Title: Year-in-Review for COS New Jersey
Original CoS Document (slug): nj-cos-year-in-review
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Created: 2017-12-14 10:13:16
Updated: 2019-01-04 05:34:02
Published: 2017-12-20 03:00:00
Converted: 2025-04-14T20:56:40.400592248
2017 was quite a year for the Convention of States New Jersey team. Our leaders and volunteers worked hard to spread the COS message across the state. The progress made this year was monumental, and it has laid a strong foundation that can be built on in 2018 and beyond.
In case you missed them, here are some of the major highlights for 2017.
Record-Setting Weekend
The COS New Jersey team had a weekend to remember back in July, when we successfully added 440 new signed petitions! Led by Grassroots Coordinator Lee Mack, we made a huge impact on the 35th Annual Quick Chek NJ Ballooning Festival. Thank you to all the leaders and volunteers that stepped up to make that event incredibly prosperous, and to members like Rodica Holt, who worked tirelessly to input the data from each petition!
Radio Row
COS New Jersey took a major step into the local media market in 2017 with various radio hits and interviews. Media Liaison Gary Brenner worked diligently to set up interviews for State Director Dan Gilligan, and even helped National Media Director Tamara Colbert when they took over the Patriot Channel at Sirius XM's studios in New York City.
Later in the year, State Communications Coordinator Jonathan Viaud made an appearance on a Florida COS radio program. Be ready for an even bigger media presence in 2018, New Jersey!
Spreading the Word
Did you know that the COS New Jersey team had tables at over 10 events in just five months? From May through September, COS team members and volunteers appeared at events in Warren, Passaic, Monmouth, Ocean, Sussex, and Bergen Counties.
Thanks to these various appearances, COS New Jersey now has over 16,000 signed petitions. If you know of an event in 2018 where you think COS should make an appearance, please contact Grassroots Coordinator Lee Mack by <e-mail>. See you there!
Changing Hearts and Minds
In addition to events, COS leaders hosted or were speakers at countless informational sessions and meetings. From Tea Parties to Country Clubs, from college classrooms to the workplace, District Captains and state leaders gave presentations to and answered questions from wide-ranging audiences throughout New Jersey, and even made stops in Delaware and New York.
In order to get the resolution passed in our state, we know how important it is to gain support from citizens willing to make their voices heard. We cannot gain their support without making the case for Article V, and we will continue to do so in 2018 and beyond!
Legislative Liaising
COS New Jersey volunteers have made significant progress with legislators during 2017. With 20 legislators in the Assembly and Senate already on-board as primary sponsors and co-sponsors, we have also received pledges of support from others.
Congrats to Legislative Liaison Bill Truax for successfully garnering support from all three legislators in Legislative District 9 this past April. We also commend the work of volunteers like District Captain Bill Ludlam, who gathered six constitutents outside of his district for a meeting with one of their legislators.
In total, the COS New Jersey team met with 20 legislators* or their staff members from both political parties. In addition to these meetings, we launched the Trenton Team in November. Supporters and volunteers will make frequent visits to the capitol to engage legislators one-on-one. If you're interested in learning more about the Trenton Team, <e-mail> Bill Truax.
Overall, 2017 was a very big year for the COS movement across the country, including in New Jersey. Our leaders, supporters and volunteers have been working earnestly to add New Jersey to the growing list of states calling for an Article V Convention.
There's no doubt that this year paved the way for more success in 2018. Interested in doing your part? You can start by signing the pettion, and by becoming a volunteer!
Here's what some members of the current team are saying about NJ COS:
“With a small but experienced team, we are now poised to put our improved skills to use more effectively next year and with confidence expect to see significant growth in Legislative and constituent support in 2018.” - Bill Truax, NJ Legislative Liaison
“The Media Team has seen good progress this year with the addition of new, talented, and skilled members, many new media contacts, and several media hits on NJ/NY radio stations and news websites. We’ll hit the ground running in 2018, and expect a strong increase in media coverage with new creative strategies and effective teamwork practices.” - Gary Brenner, NJ Media Liaison
“I would bet my house that we have some of the most dedicated and passionate COS players in America today!” - Lee Mack, NJ Grassroots Coordinator
“Our team is developing to where we now have a number of individuals assuming real responsibility and realizing meaningful progress and achievement. We have more parts to the machine, and the gears are beginning to mesh and produce output. And we all are focused on how this needs to grow and strengthen as we build out COS and self-governance in New Jersey.” - Dan Gilligan, NJ State Director
*Special thanks to the following legislators and their offices for meeting with us in 2017:
Assemblyman Kevin Rooney (LD-40)
Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (LD-21)
Senator Chris Connors (LD-9)
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (LD-9)
Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (LD-9)
Assemblyman Chris Brown (LD-2)
Senator Diane Allen (LD-7)
Assemblyman Anthony Bucco (LD-25)
Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (LD-5)
Senator Steve Oroho (LD-24)
Assemblyman Troy Singleton (LD-7)
Senator Jennifer Beck (LD-11)
Senator Steve Sweeney (LD-3)
Senator Jeff Van Drew (LD-1)
Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, Jr. (LD-13)
Senator Shirley Turner (LD-15)
Senator Samuel Thompson (LD-12)
Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (LD-21)
Senator Thomas Kean, Jr. (LD-21)
Assemblyman Tim Eustace (LD-38)