Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities.

American Majority Arkansas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Saturday,  February 20th in Conway, AR to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists

The training will take place in Conway at Nabholz Construction located at 612 Garland in Conway, AR from 9:30 am to 1:30pm.  Registration opens at 9:00 am.  The cost is $5.00 if you pre-register online by February 17th and $10.00 at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community (ideas and practical steps to engage your community and organize a coalition of volunteers)
• Government 101 (how government operates, how legislative and executive bodies work, how to get involved)
• Holding Government Accountable (how to hold leaders accountable once they are in office)
• Effectively Communicating Your Views (how to write effective letters to the editor, opinion editorials and blogs, using social networking tools and wiki projects)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.  Refreshments will be provided.

Political Training Registration

If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Laurie Masterson at 501-258-6353 or e-mail laurie@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

In the founding era of nation, there was one thing that small states enjoyed about the Articles of Confederation: each state had an equal vote in the legislative chamber.  Naturally, when the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia threatened the parity small states enjoyed under the Articles, the delegates from the small states protested and almost thwarted history by walking away from the table.

From your history books, you know all about Edmund Randolph, the large states’ Virginia Plan, and the national legislature that was proposed to populated according to proportional representation.  You also know about the small states’ New Jersey plan, led by William Paterson that sought to preserve equal representation.  Ultimately, you know it took a compromise led by Roger Sherman of Connecticut and others to reconcile the two plans, a compromise that would lead to proportional representation in House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate.

The same kind of arguments used by the large states in the hot summer in Philadelphia more than two centuries ago are being used in the new millennium.

For instance, after the 2000 election, supporters of former Vice President Al Gore spoke out strongly against Electoral College that elected George W. Bush as President despite Gore winning the popular vote.

In 2008, much criticism was heaped upon Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina and their traditional status of holding their Presidential primaries prior to other larger states.

In recent times, and particularly with the “healthcare reform” bill on the table, some people have criticized the ability of one Senator from one state holding up the affairs of the government because of Senate filibuster rules.

Many of these criticisms are made directly, or indirectly, at small states.  In any republic there was always be a temptation to move towards a pure democracy.  It is this very reason that many of the mechanism in country were founded the way they were.  The founders knew of the tyranny and were informed by history of the tyranny that direct democracy can bring.

It is clear that the new millennium, for better or worse, has been marked by the rise of small states and their continued important influence on American politics.

In 2000, if any one of the small states like New Hampshire, Nevada, Montana, Alaska, or Wyoming had voted in favor of the other candidate, the election might have turned out different.  As it was, these states and their respective citizens had as much voice in the outcome of the presidency as residents of California, Texas or Pennsylvania.  The Electoral College, as described by James Madison in Federalist 68, was designed both to protect the interests of the individual states and to prevent a tyrant who might sway the people.  To eliminate the Electoral College is to place the outcome of the presidency exclusively in the hands of states with large metropolitan areas.

The 2008 primaries were another example of the rise of small states.  Aside from New Hampshire, South Carolina, Iowa and Nevada’s role as early primary states, in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary small states played the most significant role in a primary to date.  Because of party rules, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had to visit states like North Dakota, Montana, Rhode Island and West Virginia in order to earn the delegates needed for nomination.

Today, moderate Senators from small states like Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Ben Nelson (D-NE) hold great sway over the current healthcare reform legislation and critical pieces of legislation in the Obama agenda.  If this were the House of Representatives where large states dominate the leadership and representation, the legislation would have sailed through and become law by now.

Consider also, that our current President has strong ties to Hawaii, our Vice President represented Delaware in the Senate for decades, and some of the names being tossed around as potential nominees for the GOP in 2012 (Palin, Huckabee, Thune, Barbour, Huntsman) come from small states (Alaska, Arkansas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Utah).

Why this rise in power by small states is anyone’s guess.  Surely the system the founders created, the ease of modern communication and little bit of coincidence has had something to do with it.  What is clear, however, is that small states continue to be a major player in American politics and that William Paterson would be quite pleased.

P.S. Want to learn more about the Constitutional Convention? Visit NedRyun.com for his highly informative podcast series.

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities.

American Majority Arkansas is pleased to announce a Candidate and Activist Training (separate tracks) will be conducted on the 10^th of February in Ft. Smith, AR to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become successful candidates and effective activists

The training will take place at University of Arkansas Fort Smith (Flanders 201) located at 5210 Garland Ave, in Fort Smith from 6:00 to 9:30 pm.  Registration opens at 5:30.  The cost is $5.00 if you pre-register online by February 8th and $10.00 at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

Activist Track

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community (ideas and practical steps to engage your community and organize a coalition of volunteers)
• Government 101 (how government operates, how legislative and executive bodies work, how to get involved)
• Holding Government Accountable (how to hold leaders accountable once they are in office)
• Effectively Communicating Your Views (how to write effective letters to the editor, opinion editorials and blogs, using social networking tools and wiki projects)

Candidate Track

• Your Campaign Plan to Win (planning for the time, people and money to win).
• Dollars and Sense (fundraising for what you need, not what you can get).
• New Media Engagement (the new ways to talk to voters and engage supporters).
• Grassroots Action (how ordinary people can get extraordinary results).

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.  Refreshments will be provided.

Registration is available online by clicking here.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Laurie Masterson at 501-258-6353 or e-mail laurie@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.  Some topics will be covered during general sessions.

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities.

American Majority Arkansas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Wednesday, February 10 in Fort Smith, AR to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists

The training will take place at the Forth Smith Library located at 3201 Rogers Ave in Fort Smith from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.  Registration begins at 12:30.  The cost is $5.00 if you pre-register online by February 8th and $10.00 at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community (ideas and practical steps to engage your community and organize a coalition of volunteers)
• Government 101 (how government operates, how legislative and executive bodies work, how to get involved)
• Holding Government Accountable (how to hold leaders accountable once they are in office)
• Effectively Communicating Your Views (how to write effective letters to the editor, opinion editorials and blogs, using social networking tools and wiki projects)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.  Refreshments will be provided.

Registration is available online by clicking here.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Laurie Masterson at 501-258-6353 or e-mail laurie@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities.

American Majority Arkansas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Thursday the 11^th of February in Huntsville, AR to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists

The training will take place at the Carroll Electric Building (Community Room) located at 5056 Hwy 412 in Huntsville from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.   Registration opens at 5:30 pm.  The cost is $5.00 if you pre-register online by February 5th and $10.00 at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community (ideas and practical steps to engage your community and organize a coalition of volunteers)
• Government 101 (how government operates, how legislative and executive bodies work, how to get involved)
• Holding Government Accountable (how to hold leaders accountable once they are in office)
• Effectively Communicating Your Views (how to write effective letters to the editor, opinion editorials and blogs, using social networking tools and wiki projects)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.  Refreshments and dinner will be provided.

Registration is available online by clicking here.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Laurie Masterson at 501-258-6353or e-mail laurie@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

Due to a winter storm that hit the Fayetteville area, this event has been postponed.  The American Majority Arkansas office will notify attendees of rescheduling information.

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities.

American Majority Arkansas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Monday the 8^th of February in Fayetteville, AR to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists

The training will take place at the Ozarks Electric Building (Community Room) located at 3641 Wedington Drive in Fayetteville from 6:00 to 9:00pm.   Registration opens at 5:30pm.  The cost is $5.00 if you pre-register online by February 4th and $10.00 at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community (ideas and practical steps to engage your community and organize a coalition of volunteers)
• Government 101 (how government operates, how legislative and executive bodies work, how to get involved)
• Holding Government Accountable (how to hold leaders accountable once they are in office)
• Effectively Communicating Your Views (how to write effective letters to the editor, opinion editorials and blogs, using social networking tools and wiki projects)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.  Refreshments and dinner will be provided.

Registration is available online by clicking here.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Laurie Masterson at 501-258-6353or e-mail laurie@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

Due to a winter storm that hit the Rogers area, this event has been postponed.  The American Majority Arkansas office will notify attendees of rescheduling information.

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities.

American Majority Arkansas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Monday, February 8 in Rogers, AR to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists

The training will take place at the Coke Building located at 1800 S 52^nd Street  in Rogers from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.   Registration opens at 11:00 am.  The cost is $5.00 if you pre-register online by February 4 and $10.00 at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community (ideas and practical steps to engage your community and organize a coalition of volunteers)
• Government 101 (how government operates, how legislative and executive bodies work, how to get involved)
• Holding Government Accountable (how to hold leaders accountable once they are in office)
• Effectively Communicating Your Views (how to write effective letters to the editor, opinion editorials and blogs, using social networking tools and wiki projects)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.  Refreshments and Lunch will be provided.

Registration is available online by clicking here.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Laurie Masterson at 501-258-6353 or e-mail laurie@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

Awe the irony of it all-What poetic justice that once again Boston is at the forefront of the return to Liberty! There is no doubt the TEA Party movement across this nation is empowering thousands of Americans to become informed and engaged!!

If you are not already actively involved but would like to learn how, American Majority is committed to doing just that through our activist training. Our training will help you organize and communicate effectively. You will learn how to use new social media, plan successful events, be a campaign volunteer, better understand your local government structure and much more.  Our trainings will prepare you and others in your community to make significant change.

“But you must remember, my fellow-citizens, that eternal vigilance by the people is the price of liberty, and that you must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing.  It behooves you, therefore, to be watchful in your States as well as in the Federal Government.” ~Andrew Jackson

The State of Arkansas is always in need of representatives that know and understand the privilege and duty of being a public servant.  This year many of our public offices have races in November, from School Boards to US Senate.  I would encourage you to explore what positions are available in your area, investigate who is running, and determine if there is a candidate on the ballot that stands for the principles of liberty and personal freedoms. If there is not one, find someone, or better yet, consider running yourself.  American Majority can come alongside and encourage you with our candidate training.  We will help equip you with the tools necessary to run for office and to win. In addition, we will provide the extended knowledge and resources needed to make effective decisions once in office.

As citizens of a free nation we should realize -“Every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation, every possession, a duty”, a quote from John D Rockefeller, one of America’s most successful industrialists.

So friend, make a choice today to become informed, engaged and empowered.  Plug in and no longer sit on the side lines of history

~ “Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country” ~George Washington.

See below for sites on offices up for election, filing deadlines, voter registration and other important information:

Arkansas 2010 Campaign Info

Arkansas Election Dates and Deadlines

Arkansas District Maps

Scores of people packed a room last night at our training hosted by the Faulkner County TEA Party in Conway, Arkansas.  At least 100 potential activists gathered to learn how they can become more involved and engaged as citizens using new media tools like Twitter, Facebook and blogging.

The presentation was an abbreviated version of our Activist Training events that clocked just under an hour.  The attendees were eager to learn and ready to put their new knowledge into action.  It was a privilege to have this group of patriots as the first I have trained as a Field Representative for American Majority Arkansas.

The Log Cabin Democrat also wrote about the event.  You can read the article by clicking here.

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Happy New Year!~ 

I  labored over my New Year’s resolutions, commitments, pledges and over all, what I like to call, the Hoo Ya. You know the “rally call.” I see 2010 as not just a new year and a new decade but the continuation of a new era. An era of American Patriots who are informed, engaged and stepping out of mediocrity and complacence to protect and defend the American way of life.

I have come to realize that freedom is not a destination, it is a lifestyle, a process by which one lives, and it needs constant and vigilant effort to maintain. Given that I have decided instead of making the typical New Year’s resolutions, to embrace a change of living techniques, ways of thinking and viewing of life

My family and I will survey our personal lives, our own home and our local community for changes needed to coalesce people, be bridge builders and ensure freedom.
We will continue connecting with those around us, interacting and discussing our concerns, steadily building networks of friends. After all a nation by definition is a community of people. If we intend on mending our nation we have to mend its people. There is a saying- “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Having a vested interest in our neighbors and them in us is a huge step in the protection of individual freedoms.
In our home will use our time wisely cutting out those things that are time suckers such as TV, video games, etc, so we can read truly important books like, “The 5000 Year Leap” and “The Real George Washington”. We will do our due diligence to research the daily news for truth and the too-often inaccurate e-mails we receive in an effort to be genuinely informed and not merely reactionary. And we will re-evaluate frequently our motivations.

Last, but by far the most important act is that we continue to pray. We will ask questions daily based on a list of priorities we prepared as a family; God, Family, Church/friends, Country and Career. We will ask for guidance in how we can most effectively spend our time, energy and resources. We resolve to pray earnestly for our leaders to become and remain men and women of godly principles and ask that holy and wise leaders be raised up to help guide us from this present darkness and confusion.
It will take time to get back to daylight, there is no quick fix. If we commit to work diligently together and vow to never again become complacent, to teach our children to be vigilant, I am confident we will prevail!
I look forward to meeting many of you as I travel across our state to help encourage Arkansans to become informed, engaged and empowered!

Happy New Year and richest blessing to you and your family. May God continue to bless America.

God’s Speed,

Laurie Masterson

American Majority is holding an Activist Training in Conway, AR on Thursday, January 14.  The training will be held from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at a Faulkner Co. Library, 1900 Tyler St.

The goal of this training is to enable common citizens to make a difference in their communities by using tools of information, resources, and by networking with other like-minded individuals and organizations. If you or anyone you know would be interested in attending, we would be pleased if you would join us.

The event is FREE and open to the public.

Presentations that will be offered include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community
• Organizing Meaningful Events
• Holding Your Elected Officials Accountable
• Getting Involved in State and Local Political Campaigns
• New Media: Opinion Editorials, Blogs, Wiki Projects and more

American Majority believes that all change begins on the local level. This training will equip citizens to be an active voice for change in their communities and the nation.

To register, please click here.  For more information, please contact Laurie Masterson at laurie@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is holding an Candidate & Activist Training in Texarkana, TX on Saturday, January 16th. The event will be held from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Smokey Joe’s BBQ, 300 East New Boston Road, Nash, TX 75569-2714. The registration table will open at 8:40 AM.

The goal of this training is to empower common citizens to make a difference in their communities by using tools of information, technology and by networking with other like-minded individuals and organizations. If you or anyone you know would be interested in attending, we would be pleased if you would join us.

The event will include both Candidate and Activist tracks. Cost will be $25 for each activist. Candidates will pay $50 and $25 for each additional attendee (spouse, campaign staff, campaign volunteers, etc.) Lunch, training and training support materials will be provided.

Online pre-registration is strongly encouraged to insure that your seat is reserved! Space is limited is expected to fill quickly.

Presentations that will be offered include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community
• Precinct Ownership Workshop
• Patriotism 2.0
• Holding Representatives Accountable
• Master Your Campaign Strategy

American Majority believes that all change begins on the local level. This training will equip citizens to be an active voice for change in their communities and the nation.

To register, please click here. For more information, please contact Raz Shafer at Raz@americanmajority.org or call 254-592-3361.