Well, I got the job! I've been hired as the Legislative Aide for Representative-Elect Nancy Garland of the 20th Ohio House District! Yahoo! I am excited about the position and will do a great job serving Representative-Elect Garland and our district (I live in the district too). I start on January 5th. This is my last and final blog.
President-Elect Obama, for about two years I have been a part of your journey in becoming President of the United States. My involvement has never been primarily about making history by electing the first African American President, while I do believe it is outstanding that you are the first! Nor has it been primarily about creating change in this country, although I believe you have, you will and I want you to! For me, this journey has been simply about helping a great human being achieve his dream.
You have done a great job so far as the President-Elect and will continue to do so as President! You have my love and support, always. I believe in you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer M. Dillard
I'm between jobs right now and thought this might be a good time to share what I've been doing for the past year. Once I get my next job, I probably won't be able to blog again. So, I'm back, for a minute!
I have to give credit to my mother and Barack Obama for setting me on the course that my life has taken recently. Through my mother's death I found Obama and he has inspired me (please read my previous blogs for the details).
I spent the past year working for the Ohio Democratic Party as the Franklin County Field Director . We won the Presidency for Obama and we also took back the State House! I helped build the Neighborhood Leader Program. I recruited and trained Neighborhood Leaders until the program was folded into the Obama Campaign. My focus then turned to the entire Democratic ticket. In addition to Obama's Campaign, I worked on two State House races, Nancy Garland in the 20th HD and Ray Pryor in the 85th HD. Both candidates won!
The Ohio Democratic Party was hesitant about hiring me at first. I was a stay-at-home mother who walked in off the street and asked them for an internship and then a job as Field Director (once I found out the ODP was hiring). I had no campaign experience whatsoever other than the grassroots organizing I did for Obama. I hounded the ODP folks to get a job interview and I hounded them afterwards until finally they said I could work as an intern. They would see about the Field Director position. Well, I worked my butt off for a month and impressed them so much, they hired me as the Franklin County Field Director. For the rest of the year, I continued to work hard and to persist.
I cannot fully describe what a great feeling it is to have earned the respect of my peers. It wasn't because I have a degree from Mount Holyoke College (here in Ohio, no one cares :-) ) nor was it because my mother was the Director of Education in Mayor Coleman's administration (I never mentioned it). I earned their respect because I worked hard, I persisted and I got results. I tell you, that is one of the greatest lessons of my life! Thank you Doug and John for hiring me!
Oh, how I love President-Elect Obama and how I desperately want to work in his administration! I recently learned that my fellow Mount Holyoke Alumnae Mona Sutphen '89 (I'm in the Class of 92') has been appointed Deputy White House Chief of Staff!! Go Mona! Goodness knows, I am so tempted to start hounding Mona for a job. :-) But, I want to pay my dues and to earn my way. So, I'm going to stay here in Ohio. I helped win back the State House and now I want to help push a Democratic agenda (with bipartisan support) in order to improve the lives of Ohioans. I'm in the process of applying for a job at the State House.
As for the future, I want to improve the lives of others by one day running a federal agency or perhaps serving the State of Ohio as Governor. Ultimately, whatever I do, the goal is to reach the end of my life having done some good.
Thank you Mom and Obama for setting me on that path.
Hi Folks!
Not too long ago I saw a video clip of a speech Barack Obama gave in Iowa. He talked about how he understands that politics and politicians have let down the American people and that we are feeling cynical about the entire process. But, he said if we do not become engaged, they will win. Barack is absolutely right. If we sit back and do nothing, they will win.
People, I want to WIN! I want justice to win!. I want truth to win! I want universal healthcare to win, and jobs, and education, and social security, and energy independence…I want to get people engaged in the political process so that they can work to bring about the changes they want to see!!
Towards that end, I have accepted an Internship with the Ohio Democratic Party and I hope to be hired as a Field Organizer for Franklin County. While I love and support Senator Obama more than ever, I can no longer actively campaign on his behalf during the primary. This is my last blog.
After eight years as a Stay-at-Home Mother, my life in politics begins. I'm so excited.
As part of the Women's Blog Forum on the debate, I was assigned the following topics: LGBT Issues, Ethics, and Social Security. LGBT Issues and Social Security were the only two covered in the debate. Here's my take.
Social Security:
The number of people on Social Security will double in the next few years (I can't remember the number of years Tim Russert said) from like 40 million people to 80 million people. The candidates were asked what would they do to address this issue, cut benefits or lift the cap on taxing income.
Obama said that he would lift the cap on taxing the first $97,000 of a person's income. He also said that he learned from talking with young people that they believe Social Security will not be there for them. We must do what we can to fix the system rather than tearing it down (as Bush has done). Obama is against privatization of Social Security.
I agree with Obama. My husband is the primary breadwinner and he makes less than $97,000, which means ALL of his income is taxed!!! I don't begrudge people being rich and having money, I could care less. But I do think EVERYONE must pay their fair share!!! But then again, some could argue that those who make way more than $97,000 probably won't need social security anyway, so why pay the tax? As Obama has said many times, it is about being our brother's keeper. LGBT Issues:
The candidates with young children were asked if they would feel comfortable with reading a story to their children about two princes who get married. Apparently this caused an uproar among parents at a school in Massachusetts when a teacher read such a story to a class of 2nd graders.
Obama said that his children are aware of same sex couples and that he teaches his girls not to be afraid of people who are different. Obama does this because he has been considered different by others and knows what it feels like. He then went on to say that we need to stop feeding into people's fear of difference and start feeding people hope and tolerance. I AGREE!!
My friend, who represents for me all that is good in people, was a Gay man and a Muslim. He killed himself a year or so ago and I don't know why. I hate to think he did it because of the intolerance of others. As I watch him in the debates, I appreciate even more what Barack Obama is trying to do to change this country. It is simply revolutionary.
You must watch this new Obama TV Ad!
All I can say is: "Baby, I BELIEVE!! :)
Here's the link.
If you've been wondering why the Obama Campaign is spending so much time in Iowa, please watch Obama's interview with Brian Williams of MSNBC. Barack talks about some of the challenges he faces as a new democratic presidential candidate and the campaign's strategy for dealing with this.
After watching it, I better understand what the campaign is trying to do.
Barack talks about the campaign's strategy towards the end of the interview. Here's the link.
Thank you to Sheldon Motley for letting Ohioans for Obama know about the interview and sharing the link.
I hosted a Countdown for Change event at my house on Saturday. The focus was on South Carolina. This was the first time that I have EVER opened up my house to people I do not know. Eight people showed up, it was a great event and I'm glad that I did it.
What worked well:
--Asking a question or two to keep the conversation going, but otherwise keeping my
mouth shut and focusing on LISTENING (we learned about this at Camp Obama).
People talked for a good hour non-stop.
--Listening in on the conference call with Stacey Brayboy, the SC Obama Campaign
Director. She laid out three things we can do to help Barack win in South Carolina:
write postcards to undecided voters and voters living in rural areas, contact friends and
family in SC and tell them about Barack, and phone banking. It was great that we
have specific things we can do.
--Raising money. I HATE asking people for money, but I sucked it up and asked
anyway. We raised $65.
--Obama "goody" bags. I handed out goody bags to everyone at the end of the party.
Each bag contained a Barack DVD, a Got Hope? bumper sticker, a button, supporter
cards, contact info for the SC HQ and an upcoming events flyer for Central Ohio.
Folks loved it!
The highlight of the event for me, occurred when one participant who is from South Carolina said she would send the Barack DVD to her family and friends living there! She was excited about doing it too!
Here are some interesting demographics about the group that attended the event:
8 people showed up.
6 were women.
2 were in the military
2 were born and raised in countries other than the U.S.
3 drove 45 minutes or more to attend the event.
4 attended a Barack Obama related event for the FIRST time. This was their first event.
2 were from the South; one of them from South Carolina.
7 have never been involved with a campaign or politics.
Ages ranged from 35 to 70!
Now that I have gotten over my fear and anxiety over hosting my first Barack Obama event, I'm fired up! My next move is to host an Obama Open House for people living on my street who want to drink hot cider and eat doughnuts while learning more about Barack!
Obama won! Here's the link
Whether we are talking to Latinos, Black folks, White folks, or African Immigrants, the same issue keeps coming up: Obama’s Electibility. People always ask the following two questions in one form or another: Is America ready for an African American President? and What experience does Obama have?
I’m frustrated because the underlying theme to these questions is that they believe Hillary is the better candidate.
So, I’m starting to engage people in the following discussion: If Hillary Clinton is elected president and then re-elected for another term, that would be 28 years of Bush /Clinton.
America, do you want a Dynasty or Democracy?
I'm hosting a Countdown for Change event at my house on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 2 - 4 p.m!
I hope you will join us as we get Fired Up! for the presidential primaries. Our focus is on South Carolina. We hope to raise over $100, we will write postcards and letters to folks in that state as well as talk about Barack Obama and what we can do here in Ohio around the early primaries to help get him elected President. Join us for good people, good conversation, and a good time!
If you have any questions, I can be reached at 614.231.8474. Please RSVP so I will know how many people to expect.
Obama Campaign,
If you have been racking your brains trying to think of a great way to show your appreciation for all of the hard work, time and money grassroots supporters have put into this campaign, I have a great idea for you: demonstrate your gratitude by allowing some super active grassroots supporters to attend those $1000 and $2,300 per person Obama fundraisers in or near their city, for FREE. If you want to just go overboard with your gratitude, allow those volunteers to shake Obama’s hand and have their picture taken with him too!
Just think how good you will feel knowing that you had a hand in making someone’s day.
I received word from the Obama Campaign that they would prefer it if Ohio/Midwesterners went to Iowa and Southerners went to South Carolina.
Ohio! Two big canvassing days will take place in Iowa on Sept. 22 and Oct. 20. If you cannot make those dates, you can go anytime you are available.
Jill Porosky with Central Ohioans for Obama will be coordinating the trips to Iowa. You can send her an email at jporosky@hotmail.com.
Spread the word!
Ohio! South Carolina Needs Our Help!
On Saturday, September 29, 2007, South Carolina will hold a statewide canvassing day. They need our help to spread the word down there about Barack Obama!
If you have been feeling like you’re languishing here in Ohio because there is nothing going on, here’s your chance to make a difference where it will matter! If you are able to go, grab a group of friends and go! Create an event on mybarackobama.com to let others know your plans, maybe they will want to join you. Take this as an opportunity to get involved!
The person to contact is Nicole Aero, she is the SC Statewide Volunteer Coordinator. Give her a call at 803.255.8008. Let Nicole know how many people will be coming. She can help find housing with volunteers or at a Church. Also, let her know who all in your group has experience canvassing. She’ll provide training if needed.
Folks, I can’t go on the 29th, but I told Nicole I would get the word out. I’m hoping to go down at a later date and definitely around the primary! I’ll put the word out around then and if you’re interested in going down as one big group, let me know and we will organize!
When I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, my husband to-be and I participated in a meditation retreat at a Thai monastery. We ate only one meal a day, took a vow of silence, learned Buddhist teachings, slept on a concrete slab without a mattress, and meditated. For an introvert like me who thrives on solitude, it was heaven.
We had to do chores as part of our daily routine. I chose to clean the women’s toilets because I wanted to work through my “issues” regarding a job, which I then felt was degrading. To clean one’s own toilet is one thing, but to clean toilets after a group of people is quite another matter.
While scrubbing those toilets I felt angry, humiliated, embarrassed, ashamed and dirty. I had a major attitude. But as the days went by, my feelings began to change. I started taking more pride in my work; if someone looked at me in disgust, I just stood there and looked back. I felt solidarity with the millions of women around the world cleaning toilets in order to support their families. How could there be any shame in that?
Today, I am going through the same transformation of my feelings as I did back in Thailand. But this time, cleaning toilets has become cynicism about politicians. I have very high ideals (maybe too high) and I believe that being a politician is about being of SERVICE to one’s constituency, one’s community, one’s city, one’s state, one’s country. It is about looking outside of one’s self to help bring about the greater good for all people. What I see now are a good chunk of politicians out there serving their self-interests and I’m disgusted.
So, like I did in Thailand, I am working through and transforming this cynicism about politics by being involved with Barack Obama’s campaign for President.
In order to get over it, you have to go through it.
We are off to Chicago for Camp Obama. We’re going to zip up the road through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois in the Barackmobile Mini. See the pictures below.
I will spend a couple of days learning about the campaign and acquiring skills to help organize a grassroots political movement here in Central Ohio. I’m so excited that I left a message in my Yahoo! Email Auto Reply stating as much. I want the world to know that the Obama Campaign is training a grassroots group of people for CHANGE!!!:) Send me an email at jaisahm@yahoo.com and check out my message.
As a matter of fact, email auto replies are a great Baracktivity! If you are out and about doing something Obama related, leave a message for folks about what you’re doing.
This will probably be the last trip we’ll take this summer with the Barackmobiles. The kids start school next week. My youngest, my baby, Miles will enter Kindergarten. The next thing you know I’ll be driving the boy off to college…….Oh well, that’s the subject of another blog.
Here are the pictures. Over and out.
Jai and Miles
Side View
Back View
We're headed back down to Alabama, this time to the beach! (Yes people, Alabama has beaches and they're nice too! )
We're leaving bright and early and will be traveling through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and straight through Alabama until we hit the Gulf.
Barackmobiles are a cheap, fun, quick, and easy way to get Barack's name out there! All you need are window markers (which you can purchase from the party store) and rags to clean up your mess! Take extras of both because you may need to re-decorate while on the road.
If you're too embarrassed to do something like this (like my husband), So What? :)
By the way, I got the term "Barackmobile" from John Cavanaugh.
Here are the pictures: (my children helped me decorate the car this time)
My son Jai, he's 8.
My son Miles, he's 4.
All three of us.
The Barackmobile.
Last night we held our community discussion on Barack Obama at the New Harvest Cafe in the Linden Area of Columbus. About 14 people joined us for the evening. We had Howard Heard from the Franklin County Board of Elections speak to the group about voting issues. We then showed Barack’s announcement speech and then discussed what we thought about him. We ended the evening with a poem performed by Hatim.
Overall, the participants support Barack Obama for President and believe that he will bring great change to this country. But they also believe now is the time to start taking action at the local level to bring about change in our communities.
Here are some key points from Howard’s presentation and the group discussion about Barack:
Voting Issues
Discussion About Barack
Here are some pictures from the event:
The New Harvest Cafe.
Obama Information Table.
Obama Merchandise Table.
Folks Watching the Announcement Speech.
