Title: Grassroots Fundamentals Original CoS Document (slug): [[https://conventionofstates.com/grassroots-fundamentals|grassroots-fundamentals]] Login Required to view? No Created: 2023-06-21 11:34:27 Updated: 2023-06-28 03:00:01 Published: 2023-06-21 00:00:00 Converted: 2025-04-14T21:25:24.095974858 ---- Amid the tumult of contemporary American politics and society, it is easy to lose hope -- to think that the task of overcoming the multifaceted assaults against liberty and limited government is too great.  Perhaps even contemplating the task of convincing 34 state legislatures to call an Article V convention of states seems too daunting. But Convention of States (COS) is more than just an organization that aims to call a convention to propose Constitutional amendments to limit government. COS aims to create, sustain, and empower millions of self-governing citizens who are engaged in their spheres of influence.  There is no doubt that the federal government is wildly out of control. It has long exceeded its boundaries and encroaches upon every law-abiding citizen every day.  The remedy that COS prescribes, however, is to circumvent the federal government. That can only be done at the grassroots level by engaged citizens who resist grand pronouncements, focusing instead on the backyard and not so much upon Capitol Hill.  Consider the astonishing and outrageous changes to zoning laws, unacceptable shifts in the curriculum of public schools, horrific offerings at the local public library, and many of the draconian Covid restrictions: The "fundamental transformation" of the United States is the result of decades of the diligent efforts of malign forces //at the local level//.  Sure, it's easier to bark about bold solutions at the national level while nodding along with a favorite television or radio pundit who, incidentally, profits handsomely from the chaos. But where has that ever led?  It is imperative that those of us who are outraged at the dissolution all around us and call for limited government resist the temptation to //not// sweat the details in town hall meetings, city council elections, and school board hearings. It is imperative that you get to know the representatives in your town and in your state; to educate them not only about Article V, but those issues that are most important to your community, your county, and your state.  One of the best examples of that sort of sustained effort comes from our own state director, Michael Arnold. He identified Massachusetts state representative [[https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/SGX1|Steven Xiarhos]] as a potential COS supporter and advocate. Michael made it his business to attend several functions where Rep. Xiarhos was appearing and introduce himself. Though it took time and patience, Michael established a strong working relationship with Rep. Xiarhos and educated him about the benefits and necessities of an Article V convention. Ultimately, Rep. Xiarhos became a champion of COS in the Massachusetts General Court, and his support was integral in Massachusetts becoming the first "blue" state to pass a COS resolution out of committee, which came on the heels of [[https://conventionofstates.com/news/massachusetts-cos-testifies|testimony that was aimed to educate and inform.]] The staff and volunteers who comprise COS work each day to convince at least 34 state legislatures to pass a resolution calling for an Article V convention that will limit the power and scope of the federal government. That is //a //goal, but not //the //purpose of COS. Ultimately, the re-establishment of a republic of limited government and ordered liberty is up to us. That reestablishment must begin and be sustained from the ground up.  That is why educating and motivating citizens to practice and employ the fundamentals of self-government at the most fundamental levels of government and politics is the ultimate purpose of Convention of States.  If you wish to join in that effort, [[https://www.conventionofstates.com|click here]].