Master storyteller, humourist, and all-round-nice-guy Michael Emerling delivered what he promised on the weekend of October 4-5: "so many times more than your money's worth that you'll be absolutely stunned!"
The Art Of Political Persuasion Workshop, sponsored by Freedom Party at the Park Lane Hotel in London, did, without a doubt, exceed the expectations of most who attended. "You call it a workshop," said one attendee, "but I certainly don't regard this as work. I don't think I've enjoyed myself so much for a long time."
All in all, between fifty and sixty people attended the workshop, an impressive figure when one considers the two-to-three day time commitment required of each participant.
Thousands of dollars of revenue were generated by the workshop, through direct ticket sales, pledges, and through the sale of books, buttons, literature, tapes, etc.
Those who were able to take advantage of all the events associated with the workshop weekend found themselves attending a semi-formal dinner reception on Friday evening, two full-day workshops on Saturday and Sunday (interrupted by a party Saturday evening that lasted till three a.m. at Fp President Robert Metz's home), and two more bonus workshop sessions on Monday and Tuesday evening. Not a bad deal for $50!
By every possible standard, the event was a smashing success. For attendees, it was an experience that they will undoubtedly remember fondly for many, many years to come. For Freedom Party, it was proof that its freedom of choice message is indeed finding the right political market and that that market knows no discrimination; attendees came from all walks of life and backgrounds, but it was clear that the bulk of our support is coming from that vast "middle class" group of citizens who increasingly are finding that the traditional political parties no longer represent their concerns.
For Michael Emerling himself, the workshop proved to be a re-kindling of his interest in the North American freedom movement. What was expected to be one of his final performances as a political motivator actually ended up becoming a re-launching point in terms of his direct political involvement. Since our October '86 workshop, Emerling has become increasingly active with the libertarian movement in the United States, a circumstance that he jokingly blamed on Freedom Party: "You guys jump-started me back into action!"
And yes, Michael expects to return to Canada once again in 1987 to carry on the work and progress already achieved in 1986. You'll be sure to hear all about it in future issues of Freedom Flyer.
As for those who were unable to attend the workshop in October, the opportunity will present itself once again in the fall of '87. There's really no adequate way to describe in print what you'll learn and experience by attending, so you'll have to take our word --- and the word of those who made it to the '86 workshop --- that it's a personal experience you'll treasure and will want all your friends to share.
Education, fun, excitement, new friends and aquaintances, and humour. Who could ask for more?
Anyone who dares. And we'll dare in the fall of '87. We hope you'll join us.
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 | Freedom Party President Robert Metz presents Freedom Party pioneer Mary Lou Gutscher with award for her contributions to the cause of freedom of choice and individual rights. |
 | Michael Emerling addresses the Friday night dinner banquet audience. |
 | At the workshop on Saturday, Michael Emerling offers new insights into making converts to freedom. |
 | The seminar carried over into Monday and Tuesday nights, where Michael Emerling gave absorbing and humourous ideas on building Freedom Party and on being creative. Attendance on Tuesday night reached 42 people, only 13 less than the seminar itself. |
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last updated on April 28, 2002
