Well... I'm home from Las Vegas, host of the National Association of Student Councils Conference these last few days. I know I speak for the rest of Montana (all ten of us...) that it was an awesome conference! Bravo! Freedom's Answer was everywhere, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated Speakers Bureau (despite being kicked out numerous times) and all us Freedom's Answer Crazies.
I wanted to share something about the conference that I thought was extremely powerful for all of those in attendance on Tuesday afternoon at NASC.
Following a beautiful flag ceremony by the State Presidents and serviceman from Nellis AFB, Veterans in the audience were asked to stand. The response was phenomenal: the applause just kept coming. Then, the big screens began flashing pictures of our great country-- to the tune of "Proud to be an American." Everyone in the Gym at Silverado High School was on their feet singing " I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free... and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I'd gladly stand up! next to you and defend her still today, 'cause there ain't no doubt I love this land... God Bless the USA!" Everyone had their arms around each other, regardless of beliefs, as Americans. Many of them, myself included, were in tears.
It's been only two months since I've returned to the US from my stay in Ukraine. Sometimes I find myself forgetting what it felt like to be an American while I was there. During that ceremony on Tuesday, the memories of my experience were triggered. That's when the tears started.
The purpose of my stay in Ukraine was to study WWII from both American and Ukrainian prospective. During those interviews and during my short residence in Ukraine-- I found a whole new meaning to the word patriotism. Being an American is like being a part of a family: sometimes you don't like your family, who they are, or the choices they make-- but they're your family-- your blood. Likewise, sometimes we don't like our country, who we are, or agree with the choices some make-- but they are our blood and our livelihood. It is by complete accident that we were all born in the best, brightest and most beautiful country in the world.
I hope that on this Sunday every American takes a minute to reflect on why they're so blessed to live in the United States. July 4 is no longer just burgers and fireworks for this Montana girl--- it's about being grateful to our troops, past and present, who helped defend our magnificent country and our freedom. It's remembering how much we really have, what we take for granted---- and how truly blessed we all are.
Have a wonderful Fourth of July-- and God Bless America.

Lauren Pickering Unsworth
Montana FA State Chair
Montana ASC State President
HHS2005@aol.com

While in the National Office today I received a phone call from Ray C. of South Carolina. He opened with Blake I need some information to hand out as I do a presentation at my school. He would go on to explain that he had discussed with his principal about Freedoms Answer and is going to be presenting at the Parent/Student orientation in two weeks. What an amazing idea!!! This would be great to spread to all other schools. Check with you principals to see what they will allow for you to be at....Who knows maybe board meeting, SIC, school leadership...the list is endless.

Dear Mr. Klump,
I just read the latest NLC Update, and since I've already signed up my school and we've been distributing registration forms for the past few weeks (as seniors were buying their Senior Party tickets - good idea), I have been trying to come up with something more to do. Finally my history teacher and I decided to completely run with the Election Day theme, and we're in the process of planning a huge school-wide project for the week preceding elections. I will distribute the pledge forms a few weeks prior to elections and brief the teachers on what they are, how the students do them, and what rewards we can offer, etc. Then, nearer to elections, I'll be working with my in-school announcements production team to present a few days of information - what stance the different parties take on different issues, information about the candidates, etc. and maybe orchstrate a debate between some of the teachers and students who are staunch supporters of different parties. I've cleared it with my principal and it seems like all systems are go, so right now I'm trying to get together the information I'll need.
Thanks!

~Brittany Duncan

Well I have to tell you guys that Freedoms Answer is the most persistent group...Ever! We have this unusual dedication to our work that will not let us take no or hold back for an answer. While this is evident in all we do, it especially showed as Kate F. and I were repeatedly asked to leave (Well kicked out of) the NASC conference in Las Vegas earlier this week. But hey we kept going back with more determination to signup students that ever before. Maybe we had to sneak in and out of State Rooms and lunch times, but we got the word out.

Thanks to our partnership with former CIA member "Dr. Joe" and mafia leader "Doug," Kate and I flooded the conference with Freedoms Answer. No one left without hearing about it 3 or 4 times. We would slide down the floor, hide along the walls, slip through doors and disappear into the crowds all in the name of saving democracy!

980 schools!! That is quite an accomplishment. Every day I check out the counter on the main page and see our school count increase. This progress is a direct result of your hard work and dedication.

Now we have 980 schools signed up and a little over 20 days until the summit. So here's a little challenge for you, let's call it the Freedom's Answer Summit Challenge. Let's see if we can get 100 schools signed up between now and the summit. Think we can do it?? I know we can and if we meet our goal South Carolina will have a surprise for every Freedom's Answer student in Cleveland.

Let's sign up those schools!!!

My name is Monica Song from Washington State. We need to thank Mr. Charles Drummond from the Cascade Blood Regional Services for his donations. He was the FIRST person to contribute to me and has given me encouragements. He has shown me that asking for donations is not hard at all! Mr. Charles Drummond definitely needs this thanks due to his support and contribution to Freedom's Answer.

--Monica

To: Freedom's Answer January Summit Delegates,

Currently we have 20 nonscholarship spots for the Cleveland summit remaining. So I'm contacting you guys to see if anyone would like to change your minds about coming, or if you have any friends who would be excited to go.

Just send me an e-mail at Homerun465@aol.com and I'll send you a password and everything you need to get started. The summit is also here and the deadline to register by is this Monday. Just make sure to e-mail me your name, telephone number and your state and I'll get you the password ASAP.

Students do not have to be in high school to attend, college students and high school students are welcome.

Questions?? Call Allen at 864-915-4059

Take care and hopefully I'll see a lot of you at the summit,

Allen Klump
homerun465@aol.com

Today at the NASC Conferece, we had the great opportunity to have Blake, Kate, Dr. Joe, Doug, and Sam speak at each of our Regional meetings -- bringing the spirit of Freedom's Answer to over 2000 student and advier delegates from all 50 states and even Puerto Rico. Hundreds of red forms were returned to be processed and many are now enthusiastic in being apart of making history in the November election. Freedom's Answer is spreading like a wild fire, and the wild fire has now caught fire at the NASC National Conference. Keep checking back for more Freedom's Answer news at the NASC Conference.

Again, as the National Association of Student Councils National Conference continues in the fabulous Las Vegas -- "Viva Las Vegas!!!," everyone is having an awesome time!!! Today, Dr. Joe gave an awesome introduction to all state presidents on the Freedom's Answer program (it was very well received). Dr. Joe truly understands the concept of Freedom's Answer and we should be very lucky to have him apart of the FA team. Hopefully, all of our new state president recruits will help to make a big difference in the voter turnout within our country.

Additionally, I have to send props out to Kate Farrar and Blake Montgomery who were having an awesome time working at the Vision Tree booth in the exhibits area promoting the "Voting Decision Software" developed by our good friend Martin. Anyway, we continue to look forward to a successful conference -- make sure to check back periodically to find out any new revelations that are taking place at the NASC Conference 2004!

By the way, congratulations to Joe Semsar for being elected the new NASC co-chairperson. (He will be replacing Lindsay).

As many of you already know, a whole bunch of Freedom's Answer kids are meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada for the National Association of Student Councils National Conference. As some of the Executive Board Members were having dinner at Hard Rock Cafe, one of the newly elected members asked "You need to tell me more about Freedom's Answer". Then Sam Herebert instantly starts to recite the Speaker's Bureau speech exactly as written. Word by word line by line -- with expresssion and all. What an awesome guy! The dedication that he has to the program is extremely great!

Want to come to the Summit, but don't have the money?

Maybe you should ask some of the local community organizations affiliated with national Freedom's Answer support groups. Here are some ideas: Any law firm that's part of the ABA (American Bar Association)

The American Legion
The League of Women Voters
The Democratic Party
The Republican Party

All support Freedom's Answer , so maybe their local representatives would spring for your airfare to Cleveland (arrive afternoon 7/21, leave afternoon 7/24), or registration fee ($125), or your hotel room (ca. $150 for three nights if you share with two others).

Here are some other local community groups that might be able to help: The Chamber of Commerce, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis, Rotary, the local newspaper, local veterans groups.

The more people know about Freedom's Answer , the more they want to help. So think of it as doing them a favor to tell them -- and then ask for help.

But remember this: If you haven't registered for the Summit with Pat Miller yet, you need to do it now: by email to PMiller@FreedomsAnswer.net or by calling her at 202-785-5920.

We want you in Cleveland. We need you in Cleveland. Either to chart the history-making high school push in the Fall - or to be a founder of the new Freedom's Answer College Challenge.
Ask your neighbors and your community. They are proud of you and what you are doing. They'll help.

First come, first served.

Freedom's Answer is holding a 50-State Summit of students from high schools across the country from the afternoon of July 21st to the afternoon of July 24th, in Cleveland, Ohio.

We want you there!

If you just graduated high school, we will be planning how Freedom's Answer will be introduced by Freshmen to 100 colleges campuses this fall.

If you will still be in high school in the Fall, we will be planning how Freedom's Answer will be the largest non-partisan voter turnout effort in American history. Each state delegation will be planning how to make its state effort the biggest and the best of all the 50.

But to be part, you must act now. Respond to this email to get a passcode for one of the remaining delegate slots – and instructions on how to complete the process.

When: The Summit will be from the afternoon of Wednesday July 21 through the early afternoon of Saturday July 24.
Where: The Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio.
What: The Freedom's Answer Summit will also be part of the National Youth Summit held at the same time, same place.
Special: There will be a special national candlelight memorial service on Thursday July 22nd.
Ballgame: We'll all be going to see the Indians face the Kansas City Royals on Friday night, July 23rd.
Costs: You will be expected to pay for airfare, a $125 registration fee (covering all meals), and hotel room (ca. about $135 to share a double room with sofa bed with two others for 3 nights).

This is history. This is fun. We want you there.

Just email us back for a passcode or with your questions. But please do it now. There are not many slots left.

Pat Miller
Freedom's Answer

202-785-5920

We are launching the Freedom's Answer College Challenge at the Summit convention in Cleveland (July 21-24).

We have delegate slots for 25 Founding Members of the College Challenge - First Come, First Served. If you are going on to college this September and want to carry the Freedom's Answer idea on to your new campus, we want you in Cleveland to be a Founder and help plan the effort.


If you are interested please call Pat Miller in our Freedom's Answer office (202-785-5920) or email her at PMiller@FreedomsAnswer.net. She will tell you exactly what you need to do.

The costs: There is your airfare (arrive afternoon of July 21, leave afternoon of July 24), a registration fee of $125 (which covers all meals) and hotel reservations for three nights (which should be under $150 if you triple up three to a room).

But let Pat Miller know now, now, now.

You've already made history at the high school level; let's take it to college.

Crystal Boyd of the great state of Texas, and the Freedom's Answer Speaker's Bureau joined me in Missouri to experience 750 bright young ladies at Missouri Girl's State. We had the great honor of speaking directly after the Governor of Missouri, Bob Holden. Governor Holden sounds perfect for the Freedom's Answer program. We encouraged all the girls to join forces with the Missouri state team and get their Governor involved. He stressed the importance of getting involved in politics. Non-partisan politics even. All in all we had a very successful presentation in Missouri. We had a fantastic time and everyone there was so hospitable. A big thank you goes out to Eddie in the Cafe who feed us late at night. Thanks Eddie. Also thank you to the Missouri Girl's State Governor Hendrix who made copies of forms for us, and passed them out to the girl's.Thanks Paige.

OK, so I have to admit going these FFA conferences this summer I was hesitant about the way FFA members would respond to the Freedom's Answer movement. I thought they might consider the idea, but as far as applying the steps of having the largest voting turnout ever in history, I wasn't quite sure. Man was I wrong! The excitement in their eyes, and the true passion for this program has showed me that Freedom's Answer is captivating the FFA audience. I have had a countless number of kids coming up to me asking, "Eric how can I get more involved?" So keep it up FFA members.