Neighbors for a Better Arkansas

06/15/2026

Neighbors for a Better Arkansas with
Guest Facilitator Gail Choate from ArkCAN
inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting
6 pm, Thursday, June 18

Designed to discover what our needs/wants/desires are for a Better Arkansas so we can determine what level of interaction (federal/state/county/local), what type of information is needed, define goals, and identify tools to find and utilize our voice.

An example might be how do we come together to be informed about Data Centers being approved or built in Arkansas and how do we voice our concerns or support.

Topic: Neighbors for a Better Arkansas (NW)
Time: Jun 18, 2026 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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https://zoom.us/j/95483550256?pwd=ocp4zQwpVzghXJiG1jcHkPq7gnPCqN.1

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Meeting ID: 954 8355 0256
Passcode: 739239

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06/08/2026

There has been a few of you interested in participating with civics education. i have met Gail Choate who has created a program in Little Rock that i would like to start a chapter in NW Arkansas.

Here is a short video of us meeting each other searching for ideas on how to expose others to the basics. You will hear from me that i truly believe it is why I have never been engaged in the voting process, I never felt informed. I started craving information and searching for data and facts in many different forums prior to our last primary and, in my mind, made very informed voting decisions.

For next steps, i would like to invite Gail to come to NW Arkansas to meet a group of us to figure out how to tap into the wheel that she has created in order to help educate others.

Let me know if you are interested and we can figure out scheduling a meeting.

05/08/2026

I think many of us are trying to find ways to get engaged. Here is an event in Rogers, AR to go check out.

04/30/2026

ARKANSAS folks: if you are interested in learning more about how we can get involved in Arkansas Civics knowledge sharing to our communities with Gail Choate then reach out to me and I will send the link for 8 am, Monday, May 4.

The intention is to gather information from her in order to help organize a group that want to learn how we can gather local civic information to distribute toward others.

Let me know if your interested and I will send you link for Monday. If you cant make it Monday then I will set up a follow up zoom to discuss the findings.

04/09/2026

Have you had an experience with your Quorum Court or your Justice of the Peace? If so, share the experience.

04/07/2026

All,

We’ve received a few more inquiries regarding the passport process that we would like to provide answers to. The post last night referred to passport applications for adults and children over 16. So, what about children under 16?

Children under 16 is where it gets a little more detail oriented…aka it requires a few more steps.

First off, getting a passport for a child is less expensive on fees for the application. A passport book costs $100, plus the first time applicant fee of $35. So, total is $135. The card costs $15, plus the first time applicant fee of $35. So, the total is $50.

The purposes of both the book and the card remain the same as those for adults. Book for international flight travel. Card will suffice for land or sea travel (to a limited number of destinations). Both, are Real ID’s that qualify for verification of citizenship. One major difference is that, a passport for someone under 16 only lasts 5 years instead of the normal 10.

You will need a passport for every child, no matter their age. Yes, even infants.

Second, and bear with me because this is the one that is more important. For a passport for a child under 16 to be issued, BOTH parents must be present for each child.

If both parents are not available, you will need to bring a notarized copy of a DS-3053, this is a statement of consent for the child to get a passport. Otherwise, you will need to furnish court documents (original copies) proving that you have sole custody, that there was a termination of parental rights, adoption papers, etc.

Link to DS-3035:https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds3053.pdf

This link will also provide you with some great answers to any more specific details: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html

04/07/2026

This group started March 5 with the intention of offering Arkansas neighbors information to allow better connection and engagement in conversations to help reduce political divide.

I wanted to show you the demographics of the group that is forming so far.

04/07/2026

Good evening all,

We wanted to provide a bit more context/details regarding the passport/passport card post earlier since we have gotten a lot of individual messages.

These answers are provided by Dr. Fairbanks from University of Central Arkansas. She is one of the organizers and experts on this page.

1. What documents are needed if you are going in person? (For adults or children over 16)

You will need to complete:
The application form: Form DS11 ( linked here: https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11_pdf.PDF) but leave it UNSIGNED until instructed at your appointment.

Proof of citizenship: (This CANNOT be a photocopy). Original or certified copy of your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship.

Proof of Identity: a valid government issued id (drivers license, military id, etc.)

Photocopies of your proof of citizenship and identity. Make sure they are clear and able to be read. Make sure to include both sides of your id.

Passport Photo: 2x2 color photo taken in the last 6 months. No it cannot be with other people. No it cannot be a photocopy. It must be color and it must be recent. You can get these taken and printed at Walmart or a pharmacy/drugstore with a photo center. It usually takes about one hour start to finish. It is about $7-$15 depending on where you go or how many copies they give you.

Fees: A check or money order payable to the Department of State.

If you are a first time applicant you will pay the listed fee: $130 for passport book or $30 for the passport card PLUS a $35 processing fee. So you will ultimately pay :$165 and/or $65 depending on what you get.

2. What is the difference between a Passport book and a passport card?

A passport book ($130) will work for your verification to vote if the Save Act passes. The book can be used for all international travel.

The card ($30) will also work to verify your citizenship should the Save Act passes, but the card is limited for travel to basic land and sea border crossings from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some parts of the Caribbean. It’s usually used for people that travel for cruises, vacations at resorts in Mexico etc. it will not be sufficient for any other international travel (by plane).

You can apply for both at the same time.

04/05/2026

Benton County offering a passport day. Are other counties doing this? Do you feel the need to get prepared?