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For the Continuation of Freedom in America Liberty Matters was created when two national organizations combined efforts to form a service organization connecting grassroots America with public policy institutions and lawmakers to effect legislative and political change. The American Land Foundation located in Austin, Texas and Stewards of the Range based in Boise, Idaho pooled their efforts to launch Liberty Matters. Liberty Matters closes the gaps with grassroots communication, public relations campaigns and educational programs to further the grassroots property rights movement in America. It coordinates its programs with conservative think-tanks, public interest law firms, grassroots organizations, members of Congress, and other individuals to further liberty and public policy.
One of the primary communication vehicles Liberty Matters provides is a highly sophisticated information system that faxes alerts and stands as an information source for the grassroots. The computer driven system includes a "fax back" mechanism. When Liberty Matters releases a one page alert or information piece, anyone participating in the service will be able to obtain talking points and briefing pages documenting the issue by simply requesting it electronically. Our computer driven systems have the capability to blanket national grassroots networks in a matter of hours. Feeding the Media The second phase of the information network is a national news service that primarily targets smaller media outlets. The Liberty Matters team believes the best way to change public policy is from the ground up. By delivering information and articles to rural and suburban newspapers, conservative campus publications, and hometown media, the people most likely to effect change will be informed. This "ground-up" philosophy dominates the Liberty Matters team strategy. Coordinating the Message One of the most critical elements of the Liberty Matters project, however, is its strong affiliation with major think-tanks such as the Competitive Enterprise Institute and The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. While these groups already compile and provide sound, credible public policy solutions and very effectively influence lawmakers and the major media, often these ideas do not reach the grassroots until the political opportunities have passed. As a result, these ideas do not get the kind of push and backing that only the grassroots can provide. In November 1994, the grassroots clearly demonstrated their political power by overloading the Capitol Switchboard more than once. The result was the shelving of every major piece of environmental legislation by the attachment of property rights amendments. By combining and coordinating the political strength of think-tanks and the grassroots on these issues, the political direction of this country will change. |
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Improving Communications