Emily Bokar's Blog

Thousands of Doors Knocked

Emily Bokar — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:34:50 EDT

Hundreds of Alaska Campaign for Change volunteers came out in force today to knock on thousands of doors across the Last Frontier!

The unprecedented statewide canvass involved about 30 locations in 16 cities, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Kodiak, Palmer, Sitka, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Wasilla, Willow and more.

Volunteers went through a brief training at their meet up locations and then headed out to spread Barack's message of change to fellow Alaskans.

Here are a few photos from the field. Keep them coming!

Want to get involved with our next big event? On Thursday, August 28th Alaskans across the state will be gathering to watch Barack's speech at the Democratic National Convention. Find a party near you or sign up to host your own!

Mayor Whitaker Endorses Obama

Emily Bokar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:21:08 EDT

Good news from Fairbanks today. Mayor Jim Whitaker -- a registered Republican -- has endorsed Barack Obama!

Support from Alaskans from all backgrounds and political affiliations is one of the things that makes our movement so special. There is so much at stake in this election, and we need a president who can heal old partisan divisions and renew America's promise.

If you're a Republican who supports Barack, please take a moment to join our Alaska Republicans for Obama group.

We'll keep you updated on ways you can help Barack as an Alaska Republican. You can read more about Mayor Whitaker's endorsement in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner or in the press release below.

REPUBLICAN MAYOR OF FAIRBANKS-NORTH STAR BOROUGH ENDORSES OBAMA

Jim Whitaker has served as mayor since 2003

FAIRBANKS, AK – The Barack Obama campaign in Alaska today announced the endorsement of Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker. Whitaker is a registered Republican.

Whitaker said, “Barack Obama has the unique ability to bring people together from all political backgrounds—Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Partisan business-as-usual has crippled Washington. It’s time for a president who will work to unite our country and bring about the change we need.

“Barack Obama will stand up for Alaska’s families. As president, he’ll support the Alaska natural gas pipeline and work to lower the skyrocketing fuel prices that have caused an energy crisis here in Fairbanks. He has a plan to move this country forward and will be a president who is as independent as Alaskans are.”

Barack Obama said, “I’m grateful for Mayor Whitaker’s support. Fairbanks residents are paying some of the highest energy prices in the country. Mayor Whitaker knows firsthand the importance of solving our energy crisis. He believes as I do that we need to bring people together in order to solve the many challenges our country is facing right now, from energy to the economy.”

Jim Whitaker was elected mayor of the Fairbanks-North Star Borough in 2003. He served as a Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003. From 1999 to 2000, Whitaker served as Chair of the Special Committee on Oil and Gas.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2008

New Downtown Anchorage Office

Emily Bokar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:09:12 EDT

This Wednesday, the Alaska Campaign for Change will be opening a second office in Anchorage!

The new office will be located downtown at 1015 W. 7th Avenue -- a great location for stopping by at lunch or after work.

Please join the Campaign for Change for their Official Downtown Anchorage Office Opening this Wednesday, August 13th at 12:00 pm. There will be an opportunity to check out the new space, meet fellow volunteers and learn how you can get involved with the campaign here in Alaska.

Sign up to RSVP for the Downtown Anchorage Office Opening.

This marks the 5th Campaign for Change office in Alaska. Have you been to an office near you? Local orientations are held every Wednesday and Sunday.

Here are some photos from our last round of office openings:

Fairbanks Office Opening

Juneau Office Opening

Mat-Su Office Opening

Find your local office and get involved today!

From Anchorage Daily News

Emily Bokar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:15:30 EDT

By SEAN COCKERHAM
August 7th, 2008 12:02 AM

Presidential candidate Barack Obama is touting the Alaska natural gas pipeline.

Obama included the project in the energy plan he announced this week, calling for working "with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process."

That brought the Democrat kudos from Gov. Sarah Palin, who some pundits are pushing as a possible vice presidential running mate for Republican John McCain.

Two of Obama's top advisers repeated the theme in a teleconference with Alaska reporters Wednesday. They said Obama would encourage a federal partnership with Alaska to further the project and try to prevent Exxon Mobil from having a "disproportionate influence over the timetable over the construction of this pipeline,"

They were vague about how the partnership would work and how Exxon's influence might be blunted, saying that would have to be worked out with the governor.

"The federal government could play a bigger role in trying to get all parties together to get this thing moving and try to find consensus in how to get it moving," said Obama adviser Pete Rouse, a former Alaskan.

Rouse said Obama spoke about the gasline with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and former Gov. Tony Knowles. McCain, he noted, opposed the federal loan guarantees and other incentives Congress passed for the Alaska gas pipeline project in 2004.

The Republican National Committee countered that McCain is for increasing the nation's supplies of energy while politics is driving Obama's energy plan.

"Obama reversed his position on the strategic petroleum reserve, downplayed his position against offshore drilling, and inflated his position on tires," said RNC spokesman Bill Riggs. "With an energy policy so out of touch with the America people, it's not surprising that Obama is doing everything he can to move closer to John McCain's "all of the above" energy solution."

Both Obama and McCain are against oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Palin said she's not giving up hope that McCain will change his mind on ANWR.

http://www.adn.com/politics/story/486170.html

Alaska Press Release

Emily Bokar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:50:24 EDT

ALASKA ELECTED OFFICIALS RALLY BEHIND OBAMA’S ENERGY PLAN

Obama supports Alaska gas pipeline

JUNEAU, AK – Today in Juneau, state representatives and senators from across Alaska gathered to rally behind Barack Obama and discuss his plan to address record-high energy prices that are straining Alaskans budgets and hurting the Alaska economy.

“Senator Obama has a plan to end our dependence on foreign oil and reduce skyrocketing energy prices,” said Senator Hollis French of Anchorage, a former oil rig worker. “Having worked in the oil business in Alaska for twelve years, I know firsthand the importance of oil and natural gas to Alaska. Senator Obama will not only invest in renewable fuels and increase car fuel efficiency standards, he strongly supports construction of an Alaska natural gas pipeline and accelerated drilling in the Alaska National Petroleum Reserve which will provide affordable energy to Alaska and our country and good jobs for Alaskans.”

“Rural Alaskans have been especially hard-hit by skyrocketing energy prices and the faltering economy,” said Representative Mary Nelson of Bethel. “Barack Obama understands the energy challenges they face, and he will work as president to lower energy costs and get our economy back on track. Senator Obama will be a fighter for rural Alaska.”

“High gas and energy prices are squeezing Alaskans harder than anyone else in the US,” Senator Kim Elton of Juneau said. “We need a president who will work to make Alaska resources part of our country’s energy solution. Barack Obama has long been a supporter of Alaska energy priorities like the Alaska natural gas pipeline. He’ll work as president to invest in Alaska’s energy future and make Alaska part of the answer.”

Barack Obama’s energy plan will provide meaningful relief for Alaska families, make a historic investment in renewable energy development, and help secure our energy independence. Obama’s plan will:
Make a real investment - $150 billion – in alternative energy technology; further development of plug-in hybrid cars; and commercialization of wind, solar and other renewable fuels.
Eliminate the “Enron Loophole” that encourages speculation on energy markets that has driven up the cost of oil.
Raise fuel efficiency standards and provide financial assistance to American automakers to help them make the transition – a change that will reduce oil consumption by a trillion gallons of gas over the next eighteen years.
Senator Obama has supported the Alaska natural gas pipeline as a member of the Senate and will strongly support the project as President.
More information on Sen. Obama’s plans to reduce our dependence on foreign oil is available here.

The following Alaska elected officials are supporting Senator Obama’s campaign for president:

State Senators (8)
Bettye Davis, Anchorage
Johnny Ellis, Anchorage
Kim Elton, Juneau
Hollis French, Anchorage
Lyman Hoffman, Bethel
Albert Kookesh, Angoon
Joe Thomas, Fairbanks
Bill Wielechowski, Anchorage

State Representatives (16)
Bob Buch, Anchorage
Sharon Cissna, Anchorage
Harry Crawford, Anchorage
Andrea Doll, Juneau
Mike Doogan, Anchorage
Bryce Edgmon, Dillingham
Les Gara, Anchorage
Berta Gardner, Anchorage
Max Gruenberg, Jr., Anchorage
David Guttenberg, Fairbanks
Lindsey Holmes, Anchorage
Reggie Joule, Kotzebue
Scott Kawasaki, Fairbanks
Beth Kerttula, Juneau
Mary Nelson, Bethel
Woodie Salmon, Beaver

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2008

From KTUU-TV Channel Two News

Emily Bokar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:07:40 EDT

KTUU-TV Channel Two News
OBAMA SUPPORTERS POUND PAVEMENT
by Heather Balderson
Sunday, July 27, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Volunteers and staff for the Barack Obama campaign spent the afternoon Sunday going door-to-door talking to residents.

With just 100 days to Election Day volunteers in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau hit the pavement to spread the word about Obama's "Campaign for Change."

Rick Gorka, communications director for the McCain campaign, says the camp still has no immediate plans to open an office in Alaska.

He says in a historically Republican state like Alaska the campaign is confident, for now, in continuing to rely on grassroots efforts to keep McCain's message going.

But Obama volunteers hope to capitalize on the success of the February caucuses when a record number of Alaska Democrats showed up to support

"I'm surprised that the McCain campaign hasn't decided to open an office up here yet but we're not taking Alaska for granted," said Obama's Alaska Communications Director Jeff Giertz. "We're pushing forward and making sure we're talking directly to Alaskans about the issues that are important to them and about Sen. Obama's plan to change the direction of this country."

Volunteers say they support Obama's vision for America.

"I am out today canvassing for Barack Obama because I believe in his character and his ability to lead this country in the direction that we need to be going in," volunteer Shelly Morgan said.

The Obama campaign opened offices last week in Fairbanks, Juneau and the Mat-Su Valley.

Interested in helping Barack make more news in Alaska? Sign up to volunteer.

Make Calls from Home!

Emily Bokar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:31:38 EDT

Can't make it into one of our offices? Looking for something to do before our big canvass this weekend?

You can help Barack on your own schedule from the comfort of your home right now.

Get started making phone calls from home today!

Making phone calls from home is easy. All you need is a phone and a computer with an internet connection. After you log in, you'll be given a list of names to call. Click on a name and follow the script provided to you online. You'll be able to log all of the answers to the questions as you go!

Reaching out to your neighbors is the best way to grow this movement, and now you can make these connections with fellow Alaskans right from your own home.

Make the first call right now.

Alaska Press Release

Emily Bokar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:08:50 EDT

ALASKA SENATOR FRENCH OUTLINES OBAMA PLAN TO LOWER ALASKA GAS PRICES

Alaska gas prices are the highest in the US

ANCHORAGE, AK – Today as the average price of a gallon of unleaded gas in Alaska reached $4.69, State Senator Hollis French discussed Senator Obama’s plan to help end America’s dependence on foreign oil and criticized the John McCain campaign’s latest misleading negative ad on gas prices.

“Senator Obama has a plan to end our dependence on foreign oil and reduce skyrocketing energy prices,” Sen. French said. “Having worked in the oil business in Alaska for twelve years, I know firsthand the importance of oil and natural gas to Alaska. Senator Obama will invest in renewable fuels, increase car fuel economy standards, and strongly supports the Alaska natural gas pipeline that’ll provide affordable energy to Alaska and our country.”

This week, the McCain campaign launched a negative ad running on national cable TV that tries to blame Obama for high gas prices.

“This ad’s claim is patently false,” French said. “John McCain himself has said that high gas prices are 30 years in the making. Senator McCain has spent 26 years in Washington, and has consistently opposed efforts to end our country’s dependence on foreign oil.”

Barack Obama’s energy plan will provide meaningful relief for Alaska families, make a historic investment in renewable energy development, and help secure our energy independence. Obama’s plan will:

Make a real investment - $150 billion – in alternative energy technology; further development of plug-in hybrid cars; and commercialization of wind, solar and other renewable fuels.
Eliminate the “Enron Loophole” that encourages speculation on energy markets that has driven up the cost of oil.
Raise fuel efficiency standards and provide financial assistance to American automakers to help them make the transition – a change that will reduce oil consumption by a trillion gallons of gas over the next eighteen years.
Senator Obama has supported the Alaska natural gas pipeline as a member of the Senate and will continue to support the project as President.
More information on Sen. Obama’s plans to reduce our dependence on foreign oil is available here.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2008

More Office Openings!

Emily Bokar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:51:41 EDT

This Wednesday, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change will open three more offices in Alaska! Please join us for the celebration:

Fairbanks Office Opening
Wednesday, July 23rd
Volunteer Orientation at 6:00 pm
Office Opening Celebration at 7:00 pm
RSVP for Fairbanks

Mat-Su Office Opening
Wednesday, July 23rd
Volunteer Orientaiton at 7:00 pm
Office Opening Celebration at 8:00 pm
RSVP for Mat-Su

Juneau Office Opening
Wednesday, July 23rd
Volunteer Orientation at 7:00 pm
Office Opening Celebration at 8:00 pm
RSVP for Juneau

Over 300 Alaskans joined us for the grand opening of our Anchorage office two weeks ago. Here are some pictures from the event:

Outside our new Anchorage office.

Signing in and grilling out.

Our State Director, Kat Pustay briefed attendees on the campaign here in Alaska.

After the briefing, volunteers broke off into House Districts and met their local field organizers.

Feel free to stop by your local office anytime! Volunteer orientations are typically held every Wednesday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Sign up today.

Attend a Volunteer Orientation

Emily Bokar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:20:31 EDT

Last night in Anchorage, supporters gathered at our local office for our first Campaign for Change volunteer orientation.

After introductions, the attendees heard from our Alaska General Election Director Pat DeTemple who gave them an overview of our campaign strategy here in Alaska and specific ways to get involved.

Volunteer orientations like this are happening all across Alaska. Chances are there is one near you!

Sunday, July 20th at 2:00 pm
Orientations in Anchorage, Mat-Su and Juneau

Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:00 pm
Orientations in Anchorage, Mat-Su, Fairbanks and Juneau

Sunday, July 27th at 2:00 pm
Orientations in Anchorage, Mat-Su, Fairbanks and Juneau

Make sure to sign up for an orientation if you're interested in learning more about our campaign in Alaska and what you can do to help make Barack Obama our next president. It's volunteers like you that make this campaign possible!

Learning more about our campaign strategy in Alaska.

Meeting with local organizers to take the next step.

Obama for Alaska Press Release

Emily Bokar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:17:13 EDT

OBAMA FOR ALASKA UNVEILS PLAN FOR ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALASKA’S WORKING WOMEN

ANCHORAGE, AK – Senator Barack Obama's campaign today unveiled a plan to provide economic security for Alaska's working women. Obama's plan directly addresses the challenges that women and families face affording quality child care, juggling personal and professional commitments, and coping with soaring prices.

"I don't accept an America where a woman earns less than a man for the same work, or an America that makes women choose between their kids and their careers. It's unacceptable that women are denied jobs or promotions because they've got kids at home. It's unacceptable that 22 million working women don't have a single paid sick day," Senator Obama said. "When I'm President, we'll take these critical issues head-on and help women and families thrive in a changing economy."

"Barack Obama and his wife Michelle come from a working class background and understand what families need," said Obama Alaska spokesman Jeff Giertz. "Given the tough times we are facing economically, Senator Obama’s economic plan is essential for families already juggling higher prices for food, housing, and the fuel needed for their cars and trucks. Senator Obama is the clear choice as the President who will provide Alaska’s working women with the economic relief they need.”

Obama's Plan for Economic Security for America's Working Women

Tax cut for working women. Barack Obama will provide 71 million working women with a tax cut of up to $500—or $1000 per family—to help offset the impact of stagnant wages and skyrocketing costs. 200,000 Alaska women would benefit from this tax break.

Balancing work and family. Obama will help address the challenge of balancing work and family by guaranteeing seven days of paid sick leave to the 22 million working women who currently have none. Obama will also expand child care tax credits, double funding for afterschool programs to serve 1 million more children, and will create a summer learning program to serve an additional 1 million young people. 13,000 Alaska working women would benefit from the expanded child care tax credits and 5,183 Alaska children will benefit from this expansion of afterschool programs.

Health care for every American. As President, Obama will reduce health care costs by $2,500 for a typical family, while providing affordable health care for every American.

A secure retirement guaranteed. Obama will strengthen retirement security for working women, who currently enter retirement with less than half the retirement savings of men. Obama's plan will automatically enroll workers in retirement accounts (with the option to opt-out) and make these accounts portable to help working parents save while balancing their family obligations.

Equal Pay. Obama will fight for paycheck equity and to close the pay gap that leaves women earning only 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. The pay gap is even more pronounced for minority working women—with Hispanic women earning only 53 cents and African American women only 62 cents for every dollar of male earnings.

Affordable college. Obama will put the cost of college in reach for by providing a $4,000 refundable tax credit available at the time of enrollment in exchange for community service.

Raise the minimum wage. Obama will help low-wage working women move into the middle class by increasing the minimum wage to $9.50 by 2011, and indexing it to inflation—and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 176,000 Alaska women would directly benefit from the minimum wage increase.

Support Women-Owned Small Businesses. Obama will help women-owned small businesses innovate, grow and create jobs by cutting their capital gains tax rate to zero, and implementing the Women Owned Business contracting program that has been abandoned by the Bush Administration. 22,169 Alaska women small business owners would benefit from the Zero Capital Gains proposal.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2008

Happy Moose Poop!

Emily Bokar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:26:58 EDT

"Happy Moose Poop!" That was the greeting in Talkeetna, Alaska this Saturday where thousands of Alaskans gathered for the annual Moose Dropping Festival.

The 36-year-old festival included a parade down Main Street, a moose art auction and the highlight of the weekend -- the Moose Drop Dropping! Three thousand moose pellets, each carefully numbered, were hauled up into the sky and let loose to drop to the target painted on the ground below. The poop nearest the bulls-eye made one festival goer the lucky winner.

Local Obama volunteers who didn't want to have to count on luck for this November's election were out in force this weekend at many of Alaska's finest festivals. They know that this election is going to be won neighbor by neighbor, community by community. And not just in certain communities in certain states. This about your neighborhood and your state. It's people like you that are standing up and volunteering, many for the very first time.

Sign up to volunteer in Alaska

A special thanks to all of our volunteers who worked so hard this weekend. Check out the photos from two of the festivals they attended on Saturday:

Bear Paw Festival
Eagle River, Alaska

Registering voters at the Bear Paw Festival.

Our intern Ryan had the luck of registering an Obama supporter on her 18th birthday! We have internship opportunities across the state, so please let us know if you or someone you know would like to join our team!

Moose Dropping Festival
Talkeetna, Alaska

Reaching out to festival attendees.

The bag of moose pellets before the big drop.

After the big drop.

Volunteers in Talkeetna

Moose Dropping Festival Parade

Sign up to volunteer in Alaska and let us know about your favorite Alaskan festivals by using the comments box below.

Register Voters this Weekend

Emily Bokar — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:50:45 EDT

This weekend, join fellow supporters as we bring even more people into the political process by registering voters and reaching out to folks in our communities.

No previous experience is necessary to get involved. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action!

Anchorage
Anchorage Saturday Market
Saturday, July 12th
9:00 a.m.
Learn more and RSVP

Talkeetna
Talkeetna Moose Dropping Festival
Saturday, July 12th
9:30 a.m.
Learn more and RSVP

Eagle River
Eagle River Bear Paw Festival
Saturday, July 12th
9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Learn more and RSVP

Juneau
Juneau Canvassing and Voter Registration
Saturday, July 12th
10:30 a.m.
Learn more and RSVP

Can't make it this weekend? Sign up to volunteer and we'll let you know about more opportunities near you!

4th of July in Alaska

Emily Bokar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:24:15 EDT

Obama supporters across Alaska celebrated Independence Day by bringing new people into the political process. They reached out in their communities, registered voters and signed up new supporters.

Check out some of the their great photos from the holiday weekend below.

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers in communities all over the state we're building an unprecedented grassroots movement in Alaska. Sign up to volunteer near you!

Wasiila

Showing support at the Wasilla 4th of July parade.

Kenai

Marching in the Kenai parade.

Anchorage

Registering voters before the Anchorage 4th of July parade.

An Alaskan caribou!

Ready to join the movement? Sign up to learn more about volunteer opportunities near you.

Get Out the Vote with Senator John Kerry

Emily Bokar — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:23:28 EST

Senator John Kerry will be joining Obama supporters today to help Get Out the Vote in Connecticut! Please join us for two special canvasses in Bridgeport and New Haven today.

The Next Step: Action Guide

Emily Bokar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:58:03 EST

You did it! By organizing in your local communities, making phone calls,
raising money and bringing new people into the political process, you have
created a national movement that shocked the world last night.

But victory in Iowa is just the beginning. In the course of the
next four weeks, a total of 26 states will participate in the presidential
primary selection process.

You've already taken the first step and joined your local group. Now
get your group organized, using the Grassroots Action Guide. It has all the
resources you need to shape your group's activity and positively impact the
campaign. It's up to you to make it happen:

Grassroots Action Guide

There’s no later, and no tomorrow. Our moment is now.

Member Resources

Emily Bokar — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:48:04 EST

Please make sure to check out our GFC Resources page for our upcoming calendar, important documents and and tips on getting started.

Good Luck

Emily Bokar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:49:44 EDT

Tomorrow is the big day. Thanks to all of you that are hitting the streets to help turn the page in the Iraq!

Please remember to bring a camera along with you to your canvass. We'd love to see photos from events across the country. You can email your pictures to photos@barackobama.com.

We also want to hear about your canvassing experiences. Make sure to submit your feedback after you finish up tomorrow:

Host Feedback
Attendee Feedback

Thank you so much for taking part in this important event. Your efforts are what makes this campaign for change possible.

Canvass Training Video

Emily Bokar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:39:02 EDT

If you are hosting a canvass, participating in a canvass or are just curious to learn more about canvassing, please check out our brief training video:

It's not too late to host a canvass or find one near you for our Canvass to Turn the Page in Iraq this upcoming Saturday. If you've waiting to get involved, now is time.

Not Too Late

Emily Bokar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 09:46:56 EDT

Have you checked to see if there is a canvass in your neighborhood next Saturday? If one isn't planned, please consider hosting one yourself!

All the materials you need are available for you to download online.

A canvass doesn't have to be a large event. It can be a couple of friends reaching out to their neighboors to let them know why Barack has their support. It's all about making a difference one person at a time.

Top Ten

Emily Bokar — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:48:59 EDT

Only one day to go in the Group Fundraising Challenge.

Check out the top ten groups with the most donors in each of the group size tiers. Did your group make the cut? It's not too late to start!

The campaign has set a goal of 350,000 donors by tomorrow. With your help, we just might make it!

One Person at a Time

Emily Bokar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:38:41 EDT

My.BarackObama groups across the country are reaching out to their friends, family and neighbors to help grow our movement one person at a time!

Take a look at the groups that are leading in the number of donors that have donated to their group page. As part of the Group Fundraising Challenge, the top group in each tier will get a chance to participate in a conference call with Barack in October.

Thanks to everyone that has sent an invitation to a friend through their group page. We still need 10,000 new donors by Saturday in order to make our goal of 350,000 donors. Every bit helps!

Your Countdown to Change Feedback

Emily Bokar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:17:40 EDT

Just over a week ago thousands of supporters gathered together at Countdown for Change house parties across the country. Each party targeted their efforts on helping one of the four early primary and caucus states: Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire or South Carolina. From the accounts we've received so far, you not only found new supporters and exceeded your fundraising goals, but you also had a great time!

Here is some the great feedback you've shared with us:

Erika from San Diego, CA:

"This is the first time that a presidential candidate has asked me to play an active role in fundraising and outreach and I love it. I always felt like my voice didn't matter because I didn't have $5000 to attend a fancy dinner . . . Everyone involved in this movement feels grateful to be included and acknowledged by a candidate. We pray every day that now is our time. Barack Obama will be the best President since Lincoln and I feel an enormous sense of pride to be involved in changing history for the better."

Dena from Hattiesburg, MS:

"It was small, but nice and very emotional. We know that Mississippi will be a very difficult state to campaign in, but seeing the energy of the hostess and the others there inspired me. I am now gathering people to host an event in my home."

Melissa from Union City, NJ:

"I went to a Countdown To Change party in Hoboken and am still feeling uplifted from the gathering . . . It was a great community building event and I am really looking forward to getting to work at the grass roots level with this group. As the current administration seems to daily bring our nation to a place that saddens and offends me, it is encouraging to be reminded that it's not forever. Change is just around the corner, and there are so many people committed to making Baracka Obama lead that change of direction."

Hoboken, NJ Countdown for Change

You can see all the Countdown for Change photos we received in our Flickr photo library. Many thanks to everyone that participated in the Countdown to Change house parties!

Group Update

Emily Bokar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:50:02 EDT

Every My.BarackObama group now has a group fundraising page!

Pages no longer need to be set up by your administrator. You can see a list of all your groups' fundraising pages here. Please encourage your group to particpate in the Group Fundraising Challenge. We only have six days left in the third fundraising quarter. Let's see how many new faces we can bring to the campaign before then.

Check out our guide on using group fundraising to get started.

A Chance to Talk to Barack

Emily Bokar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:26:53 EDT

Has your My.BarackObama group set up a group fundraising page yet?

If not, the time is now. From now until September 30th, the Action Center is holding a Group Fundraising Challenge to see which group can get the most people to donate to the campaign before the end of the third quarter. The top groups will get a chance to speak directly with Barack on a conference call.

Does your group want to talk to Barack?

The group NW Suburbs of Chicago for Obama does! Since we launched the challenge on Monday, they've set up a group fundraising page focused on raising small donations. Together they're aiming to raise the amount equal to what one big donor would be able to give, $2300. As one of our leading groups, they are on their way to telling Barack personally how their fundraising went!

What about your group? Visit the Action Center to learn more about the Group Fundraising Challenge and how to get a fundraising page for your My.BarackObama group. Your group's administrator will need to set up your page, so please reach out to them and ask them to get started today.

The amount of the donations isn’t as important as bringing new people to the campaign and growing the movement you’ve helped build. We have less than two weeks left in the quarter and less than five months until the first primaries. It’s up to all of us to make this happen.

Listen in on the Countdown Calls

Emily Bokar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:40:27 EDT

Last Saturday, supporters held 468 house parties across the country in an effort to raise money and reach out to voters in the early primary and caucus states. Each party focused on helping one of the four early states: Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire or South Carolina.

The directors of those states provided a campaign update to all of the house party attendees. If you missed the conference calls this weekend, take a moment to listen in on the early state updates:

Iowa with State Director Paul Tewes:

Nevada with State Director David Cohen:

New Hampshire with State Director Matt Rodriguez:

South Carolina with State Director Stacey Brayboy:

Action Heads Up

Emily Bokar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:38:05 EDT

Have you set up your group fundraising page? If not, please do so (or make sure your group administrator does) because starting on Monday this new feature will be the focus of the Action Center.

Our next action will be a group fundraising competition. There will no specific date you need to hold an event, but starting this weekend we should all be concentrating on raising money during these critical last two weeks of the third quarter. All the details will be announced Monday but any money you raise on your group fundraising pages this weekend will count towards the competition. So get a head start today!

Also, please save Saturday, October 13th on your calendars for an important nationwide event. More details will come, but we'll need your help in hosting events during the day on that Saturday.

As you get together with other supporters at the Countdown to Change parties this weekend, make sure to discuss how they can stay involved with the campaign. It's up to you to make sure there are opportunities in your area that allow continued participation. Brainstorm the best ways to raise money in your area during the next two weeks. And think about how your group can structure itself so you can continue to participate in action events long term through the fall.

We've got less than 5 months to go. This is it. It's up to us to prove that the grassroots can and will make a difference.

Countdown to Change Update

Emily Bokar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:27:30 EDT

Thanks to all of you hosting Countdown to Change parties this Saturday. If you registered your event by September 6th, you will be receiving your materials packet in the mail soon.

It's not too late to sign up to host a house party. You can download all the necessary materials online, with the exception of the campaign-created postcards.

Also available online now are host guides for each early state. These were sent with the packets, but feel free to download a copy as well. All hosts will be emailed the call in number and passcode this Friday for the conference calls with our early state directors. Don't worry if the time of the call does not correspond with your party time. An audio recording of the calls will be posted online shortly after the conference call ends.

Conference Call Schedule:
2:00pm ET -- New Hampshire
3:00pm ET -- South Carolina
4:00pm ET -- Iowa
5:00pm ET -- Nevada

It's Up to You

Emily Bokar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:50:24 EDT

This past Saturday over a thousand people at 58 barbecues stood up and took ownership over this campaign.

They realized that if we're going to make this happen - - change politics, not just political parties - - then it was going to take more than one man. It was going to take all of us working together.

That is what our new Action Center is all about: giving you the tools you need to take ownership of the campaign in your own communities. By hosting regular events with real goals, you're going to prove that grassroots support can and will make a difference.

At a barbecue in Los Lunas, New Mexico, Scott and Nancy took their backyard barbecue to the front yard so neighbors could wander over. Prior to the event they distributed flyers down the block inviting Scott's neighbors. And it paid off -- over 50 people showed up to show their support, including 20 people that are new to the movement.

Southwest for Missouri had an equally successfully barbecue at their local park. Nearly 50 attendees came out and they even made the 6:00 and 10:00 news!

In Wichita Falls, Texas their group ranged from teenagers to those in their seventies. Mary wrote, "There were veterans, students, single mothers, elderly . . . a very diverse mix of people. It was the first event of its kind our "red" North Texas area!" Experienced political volunteers and first timers came together at Brian's barbecue in Brevard County Florida: "It was refreshing to find out that, although we come from various political backgrounds, there was a common thread of a desire for change."

Julia posted some great photos of her barbecue in Pasadena, CA.

Diana from Columbus, OH got inspired. And hopefully her words will inspire you:

"I’m really beginning to see that the campaign is not some entity outside of or separate from us, but it IS us. This means that we can make Barack Obama more visible and tangible to our families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and community – and in so doing, WE are building the movement . . . The campaign simply cannot yet be 'on the street' in every city, but WE can, and we have incredible opportunities to raise the support that Barack Obama needs to win the presidential election. Yes, we will experience our ups and downs . . . but people don’t see our ups and downs; they see our sincerity and they appreciate it.

Folks, we can do this! We can elect Barack Obama as our next president. He has the courage to run – let’s find the collective courage to take ownership of this campaign. Wouldn’t that be amazing?!"

Are you ready to own this campaign? Get involved with our Action Center. Host a Countdown for Change house party on September 15th. It's up to us to make this happen.

Your campaign. Your blogs.

Emily Bokar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 23:42:12 EDT

Who writes the most interesting blogs on barackobama.com? You do.

Each week hundreds of supporters share their stories in personal blogs. They pose questions, declare support, keep us up to date on how they're reaching out to their local communities and for just for a moment, let us into their lives.

Here are some of their experiences from the past week:

Katherine from Evergreen, CO marched in a parade in Denver with her two boys.

Marilyn from Ossian, IA heard Barack speak for the first time. She arrived undecided. She left an Obama supporter.

Utah for Obama ran a booth at the Utah State Convention.

Two sisters from Wheaton, IL made a difference in Iowa.

Tim from Syracuse, NY wrote a poem.

Latham wrote his first blog post.

Ready to write yours? Go to my.barackobama.com and check out Sam's earlier post for tips.

Not Just for Kids

Emily Bokar — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 14:15:30 EDT

When you tell people you're going to camp, their first impression may be of sleeping bags, campfire stories and being away from your parents for the first time. But Camp Obama isn't just for kids. In fact, we've had campers from all ages and backgrounds.

Mark Wiznitzer blogged about his experiences as a 57 year old camper and the other campers he met his first day:

"There was no hesitation when www.barackobama.com posted an announcement that a Camp Obama would be launched to train interns and volunteers. My application went in the same day. Later, the thought occurred to me that I could be the oldest -- I am 57 -- in the camp, and what would that be like? . . . It was with some trepidation that I entered the classroom on an upper floor of a Chicago office building late that Monday morning . . . Looking around from my back row seat I counted fifty “campers”. There was another older man in the front row. By the end of the day I would get to know Robert well. An African-American from Detroit, he went into telecommunications after tours in the US Navy, and now works for AT&T with GM as his customer. Mitchell was a Republican swept up in the Reagan Revolution. A 20-year member of the National Republican Committee, we shared a concern about national security under Bush, and he had decided to join Republicans for Obama. For the rest, the campers ranged from high school teens to the twenties, with only a couple who were in their 30’s or 40’s. It was a racially mixed group of men and women. Many if not most were from Illinois, but we ranged geographically from California to Vermont to Florida. Over the next 3 1⁄2 days, their intelligence, enthusiasm and commitment convinced me that, with their help, Obama could win this election and there was much promise in America’s future."

Have you thought about attending Camp Obama? Just like camp when we were kids, it can be tough to take that first step and leave your comfort zone. But that is what supporters across the country have been doing - - whether it is knocking on that first door, holding that first house party or going away to camp at age 57.

You can read more about Mark's time at camp here. And you can sign up yourself here.

Photos for Change

Emily Bokar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:11:45 EDT

You walked. You knocked on doors. You shared your story. And you took LOTS of amazing photos along the way!

Here are a few of the great photos that have been sent to photos@barackobama.com:

Orlando, FL

Omaha, NE Prince George's County, MD

Lithonia, GA

Novata West, CA New York City, NY Defiance, OH

Cedar Valley, IA

Did you take photos on Saturday? Please share them with us at photos@barackobama.com. You can check out all of the great photos we've received so far here.

"The first door is the hardest."

Emily Bokar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:14:28 EDT

This past Saturday thousands of supporters hit the streets. In some places they braved the heat, in others they braved the rain. But together they reached their neighbors in all 50 states.

Here are some of their experiences:

It's hard to describe how special the weekend was. We all came away energized and charged up feeling that we had made an impact and knowing that we all learned a lot from each other and our friends in Iowa. We know that if we and others continue these treks to Iowa over the next several months that we will be that much more energized when we wake up on the morning after the caucus to read the headline "Obama sweeps Caucus vote" Together we can all help the editors of the papers throughout the nation write that headline. - Elliott from Buffalo Grove, IL

I am very happy to have been apart of the June 9th "Walk for Change" day. I am 30 years old and this event was my first time ever participating in any such political event. It was a step of faith for me putting aside my fears and moving forward. - Antonio from Chicago, IL

In Columbus, OH supporters kicked off their Walk for Change with a picnic in Linden Park. They raised money for the event by hosting a garage sale for Obama the week before.

A little heat didn't stop Arizonans for Obama. They knocked on over 1,000 doors in 100 degree weather!

Ready to try canvassing on your own? Katie from Little Rock, AK shared her experiences along with some tips in her blog "The first door is the hardest:"

Let's just say this about Saturday: It was HOT. And Muggy. Despite that, we had a great event. MacArthur Park was full of fishermen (and women) and even a wedding. We had a LOT of people just walk up to our table and volunteer. People are genuinely hungry for change and you could see that when they put down their fishing poles and picked up a pen to sign the petition and volunteer sheets.

Knocking on doors is hard work. Not only is it physically tiring, but it's also taxing on your nerves. You never know how the person on the other side of the door will react. "The first door is the hardest", which is true, by the way. Laura and I went to Stifft Station and tackled about 80 houses each. I think we only had one flat out "no" for each of us (and even then, people were polite).

A few door knocking tips:

1. EXTRA Deoderant!

2. Comfortable Shoes

3. Water

4. Extra Pens

How did your Walk for Change go? Submit photos and upload video or post your own blog at my.barackobama.com.

Baracktivities

Emily Bokar — Wed, 09 May 2007 14:01:55 EDT

This is Emily from the New Media team in Chicago. I’ll be helping to coordinate the My.BarackObama.com community. Members across the country have been working hard to get the word out about Barack. I’ll be keeping you posted on some of the interesting and creative things they’ve been working on so far.

Jennifer of Columbus, OH has been reaching across groups on the site to develop “Baracktivities,” which she describes as “projects that take little time to organize and do, they have a great impact on visibility and fundraising for Barack, and they cost less than $50.” Check out Jennifer’s blog to see some of the great suggestions she compiled. Here are two of them:

Pancakes for Obama
Val from West Hartford, CT recommends a no frills potluck brunch. No fancy invitations or decorations are required. All you need is a group of neighborhood supporters that can each bring something they already have in the fridge and make a small campaign contribution. You can get the conversation going with a video download from the website. Val writes, “the success was that no one had to go out and spend a lot of money; one could literally run across the street wearing their bunny slippers carrying a large pan filled with pancakes, some butter and syrup.”

Get Your Jog, Walk, Bike or Rollerblade On
If you’re planning to be a bit more active over the weekend, why not invite some Obama supporters to join you? Daniel from Cleveland Heights, OH has been organizing “Get Your Jog, Walk, Bike or Rollerblade On” events where supporters meet at local parks and trails wearing their Obama t-shirts. They make friends, gain visibility and get some exercise while they’re at it.

What Baracktivities have you been planning? You can click here to plan your event and here to write your own blog about your campaign experiences.