When you talk to volunteers across Wyoming about what got them involved with Convention of States, there’s a name that comes up time and time again: Julie Baker. From fellow district captains to members of the national team, one thing is clear—once you meet Julie, you remember her. And more often than not, you get involved.
But don’t expect some complicated strategy or recruiting system behind her success. Julie’s secret is refreshingly simple: she listens, she cares, and people feel it.
Julie first learned about Convention of States back in 2015 through Glenn Beck. Like many petition signers, she checked the box, did what she thought was her part, and moved on. But a few years later, everything changed. In 2017, she attended a committee hearing in Wyoming where Mark Meckler and the late Senator Tom Coburn were testifying. The room was small, packed, and no one else was stepping up to speak. So Julie did.
That one moment led her down a path she hadn’t planned for—testifying, then volunteering, and eventually becoming a pillar in the Wyoming grassroots community. It wasn’t a calculated move. It was just Julie being Julie: seeing a gap, stepping in, and doing the right thing.
Julie’s ability to influence and connect with people doesn’t come from flashy speeches or overwhelming them with information. It comes from conversations. She genuinely loves hearing people’s stories—what brought them to the movement, what they care about, and how they see the future. “Everybody has a story,” she says, and for her, getting to hear it is the best part of volunteering.
This authentic curiosity and kindness have left a real mark. During other grassroots interviews, multiple volunteers across different regions all said the same thing—“Once you meet Julie Baker, you’re in.” There’s something about the way she makes people feel heard and valued that motivates them to jump in and get involved, often without her even needing to ask.
Julie is the first to admit that she doesn’t see herself as a top recruiter. She doesn’t have a special pitch or a long-term strategy. In fact, she’s quick to point out that much of the heavy lifting in volunteer recruitment comes from her national team support. But what she may not realize is that her role in keeping volunteers engaged and feeling connected is just as important—if not more so.
Outside of Convention of States, Julie brings a fascinating background to the table. She’s a microbiologist by training, has worked in wineries and breweries, and even spent time traveling the world through import/export work in places like Hong Kong, Russia, and Turkey. Each stop along the way gave her more chances to connect with people from all walks of life, and that experience shines through in her volunteer work today.
Julie also sees the value in consistency. In places like Cody, Wyoming, one district captain she works with has begun hosting monthly coffee meetings—a small but steady way to keep locals connected. It’s a grassroots strategy Julie believes could work in more regions, not because it’s flashy, but because it builds real relationships. And in a state like Wyoming, where you often see the same people at events year after year, creating those consistent community touchpoints is key.
She’s also not afraid to talk about the hard parts—like how disheartening it can be to face misinformation and opposition from those who refuse to look at the facts. But thanks to the spiritual growth she’s found through mentorship and Bible studies, Julie’s mindset is clear: “Duty is ours. Results are God’s.” With that in mind, she keeps showing up, faithfully, ready to help however she can. Julie may not see herself as a powerhouse recruiter, but ask anyone who’s met her, and they’ll tell you—she’s exactly that. Through simple kindness, real conversations, and a heart for service, she’s shown what grassroots leadership really looks like.
