Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day. Let us honor those who have served our nation and the cause of liberty.

Let us offer prayers for our veterans. In times past, they held high the banner of liberty. They served to ensure that our homes were safe from tyranny. Moreover, they stood strong against those threats which that desired to subjugate and oppress. We thank you, our honored veterans.
Let us offer prayers for our active-duty service members. They stand at the breach between, protecting us who stay behind. They are vigilant while we are comfortable. Our service members protect us from those who despise freedom so that we might enjoy it, without its cost. We thank you men and woman who serve in our military and promote freedom throughout the world.

Let us offer prayers for those who serve in the reserves. They stand ready and prepared to defend liberty. When we relax on the weekend, they train to ensure that they are ready to respond to those who would harm us. We thank you reservists.

Let us offer prayers for the families of those who serve, for they too suffer separation and anxiety. Our service members are strengthened by their families and we must strengthen them. Let us long for the day when those parents who stay behind can tell their young children that war is no more because their mother or father were ready to protect others.

May the Lord God bountifully bless those who serve and sacrifice for others. In the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes:
Lord, bid war's trumpet cease;
Fold the whole in peace.

Without those who serve, peace is fleeting. Though few are called to serve, their light shines forth illuminating amidst the darkness of a naughty world.

Freedom Without Walls Gallery

We are so glad that you all were able to come out for Freedom Without Walls. Here's some photos from the event:





"General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" --Pres. Ronald Reagan June 12, 1987

Freedom Without Walls

November 9, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Calvin College Conservatives will honor that day when the world watched in amazement as jubilant crowds gathered on both sides of the Berlin Wall. In the late hours of the evening, crowds celebrated the opening of the border crossing between the eastern and western parts of the city. A peaceful revolution in East Germany cracked a grim symbol of the Cold War and political oppression.

Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, freedom is still precious and rare. The Calvin College Conservatives host Freedom Without Walls to share in the vision of hope and future with the walls of oppression. Come to our celebration and help to tear a symbol of political tyranny by destroying a mock wall on Commons Lawn.

Freedom Without Walls
Begins in Science Building 103
Monday, November 9, 2009
4:00PM in SB103

Refreshments will be served

The famous "Tear Down this Wall" speech:


An ABC news report on the fall of the Berlin Wall

Not Evil Just Wrong

Come see the most shocking and controversial film of the year.

They want us to believe that the world is about to end. Now, for the first time, scientists, the media and ordinary people are speaking out. Not Evil Just Wrong exposes the true cost of global warming hysteria.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Meeter Center Lecture Hall
8:00 PM - "Not Evil Just Wrong"
9:30 PM - Refreshments and Reception

This event is free, no tickets are required. Bring your friends and liberal classmates who don't understand that the cures to global warming may be worse than the disease.

Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference Opportunity

At Cokes 'n' Clubs, you may have heard us mention that Sen. Wayne Kuipers wants to help send students to the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference. The Conference is a great way to get in touch for with the Michigan Republican Party and meet many candidates and leadership.

If you are interested in going, please send an e-mail to get an application as soon as possible (calvinconservatives@gmail.com). Because the event is coming up quickly and to take part in Sen. Kuiper's offer to take students for FREE, we must hear back from you, no later than Wednesday evening at 11:59PM!



So what is the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference?

WHAT:
This year’s conference focus is on how “Our Ideas Win in ‘10.” The biennial gathering serves as a boost for potential 2012 Presidential candidates, as well as Michigan Republicans running in 2010 statewide races. The event provides all attendees with the opportunity to strategize and network.

WHO:
• Governor Tim Pawlenty - Governor of Minnesota and Vice Chairman of the RGA
• Governor Mitt Romney - Former Massachusetts Governor and former Presidential candidate
• Congressman Eric Cantor (VA) – U.S. House Republican Whip
• The top four Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidates: Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard; Attorney General Mike Cox; U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra; and Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder

WHERE:
The conference takes place on beautiful Mackinac Island, just north of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. We will stay at the Days Inn in Mackinaw City and take a short fairy ride across Lake Huron to the island.

WHEN:
This year’s conference is Friday, September 25– Sunday, the 27th. Plan to arrive in Mackinaw around 2pm on Friday and leave at about noon on Sunday.

WHY:
You will have the opportunity to participate in two exciting campaigns: Sen. Wayne Kuipers for Congress, Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District; and Sen. Cameron S. Brown for Secretary of State. Additionally, this event provides an unparalleled networking setting for those interested in public policy and political campaigning. Lastly, you will have free time to explore Mackinac—horseback riding, biking, fudge samples, art galleries, etc.

September 11 Memorial

The Calvin College Conservatives with the Military Appreciation Club invite you to join us for a service of remembrance for all those perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

To join us, please come to the Commons Lawn, Friday September 11 at 3:00PM to participate in our service.

In other things:
If you didn't see us at Cokes and Clubs, we will be there again tomorrow (Thursday). For more information about our club or to join the mailing list, send an e-mail to calvinconservatives@gmail.com

Calvin College Remembers 9/11 Victims from Calvin College on Vimeo.

Labor and the Beginning of Classes

Today is Labor Day. While we take time away from work, let's take a moment to be thankful for work itself. Our country is deeply indebted to the hardworking men and women whose ingenuity, resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit has made our country the economic envy of the world.

Tomorrow, September 8 marks the beginning of classes at Calvin College. In the evening from 6:00 to 8:00, during Cokes and Clubs, feel free to drop by our table. Our leadership team would love to meet you and share with you a bit of what we're planning for the year. We look forward to seeing you.

Upcoming:
Stay tuned for more information about the September 11 Memorial hosted by CCC and the Military Appreciation Club.

Constitutional Amendment Passes

On behalf of the executive committee, I'm pleased to announce
the results of our constitutional amendment to adopt the
constitution and name of the Calvin College Conservatives.

The measure overwhelmingly met the two-thirds majority
required by our Calvin College Republicans Constitution.
The results were:

Yes 71.43%
No 28.57%

Thank you to all who participated. It because of the
involvement of people like you, that our organization
is able to grow and flourish. We, on the committee,
look forward to our upcoming year and serving the
student body. If you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact me or any of the other
executive committee members at your leisure.

Proposed Constitution

Constitution of the Calvin College Conservatives

Mission Statement

The Calvin College Conservatives are committed to making a positive difference in student lives so that they can actively discern and engage God’s world. We promote Christian intellectualism by connecting political issues, speakers, debate and activism guided by conservative principles.

Article I: Official Name

The name of this organization shall be the Calvin College Conservatives, herein and after referred to as the CCC.

Article II: Purpose of the Calvin College Conservatives

Section A. The CCC endeavor to gather together all conservatives on campus into an organized and active club, guiding them towards the conservative principles that are the foundation of the American political system.

Section B. The CCC encourage its members to be active participants in the political process inside and outside of elections.

Section C. The CCC offer its members the opportunities to engage in political activism by volunteering for and supporting candidates at all levels.

Section D. The CCC promote the honorable platform of the CCC through speeches, debates, and other events, in order to educate the students on campus of conservative values, so often missing at the college level and in today’s society.

Section E. The CCC inspire effective political skills and leadership abilities for conservative students in preparation for future service as the next generation of leaders.

Articles III: Officers

Section A. The elected officers of the CCC shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Collectively, they form the Calvin College Conservatives Executive Committee.

Section B. Each officer must be an active member of the Calvin College Conservatives.

Section C. The responsibilities of each officer shall be:

i. The President shall preside over all Calvin College Conservatives meetings and events. The President shall be the primary spokesperson to outside individuals, political campaigns, and organizations, the Calvin College Office of Student Development and the CCC’s faculty advisor. The President shall be the primary voice in internal communication within the CCC, including such correspondences as e-mail newsletters. The President shall cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie in any decision. From time to time, the President shall delegate these responsibilities to other individuals as may be seen necessary.

ii. The Vice-President shall preside over meetings or events in the absence of the President. The Vice-President shall assist the President in external relations and give the President due guidance on decisions to be made. The Vice-President shall provide assistance to the President in all programs and events sponsored by the CCC.

iii. The Secretary shall keep accurate records of happenings within the CCC, including the minutes of all meetings and recording attendance at meetings. The Secretary shall maintain an accurate roll of members, notifying the Executive Committee of changes.

iv. The Treasurer shall serve as the chief financial officer of the CCC, promoting and maintaining the financial well-being of the organization. The Treasurer shall work in conjunction with the President and Vice-President as the primary liaison to the Student Senate Finance Committee and Calvin Financial Services. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the fiscal standing and budget of the CCC including the completion of Student Senate Finance Committee paperwork, reimbursement forms, and the retention of financial records (receipts, expenditures, and any other transactions) all in accordance with Calvin College policy and applicable state and federal laws. From time to time, the Treasurer shall prepare a report to the Executive Committee of information on the fiscal state of the organization and recommend to its consideration such measures as judged necessary.

Section D. Officers elected at the annual election shall assume office on the first day of the month of June and shall serve for a term of one year.

Section E. Officers shall be elected as prescribed by Article VI.

Section F. The removal of officers from office:

i. An officer shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, negligence in the performance of prescribed Constitutional duties, failure to adhere to Calvin College standards of conduct, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

ii. Specific charges of impeachment must be approved by a majority of the Executive Committee, excluding the individual under consideration.

iii. After impeachment, the Executive Committee shall bring the articles of impeachment to the vote of the active members, by secret ballot, for conviction and removal from office. No individual shall be convicted on less than two-thirds vote of the quorum of members.

Section G. In the event of the vacancy of office:

i. In the event of a vacancy occurring in Executive Committee, the President has the right to appoint interim officers, who must be approved by a majority of the Executive Committee and whose commission shall expire at the end of the semester.

ii. If the position of the President is vacated for any reason, the Vice-President will assume the office of President and will have the responsibility of appointing a new Vice-President who must be approved by a majority of Executive Committee.

Article IV: Society Membership

Section A. The Calvin College Conservatives shall open membership of the society to all student and individuals affiliated with Calvin College desirous of membership.

Section B. To maintain membership in the CCC, all individuals’ name must appear on the official membership roll maintained by the Secretary.

i. Active membership shall be defined as those members who attend the various meetings and events hosted by the organization.

ii. Associate membership status will be given to those individuals desirous to be informed of the proceedings of the organization but do not wish to formerly be considered a member of the society.

iii. From time to time, the Executive Committee shall review the necessary minimum qualifications for individuals to be classified as active members, pursuant with the precepts in Article IV, Section B, Sub-section i.

Section C. Members reserve the right to terminate their own membership by correspondence with the Secretary.

Article V: Meetings

Section A. General Meetings of the Calvin College Conservatives shall be held at least once a month at a date, time and place to be announced by the Executive Committee.

Section B. The Executive Committee shall meet no less than twice a month to plan and prepare for General Meetings and to engage in healthy dialogue to the benefit of the society.

Article VI: Elections

Section A. All officers shall be elected as individuals for a specific position.

Section B. The annual election shall be held no later than the last day of April and no earlier than the ides of April.

Section C. Individuals wishing to seek candidacy for the Executive Committee shall submit their credentials to the Secretary to ensure meeting all qualifications and may submit a brief statement to the Secretary to be disseminated to active members prior to voting.

Section D. Individuals seeking candidacy must be active members in the society, pursuant Article III, Section B and Article IV, Section B, Sub-sections i and iii.

Section E. Only active members may vote during elections of CCC Executive Committee. The official active member list shall always be in effect and must be updated prior to a vote. The final active member list and a copy of the ballot must be submitted by the Secretary to the Executive Committee for approval no later than one week prior to the vote. The approval of the active member list and ballot must be approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee in order to be valid.

Section F. An individual shall be elected with a majority of votes cast.

Section G. All votes shall be counted by no less than two members of the Executive Committee, excluding any individual as candidate for that particular position.

Article VII: Endorsements

Section A. From time to time, the active endorsement of policies and individuals may be desirous to the society.

Section B. Endorsements shall only be made upon the unanimous approval of the Executive Committee upon the advice and consent of the active members of the society.

Section C. All members of the society are free to make their own endorsements irrespective the official endorsements of the society.

Article VIII: External Meetings and Conventions

Section A. From time to time, the CCC shall make provision to engage the broader community in external meetings and conventions.

Section B. In all instances that involve travel away from the Calvin College campus, the Secretary shall maintain records that indicate those in attendance.

Section C. Should more members be desirous to participate in external functions than space permits, active members shall be given preference in waiting lists.

Article IX: Amendments

Section A. All changes and additions to the CCC Constitution must be sponsored by an officer or by no less than five active members.

Section B. This Constitution can be amended by two-thirds of active members voting.

Section C. The vote to amend must be held after the introduction of the amendment and its transmittance, in writing, to the various members of the society.

Section D. A special meeting for the purpose of voting on an amendment may be called by the President.

Independence Day

This weekend, we celebrate Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of this great nation. As we rightfully celebrate this holiday, let us be thankful for the many blessings to which we have so richly been granted.

Amidst the fireworks and bottle rockets bursting in air, be thankful that we rarely worry about bombs exploding overhead.

Amidst the red, white and blue bunting decorating homes and offices, I ask you to recall our red, white and blue flag draped over the caskets of honored service members who have made the supreme sacrifice and offer a prayer for their families and loved ones.

Amidst the barbecues and corn dogs, be thankful that our nation has some of the most fertile and productive soil in the world and we do not go hungry because of the hard work of our farmers.

Amidst all of this thankfulness, though, take time to enjoy the holiday. John Adams wrote of the fourth:

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

On behalf of the executive team, I wish you a very happy Independence Day!

Who are the Calvin College Conservatives?

If you are reading this entry, you're probably wondering a little about who we are. Until summer 2009, we were known as the Calvin College Republicans but as part of our society's "reboot" we adopted the new name Calvin College Conservatives.

Many people at Calvin were unaware that the Republicans were the largest student organization on campus. More than 300 students self-identify as members. But over the last several years, event attendance has dwindled.

Though we bring excellent speakers, provide valuable information and offer opportunities to connect with the community, sadly, engagement was low.

Much of our problem had been one of image. For many students, Republican wrongly means an unpopular war, economic inequality and disregard for the global community.

On a national scale, we have seen this in the overwhelming losses of the Republican Party in the November 2008 election. On campus, this means that when we advertise events, people have seen the Republican name and dismiss the idea of attending. To solve part of this problem, CCR launched a "reboot." We reorganized under the name Calvin College Conservatives which will help us to continue our mission, making a positive difference in student lives.

First what this is not. This is not a break with our past. We are not hiding from the world of politics. In short, we are not changing our principles.

Now, what this is is an opportunity to restate what we have always held dear. We are still committed to our values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We still believe in freedom, individual responsibility, the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, smaller government, market economics and American exceptionalism. We still believe that the future is bright and that we will leave a worthy legacy to subsequent generations.

Our reboot is just like a computer reboot, improving performance, streamlining and enabling better service to our fellow students.

We believe that the move to CCC offers our society many new opportunities. We can work more broadly with other student organizations across the ideological spectrum when we can build a consensus. We can bring more speakers to campus without concerns of the message being partisan. We can reach out to those on campus who have been neglected by the dominant political parties. In short, we can better engage students to foster growth and intellectual flourishing.

We believe that this is an exciting time for our society and look forward to the many new opportunitie that await us.