2018 MTA Leadership Summit

After just a little thought, it becomes apparent that corporate rule impacts nearly every major issue of the day - from climate change to the opioid epidemic, from workers’ rights to gun violence, and on and on.  Frustration concerning the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision energized Lakewood Ranch resident, Jan Runci. She decided to attend the 2018 Move To Amend Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. and then lobbied Florida Senators, Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio concerning the We-the-People Amendment.


Jan reports -

I discovered Move To Amend (MTA) at a rally in Sarasota.  As I investigated the organization, I became aware of the Leadership Summit in DC.  When I couldn't find anyone to accompany me to the meeting, I decided to take the leap and go alone.   I am very glad I did.

There was a wide mixture of participants who attended the program. About 56 participants from around the country, attended the 3 day program.  Some were seasoned MTA members, many were novices. All were there to learn and to take action.

It was wonderful spending quality time with like minded people who are also frustrated with the Citizen's United decision. Little did we know that this decision is only one that provides corporations with the same rights as US citizens.  

 The agenda included lectures, workshops, and many excellent presentations.  I was very impressed by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, one of the Key Note Speaker,  She is the first Indian-American woman in the House of Representatives.  Not only does she support MTA, she works relentless to challenge the systems that corrupt our democracy.  Her enthusiasm was contagious. Her presentation was inspiring.

Lectures, taught by the MTA staff, included introductory information for "new" people to MTA.  Another lecture addressed why we need to Democratize the US Constitution. Corporate rights beyond Money in Politics were discussed.  Another lecture was on abolishing all corporate constitutional rights. Each day was long and filled with a multitude of issues.  I was overwhelmed with the magnitude of corporate rights.  The staff was readily available and more than eager to answer questions and be of any assistance.

The inspiring weekend culminated with us being bused on Monday to the Senate where were attempted to meet with our Senators and get their commitment to support their Congressional colleagues and support of HJR 48.  I along with other Florida participants met with staff from both Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson's offices.  While we were given the opportunity to present information on our mission, neither agreed to support our cause at this time.  

The entire weekend experience was better than I expected.  I hope to attend another summit in years to come.