For the last 10 weeks, Organizing for America has had a solid group of 7 interns from across Arizona, working to bring change into their communities. From Anthem to Tucson, these students took time out of their very busy schedules, to develop the basic building blocks need of community organizing.
Erik C., an ASU student, wasn’t sure what he was getting into at first and had a few reservations:
At first I was doubtful that people older than me would take me seriously when I called to ask them to volunteer. After a few weeks these people weren’t just volunteering with me, they had become friends. They would call me regarding things outside of volunteering, and as I look back, I know, I have really become a part of my community.
Interns worked side by side with their Regional Field Directors. They took part in a gamut of activities, from running a phone bank, to hosting organizational meetings, and even developed their own neighborhood teams and leadership.
Thank you to Cara, Amanda, Erik, Rebecca, Chris, Margo, and Marissa for all your hard work. You all have played an important role in progressing health insurance reform and empowering your communities.
While the internship ends this week, and we are grateful to the work that are interns have done, the program will be starting up again in the spring of 2010. Click here to fill out the intern application; the deadline is fast approaching!
This weekend, Organizing for America is holding more than 200 trainings with volunteers and community organizers across the country. OFA National Director, Mitch Stewart, came to Cottonwood, Arizona today to participate in our OFA training of Community Organizers and Neighbor Team Leaders. He spoke about how the Obama volunteer model was developed:
For years I worked on campaigns where everything was so top-down. Volunteers were basically punching a clock. When we formulated how we were going to go about then Senator Obama’s presidential campaign, we decided very early on that we were going to create a volunteer model that empowered volunteers and gave them critical leadership roles within the organization.
Volunteers listened intently and shared their experiences on how they had seen this model work with OFA. They asked questions, and Mitch offered his battle tested advice. Coleen, a neighborhood leader who was new to political activism, asked Mitch, “How do you talk to a neighbor who believes the proposed legislation does not go far enough?” Mitch answered that debate is good but at the end of the day we have to remember that the proposed legislation is constantly being worked on, and there is agreement on nearly 80% of what is being proposed. Mitch added that your voice is always stronger when united with others working toward a common goal.
Attendees broke out into small groups and made plans for the next steps they were going to take in their communities. Everyone walked away from the training feeling fired up and ready to get to work.
Trainings will be taking place all weekend long. Click here to find a Sunday training near you.
This week’s Arizona Volunteer Spotlight is Karen R. Karen is a former Republican, and current resident of West Brook Village, that has become an ardent supporter and activist for President Obama. Karen has been organizing her neighborhood with the help of her partner, Michael P., and has put together a Rapid Response Team designed to push support over the top in the final days of the impending health insurance reform votes.
1. How long have you been volunteering with OFA? I started volunteering with Obama for America around September, 2008, and continued volunteering through the transition to Organizing for America. 2. Why did you get involved volunteering with OFA? It was a natural fit for me after progressing from a Republican, to an Independent, to a liberal Democrat. I realized that the status quo approach to our major problems was not working, and that America needed a different direction if it was going to continue to evolve, succeed and prosper in the 21st Century. As a country, we were falling behind economically and educationally, there was no universal healthcare program, national energy policy or focus on restoring our previously trashed Constitution and civil liberties. The only political party developing an action plan to solve these far-too-long neglected problems was the Democratic "Yes We Can" Party, while the Republican Party became the status quo, intractable, "No We Can't" Party. Status quo doesn't remain status quo forever. It either moves forward or backward, and the conservative ideology was moving us backward. With this prospect, I was compelled to volunteer, and was enthusiastic about joining an organization to help propel President Obama's reform plan to completion, through the mantra of "Respect, Empower, and Include". 3. What are some of the more effective practices you have found that work in getting people mobilized with OFA? Everyone's time is limited and valuable, so I try to keep the meetings short, and the message clear and concise. Many of our volunteers are newcomers to the process, so I have learned not to make any assumptions in my presentations. Preparation on my part is key to helping my volunteers fully understand what they're supposed to be doing and why. Part of this preparation entails using highlighters to highlight key points and codes, so volunteers don't have to "hunt" for this information while canvassing or phone banking. As an introduction to the meeting, and to immediately focus their attention, I provide them with a succinct written summary of the major points to focus on in that day's event. This prevents going on "overload" because of presenting too much information initially. Then to reinforce the summary information, I have them read through the materials/script provided by OFA.In order to implement effective practices, one has to receive effective training, mentoring and materials, which I am fortunate and grateful to have received from Ashley, my Regional Director in Phoenix. I basically have modeled her in my trainer's techniques and strategies, including getting events posted, organizing events, canvassing, phone banking and organizing a Rapid Response Team. We are now "fired up and ready to go!" 4. What has been the highlight of your time volunteering with OFA? Highlights have included learning from feedback and getting people motivated, energized and enthusiastic about being a part of this vitally important, worthy and fulfilling endeavor. My major highlight is knowing that the many people who traditionally would be voiceless and powerless, now have OFA supporting and fighting for their rights and causes, and I am part of it. These folks not only are respected, empowered and included, but they are also encouraged to develop their own leadership potential. I am looking forward to the challenge of growing our team into more teams, and helping to develop the leadership pool. 5. What issue/issues matters most to you and why? Until the health insurance reform bill is signed by the President, my focus is on health insurance reform. After that, I am excited to organize for high quality, accessible public education for all children; for a strong, stable, secure economy and jobs program; for the climate bill and building a clean energy future, and for restoring and upholding our human rights and civil liberties. When we achieve a social justice focus, we will have all of the above.
1. How long have you been volunteering with OFA?
I started volunteering with Obama for America around September, 2008, and continued volunteering through the transition to Organizing for America.
2. Why did you get involved volunteering with OFA?
It was a natural fit for me after progressing from a Republican, to an Independent, to a liberal Democrat. I realized that the status quo approach to our major problems was not working, and that America needed a different direction if it was going to continue to evolve, succeed and prosper in the 21st Century. As a country, we were falling behind economically and educationally, there was no universal healthcare program, national energy policy or focus on restoring our previously trashed Constitution and civil liberties. The only political party developing an action plan to solve these far-too-long neglected problems was the Democratic "Yes We Can" Party, while the Republican Party became the status quo, intractable, "No We Can't" Party. Status quo doesn't remain status quo forever. It either moves forward or backward, and the conservative ideology was moving us backward. With this prospect, I was compelled to volunteer, and was enthusiastic about joining an organization to help propel President Obama's reform plan to completion, through the mantra of "Respect, Empower, and Include".
3. What are some of the more effective practices you have found that work in getting people mobilized with OFA?
Everyone's time is limited and valuable, so I try to keep the meetings short, and the message clear and concise. Many of our volunteers are newcomers to the process, so I have learned not to make any assumptions in my presentations. Preparation on my part is key to helping my volunteers fully understand what they're supposed to be doing and why. Part of this preparation entails using highlighters to highlight key points and codes, so volunteers don't have to "hunt" for this information while canvassing or phone banking. As an introduction to the meeting, and to immediately focus their attention, I provide them with a succinct written summary of the major points to focus on in that day's event. This prevents going on "overload" because of presenting too much information initially. Then to reinforce the summary information, I have them read through the materials/script provided by OFA.
In order to implement effective practices, one has to receive effective training, mentoring and materials, which I am fortunate and grateful to have received from Ashley, my Regional Director in Phoenix. I basically have modeled her in my trainer's techniques and strategies, including getting events posted, organizing events, canvassing, phone banking and organizing a Rapid Response Team. We are now "fired up and ready to go!"
4. What has been the highlight of your time volunteering with OFA?
Highlights have included learning from feedback and getting people motivated, energized and enthusiastic about being a part of this vitally important, worthy and fulfilling endeavor. My major highlight is knowing that the many people who traditionally would be voiceless and powerless, now have OFA supporting and fighting for their rights and causes, and I am part of it. These folks not only are respected, empowered and included, but they are also encouraged to develop their own leadership potential. I am looking forward to the challenge of growing our team into more teams, and helping to develop the leadership pool.
5. What issue/issues matters most to you and why?
Until the health insurance reform bill is signed by the President, my focus is on health insurance reform. After that, I am excited to organize for high quality, accessible public education for all children; for a strong, stable, secure economy and jobs program; for the climate bill and building a clean energy future, and for restoring and upholding our human rights and civil liberties. When we achieve a social justice focus, we will have all of the above.
All week, organizers and volunteers have been building power point presentations, putting together manuals, and practicing for the upcoming National Training Weekend. In Arizona, we have trainings happening across the state, from Bullhead City down to Tucson.
At the trainings, volunteers will come together to learn health reform organizing tactics and develop sustainable neighborhood teams. Trainings are geared toward activists of all levels, from first time volunteers to already established community leaders.
Please CLICK HERE to find a training near you. If you don’t see anything near you, please email OFAArizona@DNC.org and let us know you are interested in having something in your community.
All last week, OFA volunteers, energized from the House vote on the health insurance reform bill, said thank you to Arizona’s members of Congress that supported health insurance reform. Thursday and Friday, volunteers intensified their efforts and held events all over the state. From Sierra Vista to Flagstaff, supporters got out into the community and let their appreciation and support be known.
In Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University students Emily, Aleks, Blekk, and Blaise got a life saver floatation device and went out on NAU’s campus. They asked students to sign the life saver and call Rep. Kirkpatrick office thanking her for her support.
In Prescott, Sierra Vista and Scottsdale, volunteers went directly to the Congressional Offices. They brought with them thank you notes expressing their sincerest appreciation and passed them along to the staff of Rep. Kirkpatrick, Rep. Giffords, and Rep. Mitchell.
In Sedona and Tucson, supporters held rallies on street corners waving signs and American flags. Rep. Giffords made a surprise appearance at the Tucson rally and took time to speak and take pictures with the crowd. She spoke about the importance of health insurance reform legislation and how hearing from her constituents played a critical role in helping her make her decision.
Please contact your Representative and Senators by CLICKING HERE. Let them know you support health insurance reform and you want them to support it as well. Then CLICK HERE to sign up for an upcoming health care event and join the fight to pass ground breaking health care reform.
Check out this slide show of pictures from all the “Thank You” Events.
This week’s Arizona Volunteer Spotlight is Michelle M. Michelle lives in Fountain Hills and is a graduate of Camp OFA. She has been working relentlessly in her community, fostering neighborhood teams and getting the word out about the importance of health insurance reform.
I have been a volunteer at Maricopa Medical Center since January 2008. I received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for my work there. I also completed the Spanish Bilingual Assistant program at the hospital. This work hopefully prepares me for my future as a primary care doctor working in under-served areas. I am also currently the Parent Chair for the Project Challenge of Arizona. This is a residential, National Guard program that works with at risk youths and helps them achieve GEDs or high school diplomas as well completing extensive community service projects. My son went through Project Challenge in 2007. I am a single mom who is in the process of applying to medical school with two teenagers. I am also applying to the Center for Progressive Leader's Fellowship in the hopes of learning how to be a more effective community organizer. I meditate every morning and I do yoga to relieve stress! I am currently taking Biochemistry and Women as HeBler's Across Cultures at ASU. I am also a Mentor in the President Obama Scholar's Program that ASU installed in our president's honor. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from ASU and Barack Obama was my graduation speaker. I love wine and hanging out at the Farm at South Mountain.
1. How long have you been volunteering with OFA? I started in August of 2009. 2. Why did you get involved volunteering with OFA? I remember last spring hearing Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee speak about health care reform and she said doctors needed to step up to the plate and take a seat at the table. She kept asking, "Who wants a seat at this table?" I remember wanting to hide under a table at that point! I kept thinking, someone else will fix this. Then, the heinous displays by opponents of health care reform at Congressional town halls this summer made me sick to my stomach. I think it was when I saw a man get bit on the arm, I said that was it. I wanted to just help with voter registration one day, but I got lost and had to get directions. I spoke to Ashley, an OFA Regional Director, and she told me about Camp OFA, which was starting in 45 minutes. I went to the training, and decided to make Fountain Hills a friendly home for President Obama and OFA. 3. What are some of the more effective practices you have found that work in getting people mobilized with OFA? When people come to my house to phone bank, I ask them to do one simple thing: find themselves on the list I have given them. In Fountain Hills especially, people think they are all alone. I continuously remind people that I live there and THEY live there, and that I have a room full of other people who are of like mind. I also find commonality. The first thing I tell people is I am a local Fountain Hills resident calling them. They feel more at home speaking to me. I have a positive attitude about who I am calling. I know I am going to find my next great volunteer each time I pick up the phone. We usually do get a few new people signing on board with us each phone bank. 4. What has been the highlight of your time volunteering with OFA? I would have to say the new friends I am making. I love the little snowflake we are creating in Fountain Hills. There is a core group of four of us that always shows up and we are increasing every week. Lolita, Gary, Susan and myself. We are quite the force. I have also enjoyed all the young and powerful energy in the leadership from OFA. You guys are the best and doing great things! Also, it was pretty cool being asked to be a judge on the panel for the new health care reform commercial. My daughter and I picked our favorites tonight. For one brief moment I was cool to my 16 year old. 5. What issue/issues matters most to you and why? Health Care Reform. I always knew I wanted to be a care giver to people that traditionally did not have access to good medical services. Lately, I have realized that I don't want to have to choose who I can care for and who I can't care for based on whether they have insurance or not. I won't make that choice! I am working my tail off now to help reform pass, so that by the time I am a doctor, I can step up to the plate and take care of all the folks who will have affordable health care! When people say, "who is going to take care of all these people," I can say, I will. I am also looking forward to helping the climate change bill get back on track and working with clean energy. Basically I am for the President's agenda, and will help to the best of my ability.
I started in August of 2009.
I remember last spring hearing Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee speak about health care reform and she said doctors needed to step up to the plate and take a seat at the table. She kept asking, "Who wants a seat at this table?" I remember wanting to hide under a table at that point! I kept thinking, someone else will fix this. Then, the heinous displays by opponents of health care reform at Congressional town halls this summer made me sick to my stomach. I think it was when I saw a man get bit on the arm, I said that was it. I wanted to just help with voter registration one day, but I got lost and had to get directions. I spoke to Ashley, an OFA Regional Director, and she told me about Camp OFA, which was starting in 45 minutes. I went to the training, and decided to make Fountain Hills a friendly home for President Obama and OFA.
When people come to my house to phone bank, I ask them to do one simple thing: find themselves on the list I have given them. In Fountain Hills especially, people think they are all alone. I continuously remind people that I live there and THEY live there, and that I have a room full of other people who are of like mind. I also find commonality. The first thing I tell people is I am a local Fountain Hills resident calling them. They feel more at home speaking to me. I have a positive attitude about who I am calling. I know I am going to find my next great volunteer each time I pick up the phone. We usually do get a few new people signing on board with us each phone bank.
I would have to say the new friends I am making. I love the little snowflake we are creating in Fountain Hills. There is a core group of four of us that always shows up and we are increasing every week. Lolita, Gary, Susan and myself. We are quite the force. I have also enjoyed all the young and powerful energy in the leadership from OFA. You guys are the best and doing great things! Also, it was pretty cool being asked to be a judge on the panel for the new health care reform commercial. My daughter and I picked our favorites tonight. For one brief moment I was cool to my 16 year old.
Health Care Reform. I always knew I wanted to be a care giver to people that traditionally did not have access to good medical services. Lately, I have realized that I don't want to have to choose who I can care for and who I can't care for based on whether they have insurance or not. I won't make that choice! I am working my tail off now to help reform pass, so that by the time I am a doctor, I can step up to the plate and take care of all the folks who will have affordable health care! When people say, "who is going to take care of all these people," I can say, I will.
I am also looking forward to helping the climate change bill get back on track and working with clean energy. Basically I am for the President's agenda, and will help to the best of my ability.
As the week progresses, so do the “Thank You” events. This morning at 8:30am, over 10 people gathered before the start of their work day to visits Representatives Ann Kirkpatrick’s office.
They were so excited about the health care bill passing in the House that they wanted to show their sincere appreciation for Rep Kirkpatrick’s support. Congressional staffers greeted them very warmly.
The “Thank You” events are still happening. CLICK HERE to find one near you. If you can’t make to an event, you can always write a letter to the editor expressing your appreciation by CLICKING HERE.
Monday morning after the historic vote in the House, Arizona health care supporters wasted no time thanking their members of Congress for supporting health care reform. In the Congressional Districts of Rep Ed Pastor, Rep Harry Mitchell and Rep Raúl Grijalva, supporters headed over to their member’s offices to personally show their appreciation.
Armed with smiles and homemade thank you cards, supporters met with Congressional staffers and expressed their deepest gratitude.
Congressional staffers were very receptive as well, and took some time to talk with the health care supporters and explain the upcoming legislative process.
CLICK HERE to find upcoming Thank You events. CLICK HERE to write a letter to the editor and make your voice heard.
This is a new section of the Arizona blog where we will showcase one of the countless hard working volunteers and community organizers. For the inaugural post we are showcasing Vene A., a local lawyer from Tucson who is passionate about working with her neighbors and bettering her community.
I am a transactional attorney from Nogales, Arizona, with a secret political wonk side. I found OFA through an email, and was immediately drawn to the organization. So far I have participated in planning a major media event at the University of Arizona Medical School, where over 200 doctors, students and researchers attended. The event garnered television press. I've collected over 100 declarations on behalf of OFA, I have also assisted in phone banking, notably on the day OFA attempted to get 100,000 calls to Washington, D.C. and we ended up with 330,000 calls to Congress and last, I have helped in planning and attending canvasses. As a result of my involvement in OFA, I was invited to the White House to represent OFA at a reception and concert.
1. How long have you been volunteering with OFA? I've been volunteering with OFA since August. 2. Why did you get involved volunteering with OFA? I felt energized by the state staff to work on pushing through President Obama's agenda. 3. What are some of the more effective practices you have found that work in getting people mobilized with OFA? Leading by example and sharing my personal story have been the two most effective practices that motivate people. I also find that listening to volunteers and truly hearing their stories to personalize my training helps the work go easier. 4. What has been the highlight of your time volunteering with OFA? Definitely organizing and putting together a presentation for hundreds of students and professionals. 5. What issue/issues matters most to you and why? In general, social inequality is the most important issue to me because it leads to so many other problems. If we can equalize the opportunities for different classes/races at a young age, we can prevent many of the issues that face the impoverished and minorities. We see this issue pervade health care reform, education reform, drug policy reform and energy policy.
I've been volunteering with OFA since August.
I felt energized by the state staff to work on pushing through President Obama's agenda.
Leading by example and sharing my personal story have been the two most effective practices that motivate people. I also find that listening to volunteers and truly hearing their stories to personalize my training helps the work go easier.
Definitely organizing and putting together a presentation for hundreds of students and professionals.
In general, social inequality is the most important issue to me because it leads to so many other problems. If we can equalize the opportunities for different classes/races at a young age, we can prevent many of the issues that face the impoverished and minorities. We see this issue pervade health care reform, education reform, drug policy reform and energy policy.
The passion for passing health insurance reform is growing. Just recently the Fountain Hills Times printed an array of the letters they have been receiving. Below are three of the letters they printed.
Reign In Costs by Dave Long
It is exciting to know that maybe, just maybe, the U.S. is now finally on the verge of reigning in health care costs, eliminating the pre-existing condition stigma and setting up a system that makes quality health care available to every one of our fellow citizens. Today, for those who can afford health insurance, premiums (and insurance company profits) increase unabated. For the millions, who are not insured (including the working poor), the lack of preventative care and postponed treatment of illnesses ultimately ends in much more costly emergency room treatment or worse -- premature death. The bills now before Congress reveal several paths out of the morass of the health care system we have today. It is a once in a (healthy) lifetime opportunity to fix a broken and expensive system.
It is exciting to know that maybe, just maybe, the U.S. is now finally on the verge of reigning in health care costs, eliminating the pre-existing condition stigma and setting up a system that makes quality health care available to every one of our fellow citizens.
Today, for those who can afford health insurance, premiums (and insurance company profits) increase unabated.
For the millions, who are not insured (including the working poor), the lack of preventative care and postponed treatment of illnesses ultimately ends in much more costly emergency room treatment or worse -- premature death.
The bills now before Congress reveal several paths out of the morass of the health care system we have today. It is a once in a (healthy) lifetime opportunity to fix a broken and expensive system.
Public Option by Steve Hoover
Everyone agrees that health care coverage is too expensive. Everyone agrees that we must do something quickly and that our economy is in peril if we don’t. Too many have health care nightmare stories. Obviously our healthcare system needs serious reform. Decades of dithering and lack of performance on the part of our elected officials has allowed this situation to spiral out of control. Finally, someone has demonstrated the leadership skills and guts to make serious health care reform a reality. I am a registered Republican, and I support President Obama’s Health Care Reform plan with a public option.
Everyone agrees that health care coverage is too expensive.
Everyone agrees that we must do something quickly and that our economy is in peril if we don’t.
Too many have health care nightmare stories. Obviously our healthcare system needs serious reform.
Decades of dithering and lack of performance on the part of our elected officials has allowed this situation to spiral out of control.
Finally, someone has demonstrated the leadership skills and guts to make serious health care reform a reality.
I am a registered Republican, and I support President Obama’s Health Care Reform plan with a public option.
Healthy Reform by Dorothy Verbal
Last week I was calling from a phone bank in Fountain Hills. Our objective was to notify residents that a call to their representative and senator would show support for President Obama’s plan for health insurance reform. It is important that our representatives are aware that many citizens support the reform plan with the public option because this will insure health care coverage for all Americans. We are the richest country in the world and yet 40 million people are uninsured. This number does not include the poor who, by the way, are covered by Medicaid. Hooray for President Obama for putting forth the effort! We should match his effort with our own.
Last week I was calling from a phone bank in Fountain Hills. Our objective was to notify residents that a call to their representative and senator would show support for President Obama’s plan for health insurance reform.
It is important that our representatives are aware that many citizens support the reform plan with the public option because this will insure health care coverage for all Americans.
We are the richest country in the world and yet 40 million people are uninsured. This number does not include the poor who, by the way, are covered by Medicaid.
Hooray for President Obama for putting forth the effort! We should match his effort with our own.
Letters like there have been making a difference call across Arizona. Here is your chance to have your voice heard. CLICK HERE to write a letter to the editor.
Over twenty people came out in Sedona, AZ to celebrate the one year anniversary of the election of the 44th President, Barack Obama. They had champagne and home cooked food. They watched President Obama’s victory speech and shared their fondest memories of election night.
These individuals never lost sight of the bigger goal of helping President Obama. Knowing that a house vote was imminent, they picked up their phones and started calling their neighbors, talking to them about the President’s plan for health care and urging them to call their member of Congress.
Please take a moment now to call your member of Congress by CLICKING HERE.
Out in Tuscon, at the good Dr. Laura’s house, Chris P. and Rebecca K. put up last minute decorations and made sure the projector was working. Supporters gathered there to celebrate the one year anniversary of election of our 44th President, Barack Obama. Supporters watched the documentary “By The People,” and brainstormed how to make the "change" they voted for last November 4th a reality in their own communities.
Young and old across Arizona have been engaging their communities, educating people about President Obama’s health care plan and urging supporters to call their member of Congress since 10am today. Volunteers woke up excited about taking part in a national movement to help make 100,000 calls to congress and especially to let the Arizona Congressional Delegation know how important health insurance reform is in the state of Arizona.
On ASU’s main campus a group of seven students and community members set up a table next to the Memorial Union. They talked to students about the importance of health insurance reform and how they can make a difference. Volunteers were armed with cell phones with Congressional member’s phone numbers already preprogrammed so that supporters could call their Representative and Senators on the spot and ask them to support health insurance reform. They were also equipped with a video camera, using it to capture testimonials and personal stories on why health reform is so important to their generation. Erik C. an ASU student noted:
There was a lot of support and enthusiasm on campus. People were really excited to call their Congressperson. To hear that we broke 100k by 12:15pm really speaks to the power of community organizing.
100 miles south of there in Tucson over 30 seniors gather in the morning to call other seniors. The room was buzzing with volunteers clearing up the myths and explaining the facts about President Obama’s plan for Health Insurance Reform. Senior volunteers received extremely positive responses from the people they talked to and nearly everyone they spoke with was going to call Congress. Nancy E., a Tucson senior volunteer made the following remarks:
I was impressed by all the enthusiasm and all the people who are giving their time to help pass President Obama’s health care plan. We had 31 seniors calling seniors just here in Tucson; I can’t imagine what’s happening in other parts of the country, and the calls to congress that people aren’t even reporting!
Check out the slide show of photos from all of the days activities.
Last week, OFA-Arizona held its first official senior-to-senior phone banks in Phoenix and Tucson. Dozens of Arizona’s retirement community took the time to call other seniors and speak about health insurance reform. In Tucson, we were joined by Dr. Phibbs, who is Arizona’s oldest practicing physician at 93 years old. He emphatically called seniors and articulated the need for health insurance reform from an experienced doctor’s perspective.
We made these calls for three reasons: 1. to explain Presidents Obama’s plan for health insurance reform, 2. to dispel myths about Medicare and health insurance reform, and 3. to let seniors know how important their voices are in this fight. The senior volunteers encouraged supporters to call their member of Congress and let their congressperson know why health insurance reform is so personally important. As a result of the calls, they also recruited many new volunteers.
After making over 60 calls to seniors in the Pima county area and making the entire office smile with her charming phone conversations, Vickie S. remarked:
I had such a neat time phone banking other seniors this afternoon! It’s easy to work on something you love--like my marriage--Worked on it for 61 years and loved every moment of it. I love every moment of talking to other people my age about health care.
Join Dr. Phibbs, Vickie and other seniors who are taking action to encourage health insurance reform. Senior phone banks will be taking place every week in Tucson and Phoenix. CLICK HERE to find an event near you.
Last weekend, all across Arizona supporters and volunteers gathered together to canvass their neighborhoods for health reform. All together there were 14 unique canvasses on Saturday, some of which had multiple shifts. Over a hundred volunteers came out to talk with their neighbors about the importance of getting health reform passed. Volunteers not only talked with supporters about how important it is to support health reform but also the importance of calling and writing their member of congress and letting them know how they feel. Click here, to call your member of Congress.
The majority of the canvasses were hosted by volunteer community organizers and neighborhood team leaders. Participants ranged from seasoned veterans to first time volunteers who have decided to take action to bring about health reform. Elinor R. woke up on Saturday and decided that today she was going to get involved and canvassed for two shifts in two different neighborhoods in Maricopa County. She said the following about her decision to volunteer that day:
When I heard what people were being told about health reform on the news, I was upset. I decided to do something about it. I am here to do what I can and get informed to help bring about health insurance reform.
Health Reform Canvasses are now taking place every Saturday all across the state. Click here to find an event near you for this upcoming weekend. Also check out the article written about the Mesa canvass here.
I'm Jessica Jones, and I'm the new Arizona State Director for Organizing for America. Following the President's health reform address to Congress, OFA volunteers stepped up and generated a huge outpouring of grassroots support, including hundreds of thousands of signatures and calls. Now we need to keep building momentum, spreading the facts about the President's plan and bringing new voices into this debate. So we've organized health reform canvasses all across Arizona this Saturday. We're making it a statewide day of action to build and demonstrate support for reform -- can we count on you to join us? Please find a canvass near you and RSVP today. No prior experience is necessary. Organizing for America volunteers will be on hand to provide all the materials and guidance you'll need to be successful. Passing health reform won't be easy -- they've been talking about it in Washington for almost a century. But we know that when ordinary people who believe in change reach out, spread the facts, and help folks from all walks of life make their voices heard, we can make history. Click below to RSVP for an event near you: http://az.barackobama.com/HCeventsAZ Thanks for making it happen, Jessica Jessica Jones Arizona State Director Organizing for America
The 63rd Annual Navajo Nation Fair was last week in Window Rock, AZ and Organizing for America was there. The fair started on Monday and ran through the following Sunday. This world renowned event provides fair goers an opportunity to experience Navajo agriculture, fine arts and crafts through cultural entertainment. The Navajo Nation spreads across the 4 corner states with the majority of the land being in Arizona. Activities at the fair ranged from carnival rides, to traditional Navajo dancing, a fried bread making contest, and rodeos.
Supporters for Health Insurance Reform spoke with fair goers about President Obama’s goals for both America and the First American community specifically. People were eager to sign health insurance reform pledges. Multiple people expressed frustration with all the misinformation and lies that they have heard from opponents of health insurance reform on TV. One gentleman exclaimed the following while filling out a pledge:
It’s time to stand up and support our President and get health reform passed!
He then turned to his friends and asked them to join him and call his member of Congress. Please join the movement and find an event near you by clicking here. Also remember to contact your member of Congress; click here.
Last Thursday over 20 people came out to the first grassroots organizational meeting for OFA in Sedona, AZ. The meeting was hosted by Sara El Amine, Field Director for Organizing for America, Arizona. Sara took the first part of the meeting to explain Organizing for America and talk about what has been going on in other parts of Arizona. Then the group discussed what activities would be the most effective in indentifying health care supporters and getting supporters committed to contacting their member of Congress.
The ideas ranged from canvassing for pledges, to hosting phone banks in people’s living room, to setting up stands at the farmers market and in front of the library. The consensus was that they needed to engage in a wide array of activities to make sure they reached out to as many folks as possible. Angela L., a local activist, came away from the meeting saying the following:
The folks who turned up showed amazing motivation and desire to help. There was some really good brain-storming and no shortage of great ideas. Everyone seemed to be eager to contribute in one way or another.
Before ending the meeting, the group decided on multiple community contact activities, including a couple of activities that were going to be the very next day. To find events in Sedona or in a community near you, click here. To contact your member of Congress, click here.
Over forty Organizing for America volunteers gathered at the Arizona Democratic Party Headquarters to watch President Obama's address to the Joint Congressional Session last night. The President's speech covered the need for reform, the ways reform would affect the already insured, and the ways that the proposal would provide more choices for the uninsured. President Obama clarified that seniors on Medicare, those on Medicaid, and veterans will not see any difference in their care, and that those with private insurance would be able to keep their plan and their doctor, and that this was in no way a "government takeover" of health reform.
The President also detailed the economic implications of passing the bill and conversely, of inaction, making the strong case that the status quo is leading us down a more costly and deficit-increasing road than the cost of reform. President Obama noted "if we are able to slow the growth of health care costs by just one-tenth of one percent each year, it will actually reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the long term." Ending on an emotional note, President Obama invoked memories of recently passed Senator Ted Kennedy, and emphasized the moral imperative of passing real health reform.
Afterwards watch party attendees stayed to listen to a national volunteer conference call and Q & A with David Plouffe, former Obama campaign manager, and to make phone calls to neighbors about health reform. Bob S., a volunteer and chair of the Arizona Democratic Veteran’s Caucus, observed the following:
President Obama's speech helped me remember why I volunteer in the first place, and why I am proud to be an American who has served for my country and still works for my President. Now, I feel as though I understand how to effectively address the concerns and misconceptions of those who oppose reform or are confused about the bill.
You can join him and volunteers like him who are making calls all over Arizona every night of the week; to find a phone bank or another event near you, click here. Also don’t forget to let Congress know how you feel. Click here to call your members of Congress.
Congressman Grijalva, co-chair of the Democratic Progressive Caucus and representative for Arizona's Congressional District Seven, headlined the first in the nation Spanish language health care town hall in Tucson on Saturday, sponsored by Organizing for America. Addressing over 150 local Spanish speaking voters, the Congressman spoke about the health care needs in the Hispanic community and was joined by a panel of local community members. The panel consisted of a public health professor, Cecilia Rosales MD MS from U of Arizona, a local family physician, Laura Elías de la Torre MD from El Rio Health Center, and a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy who struggles to pay her insurance premiums, Josefina Iturralde, all of whom told personal stories about their experiences with our failing health care system.
The Congressman and panelists then answered questions from the audience for over an hour and attendees left feeling more knowledgeable about the plans being proposed and the need for health reform for all of America including the Hispanic community. Thirty five percent of Arizona Hispanics under the age of 65 do not have health care coverage, and 1 in 10 Hispanic children under the age of 18 lack access to health insurance.
After the town hall, an attendee, Gloria Valadez, declared, “La reforma medica es nesesaria para el futuro de nuestro pais. La salud no tiene precio y si llegara a pasar esta reforma nos ayudaria a manterner los costos de medicamentos mas bajos, ofreciendo oportunidad en mantener una mejor salud. Por eso creo que es importante poner nuestro granito de arena en ayudando a pasar la reforma.” Translated: “Health Care Reform is necessary for our country's future. There is no price on health and if this reform were to pass it would help keep medical costs down, offering an option to keep us healthy. That is why I believe that it’s important that we all do our part in helping to pass this reform.” Please join supporters like Gloria by clicking here and getting involved. Also to find more information on health reform in Spanish, click here to see healthreform.gov in Spanish and click here to see whitehouse.gov/realitycheck in Spanish.
Wednesday evening marked the kick off of OFA’s “Health Insurance Reform Now: Let Get It Done!” National Bus Tour. Over a thousand gathered behind IBEW Hall Local 640 to show support for health insurance reform and see the bus off on its 10 city tour. State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of the White Task Force for Health Reform, Assistant Attorney General Greg Stanton, City Councilmen Michael Johnson and Michael Nowakowski all joined the festivities and spoke about their passion for health insurance reform.
The highlight of the evening was listening to personal testimony from two everyday folks, Linda Grady and Dr. Nicholas Vasquez. Dr Vasquez, an ER doctor, spoke about how he regularly would see patients who lack health insurance that needed some kind of treatment. He referenced one gentleman that came in six times within 10 days due to chronic migraines and no health insurance. Dr. Vasquez said, “The ER is the beach where all of society’s shortcomings wash up on.”
Linda Grady was your average person that was suddenly afflicted with a herniated disk. She watched as the same injury happened to a professional baseball player in the same week. Linda followed his recovery very carefully and within two months he was back on the field while she was still bed ridden. When she tried to see the specialists her doctor suggested, her insurance company wouldn’t cover it, saying it wasn’t necessary. She was blessed to have a health care advocate in her family that took up her cause and got her the proper care. She ended her speech saying “God speed to this bus on its journey because this bus is the real ‘Straight Talk Express’!”
Mitch Stewart, National Director of Organizing for America, was the last to speak. He spoke passionately about how from the very beginning of working on then Senator Obama’s Presidential Campaign, through now, Organizing for America, the focus has always been on people getting involved and taking ownership of their precinct, city, county, state and country. The crowd cheered and then began the chant, “What do we want? HEALTH CARE! When do we want it? NOW! How do we get it? ORGANIZE!” Then the speakers loaded up on the bus and the bus took off for New Mexico. You can follow the bus via twitter, here. Also please sign up to join Arizona in organizing for health care here.
