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REVISED, SEPTEMBER 2010
ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS Organizing Manual
INTRODUCTION: The We The People Foundation for Constitutional Education has been echoing the essence of Mahatma Gandhi’s formula for reform when people are up against unjust and uncivil government and laws: If the People are to succeed in restoring the Constitution, they must create and sustain a small, but critical mass of Citizens, each wholly dedicated to the vision of Liberty and personally committed to the organized use of the proactive, non-violent means of Civic Action. “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” (Gandhi)
The Foundation hereby offers the next step in a plan and
process that can (and must) be implemented in communities
across our land if we are to restore the Constitution and
shift the ultimate power in our society from the Government
back to the People where it was meant to reside in the first
place. Elected officials in the two political branches have refused to respond, and the Courts have dismissed the People’s Petitions for “lack of standing,” saying the individual Petitioners have not shown their injury to be any different from everyone else in America (as if this was a Democracy and our Rights were collective Rights, not unalienable, natural and individual). One Court went so far as to say the Government does not have to listen or respond to the People’s First Amendment Petitions for Redress.
Through it all a cadre of like-minded souls with a
passion for the Constitution and committed to the enjoyment
of Liberty has been growing, in numbers and commitment. Last
year, as the appropriate next step in the arduous but
peaceful process of reform, elected citizen-delegates
assembled as a Continental Congress to discuss the
Government’s refusal to be held accountable and to recommend
a course of action for the Free to right the wrongs. They
authored the Articles of Freedom, with its Remedial
Instructions to our federal and state governments and its
call for standby civic action.
ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS
PURPOSE:
To provide an appropriate structure for many people to come together to learn about their federal and state Constitutions, to learn about the violations which have injured America, and to learn about the Articles of Freedom - a Plan to stop the violations and restore constitutional governance. To institutionalize citizen vigilance for constitutional compliance by building a nationwide network of inter-connected neighborhood groups capable of: 1) scrutinizing and measuring the level of compliance by their actions of their local, county, state and federal officials with the Remedial Instructions of the Articles of Freedom and the requirements of their state and federal Constitutions; and 2) maintaining professional contact with the media and other community based organizations; and 3), intelligently, rationally and professionally deciding upon and implementing appropriate, lawful and effective civic actions to encourage cooperation and compliance by elected officials with the Remedial Instructions in the Articles of Freedom and the prohibitions, restrictions and mandates of their state and federal Constitutions. To establish the foundation and financial support for the construction of fully manned Citizen Vigilance Centers for each state and in the District of Columbia.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Millions of people, in their cities and towns across America, each doing a little bit of work, guided and supported by a national, constitution-oriented organization.
ENTITIES: WE THE PEOPLE CONGRESS, INC. – A national, membership-based and membership-supported organization, fully dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of constitutional governance carried out in decency and good order, and capable of guiding and supporting the work of the nationwide network of inter-related and inter-connected Articles of Freedom Meetup groups, as: ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP ORGANIZATIONS – Tens of Thousands of bands of Brothers and Sisters, American citizens all, totaling 3-5% of the national population (between 9 and 15 million people) working together, from neighborhoods up, to successfully bring about a drastic change in government: no more unconstitutional acts by their local, state and federal governments. Each neighborhood Articles of Freedom Meetup group elects a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary to fulfill the administrative and leadership requirements of that group. Each group elects one person to represent their group in an Articles of Freedom County Council. For the time being, each neighborhood group will meet weekly on Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 PM.
ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS GUIDELINES: MEMBERSHIP AND GROUP EXPECTATIONS
All are welcome who sincerely and earnestly wish to study and apply the information with the end-goal of restoring and maintaining constitutional governance in the United States of America. All attendees are required to follow a simple set of guidelines in a manner which will provide for the ongoing expansion of the group and fulfill its goals as a respected and highly visible member of the community: 1) All members shall participate in the group with harmony, unity and collaboration in mind. Members of the group will support each other in a way that honors the individual and the group. Each member shall conduct him or herself, at all times, in a manner that honors their Creator and our Country and Constitution, as well as their fellow man, in the Spirit of Brotherhood and Cooperation. 2) All members of the group shall be positive and maintain a current membership in We the People Congress, Inc. 3) All members of the group are equal. All activities and efforts of the group are voluntary. Members may participate at whatever level their heart dictates. All members are to support each other and appreciate/encourage the unique strengths in each person. Members will support their elected officers. Members will pay the dues required by the group to sustain its needs. 4) The Articles of Freedom Meetup Groups are non-political, non-partisan in nature. They shall provide complete relief from any focus on elections, political candidates, politics, personalities, parties and legislation. The focus is solely on learning about the Constitution to the degree that citizens can be effective in demanding it be restored to save America, by holding their elected officials accountable, regardless of their political stripes and whether they voted for them or not. While members of the group may meet with and/or interact with candidates for office or those in office, the discussion is never about the political nature of that position, but only as concerns obeying and implementing the Constitution. 5) Members will come to learn and honor the difference between political questions and Constitutional questions. There is to be no discussion of legislation or political candidates/issues except as relates to interest in the Constitution or AOF. 6) Media and/or candidates may be invited, even encouraged, to come to the meetings to learn and listen. 7) All members of an Articles of Freedom Meetup Group will be asked to read, sign and date the following Acknowledgement at the time of their registry. The group leader will keep a copy of this acknowledgement on file, but it will only be accessible to the member and the chairman: I, ____________, regard the Articles of Freedom meetup group as a positive opportunity for me to educate myself about my Constitution; to learn about the Articles of Freedom as a plan to restore and maintain constitutional governance in America; and to take action, at whatever level I feel is appropriate for me, to help restore and maintain the Constitution. I am grateful for this opportunity and grateful for those who, like me, feel to come together at this time in America. I recognize the People have the ultimate power in our society, are the final arbiters of the Constitution and are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our Liberty. I recognize that it is the People who have allowed these conditions in America and we are the only ones who can fix it. By my efforts in this group, I join with others all across America who are doing the same, and know that it is only a matter of time before we can be part of a great awakening and change in the consciousness of our people. I am not entering this group to try to change its purpose, activity or agenda. I will respect the agenda, the purpose and the plan, knowing that my input and contributions will always be respected and appreciated. If I have other things I wish to focus on, I will find other channels for those areas that call me. I will respect and honor that WTPC has a specific mission in mind. I will support and respect the members of every AOF group in an impersonal, loving manner and expect that they will do the same for me. I will not criticize, condemn, judge or blame any person in the group. I will conduct myself peacefully and harmoniously in a way that honors God, America, the Constitution and my fellow man. I will dress, act and speak in a manner that reflects a high standard for our citizens, desiring that our country return to the Founding Principles which have made this country exceptional. I now can see that there has been a plan in place for many years with the sole intent of lowering the standards of our people, through their words, appearance, actions and deeds. I will not be part of this any longer. It is the spirit of the people who make a country great and I step into my Best Self. I will not allow divisiveness or gossip to enter into this group. If someone speaks to me about someone else in a manner that is not positive or undermining, I will change the subject back to the Constitution or the Articles of Freedom. I will watch out for others as I watch out for myself. I will forgive others shortcomings as I forgive my own shortcomings. If I have a disagreement with someone in the group, I will remember that all have come because they care about America as I do and are trying, as I am, to do something that will bring about a positive change. I will not let personalities get in the way of our individual “greatness” and what we each have to contribute. If I complain, become malcontent or negative about what is taking place in a way that disrupts the group’s sincere efforts, I will remove myself from the group or will comply with the leader if asked to do so. If something I choose to do seriously undermines the harmony or unity of my group, I will depart the group permanently. I will never do anything to undermine this group’s success. If I disagree with something that is taking place to the point where I feel to leave, I will go on my way, without malice to the organization or anyone within it. My ability to contribute to the success of this group and those within it, will have a positive lifting effect on my life, everyone in the group, their loved ones, their homes, our community and ultimately our country. I will hold myself accountable to these words, seeking to fulfill their meaning every week in our meetings, as we move forward to restore the Constitution for the United States of America.
ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS GUIDELINES: START AN ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUP Thank you for stepping up to be a Articles of Freedom Meetup Group “Organizer.”
2. Secure two other people who are willing to be “founding” members. 3. Secure a location to meet. 4. On Sunday, May 16th, we will have the template for the six-step process Meetup asks all new groups to follow. This will be sent out in advance of our National Call on Sunday evening.
GUIDELINES: AGENDA FOR ORIENTATION MEETING
Bob Schulz – National Press Club – CC2009 Announcement – link Opening and/or Closing Ceremonies from Continental Congress at www.cc2009.us
Welcome, Orientation and Planning Meeting – Articles of Freedom Welcome Patriots Prayer from CC2009 Song to America Pledge Opening Announcements Make introductions, explain two-fold purpose of group, explain dues process; hand out schedule for meetings; Ask all to bring notebook with inner pocket plus copy of AOF and Summary; Watch Michael Badnarik’s Opening “Charters of Freedom” Speech of CC2009 Optional Actions and Next Steps Questions – Discussion Adjourn
Calendar for Articles of Freedom Meetup Group Rollout Sept 28** - **First Official Articles of Freedom
Meet-up * ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS GUIDELINES: ORGANIZE YOUR ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUP
The duties of the Chairman are as follows: *To organize the meetups, with the assistance of WTPC national, and those who offer assistance, within the group; *To appoint special committees or persons to oversee special projects, activities or needs of the group, in relation to itself or its outreach to federal and state government; other organizations; the media; or the community; *To see that group members are elected to fulfill the posts on the WTPC County advisory council; *To see that all members fulfill their obligations to the group; *To handle and resolve any situations which confront the group or individuals; *To ensure the group fulfills its mandate; *To keep the group positive, humble, motivated and focused.
*To publicize the agenda for the next meeting to its members via the meetup post using the template found here; *To keep Minutes of each meeting using the template found here; *To circulate the Minutes to the officers for approval; *To allow their corrections and to finalize Minutes and file these accordingly. *To purchase a sufficient number of 2” by 3.5” cards using the template found here.
Each treasurer keeps a record of all income and expenses, including receipts for every transaction. Click for the template. Each treasurer collects the $3 membership dues for the group each month; and enforces the WTPC $7 month membership rule (this is done by the individual online directly with WTPC), using the template found here. Each treasurer shall provide repeated notice: Donations to the AOF Meetup group are NOT tax-deductible. Congress Memberships are NOT tax deductible.
ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS GUIDELINES: RUNNING YOUR AOF MEETUP GROUP: 1. All groups meet on the same evening: initially, 90 minutes, every Tuesday from 7-8:30 PM. 2. Between meetings each week, all members of the group hand out 2” x 3 ½“ cards to people in the community announcing time and location of the next meeting, inviting them to attend. 3. Using lap top and LCD Projector (if possible), groups focus on the Articles of Freedom, one at a time, beginning with Article I, repeating the process for a second 14 weeks. See the Articles of Freedom – Course Calendar . 4. WTPC National will provide a suggested agenda and study guide outline for each meeting and the Article to be studied. Groups may include guest speakers or other information, only as will assist the group to learn more about the Constitution and/or the Articles of Freedom in this specific area. 5. Every meeting begins with a Welcome; Honor to God, Country and the Constitution; review of old business; new business; then focus on the Article to be studied that evening; Actions to take at the local, state, regional or national level based on the Remedial Instructions; adjournment. 6. In studying the Article in question, groups will watch the Continental Congress 2009 video presentations and then read the Petition for Redress and the related Article. 7. Groups then openly discuss that Article All groups always deal only with facts, no opinions. 8. All groups avoid political questions: do not endorse candidates. 9. After reviewing that evening’s Article and video, the regular Agenda should provide time to discuss local execution of the Civic Actions and other matters of new/old business. 10. Except for brief presentations by other like-minded organizations interested in forming and alliance, meetings are devoted singularly to the objectives and scope of the AOF initiative.
11. Unrelated solicitations, presentations, sales, of
private businesses or unrelated organizations, etc. are
prohibited. ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS
GUIDELINES: EXECUTING THE ARTICLES OF FREEDOM PLAN: 2. All groups reach out to other groups in the country or surrounding counties, to stay apprised of opportunities to increase awareness of the Articles of Freedom and to take action. 3. Local groups agree to work in alignment with task initiatives established by the national AOF sponsor, We The People Congress in addition to personalizing their local efforts according to the needs of their area and state opportunities. 4. All group members are always polite and respectful and well-dressed(!) when addressing public officials 5. All groups communicate with public officials in writing: “if it is not in writing it does not exist.”
ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS GUIDELINES: FUNDRAISING & RECORD KEEPING Local fund raising and support of the national operation is critical to the success of the AOF initiative. As such, some basic fundraising and record keeping practices are necessary. The individual members of each Articles of Freedom Meet-Up group will donate $10 per month. Of the $10 per month, $7 will go to, and support that individual’s monthly membership in the We The People Congress, Inc., and $3 per month will be retained by the Meet-up group. $7 donations to We The People Congress, Inc. will be made at www.wethepeoplecongress.org. $3 donations will be received by the Group's Treasurer and deposited in a local (community, non-national) joint bank account in the name of the Chairman and the Treasurer. Cash handling guidance – transparent, supported by minimal accountability procedures is important for three main reasons: 1) to protect the group against fraud, theft or embezzlement; 2) to protect all volunteers from accusations of dishonesty or the temptation to commit fraud; and 3) to assure donors that their donations and gifts are used for the purpose for which they were given. Each Treasurer collects $3 (once) each month from each member for local expenses. Each Treasurer enforces $7 (once) each month membership in We The People Congress (national). Treasurer to provide repeated notice: Donations to the AOF Meetup group are NOT tax-deductible. Congress Memberships are NOT tax deductible. Until further Notice, ALL WTP Congress funds will be strictly limited to expenses directly related to facilitating and supporting the activist activities of the Articles of Freedom Meet-Up groups nationwide, and to institutionalizing citizen vigilance of government nationwide, including the construction of a Citizen Vigilance Center in each state Capital.
Use of local funds is strictly limited to reimbursements
for expenses directly related to the citizen vigilance
activities of the local Articles of Freedom group. NO such
funds are permitted for the payment of time or labor of
volunteers or group members. Both deposits (collections)
and withdrawals (expenditures) require dual signatures of
both the Chairman and the Treasurer, with such records
copied and held by the Treasurer and Secretary. All
withdrawal transactions for reimbursement MUST have an
original receipt and signed statement documenting the nature
of the expense. Copies of all transaction records are to be
retained by both Treasurer and Secretary until turned over
to persons succeeding in those capacities. Following each
meeting, dated records as to locally generated WTPC
membership applications should also be kept and dual signed,
particularly noting total local dues collections vs. credit
card applications. Membership app, paid by check/M.O. MUST
be made out WTP Congress, Inc. Prefer that members join
online OR mail/submit their own app/$ to HQ. ARTICLES OF FREEDOM MEETUP GROUPS GUIDELINES: PRIVACY POLICY Each Meet Up group organizer, County Council member, State Council member, Regional Council Member and National Council Member will be able to communicate with those members in their “jurisdiction.”
GUIDELINES: STANDARD MEETING AGENDA Welcome Patriots Prayer or Other Prayer Song to America Pledge of Allegiance Important Messages HQ Information WTPC Memberships Collection of Local Dues Old Business AOF Article Education Civic Actions New Business Q & A Preview Next Week’s Meeting
Adjourn |
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Our Continuing Thanks
Again, many thanks for your
much needed support. You can donate via
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or
Join the WTP Congress
(monthly or
yearly memberships) or set up a
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Please remember, the operations of
the WTP Foundation
are funded entirely
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generous support.
