I had a conversation with someone recently who is applying for a state job because he is focused on post retirement health care and wanting to get into the state system. He is not focused on the job so much. I told him it was an understandable concern, but nothing I could base the rest of my working career on at this point (he is 7 years younger than I am). I need to be happy and content and am not willing to pin the next 30 years of my life on the promise of being taken care of when I am no longer working. He was talking about the cost of health care and asked me if I was afraid and what would I do without that when I am older? How am I going to deal with the cost of health care?
I replied "I am working on the Obama campaign."
So how is it that a political agnostic like myself ended up not only supporting a candidate this early in the process but giving up many hours in pursuit of the cause?
Well.. in Dec 2005, we brought home our son, then 5 mos old, from Ethiopia. He is now almost two. In the months preceding, we spent hours in thought and discussion. We read many books on transracial adoption. I spoke to individuals, emailed with people and read blogs. We are so cognizant of the importance of racial identity in his life. We are acutely aware of our role in that - what we can and cannot provide.
What a surreal day June 23rd was. I often have so many thoughts tied to my decision to be involved in this campaign. Funny, I say "involved." I am just a volunteer, working a few events. Not really tremendously involved. Yet I find myself exposed to the most interesting things. I engage in dialogues with people about topics I never would have imagined I would be able to converse let alone want to.
I managed somehow not to connect with my CT counterparts, but met many other neat people. As I sit now this evening, I can't help but reflect on my day. The rain and cold left me with the decision not to bring my child around canvassing. It was a tough decision because it is clearly part of the mission. I had to put him first in this case.
Because we didn't canvass, we drove up to NH and stayed overnight on my husband's birthday just to see Barack for 20 minutes. And I LOVED it and wouldn't change a thing. I felt a renewed sense of community and optimism. I got to see the person who has thus far inspired me and feel that energy in person. I was able to share my interest and enthusiasm with my family. All those things combined to make the event special.
Rally outside CT Convention Center followed by gathering at Arch Street Tavern. Wear gear. And will have materials to make signs.
See event for details and make sure you spread the word. Let's make this a big turnout! Come for as short or as long a time as you like.
Anyone want to send me some items and I can write and send an agenda for our Monday meeting?
Some topics -
4/19 event - Arch St. Happy Hour/Meet and Greet?
Statewide event planning
Using technology tools - Campfire
Database organization
Local organization
Update on fundraising regulations
Print materials and getting "stuff"
Let me know if you would like me to make a formal agenda. And send me items for discussion. I think Steve will have his laptop. I can have mine if I remember ;) Then I can type directly into the agenda and have action items.
We met and developed an action list. Many of us there are new to campaign work and others with experience provided input. We agreed to use the Wiki site for posting information. The discussion board will offer easy means to view and update information and threads.
Access to wikispace is here: Link an account to login and be able to post. Read on here for more summary notes.
After a day of 50+ emails, it seems the CT crew is in need of another form of communicating. I think this method may work. What do you think? One central location? Any thoughts?
For those who haven't seen it, we are having a meeting on Monday, March 19 at Borders Books near WestFarms Mall in Farmington (right on the line with Farmington and West Hartford). There is an event created. Pls rsvp there. I will make a sign so we can find each other.
I also noticed a kickoff day on the main page. March 31. There will be a live webcast with Barack. Perhaps we can discuss at this meeting having places to host this as well.
