Convention of States, Arkansas has been on the move since the Leadership Summit in Williamsburg, and has not stopped.
Beginning with our Arkansas Leaders Summit on the 14th of September, other events have unfolded around the state as a result of the inspiration, training and mentoring from the national Summit staff and volunteers.
At a central location in Conway, AR we gathered with our mission in mind.
Former State Director Bud Cornwell was there to provide support and leadership. He recorded and photographed the event as Jacque Martin, our new State Director, led us toward a greater level of activism.
Jacque’s presentation was the highlight of the state summit. She used a SMART template to explain and illustrate how to engage in the political process.
Randy Alexander, Legislative Liaison, paired up to issue the call to visit our legislators, especially while they are not in session.
New District Captains and others gained insight and confidence in areas needed to build relationships with representatives at the capital or in their home towns.
Rodney Huckleberry, Regional Director for Passed States, along with Susan Sigler, Co-Regional Director encouraged us to keep active and grow the grassroots army. They shared their personal testimonies which made us all feel at ease in our new volunteer roles.
Follow Up Tool Training was provided by SIA, Chris Nelson. He gave a concise and easy to understand presentation and some great questions came up by seasoned users and newbies alike. His attention to detail did not go unnoticed.
Breakout Sessions gave us time to develop goals by Region. DC goal development with RC’s was done as we all did ‘musical tables’ to get into our perspective Regions.
Awards and recognition went to those who completed the most training courses in COSU; who have met with their state legislators; and to those who have joined local and county committees. A US flag kit and COS polo and t-shirts were prizes everyone appreciated.
The Arkansas Leadership Summit was a day of meeting new patriots and bonding together as we set statewide goals.
The weekend of October 4-5, the Ozark Trail Festival event was in beautiful Heber Springs, hosted by Jacque Martin, SD, with the help of three other patriots. The two-day event netted 24 new petitions. Picture perfect weather made for a great day of conversation and education at the local level.
On October 12-13, COS AR had a table at the Conway Expo Gun Show. We handed out over 100 pocket Constitutions and had approximately 30 petitions signed. Rod Beasley, RC and Les Draper provided backup support to Dora Vanscoy, DC, who hosted. They made a great team.
“It’s great to get out and speak face to face with others who believe in defending our Constitution” said Dora, who served as a United States Navy Airman. She loves our country and will always defend the Constitution.
Well versed in the Uniform Code of Military Justice - having memorized it – she says she will continue to fight for the Second Amendment because she knows without it, we will not long have the First Amendment.
David Ray - who is running for Senate (pictured left with Dora) - stopped by the table to say hello.
Meanwhile on the west side of the state, Jack Gilbert, RC and wife Linda, DC hosted a meet and greet event at a local coffee shop on October 19th. Regional and district petition signers were invited.
Attendance was good for such a beautiful day, with 23 patriots giving their time to find out more about Convention of States.
Jack spoke with vigor and enthusiasm about what COS is doing around the state and nationally. Several young adults signed petitions while sipping on latte and one volunteer was recruited.
With uncertain fall weather ahead, our next event is scheduled indoors in Searcy, just north of Little Rock, on Saturday, October 26th at the Searcy Public Library at 10:30 a.m.
This COS Liberty Meeting will offer information about the Constitution and what Convention of States is attempting both nationally and state-wide.
Article V is always a full discussion topic, so we’re sure there will be lots of open discussion.
The greatest question posed by Article V wherever we go “Who decides”? shines bright in the natural state.
Sign the petition for 'We the People' to decide.
