"...and with the God of heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company: For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven." 1 Maccabees 3:18-19
The Rhode Island COS team is proving that even just a few dedicated and determined individuals banding together can actively engage in, and spread the word about, the effort to call an Article V convention to rein in the runaway federal government.
This was again demonstrated by the great success of a town hall event on October 22 in West Greenwich, RI. The gathering was held at a restaurant called Dan's Place, whose owner generously opened and staffed the establishment specifically for the meeting.
Thanks to a dedicated effort by the team to distribute flyers advertising the meeting all over the state, post promotional reminders on social media, and send email and text blasts, over 40 people attended the town hall at Dan's Place and 21 people signed the COS petition.
A majority of the team was on hand, including Peter Card, Barbara Lardner, Alexandra Lepore, John MacDonald, Ross Maher, and Gwen Riggs. They delivered a PowerPoint presentation about the Article V process and COS, and answered several questions from attendees.
The Rhode Island team also exhibited strategic effectiveness by partnering with the group Rhode Island Fair Elections and Education, which also gave a presentation.
COS Northeast Patriots Region associate regional director Cyndi Franco project managed the event.
In addition to capitalizing on that terrific opportunity, Northeast Patriots Region director Haley Shaw and Rhode Island COS legislative liaison Ross Maher appeared on a recent podcast of "In the Dugout". The program is hosted by former Major League Baseball player and founder and chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity Mike Stenhouse. They had a thoughtful discussion about Article V, proposing amendments, and the possibilities that an Article V convention could offer.
The COS resolution in Rhode Island, House Joint Resolution 7182, was introduced in January 2024 and was heard in the House State Government & Elections Committee in February. The committee voted to hold the resolution for further study.
"The Rhode Island team has really come together in the past year," said Shaw. "It's not the largest team but they are a team with a big heart for the country and the state of Rhode Island.
"The past couple of months the team has gone above and beyond, doing a shopping for petitions event and then following up with this town hall event," she added. "I'm excited to see what they will do in 2025".
To say that the Rhode Island team is an inspiration and example to us all is a gross understatement.
Congratulations to these Ocean State patriots, who do not let being "a small company" stand in their way of actively educating and engaging Rhode Islanders to join the ranks who are working to end federal overreach and return government to the people.
If you would like to join the fight, please sign the petition below:
