Hey guys,
I just joined the Appalachian State University for Obama group and when I look at our group page I see over 50 members but nothing really happening. I know the NC primary is a ways off, but a lot is going on with this campaign right now that we could be actively contributing to. When I look at the blogs on the barackobama.com main site, I see that people are doing cool things like:
1. Using the phone bank system to make calls to states with primaries coming up. To help those of us who are reluctant to make calls because we are nervous, don't know what to say, afraid we'll do more harm than good, etc., a new mentoring program is in the works.
2. Taking road trips to states where primaries are being held to help spread the message, take people to voting and caucaus sites who want to go but could not get there otherwise, giving general support to the on the ground crews in those states. Some who cannot go themselves are even donating frequent flier miles and hotel awards points to support those who have the time and commitment to go.
3. Making donations to the campaign and taking part in fundraising activities - from offering matching donations to creative ways to get more people in the donation pool. When you back a candidate who's pledged not to take donations from lobbyists and special interests, you've got to step up and find ways to encourage and enable as many regular citizens as possible to give as often and as generously as possible - whether that's $2.00, $20.00, $200.00 or $2,000.00. Our Appalachian State group has a fundarising meter that's at zero right now, what can we do about that?
4. Talking to people one at a time or in small groups about Obama's campaign, his positions, why we support him. This doesn't have to be arm twisting - simply telling people where you stand and why and inviting them to visit the barackobama.com site, become more familiar with what he has to offer, then making up their own minds. Don't let the spinmasters who are spreading false information and accusations let people make poorly informed decisions.
5. Holding local events for the group members to get to know each other and provide support to each other, to generate interest among non-members, and to just have some fun!!!! Campaigns don't have to be stuffy and painful experiences - look at how often Barack has a big smile on his face!
6. Making their own songs, videos, poems, blogs, writing letters, etc.
7. Using obamacycle.com to reallocate very short in supply Obama campaign resources to areas of critical need.
There are many things we could be doing and plenty of us to be able to do them - is anyone else thinking this? I'd love to hear what's on your mind, in your hearts, and where we could all be headed together. This campaign has a lot of momentum now, but the stakes are high and the opposition, both Democratic and Republican, is going to ramp up its efforts geometrically from here on out. If we really want this, we have to be part of making it happen. The time is now, this is our window of opportunity - we can't let it close on us.
YES,WE CAN!!! ARE YOU READY TO GO?
Bonnie Guy
