Featured Speakers:

• Will Westmoreland - Will Westmoreland is a lifelong advocate for rural America, shaped by a childhood on a Missouri farm and early experiences with hardship and resilience. After a career in politics and corporate leadership, he founded Highlander Political Strategies and later launched The Back Forty, a national media and events platform focused on rural issues. As a single father, strategist, and expert in agroforestry, Will has become a leading voice in rural policy and community engagement.

• Jess Piper -Jess is a passionate advocate for rural communities and public education. After 16 years as an American literature teacher, she ran for a House seat in Missouri’s First District in 2022. Though the campaign didn’t result in a win, her commitment to activism never wavered. Today, she serves as Executive Director of Blue Missouri and authors the Substack newsletter The View from Rural Missouri, where she amplifies rural voices and progressive policy.

• Tara Hallmark - Tara Hallmark is a proud Navy veteran, the first woman in her family to serve in active duty, and now a peach farmer in Pulaski County, Missouri, working to patent a peach variety for her region. A devoted wife to a retired disabled veteran and a tireless community volunteer, Tara brings her Gen X grit and Southern-leaning Democratic values to everything she does. With experience in FEMA response and a deep belief in stewardship, hard work, and helping neighbors, she embodies the spirit of rural resilience and service.

Historical Portrayals:

• Melissa Blank - Melissa Blank has been a public historian and museum educator for over twenty years. Through her combined study of history and theater, Ms. Blank has portrayed characters to inspire visitors to historic sites, such as Missouri State Parks and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Ms. Blank will be portraying Mercy Otis Warren, who “was a published poet, political playwright and satirist during the age of the American Revolution. ”

• Greg Barnes - Greg Barnes (“James Madison”) is a lifelong public servant shaped by a military upbringing and a deep commitment to civic duty. He’s led anti-apartheid efforts, worked on Capitol Hill, and served Missouri through legal and legislative advocacy, all grounded in his education at James Madison College and law school honors in Constitutional Law. Today, he’s deeply concerned that the framework protecting liberty and justice faces its greatest threat since the Civil War—and believes it’s up to us to defend it.

PARKING: Lots marked in red (9, 12, 13/13A) are the most convenient. If those are full, lots marked in blue (10, 14, 18) are also available.

RESTROOMS: Restrooms (indicated with green R) are located inside the Capitol on the first floor to the right and left of the main entrance (indicated with gold star).

Our Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Rally

We Stand United is committed to fostering a peaceful and accepting atmosphere at our rallies. We ask all attendees to engage with respect and kindness, ensuring this event remains welcoming for everyone. To uphold these values, we kindly remind participants to refrain from using hate speech, profanity, or any language that could compromise the spirit of unity and positivity. Together, we can create an environment that reflects the shared goals of understanding, cooperation, and community.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Call to Action

  We Stand United for the Missouri State Capitol to be a safe and inclusive space where every voice is heard. Join us for a peaceful and lawful gathering to foster unity, mutual respect, and open dialogue as we come together—many voices, one purpose—to inspire change and safeguard our democracy. This is not the place for hate speech.

• Does this rally have a permit for use of the Capitol grounds?

  Yes, this rally has obtained the necessary permit through the Missouri Office of Administration to hold a rally on the south steps and lawn of the Capitol.

• What about signs?

  We welcome signs that reflect your passion and support. We kindly ask that all signs remain respectful—please, no hate speech, profanity, or offensive language. Let’s keep this a positive and inclusive event for everyone.

  If you don’t have a sign, we’ve got you covered! A selection of signs will be available at the event for anyone who’d like to use one.

• Where can we park?

  Street parking is free on Saturdays. Additionally, there are several state office parking lots, which are open on Saturdays. View the Capitol Parking map above for details on available lots.

• Where to we go when we arrive at the Capitol?

  Rally attendees should gather on the steps on the south side of the Capitol (facing High Street). We Stand United will have a table under a PURPLE CANOPY near the Capitol Steps. There will be staff available before, during, and after the rally if you have questions or need assistance.

• What happens if there are counter-protesters?

  If counter-protesters attempt to disrupt the rally, we ask that you do not engage. Avoid responding, arguing, or escalating the situation. Instead, stay focused on the rally and the reason you came. Event staff and security are prepared to handle disruptions and will respond appropriately. Your peaceful presence is the most powerful response.

• Can I volunteer to help at the rally?

  Yes! We welcome volunteers. Contact us here, and we’ll be in touch with details.