Hi, John --



It's hard to imagine now just how radical and controversial so many of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s contemporaries considered his message to be... the same words now etched in stone across the world and committed to our collective memory.



And while our society is still striving toward the audacious vision he cast, it's important to recognize great progress has been made.?Change is one of the only guarantees in life, yet there are so many (surely in the 1960s and still today) who languish in apathy and lament "What's the point? Nothing will ever change."? History proves otherwise; page after page.



It takes good people breaking free of the mindset that things cannot be better -- to catch the vision that we don't have to stay stuck in the mud, that real opportunity for all is possible, and solutions to our country's problems are there if only we get the extremes out of the way.



<[link removed]>Embracing Proven Solutions <[link removed]>



<[link removed]>Defending & Repairing Democracy <[link removed]>



<[link removed]>Breaking Free & Mending Divisions <[link removed]>



That is the ultimate goal before us: Creating space for bold decision making and problem solving so we can face our challenges and live up to America's promise of REAL opportunity for ALL.?



There are many large steps between us and that mountaintop, and our work will be incremental (until it's not).? But the mountaintop is where we must go -- despite the doubters or cynics -- because we know what's waiting for us there.?



As Dr. King proclaimed in his final speech, it's the Promised Land.



Country First,



Adam



GRASSROOTS UPDATEIn this Issue:



- 2nd Anniversary Recruitment Push

- 2023 Democracy Time Capsule

- January 6th Report

- 2023 National Democracy Scholars

- Spring Internship Application



YOU+TWO - SECOND ANNIVERSARY RECRUITMENT PUSH



Our second anniversary is quickly approaching on January 31, 2023! To celebrate the success of our rapid growth, state chapter meetings, national training sessions, virtual campfires, online communities, and YOU -- we are taking the rest of the month to?do a?You+Two recruitment push!



Simply forward this email, or use your unique recruiter link below to ring in our 2nd Anniversary bigger and better!



Your unique recruiter link to share:?



[link removed]



2023 DEMOCRACY TIME CAPSULE



We've journeyed alongside one another and have made a lot of progress in our efforts to restore democracy. We have also been reminded in recent weeks how much work there is still to be done. With this in mind, Country Firsts wants to provide everyone with an opportunity to take part in our 2023 Democracy Time Capsule <[link removed]>. This introspective exercise is a creative way to share our wishes for America. You're also welcome to include:



- Why you believe it's vital for Americans to put Country over Party

- What you believe is possible if the Reasonable Majority is activated

- Why you joined Country First



Click the button below to add a video or comment to Country First's 2023 Democracy Time Capsule:



<[link removed]>Share Your '23 Wish <[link removed]>



BOOK CLUB - JANUARY 6TH REPORT



The Country First Book Club gathers each month to read a book and discuss the very problems that Country First aims to address. Over the next two months, the book club will be reading the? book is The Big Truth: Upholding Democracy in the Age of the Big Lie?by Major Garrett and David Becker <[link removed]>.?The next book club meeting will be held on Thursday, January 26 at 4:00pm PST / 5:00pm MST / 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST. Book Lovers, RSVP below:



<[link removed]>Attend Book Club Meeting <[link removed]>



2023 National Democracy Scholars



Country First is proud to announce a new program for college students to earn the distinction of?National Democracy Scholar.?Through a few simple actions, college students can help strengthen and serve our democracy by educating, engaging, and recruiting students to the Country First movement.



National Democracy Scholar Benefits:



- Invitation to join regional and/or national committees with further leadership opportunities and distinctions.

- Access to exclusive programming with Congressman Adam Kinzinger and other pro-democracy leaders.?

- Professional development opportunities with distinguished members of Country First.



<[link removed]>Become A National Democracy Scholar <[link removed]>



SPRING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM



The Country First internship program introduces college students to National Grassroots Organizing. Specifically, as we work toward defeating toxic tribalism in our civic and political ecosystem -- we are seeking individuals who enjoy sharing new ideas, collaborating in a dynamic environment, and can take the initiative to lead others.?Applications are due January 31, 2023.



<[link removed]>Apply for Internship <[link removed]>



Want to stay connected and join the conversation? We strongly encourage you to engage with our empowering network in our?Private Troll-Free Facebook Community <[link removed]> and Private Slack Community <[link removed]>. Additionally, feel free to respond to this email or reach out to our volunteer team directly at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> to let them know how you would like to enhance your volunteer experience.?



<[link removed]>Wear Your Values <[link removed]>



<[link removed]>Private Facebook Community <[link removed]>



<[link removed]>Support Our Critical Mission <[link removed]>



?Paid for by Country First?



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Country First - PO Box 2385, Ottawa, IL 61350, United States

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