"We all need to understand our form of government (a republic) requires that we be active." -Randall Pickens
Pastor, teacher, history buff and unyielding patriot, Convention of States Missouri Legislative Liaison Randall Pickens proudly traces his ancestry to British rule and decades of unrest that predate the American Revolutionary War.
"I've been a rebel all my life," he says. "It's in my blood." In fact, Pickens' English ancestor Judge Samuel Spencer was an Anti-Federalist who debated the U.S. Constitution's ratification process at the Hillsborough Convention of 1788, adamantly advocating for a Bill of Rights.
And so the advocacy for self-governance continues.
For more than three years, Randall Pickens served the Missouri Convention of States volunteering as a State Information Analyst. In 2018 he also began lobbying in Jefferson City as a Convention of States Legislative Liaison.
"I've always been engaged in politics," says Randall, "but this experience was different. After a couple times meeting with legislators, I thought this is really something anyone can do."
According to Randall, there is a paramount prerequisite to effectively meeting with legislators: having an understanding of history and the U.S. Constitution.
To ease into the lobbying process, Randall recommends starting with a mentor and simply observing what's done. His tips include: 1. studying to understand how the governmental system works, 2. remembering that all politics is local and being able to talk with your district representatives about local issues, and 3. sincerely and succinctly stating what you believe and why.
"Establishing a relationship with your legislators is empowering," says Randall. "We assume these people have a background in government, but we often know more about Article V than they do. The Constitution gives us the voice and the power to initiate change. Without active and engaged people and without our voice being heard, we open ourselves to tyranny."
Randall Pickens recently moved to his boyhood home in Oklahoma. However, his love for Missouri and the Convention of States movement continues. Further information about Randall's patriotic ancestry can be found here and here.
To learn more about Convention of States Missouri lobbying opportunities, contact State Director Brett Sterley at brett.sterley@cosaction.com.
 |
 |
 |
Volunteer |
Learn More |
Follow Us |
|
Find out what opportunities are available to get involved with our dedicated Idaho grassroots team. |
Are you new to the idea of Convention of States and want to learn more? Here are some great resources to get you started. |
Follow our Facebook page to get all the latest updates on what is happening in Idaho and across the nation. |
