Project Appleseed

Mark your calendars.  April 7-9, 2011.  He will also host two, two hour workshops on Friday and Saturday.  We are just getting started.  We're working on a 'micro seed' during the Saturday afternoon outside events.   If you have any ideas, post them here.  I 7th stepped my way onto the advisory board for the conference.  I was sitting on the couch, yelling at the TV until Appleseed.  I'll post more when we get more details.   Here's the convention link  http://www.myteapartyconvention.com/Keynote_Speakers.html 

We're still adding speakers and other fun stuff. 

That is huge!  Great job in setting that up

Forget Fred! 

You have David Webb on the roster, can't miss this...   

HH
(Just kidding Fred)

And Dart, this is fantastic 7th stepping.

In all seriousness everyone, see what ONE Rifleman can do.

..Great Job..

Quote from: dart67eb on November 16, 2010, 11:08:39 PM
He will also host two, two hour workshops on Friday and Saturday.  We are just getting started.  We're working on a 'micro seed' during the Saturday afternoon outside events.   

Sign me up !!!  I've put in for vacation time and will raid the penny jar...  Minnesconsiowa needs to be represented among the instructor corps !   

For you IIT's and above that would like to help out, I have some working boards posted in the instructors area.  http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?board=6.25

For those of you who aren't instructors, but want to help out, pm me.  I'll try to match you up.

Cool... if you get Ron Paul or Lew Rockwell on the roster too, then it might be worth a drive over for my family and I!   

Quote from: henschman on November 17, 2010, 12:48:53 PM
Cool... if you get Ron Paul or Lew Rockwell on the roster too, then it might be worth a drive over for my family and I!   

I know Campaign for Liberty will be there but don't know who'll be representing them.  Keep an eye on the site.

That is great news. Be sure Fred has a Gadsden flag lapel pin!!! The Gadsden flag would not need to be displayed upside down like the Stars & Stripes must be currently. 

-fb

At the risk of being impertinent, why are we organizing an event at what amounts to a political event?  While have no problem addressing any organization it seems this event serves to indirectly apply a political aspect to the program.  We should seek to avoid associations with any political movement, irregardless of the legal ramifications of our actions.

Just a .02 of a dollar.

Quote from: starfox on November 18, 2010, 01:45:18 AM
At the risk of being impertinent, why are we organizing an event at what amounts to a political event?  While have no problem addressing any organization it seems this event serves to indirectly apply a political aspect to the program.  We should seek to avoid associations with any political movement, irregardless of the legal ramifications of our actions.

Just a .02 of a dollar.

Good question and something that I'm sure is on a lot of people's minds.  As I understand it, the mission of Appleseed is to get people off the couch and wake Americans up to help save the country.  To do this, we have to reach people.  To double in size every year, we have to reach lots of people.  There will be @ 2000 political activists of many different stripes at the event.  These people are already off the couch in some way or another.  Most have probably never heard of us and if we can infect them with Appleseed, my hope is that they infect others.  That will depend on what they think of our message.  

I don't dare speak for Fred, but I'm sure that our message will be the same.  We don't care who you vote for, but be aware of the sacrifices our forefathers made to give you that franchise and be informed when you use it.  

The convention is also working on streaming coverage, non-stop CSPAN, PPV and Sirius.  What better way to get the message out, unfiltered and unedited?  

Regarding alignment with a political movement, I personally would be happy to speak in front of any political group to get our message out.   No matter what we do, our detractors will find a way to paint us in a bad light.  Our message should be consistent and stand on its own.  

My first Appleseed was Apr '09 so there is a good chance I may not be seeing the 'big picture' correctly.  It won't be the first time.  Remember, when I presented this opportunity to Fred, I gave him as much information as I had at the time.  He agreed to do it and since then, I'm determined to do all I can to make it a success.  

Though we may not agree, I hope that I, at least, gave you insight to my reasoning.

dart

My answer:

Sarfox, your concern is well placed and speaks well of your understanding of the mission before us and the easy traps we can fall into.  It is absolutely true that we must be very careful about appearing partisan in nature while calling people to civic action.  It is also true that appearing at any one event is problematic, but the reality is that we are happy to give the exact same opportunity to Fred at the Democratic conventions or at the Republican ones.  And the speech would be exactly the same:  get off the couch, face our true enemy, get to an Appleseed event.

Can this sort of thing go wrong?  Sure, and that is why we are sending Fred.  He will get it right.  He will not be tempted to change the message to be partisan, be too chummy to fill the lines, or sell us out in any way accidentally.

He will nail it.

Could it still be perceived wrongly?  Yep.  But given the pros vs. the cons, the exposure is worth the risk.  And the attendees there are just as much in need of our message and mission as any Democrat or Republican.

Now to get us to the other conventions as well.  We must reach out to everyone so let's start making those calls.

Techres

This is very important, so I need to echo Sarfox's concern. 

I am a new guy, and I ponied up to become member of RWVA.  But this thread's announcement is the first thing I've seen connecting the RWVA to any political party (but, being a new guy, my ignorance is encyclopedic).

The announcement does not mention any other political party, and Techres' reply does not include dates for other conventions, so we do not appear to be executing a broad strategy to reach all political parties with the Appleseed message.

Instead, the announcement appears to tie the RWVA to one political party.

Is there an announcement or a published discussion on this forum or elsewhere which gives notice about the RWVA's plans to work with two or more other political parties? 

If not, how do we maintain the politically un-biased basis for encouraging civic involvement?

I am concerned that the RWVA may be perceived as a partisan organization, and that perception, if widespread, could undercut the Appleseed message.   

How will we avoid being labeled or dismissed as advocates for a hidden, partisan political agenda?

Patent Guy,
Concerns are duly noted.
Clearly this is a political minefield, but there are some important technicalities.
Despite the name, the "Tea Party movement" is not actually a political party at this point in time, much as the "Anti-Federalists" were not an actual party in 1787.  They are concerned citizens that think that there are parts of the Constitution that need to be recognized, clarified and protected, including such legislation as the Bill of Rights.
Treacherous waters, yes.  That's why Fred is going.

Coop
my 0.02 FRN, YMMV

Anyone else who wants to help get us lined up for other speaking opportunities, please PM me so we can coordinate efforts.  This is especially true for any large party gatherings.

Patent Guy, do you have spare time to help?  I think the best way to offset here is simply to get us speaking in more places.  I can use your (and anyone else's) help!

Thanks,
Techres

Patent Guy, Starfox and others,

It has long been RWVA/Appleseed policy that elected officials attend our weekends free.  We do not ask their party affiliation only that they hear about their heritage as everyone else.

Is that partisan?  I don't believe so, we invite all openly.

Same thing here.  Fred has been invited to speak at this convention.  The reason you have not seen anything from the other parties is that they have not extended that invitation. Should that happen I am certain that Fred would give them the same consideration.  

I'll also second Cooper's comment. As much as the media likes to portray the 'Tea Party' as a monolithic bloc, my experience here in Indiana is that it is a very loose group of volunteers who are getting active in their governance.  That sounds pretty familiar to me.

The Appleseed message needs to be heard by every American.  If we can reach some 2000 folks who have already gotten off the couch and engaged in their own way, the message can be spread that much faster.

Hawkhavn

We have handled out 1000s of trifolds at Tea Party events ------ folks are always interested in the short sales pitch we give them .
SS tells me she has had several attend shoots who got AS fliers .

Wonder if the liberty minded folks in southern poverty law center --will be as receptive . I am no longer a member of move-on.org ---but someone could contact them-.
A few more to get the balance some would like to achieve , ACLU-League of woman Voters-Naltional Education Association- Josh Sugermans Violence policy center- Brady campain -- and finally Bloombergs Mayors against illegal guns .

If you dont ask --the answers always no  
JA

PS Fred ^5 great job Sir

Quote from: Johnnyappleseed on December 02, 2010, 01:06:14 AM
We have handled out 1000s of trifolds at Tea Party events ------ folks are always interested in the short sales pitch we give them .
SS tells me she has had several attend shoots who got AS fliers .

We've done the same here in Indiana and the response has been good.  Not the only place flyers go, but definitely fertile ground.  Nice people too, at least everyone I have shaken hands with.

QuoteWonder if the liberty minded folks in southern poverty law center --will be as receptive . I am no longer a member of move-on.org ---but someone could contact them-.

If you want to help on that, PM me.

QuoteA few more to get the balance some would like to achieve , ACLU-League of woman Voters-Naltional Education Association- Josh

No stopping us actually.  In a few states the ACLU might be more receptive than you might think.  LWV, dunno - but they had better hurry since the free women shooters thing is ending.  NEA?  That would be a win even if we only got .001% to a shoot!   

QuoteSugermans Violence policy center- Brady campain -- and finally Bloombergs Mayors against illegal guns .

  If Bloomberg showed up at one of my shoots, I would give him an LTR - the one with the highcap mag and a suppressor... 

QuoteIf you dont ask --the answers always no 
JA

And if we do ask and they say no, then we tried.  The big question is not what to do if they decline, it is what we do if they accept.

QuotePS Fred ^5 great job Sir

Agreed.

Patriot Gal and I ,having worked with the 912 PROJECT has proven to be a good thing.
Fred will be making Appleseed known to the many who no nothing of us, especically the big dogs and indeed it
is a brilliant strategy which should result in many attending Appleseed shoots. We know from experience several
from the 912 group have attended our shoots and some have shot Rifleman. Moreover, once the message was
embraced by them, they became  and remain loyal, ardent supporters and promoters of Appleseed. They have a dedicated Applessed
booth and hand out our literature on a regular basis. They have been nothing  but good for our program. They love
what we are doing. We were even invited to attend a Constitution Rally hosted by the 912 group which allowed
EEL to be a feature speaker before a crowd of some 1000 folks. Let me tell you his benediction was heard!
This is all good stuff that Fred is doing and will no doubt a serious boon for the program. Tenesse needs a shot
in the arm anyway. and the whole nation will benefit. This is all very very good for AS, simply splendid!Q  

Cheers,

CM

Quote from: techres on November 18, 2010, 12:49:23 PM
My answer:

Sarfox, your concern is well placed and speaks well of your understanding of the mission before us and the easy traps we can fall into.  It is absolutely true that we must be very careful about appearing partisan in nature while calling people to civic action.  It is also true that appearing at any one event is problematic, but the reality is that we are happy to give the exact same opportunity to Fred at the Democratic conventions or at the Republican ones.  And the speech would be exactly the same:  get off the couch, face our true enemy, get to an Appleseed event.

Can this sort of thing go wrong?  Sure, and that is why we are sending Fred.  He will get it right.  He will not be tempted to change the message to be partisan, be too chummy to fill the lines, or sell us out in any way accidentally.

He will nail it.

Could it still be perceived wrongly?  Yep.  But given the pros vs. the cons, the exposure is worth the risk.  And the attendees there are just as much in need of our message and mission as any Democrat or Republican.

Now to get us to the other conventions as well.  We must reach out to everyone so let's start making those calls.

Techres

Quote from: techres on December 02, 2010, 01:33:29 AM
No stopping us actually.  In a few states the ACLU might be more receptive than you might think.  LWV, dunno - but they had better hurry since the free women shooters thing is ending.  NEA?  That would be a win even if we only got .001% to a shoot!   

Not to hijack a thread (feel free to move it).

The free women shooters thing is ending?  WHY?  If this is true it is a REALLY bad idea in my opinion.

Greg 

Quote from: Greg in MO on December 02, 2010, 08:49:13 AM

Quote from: techres on December 02, 2010, 01:33:29 AM
No stopping us actually.  In a few states the ACLU might be more receptive than you might think.  LWV, dunno - but they had better hurry since the free women shooters thing is ending.  NEA?  That would be a win even if we only got .001% to a shoot!   

Not to hijack a thread (feel free to move it).

The free women shooters thing is ending?  WHY?  If this is true it is a REALLY bad idea in my opinion.

Greg 

My fault making a flippant comment that threadjacks, not your fault.  It is my understanding that there will be some kind of small "registration fee" or something on the order of $10 for women in order to help reduce the no-show problem.  I thought this had been put in some kind of motion but not for 2010. 

Please do not let this threadjack and if you have any further questions, PM me so we can continue there.  Sorry, was not my intent to confuse. 

I do not have problem with this in principle. But we should all know that the tea party has been hijacked by mainstream republicans. It is NOT the movement that the Ron Paul guys started a while back.

It, and 912, are barely re-branded versions of the repub party.

As such, as soon as the SPLC says we are a militia (and they will), Appleseed will be thrown under the bus.

Go for it but beware.

Awesome 7th stepping in any case!

Quote from: TreadCarefully on December 02, 2010, 10:10:46 AM
Go for it but beware.

Awesome 7th stepping in any case!

Perhaps it would be worth saying the following:

It is a huge opportunity full of risk and potential reward.  We are going to send our best with both our concerns, but also with our prayer.

And then please, do, send the prayer as they can surely use it.

Quote from: TreadCarefully on December 02, 2010, 10:10:46 AM
I do not have problem with this in principle. But we should all know that the tea party has been hijacked by mainstream republicans. It is NOT the movement that the Ron Paul guys started a while back.

It, and 912, are barely re-branded versions of the repub party.

Awesome 7th stepping in any case!

I'm not sure if any of the above is a concern for Appleseed.  We have an opportunity to sell our mission in front of 2000 liberty minded people, who are very active in moving the country in the proper direction.  Its truly a win for us.

I for one have no worries about Fred or Anyone else speaking to whomever they chose about Appleseed. Forget about "Bad Press" and "un-holy alliances". Once Appleseed gets big enough to influence a lot of people we WILL be on some group, some where's "Enemies List".
If they can't find anything bad to say, THEY WILL SIMPLY MAKE UP LIES AND SPEAK THEM! This WILL happen! THIS IS A GOOD THING!
For those intellectual types who would like to read a very good analysis of this, you need to be getting AND READING copies of two books by a guy the name of; Brian Anse Patrick!
The Titles are:
The National Rifle Association and the Media: The Motivating Force of Negative Coverage
And
Rise of the Anti-Media: In-Forming America's Concealed Weapon Carry Movement

Not to put too fine a point on this; BAD PRESS and anti-gun/Anti-conceal carry folks jumping up and down and making funny gurgling sounds HAS BEEN A GOOD THING for those movements.
It will be a good thing for us! It will even be a better thing if we have worked out in advance how we are going to think about it and handle it.
Take a breath folks, and follow the six steps.

You are so right  Techres & ColyCat.   My experience is that the 912 people are not so easily deceived.
There are great trust issues with politicians right now. Politicians are on trial and everyone
is watching.  We shall see, but Appleseed has a lot of potential to overcome. I am not
pessimistic as some but rather optimistic. This is all good.

CM

Quote from: colycat on December 02, 2010, 11:36:43 AM

Quote from: TreadCarefully on December 02, 2010, 10:10:46 AM
I do not have problem with this in principle. But we should all know that the tea party has been hijacked by mainstream republicans. It is NOT the movement that the Ron Paul guys started a while back.

It, and 912, are barely re-branded versions of the repub party.

Awesome 7th stepping in any case!

I'm not sure if any of the above is a concern for Appleseed.  We have an opportunity to sell our mission in front of 2000 liberty minded people, who are very active in moving the country in the proper direction.  Its truly a win for us.

Quote from: gpbbiker on December 02, 2010, 02:55:25 PM
I for one have no worries about Fred or Anyone else speaking to whomever they chose about Appleseed. Forget about "Bad Press" and "un-holy alliances". Once Appleseed gets big enough to influence a lot of people we WILL be on some group, some where's "Enemies List".
If they can't find anything bad to say, THEY WILL SIMPLY MAKE UP LIES AND SPEAK THEM! This WILL happen! THIS IS A GOOD THING!

I couldn't agree more. A Ghandi said:
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

We are still at the stage of being largely ignored. When the libtard satirists start lampooning us, we'll be on the road. When the anti-appleseed legislation and lawsuits start, we are approaching the finish line.

It's not gonna get easier, or prettier, or simpler.

Stand to, and standby.

Folks,

We 'shoot guns' and honor dead white guys.  For some reason, there are many people out there who are programmed, some from birth I suspect, to hate us.  We will be on their target list, no matter what. There are, however, many more who aren't driven into a foaming frenzy by the mention of these things that we can reach.  Some people are talking about us not being political.  I've also heard on these boards that a good future would be appleseed trained and supporting elected officials.  I'm not afraid to go wherever I can invite myself.  Yes, invite myself, not wait to be invited.  And you can count on the fact that wherever I go and talk about AS, somebody is unhappy about it or would be if they knew.  If you're not taking flak, you're not over the target.  Stay on message and it will be ok.

The speaker bio pages for the convention are up.  We still expect more speakers.  We just got a lot of free advertising with this.  We need a poll on Fred's pic!  http://myteapartyconvention.com/Keynote_Speakers.html