There are many ways for you to have an impact on this campaign, but the single most important thing you can do is to talk directly to voters. There’s nothing more powerful and effective than everyday people reaching out to their neighbors – or people in a neighboring battleground state – and talking about why they support Barack.
Last Thursday Colorado State Director Ray Rivera, Senator Ken Salazar, Senator Amy Klobuchar and former Colorado Governor Roy Romer spoke on a special conference call with Neighbor to Neigbhor users about the importance that these conversations can have in battleground states.
Former Governor Roy Roymer explained:
"I know Colorado real well. We can win this state. But right now, we need to reach everybody that we can, and that's why your calls are so critical... Colorado is the kind of state that can go either way. A sincere call from somebody out of state will be very effective. Your help is critical... Colorado could be the difference in this election."
If you ever the doubted the importance of each and every call, listen to this clip below from Thursday's conference call:
In a race this close, every conversation matters. The way we win is by engaging more people in real conversations about the issues and letting them know about Barack’s message of change. It’s as simple as that.So pick up the phone and make your voice heard.You can amplify your impact by hosting a phonebank party from your house. It's easy to do -- our online host guide has all the information and tips that you'll need.
Voters are hungry for change and they want to know what the candidates plan to do about the issues that affect them most – like healthcare, the economy and the price of gas. You can be the one to let them know about Barack's plans, and the difference this election can make in their lives.
Together we have made history over the last 20 months, passing milestone after milestone and showing this grassroots movement to be like no other in history. This week we’re celebrating another major accomplishment – more than 150,000 events created on my.BarackObama.com since the campaign’s start.In every town across America, there are grassroots leaders – many of whom had never been politically active before – organizing their neighborhoods for Barack Obama. You’re hosting organizational meetings, phonebanks and fundraisers in your living rooms and community centers. And you’re able to do it more effectively using the tools on my.BarackObama.com.Some of you with us early in the campaign sponsored "Walk for Change" and "Turn the Page in Iraq" canvasses. As the primaries heated up, you held Debate Watching Parties, phonebanks and canvasses. Your tireless work eventually helped Barack win the Democratic nomination.This summer you focused on voter registration drives that brought hundreds of thousands of people into the political process and helped recolor the electoral map. You could be found with clipboards wherever there was a crowd – be it the state fair or the opening of a blockbuster movie.On the biggest night of the campaign thus far, as Barack accepted the Democratic nomination, thousands of you opened up your homes for watch parties that doubled as organizational meetings. You were solidifying your neighborhood teams and getting ready to take action.Now in the general election, you’re reaching out to voters – particularly newly registered ones – in battleground states to make sure we don’t get stuck with four more years of the same. Using Neighbor to Neighbor, you’re hosting your own phonebanks and canvasses.We have accomplished so much along this journey, but we haven’t reached our destination yet. To get there, we are going to have to do more in this last month than we’ve done in the 20 months leading up to it.Be a leader for Barack in your community and host a phonebank or canvass. At this point in the campaign, it’s the most important thing you can. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before – our tools and resources will help you every step of the way.
Thank you to all of you who have been part of this community, to all of you who helped us reach the 150,000 events mark and to all of you who will help us blow past the 200,000 mark in the next 27 days.
Every week we feature some of the best grassroots events from the previous week. We want to highlight your creativity, enthusiasm and hard work. After you host an event, make sure to let us know how it went!
Here's a snapshot of what was happening across America this past week:Tabling: Barbara of New Haven, CT was busy last week, organizing two visibility events. At her first event, ten volunteers manned a table at a local supermarket where they chatted with community members about Barack and handed out bumperstickers. They also got recruited people to sign up for phonebanking and canvassing.Barbara also organized a second event at a NAACP football game."The response was enormous, lots of volunteer names, and lots of enthusiasm, and that great exchange of energy that we all need to continue this campaign through to its finish."Hyde Park Bike Tour: The campaign trail intersected with the bike trail in Hyde Park last Sunday when 15 Chicagoans toured Barack's neighborhood. The 17-mile ride covered a lot of ground and history, including the place where Barack lived as a community organizer in the 1980's and the place where he enjoyed his first date with Michelle. The tour ended with brunch at Hyde Park's Valois Cafeteria, allegedly Barack's favorite breakfast spot.Catherine got her inspiration for the event from her bike club that sponsors themed bike rides. She sponsored one Hyde Park tour before deciding to turn it into a campaign fundraiser. The first two have been so successful that she will be sponsoring a third ride this weekend.Church Cookout: Three African American churches joined forces for a cookout in Maysville, KY, that drew about 200 people. The event was part mixer, part voter registration drive.People chatted about Barack over delicious free food and drinks while some of the youth went door-to-door to talk to community members about the importance of voting this year."We realize what is at stake and we know that we have to do everything in our power to bring about change in this country,” said Henry, who coordinated the event. “Standing on the sidelines will no longer do especially when we consider the last eight years. Regardless of the election outcome, we want to be able to say at the end of the day that we seriously tried to make a difference for our future, the future of our children, and the future of our country.”
Ready to get involved? Consider attending or hosting a Debate Watch Party this Friday when Barack participates in the first presidential debate of the year. Debate Watch Parties are a great way to come together with your friends, family and neighbors to learn more about Barack and plan future activities.
Here's a snapshot of what was happening across America this past week:March for Change: At one of the largest grassroots-organized events to date, hundreds of Obama supporters marched from Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC to the Lincoln Memorial, demonstrating the strength and diversity of this movement. At their resting place in front of the Lincoln Memorial, a lineup of performers and speakers expressed the need for sweeping change in the United States. The march was more than a demonstration - it was also a call to action. The sponsoring group Diversity4Obama used the event to register voters and recruit volunteers, particularly for Virginia, a neighboring state and battleground. "In the sweltering sun and humidity, we marched right down the road beside the White House," Rachelle, the lead organizer from DC, recalled. "Many spectators were stopping to receive the election awareness info sheets that we had printed. Then, a tremendous show took place, and thousands of tourists from many different parties came down to the front of the Lincoln Memorial. The networks and friendships that were built today will remain strong. We are committed to turning Virginia blue and to keep election awareness active all year, every year. Garden Tour: Every few weeks, Magda opens up her Middletown, CT home and her garden as a fundraiser and awareness event. This past weekend about 20 Obamaites enjoyed her lovely garden of flowers and organic vegetables and learned about "sustainable suburban living." Magda raised more than $650 dollars, much of it coming from first-time donors. This puts her fundraising total from the Garden Tours at almost $2700. Habitat for Humanity Service Day: A crew of 16 volunteers in Minneapolis, MN helped build the movement for change with Habitat for Humanity. Fulfilling their agreement to work rain or shine, the volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty, helping landscape two homes in dismal weather. "It was hard, muddy work but very satisfying to see how we transformed these small urban yards into beautiful gardens," said Vina, the event coordinator. "Each of the families worked alongside us, and we could see that they were grateful for the help and very proud of their homes." Vina put together the event with Obama Works Twin Cities, the local chapter of national group dedicated to community service. The group takes its inspiration from Barack and his call to "be the change we seek." "We all wore Obama Works plackets and buttons and t-shirts, and were complimented on our work by neighbors passing by. And at the end, we helped the family stake an Obama sign in their yard!" Student Organizing: Will, chapter coordinator for Students for Barack Obama at the University of Arkansas, has been busy organizing multiple voter registration drives in the past week. One of the drives at a residence hall proved particularly fruitful – 50 newly registered voters in two and a half hours.The student group also registered voters at the Fayetteville Farmers' Market. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed -- their campus newspaper wrote about them and featured a photo on the front page.Jewish Forum: Gayle of Highland Park, NJ wanted to strengthen Barack's support in the Jewish community and dispel any rumors. What started out as coffees in homes over the last few months culminated in a forum last week with 16 speakers and 200 attendees. Speakers included Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer, and comedian Sammy Greenfield. During intermission, attendees were treated to Jewish music (Klezmer and Jazz) and refreshments.
The event was hosted by Central NJ for Obama--Jewish Outreach group and co-sponsored by several other groups. "One of the best things about the event was the number of people from various communities who asked if we could help them put this kind of event (on a smaller scale) together in other areas throughout the state," Gayle noted. "And we will help them!"
Ready to host your own event? Create an event now, use our flyer templates to help promote it and let us know how it goes.
Every week we feature some of the best grassroots events from the previous week. We want to highlight your creativity, enthusiasm and hard work. After you host an event, make sure to let us know how it went!Here's a snapshot of what was happening across America this past week:Basement Bhangra: More than 400 people in New York City showed up for Basement Bhangra, an Indian dance party that sought to "educate members of the diverse communities about Senator Obama's positions on a wide range of issues including health care, the economy, immigration, education and the environment." South Asians for Obama sponsored the event in coordination with ObamaNYC, Latinos for Obama, Asian Americans for Obama, Queens County for Obama and Generation Obama."We handed out stickers, did voter registration, signed up volunteers and most importantly, danced!" said Theresa, the chair of South Asians for Obama.DJ Rekha who has helped popularize and modernize Bhangra in the United States hosted the event. He happens to be a big Obama supporter.Phonebank and Poster Contest: Having organized several weekend phonebanks, Mark of College Park, MD had the routine down. He decided to mix things up last month when he sponsored a "Kids for Obama" Poster Contest at the phonebank."The "Kids for Obama" Poster Contest started the weekend for Senator Obama's Birthday and was such a great success; we made it a regular feature of our phone canvass," Mark said. "Parents love it, since they and their children get to participate together in the Democratic process."Volunteers call into battleground states using their free weekend minutes on their cell phones. The weekend after the Democratic Convention they had over 65 people and two dozen children come. They were able to make over 4,000 calls in one weekend.
Swim for Change: You've heard of walk- or phone-a-thons, now comes the swim-a-thon. Amina of New Haven, CT, held a Swim for Change fundraiser and found this latest addition to the fundraising genre to be quite lucrative, raising $1,030 from 29 donors."I started the event thinking about how to get people to donate to my personal fundraising page. Once I came up with the idea of Swim For Change - Obamathon, I announced it to my local New Haven Volunteers for Obama group (of which I am co-leader of the Student Outreach Team) and my family and started organizing it as an event. Once I had the pool reserved, the event kept growing as I recruited other swimmers and they started seeking pledges on their personal Obama pages."Amina also set up a voter registration table, and a computer to accept pledges while they swam, which took in an additional $100.00.Three swimmers met the challenge of swimming nonstop for 60 minutes -- one minute for every day left until the election at the time.Social Justice Concert: Radio La Chusma played their brand of socially conscious music before 120 people in El Paso, TX. The band's music addresses immigration issues, peace advocacy, and education."Our intent was to recruit the band's following," Xavier said, noting that people of all ages turned out for the concert.Some of those in attendance also made calls into New Mexico, making about 200 contacts, according to Xavier.
All this week, a volunteer crew at our Chicago HQ is assembling and mailing the packets for everyone who signed up to host an Organize for Change Convention Watch Party. Thousands of supporters have already signed up to host or attend a watch party on August 28, the night Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination.
We're asking all our supporters not only to celebrate this historic night that you have helped make possible but also to continue to take an active role in this campaign. Before Barack delivers his speech, gather with your friends and neighbors to start planning your organizing efforts for the short time we have left before November.
The host packets include everything you need for a successful event:• Organize for Change DVD• Convention stickers• "Change" sign • Meeting checklist and agenda• Sign-in sheets• Voter registration guide
Over the weekend, you may have noticed some changes to the Barack Obama website. Our production and design teams have upgraded certain elements of the site so that it's easier to find the information you're looking for. Some of the changes you may have noticed: • We added a thin, blue bar at the top of all pages of the site. If you don't already have a My.BarackObama.com (MyBO) account, the bar will prompt you to create one. MyBO members have access to online tools needed to effectively organize for Barack Obama and build this movement for change. If you're already logged into the site, the bar will change to a full MyBO navigational menu, allowing you to access any of the main MyBO pages in only one click from any other page on the site. • We've also made it possible for you to find both official and grassroots events in your neighborhood with only one click from any page on the website. If you're logged in, the top right section of the site will lead you directly to a map of events happening in your community. • Finally, we've made some small adjustments to our homepage, like increasing the size of the main graphic and rotating photos of Barack up top, rather than always displaying the same one. We hope you like the changes. As always we'd love to hear your feedback.
Last week we rolled out the new Activity Tracker on My.BarackObama.com to make it easier for our online supporters to measure their impact on the campaign. Since then, we’ve been listening to your feedback and have made a number of important changes and upgrades.
We wanted to take this opportunity to talk a little bit more about how the Activity Tracker differs from the previous points system. We also wanted to highlight some of the changes made in response to the feedback we’ve received from our supporters.One of the most important differences between the Activity Tracker and the previous points system is that MyBO users are no longer ranked against one another. Unlike the old system, your actions – and your actions alone – now determine your activity level score. You will no longer constantly shift in rank based on other users’ actions.In addition, the new tracker displays a record of all your past activity using our online tools, but calculates your activity level based only on recent actions. Compared to the old cumulative points system, the new Activity Tracker more accurately reflects current engagement in the campaign.Finally, the new Activity Tracker does a better job of measuring direct, offline involvement in the campaign. Points are no longer awarded for just signing into MyBO, but you do get a public, transparent record of your activity. The Activity Tracker assigns you an activity level anywhere from 1 to 10 based on the various actions you’ve taken. You need 10 points to go up one activity level. Here’s the breakdown of points assigned to certain actions:
• 15 points for every event hosted
• 15 points for every donation made to your personal fundraising page
• 3 points for every event attended
• 5 points for every call made using our online call tool
• 10 points for every door knocked using our online canvassing tool
• 3 points for every blog post
• 3 points for every group joined
In addition, here are some changes we’ve made in response to your feedback: • Initially users were not receiving credit for calls they had previously made using our online tool. We always had intended to backfill that information. Now we have.
• We’ve fixed a display issue with Firefox 2 that was causing the Activity Tracker to display improperly on some computers.
• Lastly, we’ve made some slight adjustments to the group activity tracker to better account for groups with lots of members.As always, we appreciate your patience and we welcome your feedback.
Every week we feature some of the best grassroots events from the previous week. We want to highlight your creativity, enthusiasm and hard work. After you host an event, make sure to let us know how it went!Here's a snapshot of what was happening across America this past week:Basement Bhangra: More than 400 people in New York City showed up for Basement Bhangra, an Indian dance party that sought to "educate members of the diverse communities about Senator Obama's positions on a wide range of issues including health care, the economy, immigration, education and the environment." South Asians for Obama sponsored the event in coordination with ObamaNYC, Latinos for Obama, Asian Americans for Obama, Queens County for Obama and Generation Obama."We handed out stickers, did voter registration, signed up volunteers and most importantly, danced!" said Theresa, the chair of South Asians for Obama.DJ Rekha who has helped popularize and modernize Bhangra in the United States hosted the event. He happens to be a big Obama supporter.Phonebank and Poster Contest:Having organized several weekend phonebanks, Mark of College Park, MD had the routine down. He decided to mix things up last month when he sponsored a "Kids for Obama" Poster Contest at the phonebank."The "Kids for Obama" Poster Contest started the weekend for Senator Obama's Birthday and was such a great success; we made it a regular feature of our phone canvass. Parents love it, since they and their children get to participate together in the Democratic process."Volunteers call into battleground states using their free weekend minutes on their cell phones. The weekend after the Democratic Convention we had over 65 people and over two dozen children come to help "Take Back America." We called through our list of phone numbers twice, making over 4000 calls in one weekend.
Soul Line Dancers: More than 60 dancers boogied down in support of Barack in Oakland, CA. As people strolled by Lake Merritt Columns, many paused to join the dancers wearing Soul Line Dancers for Barack Obama t-shirts. They also had a table set up to register new voters and take donations to the campaign.Event Organizer Fran of Oakland, CA said:
Line dancing keeps people healthy and active. Line dancers together attract crowds and increase opportunities to Barack the vote. We’re fired up! Gobama, Gobama, Gobama!
Potluck for Barack: Supporters gathered for a potluck in Los Angeles, using the time to get to know each other and plan for future activities including voter registration drives and phonebanks.
Los Angeles County has a highly diverse population and I felt what better way to bring people together for a common goal than by having a BBQ Potluck event," explained event organizer Raul of Downey, CA. "With help from volunteers and community leaders we were able to gather over 50 attendees of various cultural backgrounds.
Every week we feature some of the best grassroots events from the previous week. We want to highlight your creativity, enthusiasm and hard work. After you host an event, make sure to let us know how it went!Here's a snapshot of what was happening across America this past week:Film screening: When longtime supporter Lisa of Austin, TX saw a documentary about Barack in New York City that inspired her in a whole new way, she knew she had to show the film in her hometown.“I felt that this would be a non-intrusive way to bring people together and share a wonderful message.”In the documentary, Barack narrates his journey across Africa – from Nelson Mandela’s old cell in South Africa to the Kenyan village where his father grew up to a Darfur refugee camp in Chad. Lisa dubs the film “part personal odyssey and part chronicle of diplomacy in action.”She held the screening at a local restaurant, raising more than $300 from the 30 attendees. At the end of the screening, Lisa shared her personal story and why she supports Barack. Many people hung around after to discuss the film and more ways to get involved in the campaign.Barackfest: Every first Sunday of the month since March 2007, Dan of Ft. Collins, CO, has been serving up a hearty Barackfest – that would be breakfast Obama-style. About 25 supporters came out for the 18th Barackfest, trading campaign and personal stories over huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos. They try to mix up the menu, having done omelets, crepes, stratas, and oven pancakes. Dan estimates that he’s peeled 250 pounds of potatoes, fried 75 pounds of bacon and cooked probably close to 100 dozen eggs.He’s discovered that nothing brings people together like breakfast:“We've started to see local politicians regularly. It was a real starter for the caucus organization. I think [field organizer] Pat got an office, housing for 10, his first batch of callers and breakfast in just one event.”Usually Dan raises $200-$500. This week the number was $213, owing to the start of school. He gives credit to Don and his neighbor, Mary.Barack Birthday Bashes: Roughly 80 people celebrated Barack’s 47th birthday with a pin the tail on the Democratic donkey game, a cardboard cut-out of him for photos, a giant birthday card, a list of 47 Reasons to vote for Barack, a birthday cake, children's poster coloring acitivities and a showing of the A&E documentary Biography of Barack Obama. The party had everything except the birthday honoree himself.The fun and games led to more serious work later with party goers calling to recruit local volunteers and talk to Spanish speaking voters in New Mexico.“It was a huge success and we signed up several new volunteers,” said April of Montara, CA.Meanwhile Dennis in Prescott Valley, AZ, was throwing Barack his own birthday bash. About 35 people attended the potluck, capped off by his wife's Texas Pan Cake. The chocolate cake was decorated with strawberries, blueberries and frosting in the design of the Obama logo.Not even a thunderstorm was enough to keep 35 supporters home, though Dennis suspects that some potential party goers were unable to come due to flooding.Dragon Boat Festival Voter Registration: 11 volunteers registered about 35 voters attending the Dragon Boat races and dumpling eating contest in Queens, NY. The annual races turn out the Chinese American community and provided the perfect opportunity to do voter reg, according to Elizabeth of Whitestone, NY, who coordinated the effort. “I think it was a really great event. And all the volunteers were very impressed with the Dragon Boat races, which we all watched!"Ready to host your own event? Create an event now, use our flyer templates to help promote it and let us know how it goes.
My.BarackObama.com enables our supporters to organize their communities using an array of online tools. Whether supporters use our tools to plan a canvass for Barack, a community service project or a phonebank for a down-ballot candidate, they are working hard to bring change to our country at every level.Meena of Baltimore, MD, got active on MyBO about a month ago, joining three Baltimore area groups.
Before I was completely clueless as to how to get involved. Now I get an email every day about something going on. I couldn't care so much and not do anything.
She was alerted on MyBO about a phonebank for Congressman John Sarbanes, who is running for reelection in her district. Knowing that Sarbanes supported Barack and was running on a similar platform of change, Meena decided to volunteer for the phonebank. After her first experience phonebanking, she’s ready to do it again tomorrow evening. She'll do anything, she says, to change the current political system.Like Meena, Dan in Chapel Hill, NC wants a sweeping change in Washington, from the Oval Office on down. Dan has been using the MyBO tools to make this happen, building support for Barack and Kay Hagan, who is running for Elizabeth Dole’s Senate seat.
My brother and I had a long conversation about how wrong the war was before it started. Somewhere there was a state senator who spoke out against it before it started and there were so few people doing that. So I joined his website, joined a few groups, wrote a few blogs and then I held a fundraiser.
Dan “the pottery man” -– as he calls himself -- hosted two fundraisers for Barack in his paint-it-yourself ceramics store. Supporters made donations to the campaign to paint a ceramics piece and have it fired in the kiln. Dan made $600 from his first fundraiser and $300 from his second.Building on the success of his first two fundraisers, he decided to host a third one in support of Kay Hagan last weekend. He posted the event on MyBO and put the word out where he lives. About eight people showed up to his latest fundraiser, raising $150 for Hagan.
Barack needs all the Democrats he can get elected with him in November.
Our supporters also have formed MyBO groups for Jim Slattery of Kansas and Tom Udall of New Mexico, both running for the U.S. Senate.Barack can’t bring about the change we seek by himself. It’s going to require a new political outlook, focused on real solutions, that is shared by our elected officials –- from city council members to members of Congress. We can band together to show the power of this grassroots movement and make our voices heard at all levels of the political process.You can use our online tools to get involved in local groups, host events and fundraise. Get active now!
Every week we feature some of the best grassroots events from the previous week. We want to highlight your creativity, enthusiasm and hard work. After you host an event, make sure to let us know how it went!This movement is built on the efforts of everyday Americans working to unify their communities and bring about the change that we all seek. Here's a snapshot of what was happening across America this past week: Golf Tournament: Sheryl in Columbia, MD drew on her experience as a professional event marketer to throw a successful fundraiser. More than 100 golfers participated with another 25-30 supporters volunteering or attending the luncheon only."I had long wanted to actively participate in the campaign and had not yet found the opportunity to do so. As a professional event marketer, I knew that personally producing a golf tournament was something I could do successfully to raise awareness and funds for Barack Obama's campaign. From an awareness and momentum building perspective the event was overwhelmingly successful."Bike for Barack: Around 30 supporters of all ages in Madison pedaled for change in their second organized bike ride. Melissa from Madison, WI explains how she came up with the idea: "I like the idea of the "critical mass" bike rides and thought we could do something similar for the campaign-visibility rides around the city. The rides also "highlight" the differences in the environmental and energy policies of two candidates and promote health (I'm a physician)... I also thought we might reach out and show the biking community another way to be involved. We put stickers on our cars, so why don't we decorate our bikes?"Voter Registration at the World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show: With voter registration, you go where the crowds are. That mantra led Teisha-Vonique from Dallas, TX to the World’s Largest Hair Art and Fashion Show in Dallas. She and about 25 volunteers circulated with clipboards amongst the throngs of event attendees, registering 10 voters and chatting with dozens more about Barack."We were there and we were strong,” Teisha said. “We were totally there to make it happen."Bake Sale: No one could resist the delicious homemade baked goods the Richmond Mamas for Obama were selling. The group raised $350 from their special Barack treats that twelve volunteers baked."A lot of people came by, both on foot and by car to support Barack,” event coordinator Traci said. “We used fun names for each item like Barack-y Road Brownies, Turn Virginia Blue-berry Galette, Yes We peCAN squares, Lemon Poppy "seeds of change" cake, Bread for Barack and Obama-themed Rice Crispy Treats and even raffled off a basket of Obama Goodies. It was a huge success, and we are looking to do another one soon."
There's no better time to get involved than now. We're fewer than 100 days away from Election Day. Host an event, use our flyer templates to help promote it and let us know how it goes.
Standing in Berlin, a city divided by a wall for 28 years, Barack delivered a major speech yesterday in which he warned against allowing “new walls to divide us from one another” and called on Americans and Europeans to “build new bridges across the globe.”
Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation, strong institutions, shared sacrifice, and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It was this spirit that led airlift planes to appear in the sky above our heads, and people to assemble where we stand today. And this is the moment when our nations – and all nations – must summon that spirit anew.
Meredith is one of over 7 million Americans who live abroad. Born and raised in a Chicago suburb, she now lives in Lautrec, France. She's the founder of the Southwest Chapter of Democrats Abroad France, and she's excited by the prospect of having Barack in the White House.
Wanting to highlight Barack's unique background and sound foreign policy judgment to other Americans abroad, Meredith decided to generate some media attention this spring by playing off Barack’s image as a sort of bridge.
I was attending a Democrats Abroad regional primary in Brussels this past March and the idea just came to me, as I looked at all these Americans gathered from all over Europe. I'd been reading articles about Obama where journalists would often refer to his ability to bridge gaps between races, ethnic groups, socio-economic groups--so the idea of bridges was in my mind. I realized we all lived in countries with famous or beautiful bridges and the bridge would be an ideal symbol for his candidacy--especially to Americans living abroad.
So far supporters who have connected through My.BarackObama and online bulletins have snapped pictures in front of more than 76 bridges in 36 countries, on five continents. Locations include: Istanbul, Johannesburg, Vancouver, Rome, London, Vienna, Dublin, Jakarta, Berlin, Florence, Tokyo, Oslo and Brussels.
The group has succeeded in drawing attention to voters living abroad, attracting media coverage from McClatchy, The New York Times and local news outlets.
There is an enthusiasm for Obama among Americans abroad that mirrors the enthusiasm back in the States. We want to show it! The media coverage of these bridge shots also raises the profile of Democrats Abroad in foreign countries and helps us locate other Americans who may need help or advice on how to register for an absentee ballot. It's not a straight-forward process. Each state has its own rules. The good news is there is now an on-line website that makes a difficult process much simpler: www.VoteFromAbroad.org.Also, it's important that Americans back in the States hear the voices of the 7 million Americans living, working and studying overseas. We are often on the front line of American foreign policy. We have to explain it and sometimes defend it.
If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the United States, you can check out our page dedicated to Americans Abroad and sign up for Americans Abroad for Obama to recieve updates and information. It doesn’t matter whether you live on U.S. soil or abroad, you can organize support and make a difference anywhere. Find a local group, start one if there isn’t one for your area or host an event -- we’ve even added a country field, so that you can find and organize events anywhere in the world.
Every Monday, we'll be featuring some of the best grassroots events from the previous week. We want to highlight your creativity, enthusiasm and hard work. After you host an event, make sure to let us know how it went!This movement is built on the efforts of everyday Americans working to unify their communities and bring about the change that we all seek. Here's a snapshot of what was happening across America this past week:Jamaican Food Fundraiser: Kathy from Forest Hills, NY raised $700 at what she describes as "an old fashioned afternoon house party." She served up a tasty menu of Jamaican food, including curry chicken, island-style pulled pork mini-sliders, red cabbage slaw, pineapple salsa and bread pudding.As a former Hillary supporter herself, she said she was able to convince many Hillary supporters in attendance to join the campaign. After the success of her first event, Kathy is excited to host another one in September, this time with Mexican food.HIV/AIDS Walk: Roughly 30 Bay Area supporters marched as part of the official Obama team at the annual AIDS Walk San Francisco, and many other supporters were spotted in the crowd wearing Obama gear as well. Chants of "Yes We Can" and "Fired Up, Ready to Go" at times would erupt from the phalanx of marchers as they snaked through Golden Gate Park. The official Obama team raised nearly $3,000 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, showing this campaign is about more than just politics.A separate volunteer crew milled around the crowd of 25,000 attendees, handing out campaign literature and registering more than 50 voters. Thanks to Doug from San Francisco and Susan for putting this together.New Orleans Service Trip: Lynn of Miami, FL met with fellow Generation Obama young professionals in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans to continue the ongoing efforts to restore the area. "We worked with the Episcopalian Diocese of Louisiana on a home in the Lower Ninth Ward that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and has had no repairs in the nearly three years since the storm hit. There were fifteen of us who spent the day hanging sheetrock for the ceilings and walls (with varying degrees of success!)."Political Comedy Night: More than 20 supporters laughed the night away to the jokes of a several professional political comics supporting Barack. Michael in New Jersey put together the event, and he explained that he believes "laughter is the best means of spreading the values and ideals of liberalism, as well as getting more people engaged in the process by breaking down the complex issues into a humorous form."Voter Registration at Batman Premiere: Sporting a child-sized Batman costume with a "Yes We Can" shirt covering where it ripped, 6'1" Grady of Baco Raton, FL attracted the cheers, laughs and smiles of young voters in line to see the blockbuster movie. He was joined by eleven volunteers who together registered 35 voters."We knew that the theatre would be alive with young adults and teens who have yet to register to vote and we made it our duty to register them all. We are stationed in Boca Raton and the population here is already mostly registered, so often we have to think outside of the box when it comes to registering new people." Also, this past weekend thousands of supporters gathered in their homes to discuss the issues at Listening to America Platform Meetings. At the end of the meetings, attendees draft their policy papers and submit it to our Policy Review Committee where they will be considered for incorporation into the 2008 Democratic Platform.These meetings will be taking place in homes across the country through July 27. Sign up to attend one, if you haven't already. And check back to the Obama HQ Blog as we post more about the results of many of these meetings.Feeling inspired now? Plan your own event!
Unite for Change kicked off on June 28 with more than 4,000 events nationwide. Democrats, Independents and even some Republicans gathered to discuss their shared values and hopes for the country under the belief that what unites us is stronger than what divides us.
Crystal in Berkeley, CA, sent us some photos from her event with her sign-in sheet.
Let's keep the momentum and dialogue from those events alive. Host a Platform Meeting to focus the discussions from Unite for Change on a few specific policy issues.
The idea is to gather your friends and neighbors to discuss one or a few policy issues and then make recommendations that could shape the platform at the Democratic Convention in August. You may even be asked to appear and speak at the National Hearing and at the Convention! We want you - our grassroots - to help define the type of change we stand for.
Once you register your meeting, check out our host guide that has useful tips and resources.
They are my friends. These are still people that think like I do. They want the same things I want. They have the same values I have. There's no reason why we can’t come together and have a place to communicate.
If only we can get a focus on the substantive issues and away from the trivial gaffes, there is a stark difference between Obama and McCain. We can’t afford to continue with more Bush policies.
This country can't continue on the path that the current admin has set us on. This war has to end. We’re fighting a war we shouldn't be fighting. The dollar is worth nothing. The environment. Gas prices. Everything that makes this country great is eroding.Barack Obama has the ability to reach out to everyone. He's the real deal. He can bring real change to Washington and the whole world. He can make this country the greatest place to live.
I want to do more. I want to raise as much money as I possibly can. I feel so connected to the whole idea of change and getting the average American involved.
I have children and grandchildren. I want to have a better America for them. We want it now. We don't want to wait anymore. That’s what it’s all about. If we keep waiting, the country is going to keep getting more messed up.
Most mornings when 29-year-old Jack Brewer gets up for work, he listens to the “Yes, We Can” speech. “As a young black man,” he says, “It gives me inspiration to go work on Wall Street.”Like Barack, the retired NFL player has his own unlikely story. As the first in his family to attend college, he earned a masters degree at 22 before getting signed to the Minnesota Vikings. Jack stayed with the Vikings for two seasons, then moved on to the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. Now he works at Merrill Lynch in New York in wealth management, while taking classes at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs."I have always loved politics and always hoped and dreamed of someone like Barack – someone with a similar background to me." Jack donated office furniture, supplies and computers for the Minnesota Headquarters and now is organizing his network of current and former NFL players on My.BarackObama.com.
About two months ago, I started to make a lot of calls to NFL contacts to start the group. The feedback was incredible. I sent out 100 text messages and got back 60 from the guys. After that, I said this is something that I have to do. I began to organize a few people from each team to serve as representatives and talk about the group in the locker room to the other players... Hopefully we can do our part for this campaign.
Jack notes that he's still building the infrastructure for the group and planning to kick the group into full action after NFL training camps end. He already has found representatives for 10 teams and is still searching for more. The group members will leverage their networks of contacts for fundraisers and other events to publicize Barack's message of change.Barack has taught people to believe again in our potential to change our lives, our country and the world, Jack says. Barack’s message of collective responsibility came at a time when Jack was searching for purpose in his life. He started his own foundation in 2006 to provide mentorship and scholarships for underprivileged students. Yet he felt like he was just one person.Now he knows that we can solve our own problems when we work together.Take Jack’s lead and work toward change. Get more involved in My.BarackObama groups -- invite your friends and family to join too. We can only do this if we each do our part to grow this movement!
As a new mom, I took my state's primary more seriously than ever this year. I wanted to vote for a candidate who could not only help working families through the tough times we're facing, but also strengthen our nation, morally and financially, to ensure that our children won't face -- or foot the bill for -- these same tough times. That is why I voted for Barack Obama. His economic policies are sound and his commitment to working families is unmatched among the remaining candidates. From my growing family to yours, I wish you the best and hope you'll join me in supporting Senator Obama.
Lisa in Fairfax, VA, finds postcard writing an easy activity while watching her two young kids and has sponsored two postcard writing parties at her local library while her kids were at preschool. On Wednesday, she and several other supporters wrote 300 postcards and are itching to do more after they give their hands some rest.If you're a Woman for Obama, join Postcards for Votes and share your message of support with undecided voters. Don't forget the Kentucky primary is only three days away. Make calls to Kentucky women now.
