“Less government, more responsibility, and — with God’s help — a better world.”
South Dakota JBS Members • Quarterly Newsletter • Summer 2026
America at 250: Celebrating the Declaration of Independence
This year, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — one of the most consequential documents in the history of human freedom. On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the proposition that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights.
The Declaration of Independence is not merely a political document — it is a moral and theological proclamation. The Founders appealed to God four times in its text: acknowledging the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God,” the equality of men as endowed by their “Creator,” the “Supreme Judge of the world” as witness to their sincerity, and a final reliance on “Divine Providence” for protection. These were not rhetorical flourishes. The Founders understood that legitimate government derives its authority not from the will of rulers alone — but from the moral law established by God.
The Declaration sets forth the timeless principle that government exists to secure the God-given rights of its citizens — not to grant them, and not to take them away. When government fails this purpose, the people have not only the right but the duty to alter or abolish it. This is the foundation of American self-governance: power flows from God to the individual, and from the individual — by consent — to government. No legislature, no court, and no executive can break that chain without overstepping their bounds. Two hundred and fifty years later, this foundation remains the standard by which we must judge every law, every policy, and every elected official.
“It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
— John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776
“I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration…Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory.”
— John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776
A Word on the Primary Elections
The June primary brought results that disappointed many of us who labor for constitutional government in South Dakota. It is tempting, in moments like these, to grow discouraged. But discouragement is not a strategy — and it is not the answer.
The lesson of every election, good or bad, is the same one the John Birch Society has taught for nearly seventy years: there are no shortcuts. The solution to bad election outcomes is not a single candidate or a single cycle — it is more organization and more education. Elections are won long before the polls open, in the months and years spent informing neighbors, equipping voters to recognize constitutional principle, and building an awake citizenry that cannot be swayed by slick mailers or big money. Where we have organized and educated, we have moved votes — even in Pierre, as this issue shows. Where we have not, others have filled the void.
So take heart, and get to work. Place a display. Share the Scorecard. Bring a neighbor to a webinar. Every person you wake up is a vote that cannot be bought. That is how we change outcomes — not by despairing over one election, but by out-organizing and out-educating those who would trade our liberty away.
You Are Making a Difference
The work of the John Birch Society is important — and your dedication to the cause of liberty is bearing real fruit. In South Dakota, JBS members are changing votes in the state legislature, putting constitutional education into the hands of lawmakers, and carrying the message of freedom to farmers, ranchers, and community leaders across our great state.
This newsletter is a testament to what committed members can accomplish when they stay engaged, stay informed, and stay active. The cause of freedom has always depended on people like you — men and women who refuse to sit on the sidelines. Read on, be encouraged, and find out how you can do even more.
SD Featured in the National JBS Bulletin!
South Dakota’s Work Recognized as a National “JBS Successes” Story
Our members’ legislative scorecard and certificate program was featured as a “JBS Successes” story in the May 2026 national JBS Bulletin! The article, written by SD JBS Coordinator Michael Boyle, highlighted exactly what our South Dakota members have been doing — and caught the attention of the entire national membership. The Bulletin noted that legislators “not only greatly appreciate the recognition, but love TNA!”
Real Impact: Senator John Carley (R-Piedmont) pulled a bill from the consent calendar to vote against it — because it resembled a bill flagged in our 2025 Legislative Scorecard. Your members’ work changed a vote in Pierre.
The article also referenced our R-CALF USA booth — noting that multiple state legislators who had been receiving The New American through our subscription program joined as JBS members at the convention. This is the power of the Scorecard program working exactly as intended: building credibility, rewarding constitutional voting, and growing the membership. Read the full article on pages 18–19 of the May 2026 JBS Bulletin.
2026 SD Legislative Scorecard — Now Available!
The 2026 South Dakota Legislative Scorecard has just been released. View and share it at freedomindex.us/sd.
SD House — 100% Perfect Score
- Rep. Heather Baxter — HD-034
- Rep. Logan Manhart — HD-001
- Rep. Tina L. Mulally — HD-035
- Rep. Tony Randolph — HD-035
SD House — 83% Top Score
- Rep. Julie Auch — HD-018
- Rep. Aaron Aylward — HD-006
- Rep. Spencer Gosch — HD-023
- Rep. Jana Hunt — HD-028
- Rep. Karla J. Lems — HD-016
- Rep. Kaley Nolz — HD-020
- Rep. Marty Overweg — HD-021
- Rep. Phil Jensen — HD-033
- Rep. Kathy Rice — HD-029
SD Senate — 83% Top Senate Score
- Sen. John Carley — SD-029
- Sen. Tamara Grove — SD-026
- Sen. Mark Lapka — SD-023
- Sen. Tom Pischke — SD-025
- Sen. Mykala Voita — SD-021
Share It: The scorecard evaluated the Abortion Drug Ban, God’s Healing Resolution, the COS resolution (failed 29–38 in the House), Parental Rights bill, federal healthcare funding, and subsidized school meals bills. Every person who sees it is a potential ally for constitutional government.
Holding the Line Against COS
South Dakota JBS members have been on the front lines fighting the Convention of States (COS) movement — and it is showing. SJR503, a resolution calling for an Article V constitutional convention, failed in the House 29–38 thanks in no small part to the educational work your members have done across the state. The Constitution is not broken; the problem is that it is not being followed. Remain vigilant — COS proponents continue pushing in legislatures nationwide. Thank you for standing firm.
The COS movement poses a grave threat to our republic. Proponents claim a convention can be limited to specific topics, but there is no constitutional mechanism to prevent a runaway convention from rewriting the entire document. Your tireless efforts — attending hearings, contacting legislators, and educating your community — made the difference. Stay engaged: COS will be back.
Taking the Message to the Convention
Our members invested $250 to host a booth at the South Dakota Republican State Convention, June 25–27, 2026 in Rapid City. Thank you to those who contributed. If you would like to volunteer to help staff the booth, please contact your coordinator.
This year we will also be distributing the newly released 2026 South Dakota Legislative Scorecard at the convention — putting this powerful tool directly into the hands of delegates and party leaders. It is the perfect place to start conversations about constitutional voting and the JBS mission.
Recognizing Principled Legislators: 2025 Scorecard Results
We are proud to have presented Legislative Certificates to South Dakota legislators who scored 80% or above on the 2025 JBS Freedom Index scorecard. Our members raised and spent $678.50 to fund New American Magazine subscriptions for each of these high-scoring lawmakers.
The Legislative Certificate program is one of the most effective tools we have for building relationships with lawmakers and rewarding principled constitutional voting. When a legislator receives a certificate and begins receiving The New American, it opens a door — and keeps it open. Getting the right information into their hands is not merely recognition; it is strategic.
Supporting Rural America: Our R-CALF Booth
Thanks to a generous donation from a dedicated South Dakota member, we will once again have a booth at the R-CALF USA Annual Convention — June 16–18, 2026 at The Monument in Rapid City. Last year multiple state legislators who had been receiving The New American joined as JBS members at the convention. We have a seat available for a volunteer — contact your coordinator to sign up.
Help Us Reach More People: Donate & Share Event Leads
Booths at events like the Republican State Convention and R-CALF USA are among the most effective ways we reach new people — farmers, ranchers, activists, and community leaders who are ready to hear the JBS message. Securing booths, printing materials, and staffing events takes resources. We are asking South Dakota members to consider a financial contribution to help us expand our presence at more events across the state.
Give Today: Contact Michael Boyle at mboyle@jbs.org. Every dollar goes directly toward putting JBS where it matters right here in South Dakota. No amount is too small — and every contribution makes a difference.
Do you know of a county fair, farm bureau meeting, homeschool convention, gun show, or community event where JBS should have a presence? We want to be there — but we need your help finding those opportunities.
Tell Us About It: Contact South Dakota JBS Coordinator Michael Boyle at mboyle@jbs.org with the event name, date, location, and expected audience. Together we can put the JBS message in front of more South Dakotans than ever before.
Distribute Displays & Scorecards in Your Community
One of the most effective things you can do as a JBS member is get materials into your community. Our displays and scorecards are powerful tools for education and outreach. Whether it’s a local diner, barbershop, church hallway, or community bulletin board, every location where a display is placed is a new opportunity to wake someone up to the importance of constitutional government. Ask businesses. Ask your pastor. Ask your neighbor.
Member Display Contest — Win a Hardback Federalist Papers!
The member who sets up the most JBS displays by August 31, 2026 wins a hardback edition of The Federalist Papers — an indispensable resource for every patriot’s library! Keep a log of where you place displays (business name, city, and date) and submit it to your coordinator by the deadline. May the most dedicated patriot win!
Upcoming JBS Events — Mark Your Calendar
Register for any event at jbs.org/calendar. Two recurring webinars are hosted by South Dakota JBS Coordinator Michael Boyle:
- 1st Tuesday / Month, 7:00 PM CDT — New Member Orientation. Designed to help familiarize new members with the JBS mission, tools, and resources. Hosted by Michael Boyle.
- 3rd Tuesday / Month, 7:00 PM CDT — Practical Steps to Reclaiming American Freedom Where You Live. A hands-on workshop exploring what you can do right now in your own community. Hosted by Michael Boyle.
- June 6–7, 2026 — JBS 2026 Leadership Conference. Salt Lake City, UT — Radisson Hotel. Alex Newman, Catherine Austin Fitts, Patrick Wood & more. jbs.org/conference/slc26/
- June 11, 2026 — Webinar: The Pilgrims’ Recipe for Liberty. 7:00 PM CDT — Register at jbs.org/calendar
- June 23, 2026 — Webinar: The Dangers of REAL ID. 8:00 PM CDT — Register at jbs.org/calendar
- June 25, 2026 — Webinar: Inflation, the Federal Reserve, and Constitutional Money. 7:00 PM CDT — Register at jbs.org/calendar
Stay Connected
Thank you for your continued dedication to the John Birch Society and the cause of freedom. If you have questions, want to get more involved, or are interested in volunteering, please reach out to your coordinator. Together, we are making a difference.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
— Ronald Reagan
South Dakota JBS Members • JBS.org • freedomindex.us/sd