention of States that will bring about the change that's needed in both parties."
Richard Legg, Coalitions Director: "I went to the General Assembly website to learn who is my state representative. I then checked her calendar for constituent meetings. During COVID, there was a Zoom meeting and by chance, I got 15 minutes with her. Reaching your representative takes persistence and patience."
Lisa Jolley, District Captain: "Handwriting letters is the best way to get a written message to your legislators. I wrote to mine and she agreed to meet me at 7 a.m. over breakfast." Lisa also explained how relationship building enabled her to send text messages directly to her representative's cell phone.
Wally Hauck, District Captain: "Is anyone angry about what's going on? Do people in your family think you are crazy? If so, it helps to open conversations by asking questions like 'Do you believe in individual rights?' and ‘What are your thoughts about self-governance?’ You can also share this talking point with your representatives to find common ground and discuss the virtues of making their own decisions rather than taking orders from the federal government."
Brenda Hamilton, Volunteer: "Activism is critical. I was apathetic until I woke up and didn't like what I was seeing. I started to communicate with all of my various representatives on a range of issues, which helped to get my name out there. I am very polite and respectful. And I find the things we can agree upon to strengthen my relationships with them."
Each of the speakers demonstrated various ways to reach out to their state representatives. It takes an army of grassroots volunteers, with each voice adding to the conversation.
In order to be successful, the Convention of States needs the help of more citizens who are concerned about the direction of our country. This can be as easy as signing the petition and forwarding it to family and friends or writing a hand-written letter to your state legislators.
To sign the Convention Of States petition and/or volunteer, click here.
