 The Founding Fathers knew what they were doing when they set up this beautiful nation all those years ago. We cannot abandon our duties now. You love America. Your heart hurts over how the nation is groaning, freedom is slipping through our fingers, and the fabric of what makes it great seems to be disentegrating before our eyes. It is not up to who is in the White House (though it helps), to save America. The freedom we have must be maintained, preserved, defended, and propagated for future generations - by you and me. Yes that means you. And your family. There are simple ways you can help save America. In this newest product I list:
This product has at least a 19.99 value (probably more) but I am only selling it for 1.99 for the moment. But it will go up soon!
It's easy to read, simple to digest and it gets you started on "what can I do to help save America?" Yes, what happens in our State Capitols and in Washington DC matters immensely. But what shows itself at the top often starts at the bottom. It is time that citizens start to take responsibility for what is happening in our local communities, if we want to change America. Please grab your copy and let me know what you think!
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 Too often marketplace leaders champion what needs to be done, or emphasize that something must be done but does not explain how to do what needs to be done.
This is the hour that we need to help people understand
So as leaders (anyone who has the heart to inform others is a leader) must ask how can we help people know the answers to their questions?  John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, in the midst of tense times, saw the men and women behind the badge as being people he could respect and should defend.
In 1962, America’s youngest President had wisdom beyond his years when he spoke up and chose to make:
When this effort started, I was no where near being born. From what I can tell through research, living in the 60’s was a hotbed of tension and unrest.  NOTE: Do you live in Michigan? If you do, here are some important dates below. If you don't, use them as a sort of example to explore in your state! These dates matter! Welcome to a HUGE year in Politics in Michigan! Here are some dates you should know. April 1, 2024 - Deadline for County Parties to submit counts for Precinct Delegates April 16, 2024 - General Election for Special Election (2 state house seats) in Michigan April 23, 2024, 4:00 PM - Filing Deadline to run for office May 7, 2024 - Deadline to file for Precinct Delegate May 7, 2024 - Election May 12 - 18, 2024 - Police Week End of June - Absentee ballots released for August election (aka people will start voting) July 15-18, 2024 - Republican Convention, Milwaukee Wisconsin August 6, 2024 - Primary Election August 2024 - State Convention August 19-22, 2024 - Democrat Convention, Chicago End of September - Absentee ballots released for November election (aka people will start voting) November 5, 2024 - General Election I will work to keep you updated!
Email me with questions amy@generationstrategies.com  Politics has a reputation for being transactional. Candidates, political parties, and campaigns will do aggressive outreach leading up to an election. But when the election is over, win or lose, as soon as the clock ticks past the deadline, it’s a whomping silence.
Where did everyone go? No matter if candidates (or causes) win or lose, there is a psychological threshold that immediately goes into position. To the leaders driving the outreach and momentum, the customer, also known as a voter or constituent, goes back on the shelf. They unconsciously set everyone they have collected, touched, or built relationships with over the past few months aside and will pull them off the shelf again “when we need them next.” I’ve been in the arena for 20 years so I can speak from experience: this is a trend among the political universe and for a profession that is all about people, it stinks. So, I propose we change it but first we need to better understand it.  I’d love to walk into a kitchen, demand a gourmet cake exactly as I envision it and have the chef present it to me within 10 seconds or less. But wishes - like this - are not reality. It is physically impossible but even more-so it belittles the craft, demeans the quality and mocks the artisian’s end product. A one of a kind cake takes time and process.
Or good luck demanding a 5 star tree fort in a snap from a loving father. He loves the child too much to slap something together in a hurry and then say, “go ahead! It’s safe! Have fun!” A strong, reliable, quality fort takes research, calculations, construction, assessment, refining, and patience. To demand anything less speaks more of the requester than it does the item: they are beholden to whims and emotions and not interested in quality or security. They don’t yet understand or value the process that goes into making something of worth and stability. As conservatives, we rejoice in the growing presence of engaged citizens in the civic arena. But many are missing the greatest anchor: the process.  During World War II a realization was made by military leaders: our soldiers don’t know why they are fighting. Philosopher and author Russell Kirk, based in Michigan, was commissioned to write a book: The American Cause.
I believe its origin reminds us of our own responsibility in this hour if we are going to keep the American dream alive and its paradigm for freedom. BACKGROUND Russell Kirk is a founding member of the traditional conservative movement. He was dreaming up another book when he was commissioned to write the American Cause by friend Henry Regenery in 1956.  Conservatives believe in the individual.
Frankly, it would seem that all Americans would agree with this sentiment: an individual has value and that individual American should have the rights and freedoms to do as they see best. So wouldn’t it mean that all Americans should be conservatives?  The “esteemed” Forbes magazine published this article, 7 Reasons Why Millennial Men Are Reinventing Masculinity. It details how masculinity is being recreated, redefined, and reinvented. The idea of men reinventing themselves from warriors to billboards of woke ideology makes me want to weep.
Instead, America needs bold voices to clarify men who embrace virtuous masculinity play an important role in our lives.  You are leaders in Michigan’s political arena. As you move forward to build the gap between grassroots and the “establishment”, please consider the following talking points for messaging and communication strategies. I implore you. After 20 years of serving in statewide politics, with a passion for good communication, I have observed our side drop the ball in a massive way. But if we can recalibrate from this moment forward, we can make incredible gains for the future.
 We forget the influence we have as citizens, taxpayers, parents, and business owners among our elected officials. For too long citizens have abdicated their role as “civic participant” and have lost the understanding of how our system of government works. It is beneficial to our wellbeing to remember: we are a nation of the people, by the people, for the people. And those who sit in local elected offices are there to represent us. So the question should be poised to all Michigan citizens: do your local leaders know where you stand on Law Enforcement?
In Michigan, there are 83 counties and collectively house over 600 County Commissioners. Each County has a board of elected leaders who make decisions on how things should be run in their individual counties. Their votes and decisions influence policies in the Health Departments, how money will be spent on parks and recreations, and to me one of the most important: they determine how well our Law Enforcement are cared for and loved.  There is pain in the arena of civic engagement. It is not all sunshine, lollypops, ease, and convenience. It hurts. It is slow. It gets personal. And at times there are setbacks.
For those who have been involved in the civic process of America for longer than 10 years, you know that there are ebbs and flows but that the high waves will calm down and the calm moments will get high again. You have to pace yourself, and keep your eye on the bigger picture. We are needed now more than ever. We cannot stay away because of the discomfort. We must admit sometimes the pain is worth it if it gets us to a better place. NEW YEAR NEW YOU So as you start this new year, committed to being involved, what are the top 2 things you can do to make a difference?
That’s it.  Confession: My heart has been heavy the last few days. And, In moments of discouragement and frustration, it’s really easy for me to lean on the concept, “Maybe I should move out of Michigan!!” Run away! Give up! Quit trying! Obviously that is not the answer. But I find it’s okay to acknowledge my humanness and in the midst of these emotions - I also experience encouragement coming my way. Perspective is crystalized and I realize this isn’t my end -- it’s just another refining part of the journey. A CROWD OF CHEERLEADERS
I’m guessing you too often feel discouraged when trying to conquer the mountain of life and change culture. You feel like with every step forward, you take 10 steps backwards and that people who should be making the journey easier were actually making it harder. Or maybe it feels like there are more “doom and gloom” signs than signs of progress, breakthrough and justice for truth, righteousness, and holiness. At least at times. Am I right? Good. I’m not alone.  I remember being in a seminar when my boss used an analogy to make the point: there are two sides to every situation, and one’s perception of the scenario differs based on what lens they are looking through.
He held up a dollar bill to an attentive audience. “What do you see?”, he asked of a willing participant. The audience member described the pictures and details on the side of the bill he was presented. Then my boss flipped it over. “Now, what do you see?”, he asked. And - again - the observer described a set of notations and depictions. Only these were different from the first side. He summarized his point: It’s two different descriptions and perspectives, but it’s one bill. In a similar way, many occurrences or situations in life can have more than one accurate description. Oh if only we as consumers of information would embrace that point.  You have been reading the news, watching the commentators, listening to the radio, and frequenting trustworthy media sources. You are reading the prophetic voices, you are jumping on board with the calls for prayer.
You join the chorus of believers who are passionate about defending our nation, you are ready to take a stand and do something for freedom and truth, but you cannot figure out where in the world to start. You hear all the Voices saying, “people of faith must get involved! We must pray and redeem the hour!” But you sit there and scratch your head, and search your spirit pondering, “How?? Where are the specifics for how Christians can jump into the arena and change things? I don’t know what to do! And besides - can one person really make a change?” This piece is going to tell you where to start. WHO I AM Before you take anyone’s word for anything you should always find out who they are and what their experience is to begin teaching you. Side note: but even Professors. If they have not lived what they preach in the real world, scrutinize with special inquiry what they say. Therefore, before you believe what I'm about to tell you, you need to know more about me. I worked for 12 years in the Political arena. I was the Executive Director of a statewide organization and PAC that was one of the leading voices in my state for traditional family values. I also wrote the packet and oversaw the process for 17 staff during a Presidential campaign to make sure we mobilized, informed and educated church and college voters. In my non-profit work, I drove grassroots efforts, trained activists, educated voters, screened candidates, monitoring public policy, working alongside lawmakers. I wrote the manuals, I organized the trainings, and I pointed people to resources. Beyond it being a job - it was (and is) a passion for me. While I no longer work with that particular organization, I do have a passion to see that people of faith join me in the arena and do our part to stand for truth and preserve our blessed nation. You don’t have to work in Politics, but I do believe that we are called to influence the marketplace. So whether it is in media, business, government, entertainment you have a role to play. I believe that as an American, we are all called to different marketplaces and roles in society but I believe that as responsible Christians, we have a role to be responsible ChrIstian citizens. SO for example you may say, “Amy I hate politics. My passion is teaching children.” My response - awesome. I’m not saying you are called to be an elected official. But I am saying that you need to step up and utilize the right you have been given to vote and to monitor those who are making decisions for you in the marketplace. But Amy I hate politics. You are focused on the wrong thing (Forgive me for the bluntness). Politics is not for everyone but government is. Government impacts everything about us. Think I’m joking? Stop and consider it: what kind of taxes we pay on roads, how much our milk costs, what side of the street we can drive on, when businesses can open and close, when and where houses can be built, when you can get divorced, when you can see your children, when you can remove your child from school etc etc etc. It impacts everything. My concern is: as people of faith we need to be aware of and keep our eye on who is making these decisions for us. So your role is: 1. Love Jesus. 2. Do what God has called me to do in society (business owner, stay at home mom etc) and then 3. Vote and care about who my leaders are. GROUND RULES I am still learning. I don’t have all the answers. But I do have a few specific beliefs:
I could go on. But that is enough fundamentals to get started. MORE SIMPLE THAN WE KNOW Besides praying, what can we do? We can do a lot. Here are the very basics: 1 - Do you vote? And are you aware that there are elections more than once a year? Even in non-Presidential years? This means that ballot initiatives, local offices, state offices, policies are being voted on at the ballot box even when there is not a Presidential or Governor election. Every state varies. So stalk your State’s Secretary of State website. And if they don’t find what you need, call them. Also contact your local county and city clerk. Here is what you are looking for:
When it comes to voting, yes you choose a party. But even more importantly you need to understand your local governing operation. I.e. Call the City Clerk for example (or find it online) and just let them know you are working to be informed. When are the elections, etc. Disclaimer: Michigan’s website is wonderful. You can type in your address and it will generate information for me. It will tell me my specific region. Where I vote, when I vote, and what the upcoming elections are. Be prepared. As elections approach, you can get access to your ballot ahead of time and this will allow you to research the candidates. Leave yourself plenty of time. If you feel like voting is a “Job” and challenge that means you have met reality. It is not simple and it should not be simple. We are electing people who will make decisions impacting our very lives. We are choosing who gets our tax dollars, who is making decisions for our communities, and who is voting on policies that will shape us for generations to come. Be prepared and you will quickly find you can be ahead on things and you will become a go-to person for others as they look to get informed. 2 - Get to Know Your Local Area. Most of the news you hear talk about is on National and Statewide policies. But did you know that your local community more than likely has all of or some of the following (as you review the list consider - do I know these people and was I aware of their existence)?
Now, before you get overwhelmed - stop yourself. All you need to accept this moment is one thing: “where i live has local leaders that impact my life. And I need to get to know more.” Period. Congratulations. Sit on that for a couple days and come back to it. 3) Start Researching. It’s that simple. Step 1: Go to the Official Offices Go to your local Secretary of State, Local Township or City Council office and ask them to help you, based on where you live, and where you do business (if you are a business owner - where your property is located) who are your representatives. Your list of leaders will look something like this:
I know. It’s a lot. But I’m listing it out so you have an idea. But I’m telling you that you should start local. Step 2: Find Out More Now that you have their names, start to find out more about them. - Do they have websites?
Step 3: Get Personal Send an email to the leader introducing yourself. It does not have to be long or fancy but could be something as simple as this: Dear Councilwoman Smith: I have been a long time resident of this area. In the last few months I have become more convinced that I would like to be involved in my local community. I am eager to get to know the leaders who represent me, such as yourself. I am a local businessman that has been in the community for 30 plus years. I have raised my family here, have deep friendships, and I am passionate about seeing our community succeed. I would love to get to know you more. Where can I learn more about you, your policies, your beliefs? In addition, I would love to be more involved as a citizen. If you are ever in need of volunteers, or friends in the community I would love to engage with you. I realize we may not agree on everything - but that is okay. Here is my contact information if and when I can ever be of service. I look forward to attending future City Council meetings. Thank you for your willingness to serve our community. Sincerely, John Brown Find out who is your Mayor. Who is the person on the City Council that represents you? Where would your children go to school and get to know who the school board is? Send them personal emails, or call their offices for a friendly conversation. Even if you determine they stand for everything you oppose, recognize that they are the sitting elected leader for this season until the next election. So you have two choices: stay silent and sit in the background and watch things possibly not go so well or use this season to build a friendship with someone you might not normally have common ground with. But now you do. They represent you. So why not use this moment to show them the kindness of God? 4) Get out there: Seek to know, and be known. Attend meetings. Yes you CAN go sit in the back of a School board meeting. And no, you don’t have to stay the whole time. Go for 20 minutes. You won’t have to speak if you don’t want to. You can just go and listen. It’s your right as a community member. Check them out on social media. Sign up for email lists. The simple answer is start today to get involved in Your local communities. And it’s imperative to do it sooner rather than later. If you see them in the grocery store, go out of your way to introduce yourself. If they live in your neighborhood, stop by to take them homemade cookies. If you drive by their office, stop in and leave a note with the secretary: “I just wanted you to know I appreciate you and am praying for you.” Leave a thank you note to encourage them. It is good and right to know what is happening on the national, international and statewide level. But what is happening in your city council? Who is your mayor? What policies are the school board deciding on this week? And did you know that you don’t have to be an elected official to make a difference? Give the elected leaders a chance to meet you; you will also find that it will be easier than you realized to have influence in their lives. Many of them will find you to be an answer to prayer. They are bearing a heavy load and oftentimes do not have the men and women they need even as active citizens to help them do the best of jobs for your community. 5) Encourage Others to Join You It is time for more and more citizens to be inspired to take action, as well as pray. You will be amazed that people have been waiting for you to ask them to be part of changing things. Sometimes people do not know where to start but you can be that answer for them. CONCLUSION In James (James 2:14-26) it highlights that faith without action is dead. It is time that we as Christians take ourselves to task with what or how we have not been involved in our local level of society. God is a God of redemption. So while things are “burning at the top” now is our chance to rebuild things at the local level. This is our chance to be the Nehemiah's of this generation and rebuild the foundations of our society. Stay tuned for more resources. The best is yet to come. |
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