Regnat Populus!
Dear Friends and Supporters of Direct Democracy,
First and foremost, Kelly and I want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who worked tirelessly over the past six months (or longer) on the Educational Rights Amendment campaign. Your dedication, perseverance, and passion have been nothing short of inspiring, especially considering the compressed timeline we faced.
To our incredible volunteers: You are the heart and soul of this movement. You braved extreme weather conditions - from heat waves to tornadoes and torrential downpours. You faced endless protesters who harassed you and our signers, enduring insults and verbal abuse. Yet, you kept moving forward with unwavering determination. Your resilience in the face of these challenges is a testament to your commitment to improving education for all Arkansas children.
You endured harassment and obstruction from state and local government leaders. We've had to take legal action to fight for our 1st and 14th amendment rights. We have been challenged by our own leaders and government to block the people’s right to govern ourselves.
Despite the shortened timeline, we organized 68 of 75 counties and hit the minimum signature requirement in 55 counties - far exceeding the 50 needed to qualify. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the Attorney General's office delayed our start by four months, leaving us with only four months to gather signatures.
While we fell short of the total signature count needed, the foundation we've built is strong and far-reaching. We've created a robust, statewide network of education and democracy leaders that will continue to grow and make a difference for years to come.
Now, we ask you to take a few days to rest, breathe, and reflect on all that you've accomplished in such a short time. You've earned it.
As we look to the future, here's our plan moving forward:
- The For AR Kids Coalition plans to refile the bill to put it on the ballot in 2026. We hope to submit the petition in the next few weeks, giving us until July 2026 to gather the required signatures. Having already been approved once by the Attorney General, we anticipate a smoother process this time.
- We'll be breaking the amendment into segments to introduce as legislation through the General Assembly.
- We'll use our newly gathered supporter database to pressure legislators and organize a multi-directional approach to improve education in Arkansas.
- We'll continue to build and strengthen our volunteer network across the state, leveraging the connections we've made in this compressed campaign.
In the coming weeks, we'll be scheduling debriefs, feedback sessions, and town halls to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Kelly and I will be personally visiting as many towns as possible to listen to your ideas on improving the process and building this movement.
Remember, this campaign has always been about more than just an amendment. It's about guaranteeing universal access to pre-kindergarten instruction, holding private schools that accept public funds accountable, and ultimately, creating a more equitable and robust education system for all Arkansas children.
We may not have reached our immediate goal, but we've laid a strong foundation for the future in a remarkably short time. We've shown what democracy looks like when citizens come together for a common cause, even under extreme time constraints and significant opposition.
Thank you again for your unwavering support and dedication. We couldn't be more proud to stand with you in this fight.
Together, we can and will make a difference. Because this, my friends, is what democracy looks like.
Regnat Populus,
Steve and Kelly Grappe
Stand Up Arkansas
P.S. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to provide feedback and get involved in our next steps. This is just the beginning of our journey to transform education in Arkansas!
P.P.S. We are having a regular “meeting of the minds” every other Friday starting at 5:30pm and ending when you decide to leave. Kelly is calling it “Mind Meld(t) with Margaritas and Cheese Dip”. Casa Mañana 6820 Cantrell Rd Little Rock. First date: July 19th - spread the word.
P.P.P.S. We hope to plan similar exhilarating discussion over libations and nourishment at each of our future local visits. :)
Regnat Populus: Direct Democracy in Arkansas
Unveiling the Referendum and Ballot Initiative Process in Arkansas
Introduction:
Arkansas boasts a rich tradition of direct democracy, empowering citizens to shape policies through referendum and ballot initiatives. This unique system, integrated into the state constitution in the early 1900’s, sets Arkansas apart as a pioneer in democratic engagement. Let's delve deeper into how these processes work, the current initiatives underway, and the opportunities they offer for citizen participation.
Integration into the Constitution: A Landmark Moment
The integration of referendum and ballot initiatives into the Arkansas constitution marked a significant milestone in the state's democratic evolution. Enshrining these mechanisms into law provided citizens with a direct avenue to influence governance, reaffirming Arkansas's commitment to grassroots democracy.
Understanding Referendum and Ballot Initiatives: How They Work
Referendum allows citizens to vote on measures referred to them by the legislature, while ballot initiatives enable citizens to propose and vote on laws directly. To initiate a ballot measure, citizens must draft a proposed law or constitutional amendment, gather a specified number of signatures (determined by a percentage of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election), and submit them to the Secretary of State for verification.
Empowering Citizens: What You Can Do
Arkansans have the power to address a wide range of issues through referendum and ballot initiatives. Currently, initiatives like ForARKids are underway, aiming to improve education funding in the state. By visiting ForArKids.org, citizens can learn more about ongoing initiatives, find where to volunteer, or sign petitions. Whether advocating for healthcare reform, environmental protections, or education funding, citizens can draft initiatives and mobilize support to bring about meaningful change.
Comparative Analysis: How Arkansas Stands Out
Arkansas's embrace of referendum and ballot initiatives distinguishes it from many other states. Only 24 states and the District of Columbia allow some form of ballot initiatives, highlighting the widespread recognition of the importance of direct citizen involvement in governance.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Democracy
As Arkansans continue to utilize referendum and ballot initiatives, the state remains a beacon of democratic empowerment. By embracing these mechanisms, citizens can bridge the gap between government and the governed, ensuring that the voices of all Arkansans are heard and respected. With initiatives like the Educational Rights Amendment of 2024, requiring over 90,000 signatures for the November ballot, alongside several other initiatives in play, Arkansans are actively shaping the future of their state through direct democracy. Take action today by visiting ForARKids.org to volunteer, donate, and find where to sign petitions. Together, let's continue to champion direct democracy and build a more inclusive and participatory society for generations to come.
Teacher Appreciation
Celebrating Arkansas Educators
As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, I have been reflecting on the profound impact teachers and public education have on our communities, our economy, and the very fabric of our society. As a lifelong Arkansan who attended public schools and colleges, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of dedicated educators and a robust public education system.
Public schools are not just institutions of learning; they are the heartbeat of our communities. They serve as gathering places, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The values and principles instilled in our public schools shape the civil discourse and social fabric of our society.
Teachers play a pivotal role in this process, serving as role models, mentors, and guides for our children. They provide not only academic knowledge, but also the values of respect, empathy, and civic responsibility. By nurturing these qualities in our youth, teachers contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and inclusive society.
In my own life, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by countless public educators who have left an indelible mark on my personal and professional journey. One of my dearest friends, partners in advocacy, and closest confidants is Davis Hendricks, a 50+ year educator who teaches me something new daily. Beyond this remarkable individual, I literally have hundreds, if not thousands, of public educators in my life who shape my every day in some capacity.
Betty Young, my sixth-grade teacher at Sherwood Elementary, continues to visit my farm, send messages of encouragement, and help me stay focused on my mission. Jeanie Gray, my first speech coach and life philosopher, remains a guiding light, providing wisdom and perspective to this day. Dr. Claudia Beach, who awarded me a speech and debate scholarship and coached me through college, is still my leader and example. Winifred Baker, my tenth-grade AP Chemistry teacher, taught me not only the intricacies of chemistry but also the importance of strength and compassion, lessons that continue to resonate with me today.
These remarkable individuals, and countless others like them, exemplify the profound impact that teachers can have on our lives, long after we have left their classrooms.
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let us renew our commitment to supporting and investing in public education and our dedicated educators. By doing so, we are not only honoring the invaluable contributions of teachers but also securing a brighter future for our state, our economy, and our society.
To our teachers, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication, your passion for shaping young minds, and your tireless efforts in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. You are the bedrock of our communities, and your impact reverberates far beyond the classroom walls.
Together, let us champion public education, recognizing it as the foundation upon which our shared prosperity, civic engagement, and societal well-being are built.
