Convention of States volunteers Bill Scott and Ed Mulholland on “upstream” advocacy, the mechanics of running a grassroots organization, and civic hope
Excellent interview with good questions for two of our top Ohio leaders. As a volunteer activist in Ohio, I found a niche as a writer of blogs in early 2023. My start began with a loosely organized group called Research and Write. Within a few weeks Bill was encouraging me. I soon gained knowledge of fascinating history and civics, more than I could have imagined. Whether being assigned topics related to the three areas of our proposed convention or finding topics on my own, this activity in my retirement is wonderfully fulfilling. It is a delight to be part of this organization where everyone receives training, appreciation for their work and a camaraderie that feels like a loving family.
A great interview and very informative. My son asked me several years ago what I do in COS as a Grassroots Coordinator. I explained and he said, "It's not a quick fix is it? - Convention of States is more strategic and longer-term." I explained yes, in two ways: first, we are disappointed when a state fails to pass their resolution in a committee or floor vote, or never gets a vote at all. But we re-group and go back to work in the next session. We are never starting at ground-zero, because we never lose the education factor - about how our government works and about how it's so critical to become and stay engaged; we just keep on learning. Secondly, I am part of a group that not only meets with legislators, but trains new volunteers, and it's so exciting to see the 'hope' that Bill and Ed talked about register with a new volunteer. Their face lights up and then they tell their story and why they want to become engaged and volunteer in whatever way satisfies their interest and their schedule. I tell them, "Just wait until you meet the rest of this big group of friendly, hopeful volunteers!" Thank you for doing this interview.
Ms. Meeker, I thank you for this great, great interview. I appreciate your interest in constituent engagement and grassroots organizing. What a great choice to feature Convention of States. Our bottom-up grassroots organization is a success story, having built the largest grassroots army in the nation. Involved with COS for five years, I've learn a great deal about federal and state government, the Constitution, and self-governance. And I've been lucky to have experienced it alongside special patriots like Bill Scott and Ed Mulholland.
It's great to see so many people working on Convention of States. This is the only way that we can get common-sense amendments to our Constitution and rein in the federal government.
"...most everything that you don't like that's going on can be traced back to some sort of government overreach. And you have the ability as a citizen to make a difference..." Who wouldn't want to be on such a team as this, where you can tell your children and grandchildren, "I stood up and helped make a difference!"
Working to elect a specific candidate or supporting/opposing a specific piece of legislation seems too small a task for my limited time. I invested my time into promoting our COS because I was tired of playing the defensive game of fighting one issue at a time. I prefer to work with COS grassroots volunteer activists who also wish to fix the systemic structural defects of our nation. That is worthy of my time, my effort and it will be my legacy passed on to my future generations.
What a delightful exchange! Thank you, Anne, for wanting to dig into what is so special about grassroots engagement. Convention of States offers so much for civic minded individuals to engage in. I've been with the organization for just over 4 years and currently am a state director for Minnesota. Of all the organizations I have worked and/or volunteered at I find the folks at Convention of States the most committed and caring. Thank you again for the interview!
Excellent interview with good questions for two of our top Ohio leaders. As a volunteer activist in Ohio, I found a niche as a writer of blogs in early 2023. My start began with a loosely organized group called Research and Write. Within a few weeks Bill was encouraging me. I soon gained knowledge of fascinating history and civics, more than I could have imagined. Whether being assigned topics related to the three areas of our proposed convention or finding topics on my own, this activity in my retirement is wonderfully fulfilling. It is a delight to be part of this organization where everyone receives training, appreciation for their work and a camaraderie that feels like a loving family.
A great interview and very informative. My son asked me several years ago what I do in COS as a Grassroots Coordinator. I explained and he said, "It's not a quick fix is it? - Convention of States is more strategic and longer-term." I explained yes, in two ways: first, we are disappointed when a state fails to pass their resolution in a committee or floor vote, or never gets a vote at all. But we re-group and go back to work in the next session. We are never starting at ground-zero, because we never lose the education factor - about how our government works and about how it's so critical to become and stay engaged; we just keep on learning. Secondly, I am part of a group that not only meets with legislators, but trains new volunteers, and it's so exciting to see the 'hope' that Bill and Ed talked about register with a new volunteer. Their face lights up and then they tell their story and why they want to become engaged and volunteer in whatever way satisfies their interest and their schedule. I tell them, "Just wait until you meet the rest of this big group of friendly, hopeful volunteers!" Thank you for doing this interview.
Ms. Meeker, I thank you for this great, great interview. I appreciate your interest in constituent engagement and grassroots organizing. What a great choice to feature Convention of States. Our bottom-up grassroots organization is a success story, having built the largest grassroots army in the nation. Involved with COS for five years, I've learn a great deal about federal and state government, the Constitution, and self-governance. And I've been lucky to have experienced it alongside special patriots like Bill Scott and Ed Mulholland.
It's great to see so many people working on Convention of States. This is the only way that we can get common-sense amendments to our Constitution and rein in the federal government.
"...most everything that you don't like that's going on can be traced back to some sort of government overreach. And you have the ability as a citizen to make a difference..." Who wouldn't want to be on such a team as this, where you can tell your children and grandchildren, "I stood up and helped make a difference!"
Working to elect a specific candidate or supporting/opposing a specific piece of legislation seems too small a task for my limited time. I invested my time into promoting our COS because I was tired of playing the defensive game of fighting one issue at a time. I prefer to work with COS grassroots volunteer activists who also wish to fix the systemic structural defects of our nation. That is worthy of my time, my effort and it will be my legacy passed on to my future generations.
What a delightful exchange! Thank you, Anne, for wanting to dig into what is so special about grassroots engagement. Convention of States offers so much for civic minded individuals to engage in. I've been with the organization for just over 4 years and currently am a state director for Minnesota. Of all the organizations I have worked and/or volunteered at I find the folks at Convention of States the most committed and caring. Thank you again for the interview!