Convention of States is a sophisticated, well-organized, resource-rich machine.
Volunteers flourish with procedures and software designed to welcome, assess, and integrate new patriots interested in contributing more. Some might call that "reach, teach, and activate."
Our Florida State Communications Coordinators deserve recognition and high praise for diligence, perseverance, and enthusiasm.
Nancy Suits was the coordinator in April 2021 who welcomed me, gave me assignments, told me where to get some training, and how to join a meeting that very night. COS has a lot of meetings to choose from. 
Denah Butts picked up the gavel just a few weeks later, after wearing training wheels for a while. The State Communications Team meets on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. pretty much without fail. You never know who will attend. There are some regulars, but it’s the new people who jazz up the meetings. We were all new once.
The agenda is predictable yet valuable. We are reminded that our mission is not to pass a resolution for an Article V convention, that’s a goal. Our mission is to build a strong, engaged army of self-governing grassroots activists.
A Typical Meeting or Atypical?
So back to the new guy. We begin meetings with introductions. This is sort of one-sided, because the new people tell a little about themselves and why they are interested in and joined COS. The regulars don’t tell the new person who they are, that would make for a very long meeting. The new guy has to figure that out over time.
Names have not been changed to protect anyone.
William described himself as an East Coast liberal who is finally waking up. He wants to help us get the power back to the people. He wants to know how to talk to his liberal friends.
“They don’t even make sense to me anymore,” he said.
William pointed out that his liberal friends have a very narrow view of who conservatives are: anti-gay, anti-abortion, pro-gun. He himself knows there are some very thoughtful, intelligent conservatives who want the same things as his liberal friends. Imagine that!
How do we bridge the vortex? That was all it took to get the group's creative juices flowing. 
I too want to be able to talk to friends and family without letting stereotypes shut down an important conversation. The sharing of information that followed was exhilarating, enlightening, helpful, and offended no one.
William wanted to know the reasons people push against the COS movement and what to do about it. We talked about the myth of a runaway convention, that is, the fear that a convention of states would change more than we bargain for. Opposition comes from both Republicans and Democrats, so a COSU course offers tips on how to deal with it.
Rick emphasized that words have lost their meaning. Conservative used to mean someone who wants to conserve the Constitution. Liberal comes from the word liberty. They wanted the same basic thing: a constitution designed to preserve liberty.
I apologize for these brief notes. You had to be there. If you don't wait too long, you can listen to the recording.
Cliff said that it’s easy to sell COS if you explain it not as liberal or conservative but rather as the will of the people versus big government overreach. It’s not about the ideology. It is about how you want to be governed.
“When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.” Regardless of which patriot (Hamilton, Jefferson) offered this idea, Cliff suggests it helps explain COS.
Lynette told a story about how we citizens need to persist in helping local legislators hear the COS message. Dana reinforced the idea that the three pillars of COS (term limits, fiscal restraints, and limited federal jurisdiction) are all about bringing power back to the states where the people are. It’s about autonomy.
Maybe Labels are the Problem
The theme of our discussion revealed how nonpartisan Convention of States truly is. Liberals, conservatives, republicans, democrats, libertarians, and even new immigrants all want freedom to choose. COS Action supports amendments that let you--not federal bureaucrats--decide how you live your life.
Take Action
If you want to be inspired by thoughtful, energetic, funny people, find a COS meeting near you.
All assigned volunteers can find webinars and broadcasts every Friday via email from COS Team in the COS Leaders Roundup.
Watch your email at the beginning of each month for a COSA-FL Newsletter. You can find back issues on the COS Florida history and information web page.
SLACK is loaded with ideas for up-coming events, recordings, and conversations. If you don’t know what SLACK is, talk to your District Captain.
If you are not yet a volunteer or leader, we want you to join us. Sign up today.
