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background image Welcome to the Team!
Congratulations on being selected as a State Videographer for Convention of States. Your
willingness to step into this important role will help fulfill COS's mission by building up the
grassroots army of educated and engaged citizens.

You have been entrusted with an essential job— to tell the story of Convention of States. What
COS is doing has never been done before, and it will dramatically restore liberty in America.
This is a historical movement, and we want people in every state to document COS-related
events.

The footage you collect will be used to create promos and other videos to share with the
grassroots and public. This helps us create awareness for Convention of States and attracts more
people to support and volunteer for COS. You are an integral part of this movement in helping us
spread the message about Convention of States and in helping us recruit, mobilize, and lift up the
grassroots.
Most importantly, as a State Videographer, your footage is used to serve the grassroots. We want
to recognize and encourage supporters of Convention of States, allow their voices to be heard,
and tell their stories.

To get an idea of the videos we will make from your footage; please view this playlist.

The mission of Convention of States is to “Build an engaged army of self-governing grassroots
activists.”

We aim to grow a grassroots army large enough to call the first convention of states and drive the
political and cultural narrative across all 50 states. We want to see self-governance and liberty
flourish in our nation, and we believe this will only happen if good people like you get involved
in the political and cultural battles. We want to train you how to do this as effectively as possible.

If we fail to pass the resolution in one year, we will just keep growing the grassroots team and
training more activists until we have enough influence to effect the change and pass the
resolution. Every additional person we educate, train, and get involved with is one person closer
to victory! We often say, “There is no political problem that more grassroots can’t fix.”

All of this is not done by one. It is a team effort. You will be working closely with your State
Director and the team. Always keep in communication with your team. The state team is in place
to serve your needs and be successful.

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background image In this manual, you will find a wealth of information that will equip you to handle most
situations. This document, your State Videographer Manual, is not intended to be all you need.
Rather it should give you basic guidelines and principles to use as your template.

Responsibilities
Legislative season is the busiest time, typically between January and June (it varies from state to
state). These will tend to be our busiest months, but there will be times when you can attend
events that will bring newsworthy footage from interviews and activities. We expect you to
commit four to 12 hours a month to this position.

We are primarily looking for videos of newsworthy events, such as:

● COS Surge days, where volunteers go to the state capitol to deliver petitions, etc.

● Rallies/events with a headliner (Mark Meckler, Senator Rick Santorum, Michael Farris).

● Committee hearings where testimony will be given on behalf of COS.

● Your state COS strategy meeting.

● Other types of COS-related public forums.

● Small group introduction meetings to COS in places such as living rooms, coffee shops,

restaurants, or libraries.

● Any time you can show good things happening within the movement becomes a “Kodak

moment.”

Creating Videos
Types of Footage Needed

B-roll: Unlike someone talking into the camera or a main speaker, B-roll is alternative
footage that puts the main event in context.

Examples:

● A wide shot of where the event is being held (if the event is a committee hearing, a shot

of the State House would be perfect to establish the setting).

● Crowd applauding.

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background image ● COS volunteers distribute COS materials, set up/tear down for an event, or do something

else.

● People talking together, shaking hands, etc.

● Volunteers walking up to the State House or an event.

● Anything out of the ordinary—a child sitting on a parent's shoulders to see what's going

on, someone with their hand over their heart…anything that sparks emotion or is visually
interesting.

◦

Note: It's always better to see people's faces than the back of their heads.

● The best kind of footage is when the subject is moving or doing something.

Interviews: We are a grassroots organization, and we want to shine a spotlight on people who
might not otherwise be recognized. Seek out COS state leadership, volunteers, and COS
supporting legislators for brief interviews.

Live streaming: On special occasions, such as a rally or committee hearing, you may want to
live stream an event using Facebook Live. This will be through the state team's Facebook page
and may be shared on COS national accounts.

Caution!

● Wait to start filming a legislator or ask them questions with their permission. However, if

you have an opportunity to capture a legislator expressing their support for Convention of
States, that is fantastic. Introduce yourself and make sure they know you are with
Convention of States and ask for their permission for a short interview.

● Do not film people in non-public areas without their expressed written permission.

Generally, you will be at public events where you have legal authority to film everything.
However, be careful about filming on private property, including malls and businesses.
Before filming in these areas, be sure that you have documented permission to record
from both the owner of the property and the subject being recorded. If you have concerns
or questions about what you can and cannot film and how to protect yourself, contact the
National Videographer.

(For copies of the model release documents go to page 20 and

21).

Valuable Tips for Interviews

● Introduce yourself: Always make sure the person knows that you represent Convention of

States and this is a video for COS. This is important for legal reasons. Establishing
rapport with a fellow COS supporter can also make for a better interview.

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background image ● Framing a Shot: Subject should be centered and looking at the camera in a Medium Shot

(the subject's entire head down to their lower chest or torso). Most of the time, you and
the subject will both be standing. If you are using a smartphone, turn the phone on its side
so the video is aligned horizontally and you are seeing a wide image.

● Lighting: Make sure the subject is well-lit.

● Background: Ideally, whatever is in the frame behind the subject should reveal something

about the setting, but it should not be distracting.

● Audio: Record the interview in a place that is not noisy. Background noise can be

distracting. (If you are using an external microphone, confirm that it is working by
checking the levels on the screen and/or by using headphones).

● Press RECORD and allow a few seconds before beginning the interview. Use this time to

confirm the camcorder or smartphone is indeed recording. Keep it running through the
end of the interview.

● Start by getting their name and spelling of their name documented on video. If they don't

want to give their full name, it's fine. If they have a volunteer position, ask them to state
that for the record.

● Keep it short. People generally don't like to be in front of a camera for extended periods

of time. Try to keep it to five questions or less, and move onto the next person.

● Seek out different kinds of people to interview—young, old, male, female, etc.

Sample Questions for Interviews

The biggest are WHAT and WHY. If you are at a COS-related event, it's always good to get a
couple of people explaining what is happening and why they are there.

What do you want to ask?

● What is your name, and can you please spell it?

● What is happening at this event? How did it go?

● Why are you here?

● How did you come to support Convention of States?

● Were you politically active before COS?

● Why do you volunteer for COS?

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background image ● What is your biggest frustration with Washington, D.C.?

● Do you think America is on the right track orthe wrong track? Why?

● How does Convention of States give you hope?

● What would you say to someone who is wondering how they can help?

Live Streaming
Convention of States is looking to take advantage of recent advances in live-streaming video to
broadcast our movement's progress around the country. We will utilize the Facebook Live
platform, which we will primarily use at rallies.
For live streaming, you'll need a smartphone or tablet and the Facebook app installed. Consult
with your state team to see if they have access to your state's COS Facebook account with the
proper Editor permissions. If your team does not have access, contact your regional director.
You'll need to ensure you are logged into the correct account and broadcasting from the state
page, not your personal page.
Facebook Live is very user-friendly, although you may want to test it before an event. You'll
need to enter a brief explanation of the event, such as “[State] Rally for Convention of States,”
and then press Go Live. Try to be positioned near the front to get decent audio from the speaker,
keep the video horizontal for a wide-angle image, and consider using a tripod. This also allows
you to pan and get crowd shots and keep the image stable.

Equipment

Before attending an event, please make sure your equipment is fully charged and has enough

memory. Test your equipment before the event.

You will be responsible for your own equipment. Convention of States cannot be held
responsible for any damage or malfunction to your equipment.

Giving and Getting Credit
Unfortunately, while we love to give credit when we can, we cannot guarantee you will always
get credit for the footage you give to Convention of States. Know that your work is valuable and
deeply appreciated.

Uploading Your Footage
Please use this link to upload your video files:

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background image Getting Started Checklist

● Accept your email invitation to Slack. Slack is an instant messaging app that provides a

key form of communication. You will be connected with your state and national team.

● Take the COSU State Videographer course(s) within the first two weeks you are assigned.

● Connect with your State Communications Coordinator (SCC) to discuss state strategy,

messaging, and upcoming events. Learn how you can contribute to the team's mission.
Ask them about COS supporters in your area you can connect with. Communications
with your SCC should happen at least weekly. If your state does not currently have an
SCC, communicate with the State Director and other team members to coordinate
activities.

● Connect with a COS volunteer in your area, meet with them, and get their story. What led

them to take action for COS? Snap a photo of them and record their answers to the
interview questions. If you want to go the extra mile, do a sit-down video interview.

● Please send your SCC the COS volunteer's story, photo, and/or video so they can publish

it on the website and social media.

● Upload your photo or footage to the national database.

● Find out when COS volunteers are going to visit a legislator and tag along. This may be a

good opportunity for a photo-op and interviews with the volunteers on what they are
doing and how this meeting contributes to the mission. If the legislator is a COS
supporter, this may be an excellent time to get them on the record via a video interview. If
possible, make plans with the legislator and their staff beforehand.

● While at a meeting or COS event, do a Facebook Live from your state's COS Facebook

page. Consider having a COS leader give an update or a Call to Action for viewers that
supports the state strategy. (See the Facebook Live section for further instructions).
Whenever you do a FB Live, make sure your SCC and/or State Director know as well as
a COS national social media staff member. They may want to share your FB Live to the
national COS page!

● Capture a headliner event, rally, or town hall. Get a b-roll of the speakers, crowd, and

other key elements like COS materials and banners. Remember to get establishing shots
of the setting.

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background image ● Before and after the event, get COS volunteers and supporters to give testimonials about

the event and their own COS stories. Share clips with your SCC or primary Facebook
editor so they can publish those on the FB page. Upload all usable footage to the
Dropbox link, along with any instructions for the national team of editors.

● Uploading Your Footage: Please use **this link **to upload your video files.

How to Host a Facebook Live Broadcast
It’s easier than ever to connect with your audience in real-time and reach thousands of viewers
with the snap of your fingers! Because Facebook wants everyone to jump aboard the Facebook
Live train, they’re prioritizing the new feature in their algorithm. That means that your live
broadcast is more likely to show-up in users timelines than a normal post.

How do you start a live broadcast?

To set-up your live broadcast:

● Log into Facebook from your phone, or iPad.

○ Pull up the Facebook page from which you want to broadcast.

■ Please note that you’ll need to be listed as an Editor or Administrator to be

able to broadcast from a Convention of States Facebook page.

● Click on “Publish.”

● Type a description of your broadcast.

● When you’re ready to go live, click on the red silhouette icon for “Live Video”.

● If needed, hit the icon in the right hand corner to switch between your phone’s front and

back cameras.

● Tap Go Live to start the three-second countdown to broadcast.

Best Practices

Writing an Introductory Caption

You want your caption to be short and to the point. The reader should have an idea of what
you’re talking about but be curious enough to click play and see what you have to say.

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background image For example: The White House used Facebook Live for a message from the President. They
teased it with a great caption that helps readers understand the topic while piquing curiosity,

We got some great news on jobs and the economy this morning, and President Trump wants to
tell you all about it. So pull up a chair in the Roosevelt Room next to his economic team and
listen in!

Chances are, you’re going to get people fired up as they watch your broadcast. As such, we
highly recommend including a call-to-action in your live stream. Be sure to include a link in your
caption that takes them to an action page where they can easily sign-up to volunteer, become a
District Captain, sign the petition, or whatever action you plan on asking them to take in the
video.

● Pull up the Facebook App and make sure you can find the live video button well before

you plan to begin. If you follow the instructions in this hand-out and can’t find the red
live video button… chances are you need to update your Facebook app.

● Check your lighting and camera angle before you start.

How long should I broadcast?

● The longer you broadcast, the more people you’ll reach. Facebook recommends going

live for at least 10 minutes, but you can keep going for up to 90 minutes!

● Interact with people who are engaging in the comment section!
● As soon as you start broadcasting, people will start chiming in with comments and

questions. As you’re kicking off your broadcast, give shout-outs to people by name and
answer their questions specifically. Show the people a little love, and they’ll love you in
return. Be sure to continue answering questions and mentioning people by name as the
broadcast continues.

● Ask people to “share” the live broadcast.
● Can you say “free publicity”? The more people share the video, the more people you’ll

reach!

● Give a specific call to action that asks them to click the link in the caption.

Think something like this…

“If you’re as fired up as I am and are ready to get involved, click on the link in this video’s
caption to sign-up as a volunteer and join me! As a volunteer, you’ll do things like…”

“Our goal is to find District Captains for every state house district in Texas. We’re only 20 slots
away from meeting that goal. Will you help us get there by signing up today? All you need to do

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background image to get going is click on the link I’ve included in the caption for this video… then we’ll do the
rest!”

And while you’re at it, why not spend a little time explaining why the action is so important and
what they should expect to happen once they do take action.

COS State Team Organizational Structure
As quickly as possible, you will want to start working with current members of your state team.
Personal contact (face to face or on the phone) is essential to building a relationship with them.
This cannot be accomplished through email or technology. You will be making yourself available
to assist them in their videography needs.

Legal Limits On Your Volunteer Activity
Convention of States represents a significant threat to the established powers in Washington,
D.C. They would love nothing better than to shut us down and silence our voices. We need to
keep our activities clean under the law to ensure they can't do that. As part of this, COS requires
all state leaders to complete the Legal Training Course at COS University.

Organizational Information
Who Are Citizens for Self-Governance, Convention of States Foundation, and Convention
of States Action, and How Are They Related to Convention of States?

Mark Meckler, a co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, founded Citizens for Self-Governance
(CSG) to promote the ideals of the Tea Party beyond the partisan divide. CSG encourages the
principle of self-governance by educating citizens about their constitutional rights and defending
individuals and groups unjustly targeted by the government.

In August 2013, CSG founded the Convention of States Project to educate citizens about a
little-known but very potent power in Article V of the Constitution. Convention of States Action
(COSA) was created a little over a year later in late 2014 when it became clear that Convention
of States would require a massive legislative effort to get applications passed in 34 states.

In 2018, CSG filed to operate under the name Convention of States Foundation (COSF) to
establish more consistent messaging and make it clear how CSG was connected to the
Convention of States movement. CSG and COSF are just two names for the same organization.
CSG/COSF continues to be involved with COS by promoting the idea of a convention and
educating citizens about their constitutional power in Article V. Most of the COSis now under
COSA, which works to get the COS application passed in 34 states.

Why Have Two Different Organizations?

We have two different organizations because of how the IRS regulates nonprofit organizations.
The IRS allows different types of nonprofits to engage in different kinds of activity. According

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background image to the IRS, COSF is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization, which means that it can educate people
about their constitutional rights but can’t promote legislation to protect those rights or get
involved in supporting or opposing candidates. COSA is a 501©(4) nonprofit organization
which can promote legislation and support or oppose some candidates as long as it does so in
accord with state and federal laws .

There are all kinds of technical differences between 501©(3) organizations like COSF and
501©(4) organizations like COSA. However, the main one you need to understand is that COSF
can’t promote legislation and absolutely can’t promote or oppose candidates, but COSA can.
COSA can talk to legislators about the COS application, collect petitions, host legislative
strategy sessions, and engage in other activities to promote the COS application. COSF cannot.

How Does This Affect You?
Most of your volunteer activity will be for COSA, so you won’t have to worry about the limit on
promoting legislation most of the time. But every so often, you may be asked to support or assist
with an event or activity sponsored by COSF. When working on a COSF event or activity, you’ll
need to remember that you can’t collect petitions, discuss legislative strategy, display COSA
materials or banners, or otherwise try to persuade people to support COSA’s specific application.
When working for COSF, you can educate people about their constitutional rights, including
those in Article V, and respond to frequent objections like claims that a convention would “run
away.”

One More Limit: No Campaigning under COSF!
Promoting or opposing political candidates is strictly prohibited for COSF and is only allowed
for COSA if specifically approved by the COSA National Legal Team. COSF cannot do any
campaigning ever. COSA can only campaign if it complies with many state and federal laws and
regulations governing campaign activity. As a COS volunteer, you can only tell people how they
should vote in the next election if you receive explicit permission from the national legal team.
You can’t send out an email to our volunteers in your district asking them to support a candidate,
oppose a candidate, volunteer for a candidate’s campaign, or join a political party. You should
not do anything even close to the line–don’t do anything that could be construed as supporting a
particular candidate or political party without checking with COSA’s Legal Team. The
prohibition against expressing a political view is an absolute rule that we strictly enforce because
any violation will jeopardize the organization’s nonprofit status.

If you want to do a limited campaigning effort in your state through COSA, please contact your
RD. The COSA Legal Team will check the laws in your state and determine if you can proceed.
If the Legal Team approves campaigning in your state, they will issue detailed instructions about
how to comply with the law. Make sure you carefully review these instructions before engaging
in any election-related activity

This restriction only applies when you actively volunteer for COS or use COS resources
(including the CitizenBuilder database). You are entirely free to support any candidates or
political parties you wish with your own time and resources.

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background image Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions?
If you would like to get in touch with our legal team about specific questions, please reach out to
your State Director or Regional Director, who will be able to direct your inquiry to the right
place.

Continuing Education
We have many resources available. Here are a few to get you started:

● Our Resource Page is the best source to learn more, and we encourage you to visit often.
● Here are a series of short articles on various topics.\\ ● We have hundreds of educational and inspirational videos available on our YouTube

Channel.

● COSUniversity offers online training courses.
● Hundreds of research articles and historical documents can be found on our Wiki site.\\ ●

COS Briefing Book.

●

The Law of Article V by Robert G. Natelson

Personal Development
“If you want to grow and become the best person you can be, you’ve got to be intentional about
it. Many unsuccessful people who try to lead others have the mistaken belief that people will
follow them because their cause is good. But that’s not the way leadership works. People will
follow you when they believe in you.” - John Maxwell