Title: Patriotism comes naturally to the Natural State
Original CoS Document (slug): patriotism-comes-naturally-to-the-natural-state-1
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Created: 2019-10-24 20:47:28
Updated: 2019-10-31 23:00:00
Published: 2019-10-24 00:00:00
Converted: 2025-04-14T21:04:51.908610428
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 September 14, other events have unfolded around the state as a result of the inspiration, training, and mentoring from the national COS Leadership Summit staff and volunteers.
At a central location in Conway, Arkansas, 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.
Legislative Liaison Randy Alexander 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, who serves as Regional Director for Passed States, and Co-Regional Director Susan Sigler 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 State Information Analyst Chris Nelson. He gave a concise and understandable presentation. Some great questions were raised by seasoned users and newbies alike. Chris's attention to detail did not go unnoticed.
Breakout Sessions gave us time to develop goals by region. District Captain goal development with Regional Captains 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 COS University, to those who have met with their state legislators, and to those who have joined local and county committees. A U.S. flag kit and COS shirts were prizes everyone appreciated.
The Arkansas Leadership Summit was a day of meeting new patriots and bonding together as we set statewide goals.
On October 4-5 the Ozark Trail Festival event was held in beautiful Heber Springs, hosted by Jacque Martin 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 Arkansas had a table at the Conway Expo Gun Show. We handed out over 100 Pocket Constitutions and had approximately 30 petitions signed.
Regional Captain Rod Beasley and Les Draper provided backup support to District Captain Dora Vanscoy, 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, she says she will continue to fight for the Second Amendment, because 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, Regional Captain Jack Gilbert and his wife Linda, who serves as a District Captain, hosted a meet-and-greet event at a local coffee shop on October 19. Local 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 lattes, 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 26, 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 doing both nationally and statewide.
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.
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