Volunteers surged the Capital in Raleigh! They were updated on the COS movement, then engaged and encouraged each of 170 legislators to support the COS bills.

===== It was a busy Third Surge Day ===== June 4th was the third North Carolina Legislative Surge Day in Raleigh. (Read about the first here, and the second here.) Volunteers were updated on the COS movement, then engaged and encouraged each of 170 legislators to support the COS bills, which is the main goal of a Surge Day. Those bills are HJR 379, which is the COS resolution, and HB 214, which is a Faithful Commissioners Act for selecting and guiding commissioners during convention. Of course, you too can advocate right now, without out being in Raleigh for a Surge Day. By signing the petition or participating in the NC Senate Act campaign, your Senator will be notified that reining in DC by passing the COS bills is important to you. They do listen to grassroots' voices, and take seriously input from large groups like COS (which is the largest such group in North Carolina!). During the first year of a two-year legislative session, Wednesdays are busy mornings at the Capital! Many people, advocating for a myriad of causes line up outside the legislative buildings to speak to their NC General Assembly members.  ===== Volunteers gathered for education, motivation, legislator interviews, and newsletter distribution ===== Fifteen volunteers were present, from as far away as Wilmington, Greenville, and the Triad, and several from towns nearby to Raleigh. After an opening prayer, Vanessa Paulsen, the COS NC State Director, introduced the agenda for the day. The agenda included an update on recent progress; guest speakers; visits to legislators for interviews and to distribute the Broadside newsletter and encourage COS support. She thanked us all for being present, active, positive, and persistent in striving for support.  ===== Encouragement from Senator Ted Alexander ===== Senator Ted Alexander (SD 44 representing Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties) spoke next. He described his previous stance on COS as ambivalent, largely because he felt there were other more pressing priorities for North Carolina. Now he is an ardent supporter after seeing the increase in federal tyranny and mismanagement over the last decade or so. The COS volunteers' consistency and perseverance were also a motivating factor. Sen. Alexander complimented the volunteers on having great attitudes and a stellar reputation around the legislature of warm-heartedness and grace. Another message of his was about the importance of being students of history and civics, and being lifelong learners. He generously handed out gifts of educational materials, including:  * The Blessings of Liberty, by Charles Heath * The Golden Egg, the Goose, and Us, by Charles Heath * Restoring America's Constitution, DVD by Rick Green * “The Bible Is The Source of America's Inalienable Rights”, booklet by Earl Wallace * Should Christians Support Israel?: Seeking a Biblical Worldview in an Impossible Situation, by Jeff Myers * “Why Christians Should Seek to Influence Government for Good”, booklet by Wayne Grudem * A booklet on Judicial Tyranny ===== Thank you from Representative Dennis Riddell ===== Representative Riddell (HD 64, Alamance County) conveyed a message of deep gratitude. The feeling is mutual! Thanks to his continuing primary sponsorship, the COS bills passed the House on May 7th, which he always asserts was due to a team effort. He in turn, complimented and thanked the COS grassroots volunteers for being an engaged group who are on a clear mission, who have servant hearts and grace. ===== Advice on office visits from Legislative Assistant Lynn Tennant ===== Legislative Assistant (LA) Tennant supports Sen. Ted Alexander and is one of the longest tenured LAs at 18 years of service. She shared dos-and-don'ts on how to engage legislators and LAs when approaching their offices. She encouraged volunteers to be positive, helpful, cheerful, and non-confrontational. If someone in a legislator's office is not a supporter or is negative, take it with grace and understanding, and move on to the next office.  ===== Interview with Representative Brian Echevarria ===== “I had the privilege of interviewing Rep. Brian Echevarria, who represents House District 82 in Cabarrus county. My questions ranged from what inspired him to get into public service, to what are the biggest concerns of his constituents. We discussed how COS grassroots could help with his legislative agenda. He took a few moments to share his daily devotional book with me. His Bible had a prominent place in the center of his desk. I appreciate Rep. Echevarria taking the time to be interviewed and sharing his heart with us.”, said Steve Taschereau, District Captain for HD 82. Please get to know Rep Echevarria through this 10-minute video: ===== Newsletter distributed to legislators ===== A Broadside newsletter titled “Trust the Process and Guardrails” was distributed to 170 legislators by volunteers. It highlights a dozen ways that the Article V Convention of States process can be trusted, and has guardrails to keep it on track. When called, it will propose amendments that align with the scope of the call in HJR 379: limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints, and place term limits on federal officials. ===== Phew! Deep breath… and please GET INVOLVED ===== It was an informative, busy, and rewarding day! Become a volunteer and join in capital surges and visits. We need you to influence your legislators and the people in your neighborhood, church, clubs, associations, town and district. In Liberty, Peter Spung COS NC District Captain HD41 in Wake County

State Content Writer Note: The views and opinions expressed by Representative Echevarria are his own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance or views of the Convention of States Project or its volunteers.