Today was an exciting day at the capitol in Raleigh, North Carolina, where 26 North Carolina Convention of States Action team members attended the mini-surge day. Volunteers from every COS region of the state were represented.
Equipping the Grassroots
Vanessa Paulson, COS North Carolina State Director, gave a short training on working with legislators. At the end of the session, volunteers received instructions and teamed up to pass out COS fact sheets to lawmakers.
A Little Decorum
Polly Riddell, legislative assistant for Representative Dennis Riddell, HD 64, Alamance, explained a legislative assistant’s typical day, emphasizing that they value volunteers who are concise, friendly, and professional when interacting with staff.
Empowering the Grassroots
Representative Dennis Riddell, HD 64, Alamance, the primary sponsor of the NC Convention of States Resolution (HJR 379), spoke to us. He shared the resolution’s history and its current status, noting that it didn’t pass last session. Still, he urged volunteers, “You are working to save freedom,” offering encouragement to keep pushing. He cautioned that many positive federal changes are temporary, and that Article V offers a solution to prevent drastic shifts between presidential administrations. He pointed to the Convention of States website for resources on why Article V is needed and how it works.
Your Influence Matters
Headliner Rick Santorum praised Dennis Riddell’s commitment and integrity, noting that most states lack a legislator of such caliber. He gave us the secret to be more effective as grassroots volunteers- a sphere of influence, especially influencing those who influence legislators. He suggested that getting involved in your community for Convention of States puts you in a position where you can be an influence. He said, ''This movement is about getting the public engaged in self-governance.'' Convention of States grassroots volunteers know that it's not a political position or catchy slogan; it's a way of life.
Grassroots in Action
Judy Carter, Regional Captain leads a team of volunteers.
The day wrapped up with volunteers equipped to take action. Armed with training and empowered with insights into their mission, the team left ready to influence their communities and spread the message about Article V Convention of States- the solution as big as the problem.
Click the link to sign up for surge days:
You can get involved by signing the petition and joining a volunteer team.
