Dedicated to the
Sovereignty of
Missourians

     

     


Charter

Statement of Purpose

Because we recognize man's dependence on God, Missouri First concurs with the Missouri State Constitution, which says, "We the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness, do establish this constitution. for the better government of the state."

Missouri First recognizes that "Rugged individualism, buffered by a Godly concern for others", is the essence of our state's character. Sovereignty is essential if we are to preserve this character.

Because we recognize that there exists a multiplicity of values, characters, and aspirations among these great united states, as well as the rest of the world, and that not all are congruent with those of Missourians, Missouri First seeks to assert and defend the appropriate sovereignty of Missourians. Missouri First maintains that the people of Missouri retain all rights of sovereignty, except those they have expressly delegated to the Federal Government in accordance with the original intent of the US Constitution of 1787 and the state of Missouri in her Constitution.

Missouri First affirms that Missouri is not a universal state and that mankind has no claim to her; that to be a Missourian is to first love her hills and mountains, fields and forests, streams and rivers, towns and cities, to cherish her history and traditions, and to share common memories with her people. To be a Missourian is to love liberty. Missouri First asserts that these Missourians are the heirs of this land, and they will determine for themselves what course she will take.

Scope of Operation

Because there are issues on the international, national, state, and local levels which can impact the sovereignty of Missourians, there are no particular limits to the scope of operation of Missouri First as long as the issues being dealt with are in compliance with the intent and the spirit of this charter.

Missouri First does not trod the well traveled roads, but rather seeks out the rugged, long forgotten paths which lead back to the founding principles of our land. Consequently, Missouri First prefers to deal with the issues neglected by others, but will work in the areas where it can make the most difference.

Methods of Operation

Missouri First is primarily a think tank devoted to evaluating and producing public policy ideas with an emphasis on individual liberty, free market capitalism, constitutionally limited government, and other principles that are consistent with the concept of an American constitutional republic.

Missouri First will give priority to educating and mobilizing the public to meet our mutual objectives. We want to equip The People to engage with respect to the media, public oratory, informational seminars, and legislative lobbying in order to teach and to influence public policy. Realizing that our children represent our future, Missouri First will work with public, private, and home schools.

Missouri First will address legislative and ballot issues, as well as specific candidates who further our stated objectives, but will not campaign for a particular political party.

Guiding Principles


Whereas:

  • This union of states was originally founded upon Christian principles...

  • The role of the Federal government is limited to those powers specifically delegated to it by the U.S. Constitution and "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."...

  • The Federal Government has entangled the nation in unwholesome international relationships...

  • The Federal Government has usurped the sovereign, constitutional rights of the States and individual citizens...

  • In an affront to the liberty of Missourians, and in contradiction to the original intent of the Constitution, the Federal Government has directly levied taxes on citizens...

  • The State government has usurped the rights of local entities and individual citizens...

  • The specific primary role of state and local governments is to protect the liberty of individuals. Citizens should be most affected by the governmental body nearest them, since it is most easily held accountable...

  • Citizens and businesses are overtaxed, thus inhibiting the proper exercise of individual liberty and responsibility...

  • Our ideals and character are being diluted and corrupted...

  • The express God-ordained purpose of government is to be "a minister of God to you for good" and to act as "an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil". (ROM 13:4) Justice is expected by God...

Therefore Missouri First will:

  • Teach about the Christian and Constitutional heritage of this nation and dispel the false notions about 'separation of church and state' and the authority of the Federal government over Missouri's handling of religious matters.

  • Work against unwholesome international relationships and promote state, local, and individual sovereignty so local residents can establish public policy that promotes local values without interference from outside influences.

  • Promote proper application of the Bill of Rights.

  • Cultivate a demand for public policy which will promote Missouri First's goals.


Membership

Membership is available by invitation by the Board to Missourians.

Honorary membership is available to non-Missourians by invitation of the Board.

Special Advisor to the Board affiliation is available to Missourians and non-Missourians by invitation of the Board.

Special Spokesman for the Board status is available by invitation of the Board.

Organization

  • Missouri First will be governed by the Board of Directors within the constraints of this charter.

  • Normal operational decisions will be decided upon by a simple majority vote, but a conviction objection by one or more board members will nullify the decision.

  • Changes to the charter will be only upon unanimous consent of the Board.

  • Removal of any Board member may be accomplished by unanimous consent of the remaining Board members.

  • Addition of new Board members may be accomplished by unanimous consent of the existing Board members up to a maximum of seven members..

  • Removal of any member may be accomplished by unanimous consent of the Board.

  • No lobbyist will be designated, employed, contracted with, or otherwise utilized by Missouri First, except by unanimous recorded vote at an official meeting of the Board of Directors.

  • No lobbyist will be designated, employed, contracted with, or otherwise utilized without a written formal contract with said lobbyist, signed by every member of the Board of Directors. The contract will list the lobbyist's full name and address, along with his specific duties.

  • No designation, employment, contract, or other relationship with a lobbyist will extend beyond one calendar year.

  • Any and all contracts with lobbyists pursuant to the requirements of this Charter shall be registered with the Recorder of Deeds in Maries County, Missouri, and no such contract shall be deemed valid or of any effect at any time the contract is not officially registered with the Recorder of Deeds of Maries County, Missouri.

(As amended September 24, 2015, August 30, 2016)



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