Staci Leigh O'Brien's Blog

Following Up with Undecided Voters

Staci — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:07:59 EDT

I stole this idea from Chris Schoggen, in Hartford...who stole it from someone else!

When our team calls and canvasses, we're writing down the major issues for each undecided or "leaning" voter. Before we hand the data in, we write down that voter's contact information so we can look up Senator Obama's position on the issues. Then we write a little note, pop it in an envelope, and hand deliver the information.

It's time consuming, but some volunteers prefer the behind-the-scene work, and as the person who delivers the envelopes I can tell you, we're getting a great response! Voters are genuinely impressed!

Postcards for Obama--CORRECTED

Staci — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 09:38:21 EDT

CORRECTION: THE POSTCARD CAMPAIGN HAS COME TO WI AND WILL BE CONTINUING ON INTO OCTOBER. TALK TO YOUR FIELD ORGANIZER ABOUT HOW TO GET INVOLVED.

Thank you, Hannah, for this brilliant idea! It’s a great way to get people involved who aren’t comfortable making phone calls!!

Postcards for Obama--Everyone Can Do It (Organizing)Uncomfortable making phone calls for the campaign, or want to go an extra, personal step? Participate in the Postcards for Obama Campaign! Purchase, hand-write, and stamp 10 or more postcards and write on them in 2-3 sentences why you support Obama. Then, send your completed postcards to: WFO Post Card Campaign 193 E. Rich Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 These postcards will be addressed to voters by campaign volunteers and mailed to them before the general election. You will likely never know who got your postcard and they may never know you, but you have the ability to change a mind with this personal touch! TIPS: Remember postcards now require 27 cent stamps since the postage increases of May 12th. Try to write the website into your message or on your card (www.barackobama.com). Do not write the names of states on the postcards so that they can be used in any state necessary. Refrain from attacks on our opponents. Use postcards from your city or state whenever possible; do not use postcards with scantily clad women/men, blood splatters, etc. Have postcard parties where you invite lots of Obama supporters to gather together and write the postcards in a fun environment. To help HQ track this project, please send me an email after you drop your package in the mail that indicates your name, city & state, how many postcards you sent, and what day you mailed them. hannah.flanagan@gmail.com Thank you!

All about the ground game

Staci — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:52:12 EDT

Special thanks to everyone who made CANVASSING 101 a success. Thank you for your donations of bagels, sandwiches, soda, and water—clipboards, paper, and office supplies. Thanks to the hearty who canvassed in the rain and all who stayed to make phone calls or took packets home to do later. THANK YOU!!

We had a great group but the rain put us behind, and walk packets expire…so we could really use extra help this week. The weather looks phenomenal!

Please read about the ground game below. Working the last week of the Kerry campaign convinced me how crucial early calling/canvassing is—the work we’re doing now (the work I didn’t do then)—means the difference between reminding our supporters to vote Nov. 4 or reminding nearly everyone! Since no national Democratic candidate has paid attention to us since Kennedy, we’re starting nearly from scratch.

Please consider helping out now. I know some of you are waiting for the election to get closer, but trust me, the work we do now is what really pays off. *This week’s Quick & Easy thing to do: Check this out—On the Ground: Neighborhood Teams (JUST LIKE OURS!!) http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG52cj

Three things I think you’ll like:
“Obama Banks on the Ground Game,” Time, September 10: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1840141-1,00.html
“Obama Advancing On The Ground, Under Pollsters' Radar,”September 11: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-nichanian/obama-advancing-on-the-gr_b_125617.html
“Inside Obama’s Ground Game,” Time, September 10: http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/09/inside_obamas_groundgame.html

WE GOT GAME! With the Town of Oconomowoc Team at it, too, we’ve got nearly every night covered! Join us!
Oconomowoc Weekly Phone Banking & Canvassing Schedule:

MONDAY, canvassing, 5:00-7:30 & cell phone bank at the Hawkins', 5:30-8:30. Bring your own cell phone. Email Nansi at pastor@seeyouonsunday.org for directions.
TUESDAY, canvassing, 5:00-7:30 & cell phone banking at the O’Brien’s, 5:30-8:30. Bring cell phones and a friend to 138 E. Greenland Ave.
WEDNESDAY, canvassing, 5:00-7:30 & cell phone banking, 5:30-8:30. Bring cell phones, bottled water, and a friend. Email Nansi for weekly venue.
THURSDAY, canvassing, 5:00-7:30 & cell phone banking at the O’Brien’s, 5:30-8:30.
SATURDAY, CANVASSING 101: we’ll take a little extra time to train you, to decompress afterward, and have some extra treats on hand. Join us! We could really use experienced canvassers to team up with all the newbies. Shifts leave from the O’Brien’s at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon.

SLO-MO CALLING/CANVASSING: Packets with addresses, numbers, and scripts can be picked up every week and brought back the next—or I’ll drop them off: staci.leigh.obrien@att.net.
Find out what’s going on around you: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple.

**Mark Your Calendars! Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6:30, there will be a special women’s forum to engage, mobilize, and encourage more women to take ownership in this campaign. Humphrey Memorial Chapel; Carroll College; 238 North East Avenue; Waukesha. Please RSVP at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/womenforobama/gs7tfl; they need the numbers in advance.

To all my organizing team friends...for when you're tired and need inspiration

Staci — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:32:25 EDT

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG52cj

Obama online resource tools.

Staci — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:03:40 EDT

Logos galore, sign-in sheets, issues guides--all free. Have at it!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/actioncenter/resourcelibrary/

Would you give two hours a week (16 hours) to change the world?

Staci — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:11:56 EDT

McCain’s bounce has launched him ahead in some polls, which is the same pattern we saw in 2000 and 2004.
What’s different THIS time is on the ground, with teams of callers and canvassers in literally every community around us.

Canvassing Saturday, I met a woman whose positions were clearly Democratic, but her mother-in-law had convinced her Obama would raise taxes. I shared that his plan would only raise taxes for the wealthiest 1 to 2% of the country, gave her literature, and pointed out the website. We talked for some time about the war and healthcare—as you would with any neighbor.

You don’t need to be an expert to listen to someone’s concerns or tell them you’ll have someone get back to them—but this Saturday we’re holding our first CANVASSING 101 event to cover the basics. Join us for a little extra instruction and a few extra treats. Or call for some private tutoring….

The election is only 8 weeks away! Think about how close the last two elections were. All I did Saturday was reassure someone that her instincts were right.

If I had conversations like these in 2000 or 2004, how different would things be?
That’s the question that keeps me going.

Call us.
Give us two hours a week.
Help us change the world.*Oconomowoc Phone Banking & Canvassing Schedule:·
Tuesday, canvassing, 5:00-7:30. AND cell phone banking at the O’Brien’s, 5:30-8:30. Bring cell phones, bottled water, and a friend to 138 E. Greenland Ave.·
Thursday, cancelled. (The Obama campaign has asked us to suspend all events in deference to Sept. 11.)·
THIS Saturday, CANVASSING 101: we’ll take a little extra time to train you, to decompress afterward, and have some extra treats on hand. Join us!
Teams of two leave from the O’Brien’s at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon.

Three things I think you’ll like:·
The Associated Press, “Fact Check: The full story in St. Paul,” Sept. 4, 2008: http://news.yahoo.com/story//ap/20080905/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_fact_check
Recommended by our readers: www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/
“Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: a true-false guide,” The San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 3, 2008: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/03/MN0012MQNM.DTL

*NEW: CANVASSING 101:
WHAT IT IS
Canvassing is going door-to-door, talking to people one-on-one about the election. We provide you with maps, addresses, a script, flyers, and an Obama button.

HOW IT WORKS1) We introduce ourselves as neighbors to break the ice. Right now, we’re just identifying voters, so “Do you have time for one quick question?” or “I promise not to keep you long” is a good lead into asking them which presidential candidate they are leaning toward. 2) If they are leaning toward:
Obama, be sure to tell them how much you enjoy volunteering and ask them if they would like to help out. Regardless of their answer, THANK THEM for their support.
Undecided, hand them a flyer and ask if there are specific questions someone else can get back to them on. There’s no need to be a policy expert. Its easiest and most effective to simply speak from the heart and tell people why you support Obama. Follow their lead on how long to talk. There is never any need to argue, but do listen politely to their concerns.
McCain, we simply thank them for their time.3) Be sure to leave on a positive note. Rude people are genuinely rare, but our mantra is “Thank you. Have a nice day!”

WHY IT WORKS
Voters are ten times more likely to vote for your candidate if you meet with them one-on-one, but no one candidate can meet with every American. Just as Obama needs surrogates to make sure he hits all the states as often as possible, he needs us to be his surrogates on the ground.
ALSO, everything we do leads up to our Get Out The Vote effort in November. The most important task we have is to find and identify supporters so we can get them to the polls November 4. If we do our jobs well, we will be a model of efficiency that weekend, with every Obama supporter contacted, and every call making a difference.

FAQs:
Will I be alone? No. We always send canvassers out in pairs.
Do we canvass at night? You will never be asked to canvass after dark.
Why don’t we knock on every door? Right now, we are simply identifying voter preferences, and we already have that information on some voters from previous calls and canvasses.
What if people refuse to talk to us? We thank them for their time and tell them to have a nice day. If you think they are open to it, feel free to leave a flyer.
What if no one’s home? We leave them a flyer, usually tucked in the door—but not in mailboxes. Leaving campaign material in mailboxes is illegal.
What if the place looks sketchy? People are amazingly polite…but don’t ever approach a home that makes you uncomfortable, even if it’s just a gut feeling. And sketchy or not, never go inside.

Canvassing 101

Staci — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:58:50 EDT

Our team decided to host a special canvass next Saturday for first-time canvassers. We're going to take some extra time at the beginning--even role play if they want to--and some extra time at the end to talk about how it went. Special treats, lots of encouragement...we're hoping to find pros to pair up with the newbies. We hope this event might bring in some new faces and have sent out special invitations to the h.s. group and others on our email list.

Don't know if it will work yet (fingers crossed!) Just thought I'd share the idea.

"In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?" -- Barack Obama

Staci — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:44:56 EDT

Dear Friends,

Whether you watched the speeches last night, or just picked up the one-liners this morning, we now know what form the attacks against Senator Obama are going to take.

I was most discouraged by the way community organizing was mocked. Whether we’re fighting for a soccer park, an auditorium, or a city beach—zoning regulations around the block or stem cell research around the world—we are all organizers in a world that too often forgets what City Hall policies look like on the street, a world too often swayed by large wallets instead of the greater good.

Barack Obama has done an amazing job inspiring millions to believe in what they’ve had all along—a voice.
Regardless of your politics, this is not an idea that should be mocked.

We don’t know how the country will respond to these attacks or where the polls will go from here—but we do know our candidate is working tirelessly for the ideal of a country where people are actively engaged in a government that has, in turn, pledged to listen…and that he has a brilliant team running his campaign.

One member of that team, David Plouffe, is the genius behind the call and walk packets our teams are handed each week. When Ryan Shannon gave us our first packet, he said, “If we do this, we win the election.” I don’t know enough about campaigns to know if it’s that simple, but if Obama’s gamble is on what can happen when people take more ownership, that’s a bet I want in on.

Join us when you can; call me for other ways to help:

Oconomowoc Phone Banking & Canvassing Schedule:
* Thursday, September 4, 5:00-7:30, canvass from the O’Briens,. Bring cellphones, bottled water, and a friend: 138 E. Greenland Ave. AND, Cellphone bank, 6:00-9:00, at the O’Briens. Bring cellphones. Bring a friend.
* Saturday, September 6, 1:00, canvass from the O’Briens, 1:00.
* Tuesday, September 9, 5:00-7:30, canvass from the O’Briens AND, Cellphone bank, 6:00-9:00, meet at the O’Briens.

Slow motion phone bank/canvass: Packets with addresses, numbers, and scripts can be picked up every week and brought back the next—or I’ll drop them off.
Plug in your zip code to find events closer to you: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple.

Don't worry about what you can't do; tell us what you CAN do.

Staci — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:32:05 EDT

Three things I think you’ll like:
Video of Obama’s speech in Milwaukee, September 1:
http://www.myfoxmilwaukee.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=7337065&version=1&locale=EN-US
This Moveon.org briefing is a fundraiser, but feel free to ignore that part. The rundown of the challenges we face in this election should be mandatory watching for all Obama supporters:
https://pol.moveon.org/donate/electionbrief.html?id=13503-9900850-pxtz9vx&t=1.
I’m reposting the link to the Democratic convention by request. You’ll find everything you missed at the video gallery:
http://www.demconvention.com/

Oconomowoc Phone Banking & Canvassing Schedule:
* Thursday, September 4, 5:00-7:30, canvass from the O’Briens,. Bring cellphones, bottled water, and a friend: 138 E. Greenland Ave.
* Thursday, September 4, 6:00-9:00. Cellphone bank at the O’Briens. Bring cellphones, goodies if you want them, and a friend: 138 E. Greenland Ave.
* Saturday, September 6, 1:00, canvass from the O’Briens, 1:00.

SLOW MOTION PHONE BANK/CANVASS: Packets with addresses, numbers, and scripts can be picked up every week and brought back the next—or I’ll drop them off.
No matter where you are, other teams are active all around you. Find out where you can plug in: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple.

This week’s Quick & Easy thing to do: Come to breakfast! The Waukesha Dems breakfast is this Saturday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m. (Maxim’s/the Depot). Paul Soglin is speaking, and there will be a chance to hear about or meet local candidates. Also, I’ll be giving a short update on the state of the campaign in Oconomowoc. Join us!

We are the ones we've been waiting for.

Staci — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:11:31 EDT

We have the organization.
We have the resources.
We have the will.
We can do this.

Oconomowoc Canvassing Schedule:
Saturday, August 30, shifts leave from The O’Briens at 11:00 a.m. and Noon. Bring cellphones, bottled water, and a friend. (138 E. Greenland Ave.)
*Harley Shift! Meet at the O’Briens at 3:15. We’ll drive to Dousman, set up in front of the Bicycle Dr. and hand out “Harley Facts.”
Slow motion Canvass: Walk packets can be picked up and brought back the next week—or I’ll drop them off. Grab a friend and knock on 10 doors a night! Contact me at staci.leigh.obrien@att.net.

Oconomowoc Phone Banking Schedule:
Tuesday, September 2, 5:00-9:00. Eighteen phone lines available at the Waukesha Office, 804 N. Grand Avenue. Come when you can; stay for an hour/stay for four.
Thursday, September 4, 6:00-9:00. Cellphones only, at the O’Briens. Bring a friend!
Slow motion Phone Bank: Call packets can be picked up every week and brought back the next—or I’ll drop them off. staci.leigh.obrien@att.net

Find other events: that fit your location and schedule: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple.

Fact: Voters are six times more likely to vote for your candidate if you call them in person—ten times more likely if you talk to them face to face.
FACT: EVERY TIME YOU CALL TO SIGN UP FOR A VOLUNTEER SHIFT, YOU SAVE YOUR ORGANIZERS 10 CALLS.

A HUGE Thank You to everyone who made our gathering at the Depot the Largest Convention Watch Party in Waukesha County! Watch here for future events!

Three things I think you’ll like:
See it all again, or catch the parts you missed: http://www.demconvention.com/
More speeches and videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom
NYT: The softer side of Joe Biden http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/26/biden-meets-with-delaware-delegates/?hp

This week’s Quick & Easy thing to do: Three words—forward, forward, forward.

Yard Signs, Buttons, etc.

Staci — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:18:24 EDT

These are all available at the website where, if you increase the number of purchase, you can buy them in bulk. Yard signs, for example, drop down to $4 eventually. Buttons down ton $.35 each.

Our team is looking for local patrons to buy in bulk and donate to us, so we can give them out for free to people who put in one volunteer shift. Just a thought.

Convention Watch Party in Oconomowoc--or Near You!

Staci — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:23:02 EDT

Convention Watch Party, this Thursday at Maxim’s/the Depot in Oconomowoc: Don’t forget! Party at 7:00; speech at 8:00.
Or, find a closer watch party by plugging your zip code into “Find Events” at www.mybarackobama.com.

Three things I think you’ll like:
The New York Times’ David Brooks on Joe Biden (written the day before the announcement):
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/opinion/22brooks.html?_r=1&em&oref=slogin
Pictures of the Obama/Biden event in Springfield:
http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/2008/08/obama-biden-pictures-august-23-2008.html
Who really made a killing on the drawn out veep-watch?
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/media-learns-wi.html

This week’s Quick & Easy thing to do: Livestream the convention on your computer at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26223664/

Three sites you need to bookmark:
I had hoped to share rebuttals for each email smear, but they’re coming too fast. We really need each of you to work the frontlines and respond to them as you find them in your inbox.
The three websites below address everything from taxes and troop visits to abortion--with links to neutral sources that are easy to send to others. There’s no need to be confrontational; factcheck.org is both the easiest and most persuasive way to deal with these, and we do need to deal with these.

   • Hearing wild rumors about Obama’s positions, actions, or voting record? Answer with the truth:
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/
   • This site wraps all the tools you need to respond in a nice little package:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome
   • Received a smear they don’t know about yet? Forward to:
watchdog@barackobama.com

The truth can be powerful, but only if it’s spoken.

Keep it positive out there!

Finding Team Members/Volunteers with Votebuilder

Staci — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:01:05 EDT

Use votebuilder to find democrats in your community, but also to look up people you know who you never discuss politics with.

Make a list of the hardworking people you know from work, school, committees, clubs, church...then use votebuilder to look up their political leanings. They won't all be Democratic, but I guarantee there will be some surprises. Calling them to ask them to get involved will be that much easier once you know they are with you in spirit (although I wouldn't mention looking them up).

How to Use This Blog

Staci — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:47:20 EDT

Hi Everyone. Welcome aboard!

Now that you've joined the group, you can write a blog at your "My Dashboard" page, then scroll down before posting and click the box next to our group to have it appear here. Feel free to contact me if you have questions: staci.leigh.obrien@att.net.

Also, my "lessons learned" blog doesn't say what it's about. We are all too busy to open every blog just to find out if we need it--so let's learn from my mistake and make the "post title" line specific to the topic.

This is not an "ask Staci" column (as if I had answers!). All of us are asking each other. Ask questions--but jump in and answer them, too. And please post your successful ideas; we need them! To address a specific topic raised, hit the comment button at the end of that blog.

Let's all commit to checking back frequently enough to be of real help to each other. We can do this!

Lessons Learned!

Staci — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:50:08 EDT

Here are a few things our team has learned over the last few weeks:

1. The smartest thing we did was start an email list. We keep posts short, and try not to send more than once or twice a week. It gets forwarded, our list grows, etc. When we needed to staff a table at the Festival of the Arts, these people were in the loop and ready to help.

2. But--we should have had more stickers for people at the Festival. They went fast, and were a great visibility opportunity for us. People were genuinely surprised to see so many Obama stickers in our relatively conservative town.

3. And it turns out that the price of Obama buttons DOES drop as you increase the order. They don't make that very clear at the store. We bought 500 at $.35/ea. that we plan to give out for free to people who phone and canvas for us.

I'll post more as I think of other things we've learned, but you should all feel free to post things as well--and ask questions! My father always said, "Ask a question, you're a fool for five minutes. Don't ask it and you're a fool for life!"

77 Days!

Staci — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:52:27 EDT

Since our list has doubled, it seemed appropriate to reintroduce this post as an update on local events you won’t hear about in national campaign emails—such as next week’s Convention Party in Oconomowoc(!). Please forward this to anyone who might be interested, or send me their emails. If you’re reading this on my blog, and would rather get it as an email, just let me know. This is a private list and will evaporate in 78 days, so there’s no need to worry about spam. Our team is your local campaign contact, so hang on to my contact info. Your questions and comments are always welcome.

Fired up!

Staci Leigh O’Brienfor Oconomowoc’s Obama Neighborhood Organizing Team staci.leigh.obrien@att.net

Here’s your update:

You’re Invited to Oconomowoc’s Convention Watch Party! Watch Senator Obama formally accept the Democratic Nomination for President on Thursday, August 28th at the Depot/Maxim’s in downtown Oconomowoc. Party at 7:00/speech at 8:00. Admission is free; food and drinks are available for purchase. Sign up at www.barackobama.com or look for other convention watch events near you. (Minors are welcome but, of course, they will not be served alcohol.)

Thank you, thank you, thank you…to everyone who canvassed, persuaded, walked, watched, or simply stopped by to encourage us at the Festival of the Arts last weekend. We knocked on over 260 doors (the second highest canvas in the state last Saturday!) and added nearly 100 enthusiastic supporters to our list. Waukesha County may not go blue in November, but we’re turning it purple!!

Three Things I Think You’ll Like:

· “Obama Ready to Announce Running Mate This Week,” The New York Times, August 18: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/us/politics/19veep.html.

· Camp Obama’s guide to the website: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5FdX; more Camp blogs: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/amandascott.

· “Troops Deployed Abroad Give 6:1 to Obama”: http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/08/troops-deployed-abroad-give-61.html.

Waukesha office volunteers needed (Info: 262.521.2008):Phonebanking: M-F, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Canvassing: Saturday 10:00-2:00/2:00-6:00; Sunday 2:00-6:00.

This week’s QUICK AND EASY thing to do: Time to put your yard sign up! Help the local office out and make an easy/cheap donation by purchasing your own at www.barackobama.com (click on “store” in the upper banner).

This Week's Obama Update from Oconomowoc, WI

Staci — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:10:30 EDT

Obama in Oconomowoc! This week’s most exciting news is that the Obama campaign will be an active presence in Oconomowoc this weekend with lots of people already signed up to help and lots of slots open for the rest of us. Send Ryan Shannon an email if you want to get involved (ryshannon@gmail.com). Come to town this weekend for Obama, stay for our famous art festival and homemade cobbler!

Other volunteer opportunities:

Phonebanking: at the Waukesha Office, Monday thru Friday, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Call 262.521.2008 for details.

Voter Registration: Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday 10:00-2:00/2:00-6:00; and Sunday 2:00-6:00. Meet at the Waukesha office. Locations shift; transportation from the office available.

Questions? Ryan Shannon: ryshannon@gmail.com.

Three Things I Think You’ll Like:

· It’s getting down to the wire! Sign up to be the first to know who Obama picks as a running mate: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5KD4.

· Meanwhile, this slightly irreverent but dead-on look at possible veeps still makes me laugh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8TXmHYSbMM.

· Closer to home, check out the Wisconsin campaign blog: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/wihome#top.

This week’s QUICK AND EASY thing to do: The Obama campaign website makes it easier than ever to participate and stay informed: www.barackobama.com. Poke around and see what’s there and what’s new! If you’re a technophobe like me, give me a call for a mini-tour of gems it took me months to find. Send me an email if you want to set up a time to call: staci.leigh.obrien@att.net

Meanwhile, don’t forget these upcoming events:

Saturday, September 6, The Oconomowoc Dems Monthly Breakfast Meeting: 10:00 a.m. at The Depot/Maxim’s in Oconomowoc. I’ll be speaking briefly about what we’ve got going on in Oconomowoc. Hope to see you there!

As always…forward this post and help spread the excitement! And drop me a note if you want to start receiving this in your inbox: staci.leigh.obrien@att.net

Fired up!

This Week's Obama Update

Staci — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:24:21 EDT

If you would like to receive this update by email, please send me a note (staci.leigh.obrien@att.net)

This week’s QUICK AND EASY thing to do: I have never seen a candidate so emphatic about the need for people to participate in their government, or so skilled at giving us the tools we need to do just that. This is our campaign, and we only have 95 days left to make a difference! Decide now to think positive about when, where, and how you can help. If you can’t drive to a phonebank, call from home. If you can’t give an hour—give fifteen minutes. Donate babysitting time while others knock on doors or get rid of those clipboards in your closet…the opportunities are endless. Think what would happen if everyone who had to say “no, not today,” gave just five dollars. Together, we can turn the country toward a new direction! Yes, we can! Even QUICKER and even EASIER: Put this note on your fridge, writ large: “What CAN I do for Obama today?”

This week’s volunteer opportunities:

Phonebanking: at the Waukesha Office, Monday thru Friday, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Call 521.2008 for details.

Voter Registration: Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday 10:00-2:00/2:00-6:00; and Sunday 2:00-6:00. Meet at the Waukesha office. County locations shift, but transportation from the office is available. Email Ryan Shannon at ryshannon@gmail.com with any questions. This week’s most exciting news! Your Obama Neighborhood Organizing Team will be training with the Obama campaign on August 23rd! Call your campaign office to find out about the team nearest you; let them know what you can do to help as we move into the home stretch. In Oconomowoc, contact me if you want to get involved: 569-8802; staci.leigh.obrien@att.net.

Three Things I Think You’ll Like:

· Wow! http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=776931

· Martha’s story Part I: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gGxyqX and Part II: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdate2/gGxm5J.

· Moveon.org’s new pro-Obama commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BncNpB6IZ9I.

Don’t forget these upcoming events:

Saturday, August 2, The Oconomowoc Dems Monthly Breakfast Meeting: 10:00 a.m. at The Depot/Maxim’s in Oconomowoc.

Thursday, August 7, The Nelson/Proxmire Dinner: 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Delafield Brewhaus. www.waukeshadems.com

Saturday, September 6, The Oconomowoc Dems Monthly Breakfast Meeting: 10:00 a.m. at The Depot/Maxim’s in Oconomowoc.

Upcoming Waukesha Dem Events

Staci — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:00:52 EDT

This Saturday, August 2, The Oconomowoc Dems Monthly Breakfast Meeting: 10:00 a.m. at The Depot/Maxim’s in Oconomowoc. Guest Speakers include Kathleen Falk, Dane County Executive, and campaign updates from the Obama staff and Waukesha County Dems.

Thursday, August 7, The Nelson/Proxmire Dinner: 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Delafield Brewhaus. This is the main fundraiser of The Waukesha County Democratic Party. Guest Speakers include Jon Richards of the Wisconsin State Assembly and Joe Winecke, Chairman, DPW. Cocktails are at 6:00, the dinner and program begin at 7:00. The cost is $50/person. Send checks made out to Waukesha Democratic Party to 1726 South West Avenue, Waukesha, WI, 53186 (include # of guests and meal preference: Prime Rib, Lemon Herb Chicken, or Vegetarian Lasagna). www.waukeshadems.com

A message from Dwayne Block on the importance of supporting the Waukesha Dems: Barack Obama brings hope that we will pull many Independents and some "fed-up" Republicans to our side this time. Let's think aggressively. In 2002, there was a 60,000 vote difference in Waukesha Co. Let's imagine that, with strong Obama support, we could take 30,100 votes out of the 60,000 differential and actually win Waukesha County. I know that's a stretch, but let's think tough and give it our best. Wouldn't it be great to win on [the Republican’s] home turf!

Saturday, September 6, The Oconomowoc Dems Monthly Breakfast Meeting: 10:00 a.m. at The Depot/Maxim’s in Oconomowoc. Guest Speakers include Paul Soglin of Madison to speak on the WMC, Staci Leigh O’Brien discussing the local Obama campaign efforts, with others giving campaign updates for Waukesha County.

This Week's Obama Update

Staci — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:07:07 EDT

Below is a weekly email newsletter I send out to a list of people who wanted to be kept up to date on what's going on with the Waukesha County campaign. If anyone out there would like to receive this in their Inbox, just send me a note at staci.leigh.obrien@att.net. Also, if you're trying to get things going in your area, I highly recommend developing an email list of your own.

This week’s most exciting news! We have great news about the campaign on two fronts. First, Ryan Shannon has been hired as a fulltime Field Organizer for the Obama campaign AND assigned to our area. Congratulations Ryan—we are lucky to have you. Second, we’ve established an Obama Neighborhood Organizing Team in Oconomowoc to eventually run canvassing, phonebanking, and get out the vote events right here in town! We’re looking for both ideas and people who want to get involved (569-8802; staci.leigh.obrien@att.net); but keep up the great work in Waukesha! We’re not up and running yet.

Speaking of which…this week’s volunteer opportunities:

Phonebanking: at the Waukesha Office, Monday thru Friday, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Call 521.2008 ahead to find out what slots are open, or walk in any time with your own laptop and cell.

This week’s QUICK AND EASY thing to do: Pick up a bumper sticker, button, tee, or yard sign at www.barackobama.com by following the link at the top to “store.” There are still people out there who are afraid of the name Obama; the more they get used to it, the sooner we can move past surface fears and on to substantive issues. (Thanks, Chris, for the suggestion! Keep them coming!)

Three Things I Think You’ll Like:

Don’t wait for an invite to an Obama event. On any given day, there are dozens happening all around us that are open and posted online at www.barackobama.com. Just click “Find Events” in the right hand column and plug in your zip code, or follow this link straight to the map. Last I checked, there were 119 events within 50 miles of Oconomowoc!http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_results?type=simple&orderby=zip_radius&zip_radius%5b0%5d=53066&zip_radius%5b1%5d=50&radius_unit=miles&country=US.

Obama’s website also has a great way to respond to email attacks. Fight the Smears (http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome/) gives you counter emails with outside sources like Factcheck.org. I just sent the truth about Obama’s tax policy to over 50 people listed on an email forwarded to my father. (The note I sent is below, in case you’re interested.) You can cut and paste your own email or send one straight from the website. My only advice would be to follow our candidate’s lead and stay positive. We should be thrilled every time someone makes an honest effort to become informed…and haven’t we all fallen victim to phony emails?

On a warm-and-fuzzy note, here’s where the preschool vote is leaning these days: http://dailykos.com/story/2008/7/25/93510/1800/555/556771

FINALLY…a challenge I’m confident we can tackle as a group: The great thing about Ryan being assigned to our area is that he’s talented, patient, upbeat, and fired up! The only down side is that he’s an organizer without a car in an county without public transportation, and his territory stretches from Lac la Belle to Sussex. If anyone has a car they don’t use much, knows a college student leaving their car behind, or has a friend who wants great exposure for the “For Sale” sign in the window, please get in touch with Ryan ryshannon@gmail.com. Meanwhile, think about whether you can spare your own car for a few days or a week. I know this is a tall order, but if we all think outside the box, maybe we can find a way to help him as he works hard to help us.

Love your ideas, comments, calls, and emails—keep them coming!

_______________________________________________________

P.S. Here’s the introductory note I attached to the correct tax information when I responded to the entire list of people on the tax forward, in case you’re interested. I kept in mind that a lot of these people are good friends of my parents (and my husband and I, actually). I was nervous about how they might respond, but it was fine…and I’m convinced that if we all step up, civil conversations will eventually win the day.

Dear All, My father sent me an email that was forwarded to him by a friend. You have been included in this email because your name appeared on the chain of forwards. I’m actually a neighborhood organizer for the Obama campaign, so I thought it best if I researched the question and got the right information to you. You’ll find links to both Factcheck.org’s take on this subject and Obama’s policy below. Although I’m no policy expert, just a foot soldier, I could certainly try to put you in touch with someone who could help if you have more questions, and I’d be happy to help. This election is so important, and the issues are so important, that I think it’s vital we all have as much information as possible. I’m thrilled that so many people like you are working hard to learn as much about the issues as possible before the election and appreciate you taking the time to read the following.

All Best, Staci Leigh O’Brien staci.leigh.obrien@att.net

Platform Party

Staci — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:04:27 EDT

What a great night! We had a Platform Party tonight with about twelve people present, and it was wonderful. I couldn't get over how well our talk about the position we wanted to submit to the Democratic Party went. As the meeting wrapped up, I realized nearly everyone in the room would be reading this year's Democratic Platform more closely than any of us ever had before...that's what taking ownership in your government does! And that's what this campaign is all about! Brilliant.

Post your Platform Party now!

Get Involved!

Go ahead and grab a piece of this historic campaign before the parade passes you by!!

Ideas for Grassroots Groups: Host a Shower for your Bouncing new Obama Office!

Staci — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:06:15 EDT

Just wanted to post this idea that Jennifer S. came up with at our house party.

Last week, we posted an online shower for our bouncing new Obama Office and got great results! Everyone our e-list had a week to drop supplies off at our house, then we drove them in to the fledgling (but already cooking!) Waukesha County Obama HQ. Some people chose to drive things in themselves so they could check out the new digs. We managed to collect pens, bottled water, post-its, a modem, lots of food, some furniture, paper plates, napkins, toilet paper, a microwave, and a boat load of other things the office really needed to get up and running.

Although we don't have an official group, we have an e-list now that includes everyone who attended our house party, everyone who said they wished they could attend, and anyone who has since heard about the list and asked to be included. At first, there was a flurry of emails with a lot of information to get out but, starting this week, we're settling in to a once-a-week post updating everyone on the most urgent needs of the office, this week's volunteer opportunities, and any other information that needs to get out to people (like the chance to attend the convention!). The list is getting great reviews and growing daily! I highly recommend it for anyone who's trying to kickstart some excitement in their area.

Fired up in Oconomowoc!
Staci

Unite for Change House Party in Oconomowoc

Staci — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:42:34 EDT

On Saturday, I hosted my first ever political event, and now I'm posting my first ever blog! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

I want to thank everyone who gave up what turned out to be a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Oconomowoc join our Unite for Change event. At forty strong, rumor has it we had the best turnout in the greater Milwaukee area--and that in one of the most conservative towns in already-conservative Waukesha County, WI! Thirty others had said they might be able to join us if their plans changed, and our email list of people who want to be kept up to date about the Obama campaign is now 78 strong and growing!

I also want to thank our Organizing Fellow, Ryan Shannon, for doing such a great job and showing the way!

I hope some of you decide to host your own house party. As I said on Saturday, I would be more than happy to help.

We are the change we've been waiting for!