Thomas Kelley

Less Than Four Hours Until The Polls Close

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:09:39 EST

There are less than fours for you to be part of history. Tonight you will bear witness to history. It is between now and then that you will make history.

Find your polling location at voteforchange.com

Find where the nearest location is where you can volunteer.

Help Get Out The Vote!

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST

Today is Election Day -- the polls are open across the state. If you haven't voted yet, look up your polling place and vote for Barack by 8:00 p.m:

If you have already voted, here are a couple ways you can make an even bigger difference for Barack today:

Call every Wisconsin Obama supporter you know who is a registered voter and make sure they vote for Barack by 8:00 p.m. today. Then use our online phonebank tool to call even more supporters and help Get Out The Vote for Barack. You'll get a list of names and a script you can follow -- simplypick up the phone and start calling now:

Head over to your local Obama headquarters. Our offices across the state need as much help as they can get this afternoon, so find an office in your area and join us right away: Every voter contacted is one more possible vote for Barack. Everything we've worked for together comes down to what we do in these next few hours.

Please don't stop working until the polls close at 8:00 p.m.

Barack Obama Votes and So Should You

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:17:16 EST

Find your polling location at voteforchange.com or call 1-877-OBAMA-WI

There's still time...to be part of history. Find out where here.

You Can Register to Vote and Vote On Election Day

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:55:32 EST

Polls are open. If you have not registered to vote yet, you can do so at the polls. Watch this message from actress/model Joy Bryant on how easy it is to register and vote today, Election day.

Find you polling location at voteforchange.com.

After you have voted...

Help others make their voice heard. Find the nearest location where you can make a difference here.

Airplanes For Obama

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:48:35 EST

Video: Concert For Change

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:30:23 EST

This weekend the Campaign for Change welcomed Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, and Pat Sansone of the band Wilco to Madison. Joined by Senator Russ Feingold and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, the band played a short set before Congresswoman Baldwin led attendees on an Early Vote March to the Municipal Clerks office in order to vote ahead of Election Day. Watch the video below and then go vote. Today is the last day of Early Voting. Election Day is tomorrow Tuesday, November 4th.

Find your early voting location or Election Day polling location at voteforchange.com

DECLARACIÓN GENERAL ACERCA DE LA VOTACIÓN CON PEDRO COLON

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:12:18 EST

One Day To Change The World

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:16:45 EST

Let's Win This Thing. Be part of history now.

Guion de Derechos de Votante

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:02:17 EST

Vote Now! Vote Early!

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:39:58 EDT

Municipal Clerks offices are still open around the state.

You can go vote right now.

You can go register and vote right now.

Find your early vote location at www.voteforchange.com.

Happy Halloween!!

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:00:01 EDT

Beware of Robots!

Defeat the Robots! Sign up to volunteer for Get out the vote weekend now!

Happy Halloween!!

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:00:01 EDT

Beware of Robots!

Defeat the Robots! Sign up to volunteer for Get out the vote weekend now!

1-877-OBAMA-WI

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:01:44 EDT

Call 877-OBAMA-WI with any questions on:

1) Where to vote - Find your Early Vote Location or Election Day Polling Location
2) How to vote
3) Talk to our Voter Protection team
4) Finding a field office to volunteer
5) Get a Ride to the Polls

Call 877-OBAMA-WI and make your voice heard today!

He Said He Would Hate To Live In Milwaukee?

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:32:04 EDT

Get Involved! Help keep Wisconsin blue for Barack by volunteering here.

American Stories, American Solutions

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:06:13 EDT

There is still time to be part of history. Sign up now to help get the vote out for Barack.

Take Election Day Off and Help Make History

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:45:59 EDT

Sign up here to take Election Day off.

Learn How Easy It Is To Vote Early With Governor Napolitano of Arizona

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:37:26 EDT

With interest in this election growing day by day, the expectation of large voter turnout is example of the continued strength of our Democracy. Many people have taken the opportunity to vote early rather than wait to vote on Election Day, November 4th. Skipping the lines and thus skipping the hassle of waiting until one single day, voters can vote now and its easy. Why wait till Election Day, do it on your own time now.

Watch the video below and learn how from Janet Napolitano, the current two term Governor of John McCain's home state of Arizona:

Find your municipal clerks office at www.voteforchange.com

Already voted? Take the second step towards electing barack by volunteering to get out the vote.

Hope for Healthcare

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:54:42 EDT

Learn more about the Obama/Biden healthcare plan here.

Get involved - Make Phone Calls - Go Door to Door - Sign up to work on Election Day

The Obama Tax Calculator

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:53:59 EDT

Barack Obama is proposing a TAX CUT for 95% of Americans. He is proposing larger TAX CUTS for Americans than John McCain is. Earlier in the week, the Campaign for Change shot a video of an undecided voter using the Obama Tax Cut Calculator. The Calculator allows Americans to enter their financial information, none of which is stored, and receive a comparison of the tax cut Barack Obama's plan is offering versus that of John McCain's.

Watch as this undecided voter uses the Obama Tax Cut Calculator to determine who they are going to vote for.

Find out how much your taxcut is today right here with the Obama Tax Cut Calculator.

Bama Bus Rolls Through Madison

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:05:03 EDT

Grassroots organizing is about building from the bottom up to effect change at the top. Barack's community organizing roots provided him with the political philosophy that change happens when ordinary people come together in communities for a common goal. This movement for change has been grown by people owning a piece of this campaign by organizing their communities and spreading Barack's message of change in unique ways.

Whether using our online tool Neighbor to Neighbor, which allows people to print lists of potential voters in their area to call or go door to door with, becoming Neighborhood Team Leaders through our Unite for Change Neighborhood teams, or using my.barackobama.com to create online organizing groups to fight smears, raise money for the campaign, recruit volunteers and blog about the change happening on a local level; Barack Obama's supporters have embraced a level of grassroots organizing never seen before.

This has been relevant with the amount of unique T-shirts, signs, and messaging that have virally popped up across the nation and the world. The enthusiasm for change that has caused people to quit their jobs, put their lives on hold and work for change has proven Barack's decision to run for President some twenty one months ago to be a sound decision. It was also evident in Madison this weekend when a Gadi and Annie rolled through town in their "Bama Bus".

Creating T-shirts and selling them for gas money while they travel through battleground states to spread the message of change for Barack Obama, these artists are doing what they can to take action towards taking our country back. Watch the video here of their stop in Madison and here what they are doing to put their enthusiasm into action.

Follow the travels of the "Bama Bus" here through the battleground state tour.

Get Grassroots! Contact voters using our Neighbor to Neighbor tool and own a piece of history.

Chris Walla Of Death Cab for Cutie Visits Lambeau

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:06:59 EDT

Today the Green Bay Packers get ready to square off at Lambeau against the Indianapolis Colts. The team from titletown is a intricate part of the fabric of culture here in Wisconsin. But this is not just known to Wisconsinites, it is known across America. So much so that when Chris Walla, guitarist of Death Cab for Cutie, visited our Campaign for Change office in Green Bay last week to do some canvassing in the Lambeau field area, he just had to stop by.

Check out Chris' visit to Lambeau after he knocked on some doors to spread Barack's message of change.

Get involved. Sign up to volunteer to get the vote out for Barack on election day here.

Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie Canvasses Green Bay

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:13:42 EDT

Going door to door and talking to your neighbors about Barack Obama is one of the most important ways you can help the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin. It is easy to do. Even if you have never done it before the campaign will provide you with all the training necessary to achieve your goals. It is such an enjoyable and rewarding experience that Chris Walla, the guitarist for Death Cab for Cutie took time out of his recent worldwide concert tour to knock on doors in the Lambeau field area of Green Bay.

Watch the video here and then sign up to knock on doors in your neighborhood. With only 17 days left until Election Day, the time is now to join the Campaign for Change and be part of this historic movement for change which has gripped the nation.

Get started right now by making phone calls or going door to door in your community using our Neighbor to Neighbor tool.

Find your local Campaign for Change office here.

Nuestro Tiempo Comienza Ahora

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:51 EDT

En Wisconsin, usted puede registrar a votar en el dia de la election.

Para averiguar donde esta la oficina municipal de votacion en voteforchange.com.

Video: John Kerry Fires Up Obama Supporters To Vote Early

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:21:02 EDT

On Tuesday John Kerry was in four cities promoting the importance of voting early here in Wisconsin. It is the first way you can help elect Barack Obama the next President. The second way is after you vote early to get out and volunteer with the Campaign for Change. It is easy to volunteer and no prior campaign experience is necessary. The staff for the Campaign for Change will provide you all the training you need.

Voting early is easy in Wisconsin. It is called In-Person Absentee Voting and you can do it today. You can go right now and vote early. You can vote early even if you're not registered or have never voted before. Simply go to your local municipal clerk's office and you can register to vote and then vote at the same time.

Just bring your Wisconsin driver's license with you or if you don't have a driver's license you can bring the last four digits of your social security number. You also can register to vote and vote at the same time with a friend who can act as a witness that you live where you are registering to vote.

To learn more on voting in Wisconsin visit our Wisconsin Election Center here.

To find your local Municipal Clerk's Office visit voteforchange.com

A Special Message for Wisconsin From John Kerry

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:42:51 EDT

On Tuesday, John Kerry was in Wisconsin to promote voting early here in the Badger state. Having won Wisconsin by a margin of two votes per ward in 2004, John Kerry knows a thing or two about close elections. That's why he recorded this special message for Wisconsinites before his rally in Milwaukee Tuesday morning.

Find your early voting location here at voteforchange.com

Lets Be Clear

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:40:49 EDT

Lets Be Clear

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:27:44 EDT

John McCain on George Bush

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:20:37 EDT

Speak Out - Write a Letter To The Editor

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:06:05 EDT

Tonight is the third and final Presidential debate. Barack has proven through the first two that he is the clear choice for the change America needs. Tonight will prove to the nation once more that Barack's judgement and leadership on the issues that matter to Americans is why he will be the 44th President of The United States.

After the debate tonight write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and tell them in your own words what you thought. Speak out about the issues that matter to you and your community. Remember that one voice, your voice, can change the world. It starts on the local level in your community. Be heard and write a letter to the editor using our online tool tonight.

Here at the Wisconsin Campaign for Change we made it easy for you to write a letter to the editor. Skip the hassle of the old days and use our online tool. It's an easy process. Just type in your zipcode select the local papers that you want your letter to be sent to, write your letter and then click send. Your letter will be instantly emailed to the editor's inbox of the papers you selected. Yes, that's all there is to it. If you don't believe it's that easy, watch the video we made below.

Get started and write a letter to the editor now.

Barack Goes Door to Door

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:04:37 EDT

Together we have grown this grassroots movement for change. By working together in our communities across the Badger state and across the country millions of volunteers have engaged in one on one contact with voters in their communities. Whether it is using our online tool Neighbor to Neighbor, phone calling at an office or online from home, or going door to door in your community, one on one contact with neighbors discussing the issues and the message of change that Barack Obama champions has shown that ordinary people can bring about change from the bottom up.

We have all heard the stories of Barack Obama's community organizing past and his belief that ordinary people who come together on a local level can change their community and do extraordinary things. However, those experiences that helped shaped Barack's character and political philosophy are still being practiced by the candidate himself.

In the video below, Barack goes door to door in Holland, Ohio to listen to people face to face about the issues that concern them. This is the embodiment of grassroots organizing that has grown the movement for change. For Barack and millions of volunteers who have joined this movement it is not just a philosophy it is also something that they put into action everyday.

Follow Barack's example and get involed today

Find your local Campaign for Change office here.

Republican for Obama Speaks of Support at Party's Birthplace In Ripon

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:04:21 EDT

Early in the primaries, Barack talked about "something is stirring across America". He also relayed a story after the landmark victory in the Iowa Caucuses about people pouring into a Caucus location while he was standing in the corner observing the record turnout.

As Barack was standing there hours before his victory would propel his candidacy forward with the hard work of millions of volunteers and supporters around the country, a man came up to him and introduced himself. He whispered it had been a long time since he had come out to a Democratic Caucus. Barack thanked him for coming back into the electoral process and then the man whispered again "I'm a Republican." Barack answered back to the effect of that's ok, why are we whispering.

This was just the beginning of a transformative change in American politics. As we have seen since, this movement for change has brought Republicans, Independents, and Democrats together for a common goal. In Ripon, WI the Wisconsin Campaign for Change found another Republican who exemplifies this change in America. Watch the video and then sign up to volunteer and let's finish the movement we have started together.

Sign up here to volunteer and get out the vote for Barack Obama.

Young Veterans For Obama Experience Tour Continues

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:45:07 EDT

The Young Veterans for Obama Experience tour that is crossing the badger state continued yesterday. In Eau Claire and La Crosse, Corporal Zach Laporte, Specialist Abbie Pickett, and Sergeant Graham Clumpner spoke to students at the local University of Wisconsin branches about their experiences in the military and why they now are working to elect Senator Barack Obama.

The common theme amongst these Veterans for Obama was their desire to serve their country and community. Pickett, enlisted in 2000 into the National Guard at age 17. She felt a calling to serve but needed her parents signature in order to enlist. Her parents initially balked but after she reminded them that they always told her to be part of something bigger than herself and give back to her community and help others, Abbie's father and her went down to the local guard office, the papers were signed and Abbie began her service towards our country.

Clumpner and Laporte were called to serve after 9/11. Wanting to serve their country they felt the only option was to join the military as there were not that many other avenues that they saw could provide them with the opportunity to serve their community. Clumpner stated:

"Their weren't that many options for me to serve my community. Yes there was Peace Corps, but in a post 9/11 world I wanted to serve my community by serving my country. That's what's great about Barack. He was a community organizer and is providing tax credits to students who take a job serving the community. I wish there were more outlets for that and I think Barack will provide those for young people who want to give back but don't know how or can't afford to."

However, more importantly for these soldiers, their support for Barack was shaped during the battle over the recent vote on the G.I. Bill. When the bill expanding education benefits for students was raised in Congress, Barack Obama supported it straight away while John McCain took awhile to support this bill. Clumpner explains:

"As it is now, I get half of my tuition paid for. This bill will pay for 100% of Veterans education costs. What happened when 5 million G.I.'s came home from WWII, we put these Veterans through College and in 1949, 50, 51 we sent them out into the workforce and our economy and productivity exploded...We are at similar times. Our economy is hurting and we need to invest in Veterans and send them out into the workforce like we did then...McCain only voted for this bill when he saw the light because of the pressure on him because he was against it."

At each university these Veterans told their story. Their story of service to our country in uniform and now in the political process. Laporte characterized how he decided to speak out in support of Senator Obama with:

"I love my country and wanted to protect my country but then when we found out there were no WMD's I started to think about it...and it's veteran benefits. Barack has shown he supports Veterans."

Pickett echoed this sentiment by stating:

"I read John McCain's book and was for him but then I checked out his voting record through some Veterans groups. McCain got a D rating and Barack got a B. I liked McCain initially because I thought how great it would be to have a brother in Washington...but he has shown he does not support Veterans when they come home...I mean I myself overcame problems I was having with therapy through the VA Benefits and so many Veterans are having the same problems. When Walter Reed happened and Barack stood up for soldiers...you have to look at the record. Barack supports soldiers when they come home."

The crowds were sizable and despite the fact that these were hosted at Universities, there were faces of all ages who came out to hear the voices of young Veterans for Obama. They told stories of their experiences in war. They spoke positively of their experiences and their disappointment in the politicians who have exploited their service for their own personal gain.

Veterans of past wars were in the audience and at each event Clumpner, Laporte, and Pickett spent time after each event bonding with other Veterans in a way only other Veterans would understand. It was a sense of comraderie and support for one another that exemplifies the best in what America has to offer and something this writer can only observe but never fully understand.

Obama Supporters Rally in La Crosse

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:14:34 EDT

La Crosse - When word got out that John McCain would be coming to La Crosse, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl and Congressman Ron Kind quickly took action. Holding a rally today just hours after John McCain was in town speaking to a crowd about a third of the size that Barack Obama spoke to last week in La Crosse, Senator Kohl and Congressman Kind expressed the reasons why Barack Obama represents real change and John McCain is out of touch.

Inroduced by Obama supporter Terry Brenner, a local YMCA employee, who stated:

"We need to put an end to John McCain's negative campaigning here in Wisconsin. Barack Obama has a fair tax plan and health plan that would help my family who is in a challenging situation"

After Brenner in Congressman Kind's words "best summed up the reasons we all are here", Congressman Kind spoke of his wonder in light of John McCain's recent actions why this election appears so close.

"This administration has drove us into a ditch...McCain and Bush are attached at the hip, he voted with George Bush 91% of the time...his attutude of de-regulation and trickle down thinking, that everything will work out hasn't happened. McCain does not get it. He has been erratic and inconsistence since day one. He said the economy was strong right before our current crisis. He admitted he never even read the rescue plan."

Congressman Kind continued by voicing that Barack Obama provides proven judgement and sound leadership. He stated that:

'We have 25 more days to change the focus and change the agenda. In 25 more days, working families will have a voice against the powerful corporate interest that have had a grip on Washington. It is time to turn the page on the last eight years and elect Barack Obama."

When Senator Kohl came to the podium to a resounding ovation it was clear that his presence excited the local supporters and fired up the volunteers to carry on with the movement for change they have grown in the last twenty months. Senator Kohl stated that we have a serious decision on November 4th and the issues are clear.

"With our country in trouble at home and abroad because of this administration's policies of the last eight years, here in Wisconsin we are not going to allow another eight years like this...There was a so called group of mavericks in town that aren't mavericks at all. In fact, we have a maverick of our own and he(Barack Obama) will be President on November 4th."

Check out these photos of this afternoon's rally:

Get involved! Find a local Campaign for Change office here!

New Ad - "Tested"

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:05:07 EDT

Be part of history and find a Campaign for Change office near you. Join us.

Get Registered and Vote!

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:57:01 EDT

Don't miss out on being part of history.

Not registered to vote? Visit voteforchange.com

Need to find your polling location? go to voteforchange.com

Need to find your municipal clerks office for in-person absentee voting? Go to voteforchange.com

Go to voteforchange.com today and make sure your voice is heard

Wisconsin Speaks Out

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:14:43 EDT

Support for Senator Obama here in Wisconsin represents every cross section of life here in the Badger State. Coming from a single parent background who was jointly raised by his Grandparents, Barack's humble roots taught him the value of hard work and the importance of community. Turning his back on high paying job offers from Wall Street law firms after graduating college, Barack chose to go to the south side of Chicago and work as a community organizer to help people who were affected by job losses related to steel mill closings in the 1980's.

It is service to community that shaped Barack's principles and his career in politics. Ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things in their community is something Barack believes in. It is this support for serving the community that has led to his proposal of a $4000 tax break on student loans for students who choose to take on a job after college that serves and gives back to local communities. Perhaps that is the reason that people across the Badger state who provide a service to their comunity support Barack.

Watch this video below of schoolteachers, firefighters, veterans, and others who provide a service to their local community in Wisconsin and why they support the vision of a President Obama.

Stand up in your community and talk to your neighbors about your support for Barack.

Get started today with our neighbor to neighbor tool right here.

You Can Vote For Change Today

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:56:45 EDT

As we reported on yesterday, voting has begun here in the Badger state. Across 72 counties people have begun casting their ballot for the highest office in the land. Today, you can do the same. In-Person Absentee Voting here in Wisconsin is easy and it's one way that you can avoid the lines of election day and be the first to make your voice heard.

To learn more about In-Person Absentee Voting watch this video below with Adam Brody:

Not registered to vote? Visit voteforchange.com

Need to find your polling location? go to voteforchange.com

Need to find your municipal clerks office for in-person absentee voting? Go to voteforchange.com

Go to voteforchange.com today and make sure your voice is heard

Voting Begins!

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:02:47 EDT

Voting for the Presidential election has begun here in Wisconsin. Today, across the Badger state, ballots arrived at the municipal clerks offices and voting for the Presidential campaign kicked off. It has been four long years for hungry voters to get back in the booth and make their voices heard in an election that decides the higher office in our great country. Today, voters got an opportunity to be the first in Wisconsin to cast their ballot in an election that has seen change meet more of the same.

Eager voters for Barack Obama showed up at their local clerks office across the state. Change was on their mind and hope was in their hearts as they cast their ballot for the candidate who is providing a clear choice for a new direction on every issue from Healthcare to the current economic crisis. Voting early is easy in the Badger state, and convenient.

Termed in-person absentee voting, you can go to your local clerks office and vote early even if you are not registered to vote or have never voted before. In Wisconsin there is the ability to register to vote and vote on the same day. In-person absentee voting allows people to vote early and avoid the long lines of election day and conveniently vote on their own terms.

To utilize the convenience of in-person absentee voting just go to your local clerks office and fill out a ballot today. If you are not registered to vote go to your clerks office and register then vote. It's easy and convenient. Don't just take it from me, watch Barack Obama in the video below talk about Wisconsin's In-Person Absentee Voting.

Not registered to vote? Visit voteforchange.com

Need to find your polling location? go to voteforchange.com

Need to find your municipal clerks office for in-person absentee voting? Go to voteforchange.com

Go to voteforchange.com today and make sure your voice is heard

Dial For Change - Phone Bank Undecided Voters This Week

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:46:25 EDT

As we enter the final month of an election cycle that has created a new movement for change, supporters and volunteers of the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin are the most important asset when it comes to persuading undecided voters to cast their ballot for Barack Obama. This movement has been built on ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things and it has shown that change happens in a community when one person takes it upon themselves to talk to their neighbors in their community about why they support Barack.

That is why we encourage you to get involved and participate in a phone bank this week with the campaign for Change. At every office this week, Field Organizers with the Campaign for Change will be working with volunteers to reach out to undecided voters and listen to their concerns as they explain why Barack is the clear choice for change on important issues like the current economic crisis and healthcare. If you have never phone banked before its easy and rewarding.

Whether it is at one of our High School nights on Tuesdays or Womens events on Wednesdays, supporters like you are gathering to make phone calls on behalf of Barack and express to their neighbors why Obama/Biden provides the change we need here in Wisconsin. If you've never phonebanked before or you are not sure what it exactly entails, watch the video below as staffers and volunteers share with you some helpful tips and success stories surrounding one of the most important ways you can reach voters and spread the message of Barack Obama.

To find your local office click here.

To get started making phone calls from home, click here to use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool.

New Ad - "Coin"

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:00:15 EDT

Read more about Barack's Health Care plan here.

Speak Out! - Write a Letter to the Editor about health care here.

Get Out The Vote Training With Students For Barack Obama

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:46:15 EDT

This afternoon across all corners of the Badger State, the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin conducted trainings to prepare for election day on November 4th. With volunteers showing up in all around the state to learn how to motivate identified Obama supporters and get them to the polls, there were trainings on how to prepare for every possible condition that would face these volunteers come November 4th.

In Madison, Wi, while many were preparing for the Big Ten rival matchup between the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State, over fifty students cramped into an office building basement to learn how they could successfully manage the front lines for this movement for change on election day. After a an introduction by the campaign's youth vote director, Ally Carragher, who spoke about the importance of preparing one month in advance for every conceivable and extraordinary measure that may face these young community organizers, they got down to business.

This election has succeded in the primaries and will succeed here in the general election by expanding the electorate and changing the political map that has dominated American politics in recent memory. Through voter registration and persuading undecided voters to look at Barack's unique position that affords him support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents; these students learned today about how to come together behind a common purpose and empower eachother to take control of this movement for change.

With only thirty days to go our time is now.

Get started with our online Neighbor to Neighbor voter contact tool here.

New Ad - "Can't Explain"

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:39:57 EDT

New Ad - "477"

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:37:56 EDT

Wisconsin Youth Tour Redux

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:17:28 EDT

Yesterday we reported on the youth tour that captured the attention of students in the Badger state earlier this week. We were going through our archive of photos from the successful journey with Adam Brody, Joy Bryant and the Campaign for Change and wanted to share some more images from the two day whirlwind with you.

Get involved and join the this weekend's 72 hour canvass across 72 counties.

Wisconsin Youth Tour Spreads Message of Change

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:27:18 EDT

Over the course of two days and across seven colleges and one campaign sponsored high school night, Adam Brody and Joy Bryant spread the word to Wisconsin students about the importance of voting in this years election and why they support Barack Obama. Brody, best known for his role as Seth Cohen on "The O.C.", and Bryant, an actress and model who has been seen in Blockbusters Spiderman - 2 and Bobby, both felt an urgency to get involved with this particular campaign and lend their support to the grassroots movement for change that inspired them.

Speaking in front of hundreds of college students at each location through the tour Bryant shared how she was:

"moved by Barack's choice to pass up jobs that could have made him very wealthy in order to go to the south side of Chicago and organize communities that were suffering. He made a sacrifice and has shown judgment that I would want in my President."

Brody, who initally was a leaning towards Hillary Clinton but was content to let Barack and her "fight it out in the primaries", was convinced that Barack was the right choice when he watched his convention speech. Spending convention week watching the coverage proved to Brody that Barack was a good choice and:

"the change we need...clearly Barack is smart and we have seen what picking the less intelligent guy has gotten us the last eight years so maybe it's time we pick the candidate who is more intelligent to lead. I mean I look at it as who would you want performing surgery on your children...I think it's clear you want the smarter guy."

From Milwaukee to De Pere to Appleton on the first day and Oshkosh to Stevens Point and ending in Madison on the second day, Brody and Bryant were met with large crowds and enthusiastic young voters. Claire in Appleton stated:

"I came out to see what these celebrities thought. I mean, I am registered to vote but I have been undecided and it was interesting to hear what they thought. The fact that they would take time away from their lives to come here is pretty amazing. It shows that they care."

After starting the first day at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Brody and Bryant made their way to Marquette University where after speaking about "the importance of getting it right this time", they posed for pictures with the students and even sat down with the school television station for interviews. In De Pere at a local coffee shop, Cafe Luna, they were met by a crowd from local St. Norbert College that was so large the traveling crew of campaign staffers and volunteers who hosted the event had to wait outside as Brody and Bryant fielded qustions to a packed house.

"I am here because I support Barack Obama but it's amazing to have them(Adam and Joy) coming to De Pere...I just turned 18 and can't wait to vote, I'm not volunteering but maybe I will...this election is important"

These the words of Stacey in De Pere. This bolstered the decision by Brody and Bryant to hit the road for Barack. As Adam stated during each rally,

"I wish I didn't have to do this. I wish it was easier and people would see it...but I do have to do it and I choose to do it because this election is too important and our country's future is at stake."

However, the fact that they have chosen to do this shows the extension into every corner of this country the grassroots movement for change has had. People from all walks of life have been moved to stand up for change and take action towards making it happen. It is the taking action that builds momentum in every community and Barack has said "this election has never been about me, it's been about you." It's up to us and young Americans are rising to the challenge.

Join Students for Barack Obama here.

Barack In La Crosse Today

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:34:07 EDT

La Crosse - Earlier today Barack was in La Crosse and was greeted by 15,000 people at an outdoor venue in downtown. Speaking about fiscal responsibility in the federal government, Barack pledged to ensure the rescue plan works for working Americans.

Watch his comments here:

Tired of John mcCain distorting Barack Obama's economic and tax policies?

Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper here.

Ad - "Spending Spree"

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:14:13 EDT

Veterans For Obama Tour - Madison

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:18:45 EDT

Madison - Over the course of the next month as the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin gets closer to election day, Veterans who support Senator Obama and want to see a President Obama will be holding forums throughout the state. It began at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where three veterans and an active duty family member made the case why they support Senator Obama and how his message most resonates with Veterans.

Graham Clumpner, Veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, expressed his support for Senator Obama because Barack has supported Veterans care for soldiers who come home from war. He answered John McCain's vote against the expansion of the G.I. Bill with "you know what hurts retainment John, Iraq." The expansion of the G.I. bill will fund %100 of a Veterans education. Currently Clumpner, who is in College, receives roughly half of his funding from the the Army. Clumpner, spoke about his experienced knowledge between the two wars and his wilingness to go back to Afghanistan and help the Afghan people but that Iraq and Afghanistan are "two different war experiences."

Check out these photos of the night:

Abbie Pickett, who was a veteran of the Iraq war as well and who after reading John McCain's book was initially a supporter. However, she looked past the war hero stories and actually saw John McCain's voting record on Veteran's issues. A sufferer of pyschological issues due to her war experience, Pickett found that she came to campaign for Barack because he has shown leadership on Veterans issues such as eliminating the need for soldiers to pay for meals and phone calls at Walter Reed hospital.

The night was educational for all who attended and the expression of support for Barack's leadership on Veterans issues is something these Veterans want to spread to other Vets. Fighting through John McCain's war hero status to get to the truth of both candidates actual voting records on Veterans issues is a priority this month for these Veterans for Obama. They have come to the conclusion that in order to lead on Veterans issues it takes actual judgement and action and in this election cycle these Veterans have determined the clear choice is Barack Obama.

Join Veterans for Obama here.

Watch Livestream of Barack in La Crosse

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:16:19 EDT

Campaign for Change Office Profile - Madison, WI Student HQ

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:45:07 EDT

Madison - Last week in Madison the Campaign for Change student headquarters for University of Wisconsin - Madison opened its doors. A hub of activity all week long, the office is home to two CFC Field Organizers, one College Student Coordinator, one High School Student Coordinator, and many volunteers. If you visited the office last week you may have experienced their opening party, or phone banked Tuesday on high school night, or maybe you were part of the student canvassing efforts that went on all week.

Youth involvement has been important to the success of this campaign since the beginning. In Iowa it was the students who came out at the same rate as senior citizens to Caucus for Barack Obama. During the months following Barack's early victories in Iowa and South Carolina, the campaign saw droves of young people leaving their jobs and putting their lives on hold to join the movement for change. This has created a new political generation that has been empowered by Barack's message; who have proven the cynics wrong with their message of substantive change.

Here in Madison it is no different. The office at 216 N Henry St, is a beacon of the change that is growing from the bottom up on a grassroots level and being led by people who are new to the political process or coming back to it after a long time away. To get involved with the student organizing at the Madison Student Headquarters visit the office on Henry Street and join this historical movement for change.

Even if you have not been involved before, that's ok, the students and staff at the Madison office will provide you with everything you need to be successful. With less than forty days to go, our sense of urgency has never been greater.

Check out these photos from the office opening party:

Feeling the fierce urgency of now?

Get involved now - Find a Local Office - Make Phone Calls - Go Door to Door

New Ad - "Parachute"

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:19:10 EDT

Join the Wisconsin Canvass Team and let's go door to door together.

Post Debate Ad - "Zero"

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:34:16 EDT

Block by block and street by street, let's show why Barack is the clear choice for the change we need.

Join our Wisconsin Canvass Team here.

It Doesn't Have To Be That Way

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:46:28 EDT

Visit voteforchange.com and let's insure this nightmare does not become a reality.

The First Debate - Change Versus More Of The Same

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:36:35 EDT

Oxford, MS - Last Night was the first Presidential Debate of the fall season. Barack Obama showed last night that he has solutions to move America forward and John McCain is stuck in the past holding on to the same failed trickle down policies that have been proven to fail.

Senator Obama showed a clear vision for our future and made the connection between economic security and national security. While John McCain and George Bush have been obsessed with Iraq for the last eight years, American economic security has been drained as the surplus the Republicans inherited has been turned into an $11 Trillion debt. Barack Obama made the connection that no country in the history of the world has seen its economic power decline and maintained its military superiority.

The foreign policy mismanagement that John McCain has supported and has contributed to economic insecurity at home was what Barack Obama termed "four more years that look like the last eight." After voting with George Bush 90% of the time and saying "we(the republicans) went to Washington to change Washington, but Washington changed us", he is asking the American people to continue with more of the same. While, John McCain wants to continue to provided corporate loopholes in tax policy that help ship job overseas, Barack Obama pledged last night to close these loopholes and provide tax cuts for the middle class and 95% of all Americans.

The choice could not have been any clearer, John McCain is following the dangerous path of George Bush that has led to a hands off poiicies in relation to the economy. Barack Obama is offering a new direction with tax cuts for the middle class and no taxes for Seniors, investment in new cleaner energy technology which creates a whole new sector of "green jobs", and a responsible end to the war in Iraq that is draining $10 billion of our country's financial security each month.

Watch this clip and ask yourself, who has the judgement to make the right decisions to take our country in a new direction?

With less than 40 days to go, our sense of urgency has never been greater.

Sign up here to join the Wisconsin Canvass team today.

Video: Blueprint For Change Foreign Policy

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 02:26:36 EDT

Earlier this year, Barack Obama unveiled a detailed plan on the kind of change and leadership he is offering Americans. The Blueprint for Change is a comprehensive booklet that offers Barack's stance on every fundamental issue our country is facing right now.
Solutions on issues such as clean energy that will free us from foreign oil dependency, providing non-mandated affordable health care and providing tax cuts to 95% of all Americans; the Blueprint for Change is an example of the leadership Senator Obama will bring to our country.
However, this is not a one way dialogue. Barack encourages you to read the Blueprint for Change and give feedback to the campaign on the policy positions he has taken as he firmly believes it is time to put governement back into the hands of the people. In the video below the Campaign for Change has focused on a segment of the Blueprint for Change which focus on one of the most important issues facing our nation today, foreign policy.
Watch the video and learn why Barack Obama is the clear choice that will provide leadership and solutions to the issues facing our nation. Don't forget to tell us what you think and contact the campaign with your thoughts here.

Download the entire Blueprint for Change here.

Video: Blueprint For Change Foreign Policy

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:54:59 EDT

Earlier this year, Barack Obama unveiled a detailed plan on the kind of change and leadership he is offering Americans. The Blueprint for Change is a comprehensive booklet that offers Barack's stance on every fundamental issue our country is facing right now.
Solutions on issues such as clean energy that will free us from foreign oil dependency, providing non-mandated affordable health care and providing tax cuts to 95% of all Americans; the Blueprint for Change is an example of the leadership Senator Obama will bring to our country.
However, this is not a one way dialogue. Barack encourages you to read the Blueprint for Change and give feedback to the campaign on the policy positions he has taken as he firmly believes it is time to put governement back into the hands of the people. In the video below the Campaign for Change has focused on a segment of the Blueprint for Change which focus on one of the most important issues facing our nation today, foreign policy.
Watch the video and learn why Barack Obama is the clear choice that will provide leadership and solutions to the issues facing our nation. Don't forget to tell us what you think and contact the campaign with your thoughts here.

Download the entire Blueprint for Change here.

Firehouse Fish Fry With Joe Biden and Local Firefighters

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:32:25 EDT

In Cudahy, WI today Jill and Joe Biden attended a midday fish fry at a local Firehouse. Senator Biden spoke about the need to support our first responders with the resources they badly need in order to save lives. Speaking from personal experiences both Jill and Joe Biden expressed their support for Firefighters and First Responders.

They also spoke of the federal government's responsibility to fund the important protection Firefighters and First Responders provide to the local community and how Barack and Joe would be there for them in Washington. Check out the full video of Joe in Cudahy:

The first debate is tonight! Find a local debate watch party here.

Fight The Smears

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:30:01 EDT

Be Heard - Alicia Keys

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:22:52 EDT

Visit voteforchange.com and make sure your voice is heard this November. Our time is now.

Women's Week Of Action Spotlight - Stoughton House Party/Phone Bank

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:13:28 EDT

Stoughton - This week is Women's Week Of Action with the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin. Beginning with Michelle Obama's Kickoff Rally's on Monday, the Camapign for Change has hosted a series of action events for women supporters of Barack Obama. In Stoughton, WI, Krista Westerberg hosted a Women to Women house party. The first half of the party was a discussion of women's issues which led into these women taking action by phone calling other women in order to spread the message of why Barack Obama is the candidate of choice on women's issues.

Whether it was his position in favor of Equal Pay versus John McCain's voting against last year's equal pay bill in Congress or his position in support of families through expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act, to Krista's crew Barack was clearly on the right side of every issue. Now, the work came in persuading undecided women to get on board with Obama.

As they listened to the concerns of women they reached out to, Krista's crew matched their concerns with the issues. Baracks stance in favor of expansion of Early Childhood Education, affordable non-mandated Health Care for all Americans and Equal Pay were all items that helped bring a few voters into the Obama column.

It is voices of change like Krista's crew in Stoughton that are growing the grassroots movement for change here in Wisconsin. Spreading the change we need this movement is fueled by volunteers taking action into their own hands in their own communities. Reclaiming our country is a tough task, but with examples like what happened in Stoughton the other night it got a little easier.

Check out these photos submitted by Nick Holder of the event:

Want to stand up for change? Find a Get The Facts House Party here.

New Ad - "Economy"

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:58:46 EDT

New Ad - "Economy"

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:40:06 EDT

Barack: Debate is " More Important Than Ever"

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:59:03 EDT

Barack Obama gave a press conference today regarding the current economic solution being debated in Congress. Watch Barack's statement and his answers to reporters questions.

Attend or Host a Debate Watch Party Here.

Senator Feingold Introduces Barack In Green Bay

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:02:48 EDT

Green Bay - On Monday in Green Bay, Barack Obama gave a stirring speech on reforming Washington. Barack was introduced by Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, who spoke about how Barack has already reformed Washington on a bi-partisan basis in the Senate and how he is the clear choice for reform that our country needs. Watch Senator Feingold's full remarks here:

Reform will only happen if we take it into our own hands on a grassroots level.

Sign up to join our Wisconsin Canvass Team here.

Be Heard - voteforchange.com

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:21:28 EDT

Visit voteforchange.com and make sure your voice is heard this November. Our time is now.

Video: Michelle Obama In Madison Monday

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:14:20 EDT

As we reported on last night, Michelle Obama was in Wisconsin on Monday. See her entire remarks at the Madison rally here:

This week is Women's Week Of Action with the Campaign for Change in Wisconsin.

Attend a Get The Facts House Party Today.

MIchelle Obama Kick's off Women's Week Of Action In Wisconsin

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:50:57 EDT

Yesterday while her husband was in Green Bay talking about reforming Washington, Michelle Obama was also in the Badger state. Kicking off the Campaign for Change's Women Week Of Action here in Wisconsin, Michelle held a rally outside Camp Randall in Madison before jetting to Wassau to host an economic forum and ultimately ending the day with another rally in West Allis. Her message was clear, Barack gets it and women get it done.

Check out these photos submitted by Ally Carragher and Stav Shtekel

Speaking about the movement for change and that "each of us has come to this movement through our own paths", Michelle talked about her path and family upbringing on the south side of Chicago and the example of hard work and faith her parents instilled in her. She spoke about the issues that worry her as they do many Americans, such as a broken education system and the need for better health care and how that will impact her daughters future. Yet, she stated it did not need to be that way. There is one candidate that gets it.

Michelle spoke about the one candidate who "instead of talking about family values...actually have policies that value families." She echoed that there was only one candidate "who has a health care plan that will cover all Americans and reduce costs. Even further Michelle stated there was only one candidate "whose built his economic plan around the middle class and will cut 95% of taxes for all working Americans." This candidate is her husband, Barack Obama.

Check out these photos from the West Allis rally as taken by Erin Nagy:

Yet, with only 41 days left until election day, Michelle was here to urge that we take action if we want to see the solutions to these issues become a reality. Urging women to get involved and take action at one of the many events the Campaign for Change is hosting this week, she reminded us there is not much time left but our time truly is now.

Get Involved with the Campaign for Change Women's Week of Action.

Attend a Get the Facts House Party or Phone Bank today.

Destination

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:57:01 EDT

Host or Attend A Debate Watch Party

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:15:02 EDT

Friday night will mark the first debate in the Prseidential debate of the election season. The debate is scheduled for 8pm Central at The University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS and will focus on foreign policy issues. Earlier today, Michelle Obama sent out an email inviting supporters of the Campaign for Change here in Georgia to host or attend a debate watch party.

Thomas --

This Friday, we'll reach another milestone in this campaign -- the first debate of the general election, on September 26th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Millions of Americans will tune in to watch Barack debate John McCain about America's foreign policy and our role in the world.

Barack will share his plan to bring the change we need -- to restore our place in the world, ensure security at home and abroad, and reestablish the United States as the world's economic leader.

This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the issues. And it's also a great opportunity for you to share Barack's message of change with your friends, family, and neighbors by attending or hosting a Debate Watch Party.

Watch the debate with friends and supporters, and talk about how you can get involved in this movement.

I recorded a brief message about these parties. Please take a moment to watch the video and sign up to attend or host a Debate Watch Party in your community.

Many Americans are still learning about Barack and this movement for change.

They don't know about his plan to restore the middle class, cut taxes for 95 percent of American families, provide health care for every American, achieve energy independence, improve our schools, and responsibly end the war in Iraq.

Many people also don't know that John McCain has voted with George Bush more than 90 percent of the time -- including to continue Bush's failed Iraq policies, not investigating the government response to Katrina, not supporting children's health care, not supporting college benefits for returning veterans, and passing tax cuts for the rich at the expense of the middle class.

This debate is a chance for Americans to hear directly from Barack. And with just a few weeks left before Election Day, it's more important than ever that we bring people together and talk about the issues that matter in our communities.

I hope you'll watch my short message and sign up to attend or even host a Debate Watch Party:

http://my.barackobama.com/debate

Thank you for all that you're doing,

Michelle

Host or Attend A Debate Watch Party

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:46:53 EDT

Thomas --

This Friday, we'll reach another milestone in this campaign -- the first debate of the general election, on September 26th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Millions of Americans will tune in to watch Barack debate John McCain about America's foreign policy and our role in the world.

Barack will share his plan to bring the change we need -- to restore our place in the world, ensure security at home and abroad, and reestablish the United States as the world's economic leader.

This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the issues. And it's also a great opportunity for you to share Barack's message of change with your friends, family, and neighbors by attending or hosting a Debate Watch Party.

Watch the debate with friends and supporters, and talk about how you can get involved in this movement.

I recorded a brief message about these parties. Please take a moment to watch the video and sign up to attend or host a Debate Watch Party in your community.

Many Americans are still learning about Barack and this movement for change.

They don't know about his plan to restore the middle class, cut taxes for 95 percent of American families, provide health care for every American, achieve energy independence, improve our schools, and responsibly end the war in Iraq.

Many people also don't know that John McCain has voted with George Bush more than 90 percent of the time -- including to continue Bush's failed Iraq policies, not investigating the government response to Katrina, not supporting children's health care, not supporting college benefits for returning veterans, and passing tax cuts for the rich at the expense of the middle class.

This debate is a chance for Americans to hear directly from Barack. And with just a few weeks left before Election Day, it's more important than ever that we bring people together and talk about the issues that matter in our communities.

I hope you'll watch my short message and sign up to attend or even host a Debate Watch Party:

http://my.barackobama.com/debate

Thank you for all that you're doing,

Michelle

Be Heard

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:25:09 EDT

Visit voteforchange.com and make sure your voice is heard this November. Our time is now.

A Message For and About Georgia Students For Obama

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:46:12 EDT

Youth involvement has been a cornerstone of growing the movement for change that has seen millions of volunteers donate their time and energy to. Whether organizing in their universities to register their fellow students to vote, giving up six weeks of their summer to be part of the Obama Organizing Fellowship or knocking on doors and making phone calls to spread Barack's message, the youth volunteers have risen up and taken action.

Here in Georgia something has been stirring on college campuses. Students are taking on leadership roles with the Campaign for Change. Unite for Change teams are active at almost every college campus within the state. Registering their fellow students at a rapid pace, student volunteers have exhibited a sense of urgency and activism that has not been seen out of younger Americans in decades. But there is still more work ahead.

The Campaign for Change needs more students to stand up for change these next 44 days. The choice for change is clear and young people are overwhelming embracing Barack Obama's message. Now, we need those same young people to get out and volunteer with the Campaign for Change. The elections in both 2000 and 2004 were decided by the slimmest of margins and we cannot afford to let that happen this time around.

Students! Let's keep the energy moving forward towards election day by signing up to volunteer with the Campaign. We don't choose history, history chooses us, so stand up and volunteer at being part of that history today. Volunteer here.

Check out some student volunteers from Athens, GA signing students up to volunteer at Convention Watch Party that took place last month and then get involved.

Feeling the fierce urgancy of now? Get started today by contacting voters through our online canavssing tool Neighbor to Neighbor. Begin today.

Video: Blueprint For Change At A Glance

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:03:55 EDT

Earlier this year, Barack Obama unveiled a detailed plan on the kind of change and leadership he is offering Americans. The Blueprint for Change is a comprehensive booklet that offers Barack's stance on every fundamental issue our country is facing right now.
Solutions on issues such as clean energy that will free us from foreign oil dependency, providing non-mandated affordable health care and providing tax cuts to 95% of all Americans; the Blueprint for Change is an example of the leadership Senator Obama will bring to our country.
However, this is not a one way dialogue. Barack encourages you to read the Blueprint for Change and give feedback to the campaign on the policy positions he has taken as he firmly believes it is time to put governement back into the hands of the people. In the video below the Campaign for Change has focused on a segment of the Blueprint for Change which focus on one of the most important issues facing our nation today, the economy.
Watch the video and learn why Barack Obama is the clear choice that will provide leadership and solutions to the issues facing our economy. Don't forget to tell us what you think and contact the campaign with your thoughts here.

Download the entire Blueprint for Change here.

Equal Pay

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:09:58 EDT

Barack Obama released a new campaign ad today starring Lilly Ledbetter, who was at the center of a landmark Supreme Court case in 2007. Barack Obama has been a strong supporter of equal pay in the workplace while John McCain has, well, watch the new ad here:

Don't get mad! Spread the truth by writing a letter to the Editor of your local newspaper.

Get started here!

Don't Get Mad, Get Registered!

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:36:05 EDT

The Campaign for Change has a new website called voteforchange.com. Here you can check to see if you are registered to vote and if you are not you can register to vote. The site also has the ability to help you find your polling location and find an early vote location.

REMEMBER!
Here in Georgia Early Voting begins Monday, September 22nd.
The last day to register to vote is Monday, October 6th.
Election Day is Tuesday November, 4th.

There are three ways to help Barack Obama get elected the next President of The United States

        Vote for Barack Obama
        Vote Early for Barack Obama
        Volunteer with the Campaign for Change.

Fight the Smears and write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper. Click here to get started.

Barack's New Ad "Plan for Change"

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:09:07 EDT

Barack Addresses The Economic Crisis

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:17:51 EDT

Campaign For Change Opens Office in South Dekalb

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:51:37 EDT

Dekalb County - In South Dekalb the Campaign for Change opened another office in Georgia. Barack Obama's Campaign for Change continues to expand its presence on the ground here in Georgia. Traditionally seen as one of the reddest states in the country something is stirring on the ground here in Georgia.

John McCain's campaign exhibits no presence here in Georgia as they operate their non-existent Georgia campaign from the confines of an office in Tallahasse, FL. It is very tough to understand the concerns of Georgians when you have no campaign staff working in a state. In contrast, the Campaign for Change continues to maintain one of the largest Democratic Presidential Campaigns the peach state has ever seen.

Working with the Unite For Change Neighborhood Team, Field Organizers with the Campaign for Change are coordinating with volunteer leaders and teams in every county. Neighborhood Teams are utilizing the organizing tools they learned last month at the Campaign for Change statewide team trainings. This has produced a startling amount of activity within all 159 counties thatis geared towards electing Democrats across the board this November.

Volunteer Leaders and team members are listening to the concerns of Georgians on the ground. What they are learning is that Barack Obama is the clear choice for change that Georgia needs. Whether it is his plan to CUT TAXES for 95% of Americans and taking the tax burden off the middle class or his desire to ELIMINATE INCOME TAXES for Seniors, Obama has proven he is the change Georgians are seeking. While John McCain wants to ignore the housing crisis by arguing the market will fix it, Barack Obama has detailed plans to protect home ownership and close the bankruptcy and mortgage fraud loopholes that have hurt so many Georgians.

What the Campaign for Change is learning as the Unite for Change Teams are out registering voters in record numbers is when it comes to Georgia, the clear choice in Georgians minds is Barack Obama. One must ask themselves when John McCain states "we(Republicans) went to Washington to change Washington but Washington changed us", do they really deserve to follow that with give us four more years. Eight is Enough

Photos of the newest CFC Office in South Dekalb submitted by Gustave R. Thomas:

Feeling the fierce urgency of now? Start contacting voters with our Neighbor to Neighbor tool.

UFC Volunteer Teams Host Organizational Action Meeting

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:46:23 EDT

Atlanta - This past week the Unite For Change teams here in Georgia conducted organizational action meetings throughout the state. Organizational action meetings are designed to bring volunteers from the community together to strategize plans of action which include voter registration, volunteer recruitment and voter contact. The Unite For Change Teams, which are led by volunteers of the Campaign for Change, are grassroots groups that work together in their neighborhoods and local communities in order to spread the word about Barack Obama.

At one meeting at the Campaign for Change state headquarters on 1080 Spring Street in Atlanta, volunteers recruited attendees, planned the meeting agenda and enacted a plan of action for the coming weekend activities. With the deadline for voter registration approaching on October 6, and early voting starting on September 22 here in Georgia, the main focus was how to register as many voters as possible. At this particular meeting the volunteer leaders signed up other volunteers to be at strategic locations in and around Atlanta that would enhance their prospects of registering more voters.

After a meet and greet period that included discussion on how volunteers can tell their own story that is tied to an issue an important to you, volunteers learned valuable communication skills that will allow for the over 5000 active volunteers in the peach state to comfortably talk to potential voters. At the end of the night with the strategy in hand and volunteers fired up and ready to register voters, the Unite for Change Teams with the Campaign for Change showed what community organizing is all about. When ordinary people come together with a common goal, they can achieve extraordinary things.

Find a Campaign for Change office near you and volunteer for change.

9/11 - We Will Always Remember

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:15:54 EDT

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks

By Christopher Hass - Sep 11th, 2008 at 1:00 am EDT

In remembrance of the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Senator Obama released the following statement:

Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad.

On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.

Georgia Republicans Support Barack Obama

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:13:44 EDT

Atlanta - Early on in the election cycle, registered Republicans John and Deborah Nail were looking for a reason to support John McCain. Then they kept looking. They looked again. That is when they saw a candidate who embodied all that they were looking for in the next President of the United States, Barack Obama. Ever since they have been supporting the Campaign for Change through donations and volunteering.

When the Campaign for Change staff first hit the ground here in Georgia, John and Deborah opened their home and gave them a place to stay. They opened their home one more time to Democrats, Independents, and other Republicans during a convention watch party in support of Barack's acceptance speech as the Democratic nominee for President of The United States.

Uniting for change these Republicans, Independents, and Democrats symbolize the message of Barack Obama that we are not a collection of red states and blue states but in fact the United States. Across the country the Campaign for Change has seen people who stand on both sides of the aisle, come together and stand with Barack Obama. Change will only happen when we work together as Americans on the issues that we hold dear. In Georgia, Democrats, Independents and Republicans have already begun.

Now watch this video of John and Deborah's convention watch party:

Join Republicans for Obama here.

Feeling the fierce urgency of now? Get started by contacting voters in your neighborhood here.

Neighbor To Neighbor

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:25:20 EDT

We are 55 days away from election day here in Georgia. This election provides a clear choice between the substantive change Barack Obama is offering and more of the same failed policies that we have already seen from John McCain and the Republicans. That is why the campaign is using a new online tool to reach out to voters in the Peach State. Neighbor to Neighbor is an online calling and canvassing tool that puts the campaign literally in the hands of our supporters.

"What the naysayers don't understand, is that this election has never been about me, it's about you" - Barack Obama - August 28, 2008 - Democratic Nomination Acceptance Speech

Watch this video to learn how the Neighbor to Neighbor online calling tool works:

Check out this video to see how the Neighbor to Neighbor online canvassing tool works:

Start contacting voters today with our Neighbor to Neighbor tool. Click here to get started.

"Enough"

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:03:34 EDT

Students Organizing For Change At The Atlanta University Center Office

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:49:23 EDT

Atlanta - The Campaign for Change Atlanta University Center Office is located at 643 Martin Luther King, JR Drive on the campus of Morris Brown College. The Atlanta University Center, known to most as the AUC, is comprised of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. The office acts as a hub of operations for Students for Barack Obama and Field Organizers with the Campaign for Change.

Students from the AUC, acting in volunteer leadership roles, work in conjunction with Campaign for Change Field Organizers to take action in the local Atlanta community by registering voters, planning organizational meetings, coordinating Unite for Change house parties, and contacting undecided voters. Utilizing the office as a staging location for their efforts, students in the AUC have been registering voters and working towards providing a voice to some of the poorest, disenfranchised neighborhoods in the city.

The youth movement that is happening across the country and began for this campaign in Iowa, has continued to grow. The efforts at the Campaign for Change AUC office highlight the continued involvement and ownership the youth has in Barack Obama's movement for change. When the Campaign for Change sat down with Dr. Joseph Lowry, the Dean of the Civil Rights movement a couple of weeks ago, he talked about youth involvement in community and politics and stated:

"Throughout history when change has happened, students were at the forefront of these movements. When students move, America moves."

The Students for Barack Obama organizing in the AUC are at the forefront of this movement for change here in Atlanta. Check out this behind the scenes video of the AUC students painting their office and getting ready to open the AUC Campaign for Change office:

Go door to door and talk with your neighbors about the movement for change with our new online canvassing tool called Neighbor to Neighbor. Learn more.

Barack The Vote Rally At Spelman College

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:41:54 EDT

Atlanta - Young people have been more active during this election cycle than in recent memory. As the stakes surrounding this election between the change Barack Obama is offering and more of the same from John McCain continue to rise, young people are seen as the game changers. The youth movement that is happening across America has been motivated by eight years of failed Republican policy, high costs, stagnant wages, and the message of hope that surrounds the Campaign for Change.

Check out this video of young people coming together for change at Spelman College in Georgia.

Get Involved! Go Door to Door, Write a Letter to the Editor, Attend Obama Tuesdays

Campaign For Change Unveils New Web Tool For Voters

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:27:15 EDT

The Campaign for Change has developed a new web tool that enables voters to get all the answers to their voting questions and needs. The website voteforchange.com is an interactive web tool that provides voters with the opportunity to:

Find out if you are registered to vote.

Get registered to vote

Apply to vote absentee.

Find an early vote location.

Get answers to FAQ's about voting in Georgia

With voteforchange.com the Campaign for Change has made it possible for voters to gain assurances about the voting process in one central location. voteforchange.com is easy to use and within three minutes voters know that their voice will be heard on election day in one of the most important elections in American history.

Check out the new web tool here.

Campaign for Change Continues To Grow In Georgia

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:04:59 EDT

The Campaign for Change opened more offices this week and continues its push to reshape the US electoral map. Here in Georgia the Campaign for Change has officially opened 40 offices compared to John McCain's zero. A Democratic presence like this has not been seen in the state since Bill Clinton was carried to victory by the Peach State in 1992.

Check out these photos from volunteer Gustave R. Thomas who was at the Rockdale Office Opening

While John McCain continues to ignore the people of Georgia, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change has a 159 county strategy with staff on the ground listening to the concerns of Georgia voters. Registering voters in record numbers, over 300,000 people have been added to the Georgia roles since 2006, is a primary focus because the Campaign for Change believes no matter who you vote for it is important that Americans exercise their most fundamental right.

Here are more photos submitted by Jake Itzkowitz of an office opening in Carrollton

Tuesdays are Obama nights here in Georgia. Learn more here.

Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper and fight the smears. The Campaign for Change has made it easy in three simple steps. Speak out today!

Riverdale House Meeting

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:51:34 EDT

Riverdale - The Campaign for Change had great success registering voters last weekend. However, this did not end with the conclusion of the Labor Day Holiday. While most people utilize this holiday to rest, relax with friends and celebrate another summer gone by, the Campaign for Change continued its work towards turning Georgia blue for the first time since 1992.

In Riverdale, GA the Campaign for Change held a house party in conjunction with some of its most dedicated volunteers in the south suburbs. Over seventy people attended the volunteer recruitment and organizing meeting which saw a garage madeover into an Obama store. American flags and life sized Barack Obama cardboard cutoutscapped off the festive vibe. Yet, these supporters were not there to simply talk about their support for Senator Obama's message of change and bottom-up government. They were there to be that change.

After welcoming new volunteers to the process and sharing personal experience's of conflict and challenge in their own lives, these volunteers took their hopeful outcome and turned it into action. Almost each individual left the house meeting, clipboard in hand to search for new voter to register and bring into the political process.

Check out these photos of the event:

Tuesdays Are Reserved For Obama In Georgia

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:21:18 EDT

Georgia - Across the state last night, the Campaign for Change kicked off Obama Tuesdays in all 159 counties. Obama Tuesdays are a chance for volunteers who are part of the Unite For Change Neighborhood Teams to get together and strategize about volunteer recruitment, voter registration and contacting voters. The result is organizing a plan of action that will allow these teams of volunteer leaders to achieve goals each week of spreading the message of change. Here in Georgia, every Tuesday between now and the biggest Tuesday of them all, election day, will be Obama Tuesdays.

During the initial Obama Tuesday, volunteer leaders in conjunction with a Campaign for Change Field Organizer, discussed strategies for going door to door, phone banking and the issues they wished to highlight that week. After viewing an inspiring video about the story of Barack, which is genuinely American, these volunteers shared their own reasons for why they joined the movement for change. Yet, for these volunteers it was not all talk and strategy as the call to action compelled them to phone call their neighbors to engage in conversations about the issues of most concern for Georgians.

Want to know what a Unite For Change Neighborhood Team is? Watch this video of a team training in Savannah, GA.

Do you want to join the movement for change? Sign up to join a UFC team here.

Start Today! Contact your neighbors and spread Barack's message of change. Learn more here.

Marching Band Spells Out Why Obama Is The Clear Choice For Change

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:22:26 EDT

Atlanta - On Monday the Historical Black Colleges and Universities Marching Band Hall of Fame held a Battle of the Bands at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA. In front of more than 12,000 people at Herdon Stadium HBCU marching bands from around the south showcased their talent while a portion of the proceeds went to the United Negro College Fund and another $120,000 dollars were provided in grants to the participating schools.

The Campaign for Change had a presence outside of the stadium as volunteers were registering voters as part of the Convention Weekend of Action. Inside of the stadium the South Carolina State 101 Marching Band had one of the more unique performances. Led by Director of Bands Eddie Ellis the 101, which got its name in sixties when they added one person to show they were "one better" than another band with 100 in its name, ended its performance by having the band form the letters O-B-A-M-A on the football field. A commentator filled the loud speakers with a request for everyone to register to vote for change as the band stood tall in its Obama formation.

Photos submitted by Volunteer Gustave R. Thomas

The ode to Senator Obama was inspired by the Senator's message of change, whom some of the 331 member band got to meet when the first Democratic Debate took place in April of 2007. The Schools Jazz band played directly following the Democratic Debate and one week later Michelle Obama visited the school providing an opportunity for band members to meet who Mr. Ellis called "a cool lady, very friendly and someone I was very impressed with. So impressed."

While the Campaign for Change volunteers were doing their part outside by registering voters in record numbers this weekend, the band did their part inside by performing the routine that they had been working on since August 1st. Yet, an experienced crew like the 101 only took two to three times to lock the 32 metronome count assignments down. As Mr Ellis stated "with the system that we use we can just about spell anything as long as it doesn't exceed 331 people."

Using the recorded music "Ain't No Stopping Us Now", the 101 had performed the night before in front of over 2,000 people at a local high school and next week will perform the Obama routine again in front of 28,000 people at South Carolina State's first home football game.

Speakout! Tell Georgia why Obama is the clear choice for change and McCain is more of the same.

Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper here.

Henry County Convention Watch Party

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:46:06 EDT

Highlighting the success of last week’s Democratic National Convention are images from the Henry County watch party, which took place last Thursday night in honor of Barack Obama's historic acceptance speech. Thursday night's watch parties symbolized the launching pad for one of our most successful voter registration weekends to date.

The combination of blockbuster speeches delivered by the likes of Hillary Clinton, Mark Warner, Bill Clinton, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Joe Biden and of course Barack Obama, as well as the up to the minute convention coverage from our affiliate on the floor in Denver hit a chord among Georgian's who realize that we cannot afford more of the same, and the candidate offering that change is Sen. Barack Obama.

That is why we are spotlighting last week’s events, such as the one seen below in Henry County. It's because they were what kicked off such a successful weekend for the Campaign for Change, as well as Democrats across the great state of Georgia.

Photos Submitted by Lloyd Caldway, Jr.

Get Involved. Write a Letter to the Editor

Join a Unite for Change Team Here in Georgia

Democrats Unite For Change In Georgia

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:17:53 EDT

Last week Democrats enjoyed a historic, and unifying national convention in Denver, Colorado. Throughout the week Democrats were treated to rousing speeches, one of the best came from former candidate and Democratic icon Hillary Clinton. In what turned out to be one of the conventions best, Hillary called on all of her supporters to get behind Barack Obama's candidacy, or as many have dubbed it - A call for unity:

"We need to elect Barack Obama because we need a President who understands that America can't compete in a global economy by padding the pockets of energy speculators, while ignoring the workers whose jobs have been shipped overseas. We need a president who understands that we can't solve the problems of global warming by giving windfall profits to the oil companies while ignoring opportunities to invest in new technologies that will build a green economy.

We need a President who understands that the genius of America has always depended on the strength and vitality of the middle class.

Barack Obama began his career fighting for workers displaced by the global economy. He built his campaign on a fundamental belief that change in this country must start from the ground up, not the top down. He knows government must be about "We the people" not 'We the favored few.'" -Hillary Clinton, 8/26/08

Below is video of a Hillary Clinton Unity Party here in Atlanta, Georgia. Watch as Obama supporters and Hillary supporters come together and unite as one party - the Democratic Party.

The Latest Gallup Poll Shows that the "Unite for Change" Call is Being Answered.

Get Involved: Write a Letter to the Editor

Join a Unite for Change Team in Your Neighborhood

Convention Watch Party: Gainesville, GA

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:02:28 EDT

Gainesville - Spirits were high last Thursday as 50+ Obama/Biden supporters and volunteers gathered at the Atrium at the Hunt Tower in Gainesville, GA to watch the historic acceptance speech of Senator Barack Obama as he became our official Nominee to become the next President of the United States of America. It was further example of people coming together during this movement for change that has reshaped the political climate of our country. During the course of the event, supporters looking ahead to the Campaign for Change Convention Weekend of Action signed up for canvassing shifts to register voters and bring more people into the political process.

Here are some photos taken by Volunteer Diana Dokken:

The Campaign for Change offices are accepting donations for displaced residents of the Gulf Coast.

All donations will be transferred to the appropriate authorities through our state headquarters in Atlanta.

Find an office here.

Campaign for Change Offices Accepting Donations For Hurricane Relief

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:31:32 EDT

Campaign for Change Opens Its Offices to Assist Victims of Gustav Campaign’s 31 Offices to Accept Non-Perishables, Bottled Water

ATLANTA, GA – U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s Georgia Campaign for Change announced today that it will begin accepting non-perishables and other materials at its 31 statewide offices on Tuesday and Wednesday in an effort to assist families affected by Hurricane Gustav.

“The families in the path of this storm are in our thoughts and prayers,” Antwaun Griffin, Obama’s Georgia State Director, said. “Our campaign and network of supporters just want to deliver those in need a little extra support.”

Local residents are encouraged to bring non-perishables such as canned food, bottled water, first-aid supplies and other materials that may help people in the wake of the storm to their local Campaign for Change office.

The supplies will be brought to the Atlanta Headquarters later in the week and distributed to aid foundations that can ensure they are delivered to families in need.

To find a Campaign for Change office accepting donations click here.

Convention Watch Parties from Around the State

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:59:31 EDT

Atlanta - Today marks the end of the Campaign for Change Convention Weekend of Action. After Barack's historical acceptance Thursday night, Volunteers and Campaign for Change Staffers conducted an epic voter registration drive that encompassed the entire Labor Day weekend throughout all 159 counties here in Georgia. Thursday night was a chance to pause and embrace the hard work of millions of volunteers over the course of the last 18 months and celebrate the history Barack and his supporters have made. During his speech Barack summed up the heart of this movement for change:

"What the naysayers don't understand, is that this election has never been about me, it's about you!"

Thursday night was a chance to reflect, but Friday was about getting back to work registering voters, persuading undecided voters, and carrying on the movement for change. The Campaign for Change and its dedicated supporters and volunteers achieved something monumental Thursday night, but our work is not done, it has just begun.

Check out these photos submitted by Volunteer Gustave R. Thomas from a Senior Citizens for Obama Convention Watch Party in Southwest Atlanta:

Are you a Republican who supports Barack Obama? We want to hear from you!

Sign up with Republicans for Obama here.

Hurricane Gustav: How You Can Help

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:37:33 EDT

By Sam Graham-Felsen - Aug 31st, 2008 at 2:54 pm EDT
As Hurricane Gustav approaches and Gulf Coast residents evacuate their communities, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are affected by this situation.
Mayor Ray Nagin has announced a mandatory evacuation for the City of New Orleans today, Sunday, August 31st. If you are in the New Orleans area, please contact the state emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 if you need more information or go to the State of Louisiana site for an updated list of evacuations by parish.
If you are a Mississippi resident, please click here for information.
State and local government officials are working hard to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of the region, and many of you have asked how you can help too.
Please find out how you can help by visiting the American Red Cross or Save The Children today.
If disaster strikes, your support will be vital to those organizations that work to help our communities get back to their feet.
Stay tuned for updates and more information on how you can help.

The Campaign for Change is accepting donations of canned food and bottled water that will be transferred to the American Red Cross; providing relief efforts for Americans displaced by Hurricane Gustav.

Find a Campaign for Change office in Georgia here.

Voices of Change: "25 by the 25th" Participant Diana Dokken

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:56:30 EDT

Diana Dokken of Gainesville has proven time after time to be one of the campaigns biggest assets in terms of volunteers who are willing to go above and beyond what is asked or expected. Always willing to go the extra mile, Diana recently completed the "25 by the 25th" voter registration drive which called for individuals to register 25 new voters by August 25th. Here is her personal story:

I am a 62 yr old single woman. I lost my job of 21+ years this April, and stared a job quest. Results: nothing. Then along came the Obama Campaign! I have been a supporter of Senator Obama's since before he declared his candidacy! So, having the time, I am putting off my job search, holding on financially, and devoting my time to the Campaign for Change in Gainesville/Hall County Georgia.

Senator Obama has the values and approach that speak to me on the deepest level. This week I have registered 30+ new voters. I am the data organizer for Gainesville/Hall, so all info has been submitted, and applications put in the mail! I also have the privilege of sharing my home for the next couple of months with our organizer for Gainesville/Hall: Adam Yalowitz. I am the mother of three grown children, and have two precious tiny granddaughters. I am working hard so the debacle of the last 7 years can be reversed and my children and granddaughters can have real pride in their country, and an economy and a world that they can take care of and enjoy.

I have never been involved in a campaign before...I only showed my support with a bumper sticker, occasional T-Shirt and my vote. This is all new and the rewards are already incredible! I look forward to the ultimate reward of being able to say: President Barack Obama.

~Diana Dokken, Gainesville, GA

Convention Watch Parties from Around the State

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:24:48 EDT

Verve Lounge in Atlanta,GA:

Verve Lounge in Atlanta was rocking last Thursday as Senator Barack Obama delivered his historic acceptance speech in front of 85,000 people at Denver's Invesco field. The same energy transpiring on TV was felt inside this Atlanta convention watch party, where people from all over the state came to celebrate and take in the monumental speech with friends, family and fellow Obama supporters.

Capturing the images you see below was John Ramspoot, a volunteer photographer who resides in the greater Atlanta area. When asked what the scene was like inside Verve, John responded "energy, enthusiasm, and excitement."

Dave & Busters in Marietta, GA:

Dave and Buster's in Marietta, Georgia also hosted an Obama watch party last Thursday, and the turnout was huge. As Senator Obama's speech progressed cheers could be heard throughout the sizable crowd, often times garnishing an ovation often reserved for sporting events. Volunteer Benjamin Kornegay, of www.progressiveimagesphoto.com, was on hand to photograph the event, and upon leaving the venue was in awe along with the rest of the patrons in attendance:

"You can't help but walk away from this thinking to yourself, we are witnessing the type of history our grandkids will be reading about 40-50 years from now" said Kornegay.

I couldn't agree with him more, and from the looks of it, the people in Marietta are fired up and ready to go.

Convention Watch Parties - Douglas County

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:44:44 EDT

Douglasville - In downtown Douglasville, GA on Thursday Night at the Cinco de Mayo Mexican Restaurant, members of the Campaign for Change Unite For Change Teams and the Douglas County Democratic Party came together to witness history. The gathering was part of Georgia's Campaign for Change Convention Watch Parties that saw over 400 events take place in all corners of the Peach State.

There was cross-section of supporters present to see Barack Obama make history and celebrate the culmination of 18 months of hard work on the part of the millions of volunteers who built this movement. Paralleling what Senator Obama talked about in his speech, there were supporters who were coming to the movement of change for the first time and supporters who were young at heart and had come back into the political process after some time away.

Check out these photos of the night submitted by volunteer Andy Faulk:

Feeling the urgency to return to the political process?

Find a Convention Weekend of Action event near you.

Did you know that John McCain supports Barack Obama's health care plan? Read about here.

Voices of Change: "25 by the 25th" Participant Denise Gary

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:53:19 EDT

Continuing to shine the spotlight on Georgia's amazing volunteers, we will hear Denise Gary's personal story. Denise, who participated in the "25 by the 25th" voter registration drive currently resides in Macon, GA with her husband and two children.

"My name is Denise Gary and I am married Registered Nurse with 2 children. There are many issues that affect me and my family in this election. My father was a Korean war veteran who did not get the best medical attention he needed. He was disabled most of his life which left the responsibility of raising a family with my mother.

My mother was a devote christian and serve in the AME church were she raised 5 children, sending 3 to private schools. She worked 2-3 jobs to make ends meet and feed and clothes us. Most of our clothes,as small children,where second hand and bought at a famous consignment shop called the "Bargain Box".
She taught us always about how wonderful Jesus Christ is and having faith and trust in him would get you through life obstacles. Her hard work and strong desire to give her children a strong faith foundation and education is my quide on my own life and rearing my children. My mother's faith and optimism never wavered. She was always a rock.

I am now optimistic about my children's future, in spite of the war, adequate to low educational opportunities, high gas prices, and mortgage forclosures. I am optimistic because I feel now, with Barack Obama's grass root campaign, real change can be achieved from the ground up and it starts with me.
I have had such a positive experience registering and meeting people in my hometown of Macon, Ga. I can honestly say that I have not had an unpleasant experience yet.

This process has shown me how important it is to get involved and stay involved with issues that affect my life and that of others. It is something that has changed me and will be passed on to my children. All together, we can truly make this a better world, not just for some, but for everyone."

~Denise