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Volunteer Activism for 2012 “ We Must Take Our Country Back ”

Myrtle Beach Tea Party, Inc. P.O. Box 6819  Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 Educate  Inspire  Empower website: www.mbTeaParty.net  email: info@mbTeaParty.net. Volunteer Activism for 2012 “ We Must Take Our Country Back ”.

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Volunteer Activism for 2012 “ We Must Take Our Country Back ”

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  1. Myrtle Beach Tea Party, Inc.P.O. Box 6819  Myrtle Beach, SC 29572Educate  Inspire  Empowerwebsite: www.mbTeaParty.net email: info@mbTeaParty.net Volunteer Activism for 2012 “We Must Take Our Country Back” “When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.” Thomas Jefferson 3rd President of the USA (1743 - 1826)Author of the Declaration of Independence

  2. 1. Introduction Page 2. Table of Contents 3. Shared Concerns 4. TEA Party Movement Symbolism 5. TEA Party Movement Timeline 6. TEA Party Principles 7. Who We Are 8. About Us 9. Our Corporation10. Levels of Activity: Basic Steps11. Levels of Activity: Leave Your Comfort Zone12. Levels of Activity: We Need Your Help13. Upcoming Events14. Committees Overview15. Committees List16. Committee Details17. “Thank You” Page 2. Table of Contents ________________________________________________ 2 of 35

  3. 3. Shared Concerns Have you ever expressed the following sentiments:• Our country is headed in the wrong direction. • We must stop and reverse our nation’s slide into big government socialism. • We must ensure that our children, our grandchildren, and future generations enjoy the freedoms and the opportunities that we enjoyed.Have you ever asked yourself: • How many others share my concerns? • How can I make a difference? • What can I do to help us take back our country?If these statements and questions resonate with you, then the MBTP may be an organization that fits well with your own solutions-oriented personal concerns about the future of our country. 3 of 35

  4. 4. TEA Party Movement Symbolism • The movement is named for the Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773) whose principal aim was to protest taxation without representation. • TEA is sometimes referred to as an acronym for Taxed Enough Already. • The revolutionary war Gadsden Flag (Don't Tread On Me) is often used to symbolize the movement. This flag was designed by revolutionary war General Christopher Gadsden who was from Charleston, SC. The flag graphic was based on Benjamin Franklin’s “Join, or Die” 8-segment rattlesnake design in which South Carolina was the rattle (alert) segment. 4 of 35

  5. 5. TEA Party Movement Timeline (1 of 3) • The current grassroots movement began through online conversations in forums and blogs in October 2008 in response to the first banking industry bailout and comments made by a U.S. Senator. Dianne Feinstein stood on the floor of the U.S. Senate and stated that she had received 91,000 calls and emails. She then added that 93% of these calls and emails asked her to vote “nay” to the bailout. But ... she countered, “these people don’t understand”. She was wrong; WE understood QUITE WELL. • Online conversations began accelerating in December 2008 insisting that the forthcoming movement be about core principles and not for or against any particular individual, i.e., not specifically for Ron Paul and not specifically against Barack Obama … and that it must be non-partisan. • The first rallies were held in late January and early February 2009. Some were called Porkulus Protests; but most were labeled as TEA Party Rallies. • On February 19, 2009, Rick Santelli stood on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in a televised CNBC broadcast calling for TEA party protests across the nation. 5 of 35

  6. 5. TEA Party Movement Timeline (2 of 3) • On February 20, 2009, 50+ national conservative leaders participated in a conference call which officially gave birth to the nationwide Tea Party movement. • Within days, Fox News, FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity, and Michelle Malkin’s blog began promoting the grassroots movement. • 40 cities across the country coordinated same-day TEA Party Rallies on February 27, 2009. • Over the next few weeks, isolated rallies took place in various cities. • We founded our local organization on March 9, 2009. • In late March 2009, an article was posted on a WordPress blog entitled “101 Tea Party Sign Slogans”. Within 3 days, that single page was getting as many as 50,000 hits per day. Extremely high traffic continued on that single page throughout March and April. • We held our first rally on Thursday, April 15th in Chapin Park. Nearly 800 similar rallies were held that same day across the country. 6 of 35

  7. 5. TEA Party Movement Timeline (3 of 3) • Numerous TEA Party rallies were held in July 2009 in celebration of American Independence. • On September 12, 2009 more than TWO MILLION Tea Party activists descended on Washington, DC in the largest single protest in our nation’s history. • In 2010, conservative grassroots activism led to a 60-seat Republican gain in the U.S. House ... the largest single-party landslide in 62 years. Most of these freshman refer to themselves as TEA Party candidates … or “conservative republicans”. • Over the last three years, conservative grassroots activities have surged across the country. There is now a Tea Party Caucus in the U.S. House, founded by Michele Bachmann. The last two State of the Union addresses have been countered not only by a Republican response; but, also by a Tea Party response. • The 2012 elections are approaching. We must take the U.S. Senate and the Presidency! And, we must get more constitutional conservatives in our state and local governments! 7 of 35

  8. 6. TEA Party Principles There are hundreds of local TEA party groups across the country. We have more than two dozen here in South Carolina. Although each TEA Party group is autonomous with its own core beliefs and central points of focus, most groups including ours, are united behind these six principles. 1. We believe that government should be limited in size and scope. 2. We believe that government spending should be prudent. 3. We believe that taxation on citizens and businesses should be minimal. 4. We believe in free market enterprise. 5. We believe in legal immigration. 6. We believe in an originalist interpretation of the U.S. Constitution as our nation’s blueprint for a constitutional and representative republic. 8 of 35

  9. 7. Who We Are (1 of 2) We are everyday Americans who are concerned about the direction that our country has been headed for the last few years. We are tired of politicians who don’t read the bills they sign, tired of big government growth, and tired of reckless government spending. We stand united against the inevitable taxes to pay for it all because we do not want our children and our grandchildren to pay the bills for what our “non-representing representatives” are doing today. Our grassroots volunteers have decided that we can no longer sit quietly at home and ‘hope’ for our constitutional republic to be restored to the core principles envisioned by our great nation’s founding fathers. Most of us have never been political activists. But, we believe that if we don’t take action now, future generations will not enjoy the prosperity and the freedoms that we hold dear. 9 of 35

  10. 7. Who We Are (2 of 2) We are taking action through patriotic rallies, town hall meetings, candidate debates, and other events to express our ongoing concerns and to listen to ideas about possible solutions. Additionally, we may support, endorse, or campaign for candidates and legislation with demonstrated constitutional values. The silent majority is no longer silent! 10 of 35

  11. 8. About Us Our MBTP is widely recognized throughout Horry county, throughout South Carolina, and in Washington, DC as one of the most effective conservative grassroots TEA Parties in the country. This recognition is due to the ongoing efforts of our active volunteers. Additionally, we have been recognized by national organizations such as Strong America Now, FreedomWorks, Raging Elephants, the American Policy Center, and TEA Party Patriots. Note that we are not a Republican club or group. Within our ranks may be Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Constitutionalists, and Democrats. Generally, though, we are united by our personal concerns to restore the American dream with limited government. Note also that we are not a Christian organization, but most of our members are Christian belonging to a variety of denominations. We open each meeting with spoken prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. And, we close each meeting with spoken prayer. 11 of 35

  12. 9. Our Corporation (1 of 2) • We were founded in March of 2009 by a dozen local citizens concerned about the direction our country is headed. • We registered as an eleemosynary corporation in the state of South Carolina in May of 2009. • We have filed for a federal 501(c)4 tax classification. • We have event insurance; we renew our premium annually. • We have no employees. Most work is accomplished by our dedicated and tireless volunteers. Occasionally, specific tasks are handled by paid sources such as legal and accounting assignments. 12 of 35

  13. 9. Our Corporation (2 of 2) • We held our first rally on April 15, 2009 in Chapin Park. More than 2000 attended. Over the next 18 months we held 84 regular meetings and held 12 public events (townhalls, candidate debates, and forums). We averaged having one public event every 6 weeks. • Currently, we are entering a key election cycle and will, once again, engage in several public events throughout the year. • We are a membership-based organization managed by corporate Officers and additional members of a Board of Directors. Our Board members are some of the hardest working volunteers among us. • Accepted membership requires a membership fee and applicants are screened by our Membership Committee. • Member commentary input and motion votes in regular meetings are very important. • Your involvement in action committees and public events is vital to our ongoing success. 13 of 35

  14. 10. Levels of Activity: Basic Steps First, you begin… 1. Realizing that our country is sliding into big government socialism away from the constitutional principles envisioned by our founding fathers 2. Complaining to friends and family ... fussing at the TV ... etc. 3. Accepting that lots of other folks share your concerns 14 of 35

  15. 11. Levels of Activity: Leave Your Comfort Zone 1. Get Active: • pursue further education though reading books and studying online • post comments online in forums & blogs and on FaceBook & Twitter • attend grassroots meetings, townhalls, candidate debates, and other events 2. Join a grassroots organization like the MBTP. But, first accept that group dynamics comes into play with us just like it does in any organization comprised of collaborative volunteers. You will not always agree 100% with the majority of our members. But, we must all stay focused on our primary goals and objectives. Please be respectful of the opinions and concerns of others in our organization. 15 of 35

  16. 12. Levels of Activity: We Need Your Help 1. First Level of MBTP Involvement: • attend our public events • attend our regular meetings • read our by-laws and mission statement (print them for future reference) • get to know us and become a card-carrying member 2. Second Level ofMBTP Involvement: • help on the day of our events • join committees to help achieve specific goals 3. Third Level ofMBTP Involvement: • give informative reports in regular meetings, as needed (and approved) • chair one or more committees establishing a track record of effective team leadership 4. Fourth Level ofMBTP Involvement: • join our Board of Directors helping with day to day management and planning sessions • perhaps ... go nuclear ... contributing 20 to 40 hours a week on a regular basis to help us fulfill our mission and to achieve our vision 16 of 35

  17. 13. Upcoming Events 2012 will be one of the most important election cycles in our great nation’s history: local, state, and federal. Some upcoming events may be coordinated in co-operation with other grassroots organizations. • We will have topical and candidate speakers at upcoming regular meetings. • We will have public candidate forums and debates. • We will have public topic-specific townhall meetings. • We will have indoor and outdoor rallies with various speakers and relevant topics. 17 of 35

  18. 14. Committees Overview • Committees operate within the framework and guidelines established by our By-laws, by our President, and by our Board of Directors. • It is the responsibility of each Chair to maintain adequate staffing of their team. However, assistance may be provided by our Human Resources committee and by our Board of Directors. • Most committees have a Board member involved who acts as a communication liaison with the Board. Likewise, our President may be on multiple committees. • Generally, Board members will not be Committee Chairs. • Some committees, particularly ones with large-scale objectives, may have a Board member who serves as an advisory consultant with the Chair. • Committee Chairs may be asked to give oral reports in regular meetings of their recent progress and upcoming objectives. • Committee Chairs with successful track records are strongly encouraged to seek Board management positions in upcoming elections. • Choose to join one or more committees which coincide with your own talents, skills, and interests. 18 of 35

  19. 15. Committees List Standing Committees: • Membership • Media & Public Relations • Legislative Watch • Events Planning (includes sub-committees) Special Committee Examples: • By-laws and Nominating committees are appointed as needed. • Internet Services • Fund Raising • Candidate Vetting & Accountability • Human Resources • Young Adult & Youth Activism • Outside Activities Watch & Planning 19 of 35

  20. 16. Committee Details (1 of 15)“Membership Committee” • Recruit new members as an ongoing objective • Recruit new members at our various events • Maintain our membership spreadsheet • Print membership badges • Send “Welcome” packets to new members • Provide membership funds and accounting to the Treasurer • Check-in members at meetings 20 of 35

  21. 16. Committee Details (2 of 15)“Media & Public Relations Committee” • Invite the media to participate in events; schedule interviews with same • Develop and distribute pertinent documents • Offer advance notification to the media of upcoming events (press releases) • Ensure that previous attendees are notified of upcoming events • Follow up after events with “Thank You” letters and keep relationships open 21 of 35

  22. 16. Committee Details (3 of 15)“Legislative Watch Committee” This committee may include sub-committees for each area. • Study proposed, pending, and existing legislation at the local level • Study proposed, pending, and existing legislation at the state level • Study proposed, pending, and existing legislation at the federal level • As requested by the Board, report findings and notifications to the group 22 of 35

  23. 16. Committee Details (4 of 15)“Internet Services Committee” • Maintain our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel to be user-friendly and informative • Ensure that volunteers regularly post comments and content on the FaceBook “fan page” • Ensure that volunteers periodically “suggest to friends” the FaceBook “fan page” • Maintain a regular count of attendees who have indicated their intent to attend events either on the FaceBook “fan page” or through email 23 of 35

  24. 16. Committee Details (5 of 15)“Fund Raising Committee” • Identify what fundraising efforts will be sought and plan accordingly • Identify and procure items that will be sold at the event (as applicable) • Solicit advertisement funds from business and organization sponsors • Ensure that a donation jar is available during events • Maintain a booth/table at our events • Provide collected revenue and accounting to the Treasurer 24 of 35

  25. 16. Committee Details (6 of 15)“Candidate Vetting & Accountability Committee” • Construct a candidate federal level vetting questionnaire (as Board deems) • Construct a candidate state level vetting questionnaire (as Board deems) • Construct a candidate local level vetting questionnaire (as Board deems) • Report questionnaire results to membership, contrasting and comparing 25 of 35

  26. 16. Committee Details (7 of 15)“Human Resources” • Distribute & maintain “MBTP Volunteer Action Questionnaire 2012” data • Access member skills, talents, and interests for committee assignments • Recruit committee volunteers matching their skills, talents, and interests 26 of 35

  27. 16. Committee Details (8 of 15)“Young Adult & Youth Activism” • Construct and follow-up on plans to contact area young adults and youth • Help area young adults and youth form TEA Party principled alliances • Oversee and maintain regular contact with young adults and youth activism alliances • Encourage area young adults and youth to get involved with our MBTP and to communicate same with others 27 of 35

  28. 16. Committee Details (9 of 15)“Outside Activities Watch & Planning Committee” • Gather information regarding outside activities (conducted by other groups and organizations) • Report outside activities to the appropriate parties • Recommend booth/table assignments for relevant outside activities • Plan for participation in approved group attendance at outside activities 28 of 35

  29. 16. Committee Details (10 of 15)“Events Planning Committee”Due to the large-scale nature of this committee, it consists of sub-committees. The primary Events Planning Committee coordinates the activities of the various events sub-committees. The duties of each of these sub-committees are detailed in the following slides. The Events Sub-committees are: • Event Oversight • Event Speaker Recruitment & Vetting • Event Logistics • Event Accounting • Event Registration 29 of 35

  30. 16. Committee Details (11 of 15)“Events Planning Committee”Due to the large-scale nature of this committee, it consists of sub-committees. Event Oversight Sub-Committee: • Set an agenda for the event • Implement the line-up of speakers and entertainers for the event • Oversee onsite “green room” accommodations for speakers and singers • Ensure MBTP member identification for the day of event (badges, name tags, etc.) • Plan and implement the decorations of the event • Ensure archival recording of the event (photography and video recording) • Arrange for booths/tables for outside groups and/or politicians (as needed) • Ensure that the event runs smoothly 30 of 35

  31. 16. Committee Details (12 of 15)“Events Planning Committee”Due to the large-scale nature of this committee, it consists of sub-committees. Event Speaker Recruitment & Vetting Sub-Committee: • Procure and vet topical speakers (when applicable) • Procure and vet political speakers (when applicable) • Screen onsite open-mic speakers (when applicable) • Report speaker proposals and final selections to the appropriate parties 31 of 35

  32. 16. Committee Details (13 of 15)“Events Planning Committee”Due to the large-scale nature of this committee, it consists of sub-committees. Event Logistics Sub-Committee: • Design layout of the event • Identify general event needs & ensure items are obtained for the event • Identify audio/video event needs & ensure items are obtained for the event • Coordinate a set-up crew and a clean-up crew for the event • Coordinate a security crew for the event • Communicate with authorities for the event 32 of 35

  33. 16. Committee Details (14 of 15)“Events Planning Committee”Due to the large-scale nature of this committee, it consists of sub-committees. Event Accounting Sub-Committee: • Plan and oversee the event budget (with the Treasurer and the Board) • Manage event funds for revenue and expenses • Obtain any necessary permits, licenses, and insurance for the event • Report budget figures to the Treasurer and the Board on an ongoing basis • Ensure that event revenue is securely retained periodically throughout event • Report event revenue by category to the Treasurer and the Board 33 of 35

  34. 16. Committee Details (15 of 15)“Events Planning Committee”Due to the large-scale nature of this committee, it consists of sub-committees. Event Registration Sub-Committee: • Plan and oversee attendee registration process • Plan and oversee voter registration process (when applicable) • Plan and oversee signing of petitions (when applicable) • Ensure that a donation jar is available • Ensure that a business card drop-off jar is available • Identify and obtain supplies needed for registration • Hand out our own business cards (as requested) • Hand out educational material and/or fliers at the event (when applicable) • Ensure that sufficient copies of all printed materials are available • Prepare for raffles (as needed) 34 of 35

  35. Myrtle Beach Tea Party, Inc.P.O. Box 6819  Myrtle Beach, SC 29572Educate  Inspire  Empowerwebsite: www.mbTeaParty.net email: info@mbTeaParty.net Join Us. Let’s Make A Difference Together! Bring one new person with you to next week’s meeting. Thank You !!! 35 of 35

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