Title: Volunteer Voice 54th Edition Original CoS Document (slug): [[https://conventionofstates.com/volunteer-voice-54th-edition|volunteer-voice-54th-edition]] Login Required to view? No Created: 2024-12-27 17:46:47 Updated: 2025-01-01 13:21:16 Published: 2025-01-01 01:00:00 Converted: 2025-04-14T21:35:18.352537495 ---- **Leading the Charge of Self-Governance in the New Year** By Jim MacDonald As the calendar turns to a new year, we find ourselves on the brink of {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92833/92833_original.jpg?150x90}}extraordinary possibilities. The dawning of a fresh year is always a time for reflection and renewed purpose, and for those of us who cherish liberty and self-governance, it’s a moment to rededicate ourselves to a cause greater than ourselves. Across this great nation, a movement is growing, fueled by passionate, everyday Americans who are stepping forward to reclaim their rightful role as the ultimate guardians of liberty. The Convention of States Action (COSA) movement is leading the charge in awakening citizens to their duty and privilege to understand the Constitution, engage with their state officials, and uphold the critical jurisdictional lines between federal and state governments. Our Founders carefully drew these jurisdictional lines to preserve balance and protect individual freedoms. Yet, over time, they have been blurred, often to the detriment of state sovereignty and personal liberty. But there is good news: this tide can be turned—and it’s already happening. [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSGZ-vukmy642bmHDKbI6xoSOvV7K9OB5fqAfvp7GLPtIongchawMvfgss495seM2OZROQHycRGBTXy/pub|{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92760/92760_original.jpg?200x56}}]] **The Rise of the Dones** Robin Sampson-McCarthy The growing exodus from institutional church life parallels a broader {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92832/92832_original.jpg?150x134}}cultural shift for anyone engaged in faith-based or political communities like the Convention of States. Much like the grassroots efforts of COS to reclaim liberty from bloated and ineffective systems, a similar movement is taking place within Christianity.  A rising number of believers, labeled the “Dones,” are stepping away from traditional churches, not because they’ve abandoned their faith, but because they are seeking a deeper, more authentic connection with God—outside the walls of institutional religion. **Why Are People Done with Church?** The Dones are aptly named: they are done with organized religion but not with their faith. Many were once the backbone of their congregations—small group leaders, volunteers, and ministry organizers. These individuals poured their hearts into church life, only to be frustrated with bureaucracy, shallow community, or a lack of spiritual depth. [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vT2vjz4TFmt8E7LGw5Lx0U3KrDFCnjbPnUFm45qoPY1B2ZNULtNcV9cWTQAybJBKjUgWzqEWAFHSu7E/pub|{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92761/92761_original.jpg?200x56}}]] **Knowing Our Constitution and Defending Jurisdictional Boundaries** By Jim MacDonald Understanding the Constitution and its jurisdictional boundaries between {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92835/92835_original.png?150x100}}federal and state governments is vital for preserving liberty and ensuring the balance of power envisioned by the Founding Fathers. As a written charter, the Constitution grants limited and defined powers to the federal government while reserving all other authority to the states and the people. As Robert G. Natelson aptly noted, //"Under this written Constitution, the three branches of the federal government received important, but limited, powers. All other authority was reserved to the states and the people."// The Founders’ primary concern when drafting the Constitution was granting the federal government sufficient authority to function effectively without endangering individual liberty. They recognized that unchecked power inevitably leads to overreach and tyranny. As Thomas Jefferson warned, "In matters of Power, let no more be heard of confidence in men, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution." **The Compound Republic** The United States is designed as a compound republic, a system in which both state and federal governments have distinct spheres of authority. [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRn8tcU4bgNH7Q_hdK8_ggghybFzzDFDIkvJvEkISAmj3fIY_tTcfnYn-MISEMXPAnW2KafMsZLdtF3/pub|{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92762/92762_original.jpg?200x56}}]] **The Necessity of a Frequent Recurrence to Fundamental Principles** By Jim MacDonald Our republic stands on a foundation of enduring truths embedded in the {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92836/92836_original.jpg?150x150}}Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Yet, as Thomas Jefferson observed, the survival of these principles requires vigilance: “The people are not to be disarmed of their authority. They are left in full possession of it.” This enduring truth is why our forefathers repeatedly emphasized the need for a “frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.” The decline of liberty often begins with a lack of understanding of the boundaries established in our founding documents. As George Mason warned, “No free government, nor the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.” This recurrence is not optional—it is essential to ensure that power remains aligned with the intentions of our Constitution and Declaration of Independence. **Safeguarding Jurisdictional Boundaries** A critical principle of our founding is the delineation of powers between the federal government and the states. [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTaj3jh_uhzAQdAlF8Q0-l_uYo2HA7X-OsrV-C9raYCIIFfMK-jpDVsFeOws5mCmqALAXxzwXVQlD-P/pub|{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92763/92763_original.jpg?200x56}}]] **Engaged Citizens are the Backbone of America's Incredible Structure** By Jim MacDonald America stands as a beacon of freedom, not because of its geography, {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92834/92834_original.jpg?150x151}}wealth, or military might, but because of its people. At its core, what makes America great is the principle of popular sovereignty—the idea that the people are the ultimate authority over both federal and state governments. This extraordinary system, established by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, relies entirely on the active participation of self-governing citizens. In Federalist 51, James Madison described the genius of America’s “compound republic”: “The power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments… Hence a double security arises to the rights of the people.” This separation of powers between state and federal levels and within distinct branches of government is not merely theoretical. It was designed to ensure that no single entity could dominate the people’s freedoms. However, this balance can only endure if citizens understand and engage with it. George Washington affirmed, “The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.” Yet the Constitution remains just words on paper, as profound as it is. Without informed and engaged citizens, it has no teeth. The founders recognized that self-government requires more than elections. It demands an educated and active populace committed to upholding the principles upon which the nation was built. **The Responsibility of Self-Governance** As Calvin Coolidge wisely noted, “We demand entire freedom of action and then expect the government in some miraculous way to save us from the consequences of our own acts… [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR2LppLIXTf4oxSw-CWn9kiKRbU0XssoB1yRp0Emzd-C21XH0abXte30xaAnb_XF7N4w_D7KkEdGLKu/pub|{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92764/92764_original.jpg?200x56}}]] {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92765/92765_original.jpg?300x36}} **2024 - Convention of States in Review** [[https://youtu.be/v8go0nc0cmg|**https:%%//%%youtu.be/v8go0nc0cmg**]] **{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92766/92766_original.jpg?300x36}}Did You Know...** What would a convention of states cost and who pays the expenses? //Traditionally, each state sending commissioners to a convention of the states bore the cost of its own delegation. Common facilities, particularly a hall, were donated, either by the host state or by private parties. // //Today, however, common facilities are likely to consist of more than a hall; They will include technology and supplies as well. Moreover, to modern eyes donations by private parties may seem suspect. The Phoenix Planning Convention’s recommended rules resolved the issue of cost by affirming that each state was required to maintain its own delegation, and that common costs were to be divided among all states equally.                                                   // —Robert G. Natelson, The Law of Article V {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92768/92768_original.jpg?300x36}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92769/92769_original.jpg?663x388}} Your Call to Action… Let’s rally the American spirit! Our nation stands at a pivotal moment, echoing the values our Founders held dear. It’s time for every Patriot to make their voice heard. The Convention of States is a beacon of hope, a platform granted by those visionaries who built this great nation. It’s a chance for every American-loving Patriot to step up and shape the future, safeguarding the liberties we cherish. We are the guardians of freedom, entrusted with the duty to ensure that our nation remains a bastion of liberty, opportunity, and justice. Click the link below, join the movement, and be part of a historic effort to preserve, protect, and defend the very essence of what makes America exceptional. Click: [[https://youtu.be/ezjpbcZ48_o|Join our Movement.]] We’ve got a country to save! {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92770/92770_original.jpg?300x36}} **Tennessee on the Move...** Great COSA meeting in **Gallatin, TN**. Self-Governing Patriots took a break from their holiday hustle & bustle to attend our meeting. {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92771/92771_original.jpg?263x286}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92772/92772_original.jpg?391x285}} Tennessee Patriots invested a great deal of their "Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor" for the cause of liberty, holding meetings and events throughout the year 2024. Here are just a few reminders for your enjoyment. Please review past newsletters to see many other pictures.  {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92805/92805_original.jpg?355x194}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92806/92806_original.jpg?289x196}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92807/92807_original.jpg?191x273}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92808/92808_original.jpg?452x271}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92809/92809_original.jpg?421x246}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92810/92810_original.jpg?205x249}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92811/92811_original.jpg?624x229}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92812/92812_original.jpg?225x189}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92813/92813_original.jpg?415x187}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92814/92814_original.jpg?300x205}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92815/92815_original.jpg?340x204}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92816/92816_original.jpg?185x253}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92817/92817_original.jpg?475x255}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92818/92818_original.jpeg?221x214}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92819/92819_original.jpg?441x213}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92820/92820_original.jpg?323x230}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92821/92821_original.jpg?340x235}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92822/92822_original.jpg?289x409}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92823/92823_original.jpg?375x410}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92824/92824_original.jpg?269x371}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92825/92825_original.jpg?389x375}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92826/92826_original.jpg?384x194}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92827/92827_original.jpg?278x196}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92828/92828_original.jpg?230x250}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92829/92829_original.jpeg?433x250}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92830/92830_original.jpeg?327x370}}{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92831/92831_original.jpg?335x371}} {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92773/92773_original.jpg?300x36}}**Upcoming Meetings and Events** **Ashland City, TN.** Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at the Bethlehem Community Center,1506 SR-12 N. Ashland City, 37015, Contact: Debbie MacDonald at debbie.macdonald@cosaction.com  **Dayton, TN.** Sunday, January 12th, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post #100, 1459 Railroad Ave., Dayton, TN. 37322 Contact Bob Patterson, RSVP (423) 779-2332 **Hixson, TN.** Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at The Clear Creek Church of Christ, 5612 Hixson Pk, Hixson, TN. 37343 - Meet and Greet - Contract Jay Walling 423-605-6705 **Loudon, TN.** Tuesday, January 13th, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dinner at Little Italy Restaurant 316 Lakeside Plaza, Loudon, TN. 37774. See Teri Hult **Nashville, TN.** Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Cordell Hull Building, Nashville, TN. 37221  **Powell, TN.** Saturday, January 11th, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Shoney’s on Emory Rd. Powell, or the second Saturday of each month, Anne Martin and Dan Mobley  **Sevierville, TN.** Saturday, January 18th, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. King Family Library 408 High St. Sevierville, call Christine Solomon at 832-868-3674 for more information. **BattleCry,** Join Mark Meckler for the BattleCry every Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. EST on Facebook and Rumble.  **COS at Home** Join Jonathan Viaud on January 8th, 2025, at 7:00 pm CST. He will be interviewing three different State Representatives.  Follow us on the following social media sites: **Facebook:** [[https://www.facebook.com/COSProjectTN|https:%%//%%www.facebook.com/COSProjectTN]] **Truth Social:** [[https://truthsocial.com/@Convention_of_States_Tennessee%C2%A0|https:%%//%%truthsocial.com/@Convention_of_States_Tennessee ]] **Instagram:** [[https://instagram.com/conventionofstatestn%C2%A0|https:%%//%%instagram.com/conventionofstatestn ]] **{{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/92774/92774_original.jpg?300x36}}**