1. Sign up to donate blood (if you can) at any American Red Cross sponsored blood drive in the area at http:///www.opositiveprogram.org
2. Spread the word about this initiative by asking your friends, family and neighbors to donate blood. Feel free to use the attached flyer.3. If you donate blood, please revisit http://www.opositiveprogram.org, click on the drip so your donation can be tallied and send a personal note to President-elect Obama.
No More Plastic Bags Objective: To raise awareness and encourage the use of reusable bags in place of plastic bags.
Plan of Action: Educate shoppers on the negative impact plastic bags have on our environment and actively promote the use of reusable bags. Eventually eliminate the use of all plastic bags by passing township ordinances and a tie in to Earth Day. This project initiative will be targeted for a March 2009 completion and will not be included as an Inauguration effort.
How you can participate:
1. Join the Planning Committee
Contact: Project Manager Ilene Rush mice30@comcast.net
Mission statement: To continue the momentum and community-focused spirit of the Obama campaign, Be the Change Baederwood is coordinating a food drive to benefit the Abington Food Cupboard.
Goal: To collect 500 bags of non perishable food to replenish the Abington Food Cupboard.
Contact:
O+ Blood Drive Objective: To promote the donation of 500 extra units of blood between January 4-17th in celebration of the Inauguration of President Obama.
Plan of Action: The O-Positive Program will run from January 4-17, 2009 throughout the Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia counties. We will also be accepting “Drip Clicks” from anyone around the country who is willing to participate in the program. Our Web site is currently built (http://www.opositiveprogram.org/) and will act as the communication, organizational, promotional fulcrum for our project. Our Media Committee will have the Media Kit done by Tuesday, December 30th, in time for our Media Blitz on Wednesday, December 31st through January 5th. We are targeting press, radio, TV on the media side, as well as colleges/high schools, regional politicians, volunteers within “Be the Change-Baederwood, and walk-up volunteers. This committee has met twice via phone conference and once at the Abington library. Once the Media Blitz commences and the program is underway, we will send volunteers to approximately one dozen of the blood drives throughout the 3-county region to help out, as well as track O+ donors, on site. This provides a great chance for people who might not want (or aren’t able) to donate blood to still be involved. In addition, the Web site will include a “Drip Click” icon on the front that will, first, tally the number of donors and, second, provide our Web site visitors the chance to provide Opt-In information, as well as a 25 words or less message to President Obama. Once the program is complete on January 17th, we will tally the number of units donated, compile all the messages, and create a final document to deliver to the White House during Inauguration Week.
Benefits: Besides enhancing the efficacy of Red Cross Blood Drives in our region, this project keeps the Obama team working and on-task until after the inauguration. Some other benefits of this program are: it will create a Media Committee for the BTC-Baederwood group as a whole, it will generate good public relations for BTC-Baederwood, it will generate a Web site that can be used as a project model, and it will provide a testable model to determine if this program should be expanded to a national/international audience.
Leadership
Dr. John G. Duesler, Jr. jgduesler@opositiveprogram.org
Janice Winston janicewinston@opositiveprogram.org
Julie Haywood juliehaywood@opositiveprogram.org
Media Committee
Donna Lima-Montero donnalima-montero@opositiveprogram.org
Tricia Shore triciashort@opositiveprogram.org
Judy Sherman judysherman@opositiveprogram.org
Natalie Lavelle natalielavelle@opositiveprogram.org
Volunteer Coordinators
Graphic Artist
Tim Ehlenbeck timehlenbeck@opositiveprogram.org
Be the Change Baederwood Hello Baederwood! Thank you all for your enthusiasm and interest in continuing working together for change. Attached and below please find the notes from our December 10, 2008 meeting. Key things to note:
INAUGURATION DAY PROJECTS:The “Change is Coming” team requested groups find a project to complete before Inauguration Day. We came up with three. Contact the Project Managers if you want to help plan the event. More information will follow to all on how we can participate.
Help stock local food banks. Project Managers: Kathleen Joyce Kjoyce_ward9@comcast.net 215-738-6025 & John Spiegelman Spiegs@speigs.net 215-740-4306
O+ Blood Drive to collect 500 units. Project Managers: John Duesler jgd@greendiscgolf.com 215-913-0569, Julie Haywood woalex@aol.com 215-715-6852 & Janice Winston janicewinston@yahoo.com 215-806-0300
Eliminating the use of plastic bags in Cheltenham. Project Managers: Karen Synnestvedt Karin-sunshine@comcast.net 267-994-3161 & Ilene Rush Mice30@comcast.net 215-470-2998
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, January 14th at 7PM at Jay Cooke Hall, Elkins Park PA. Come prepared to make a 60 second presentation of your ideas about what our organization should be and do.
JOIN BE THE CHANGE BAEDERWOOD: (Temporary Working Title)You must REQUEST TO BE ADDED TO OUR EMAIL LIST.Please send an email with your name, email address, telephone number and township to dbernstein218@gmail.com. Spread the word because we won’t have access to the campaign lists much longer.
Katie Maher
katiemaher@comcast.net
215-782-8889
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Mohandas Gandhi
MEETING MINUTES 12/10/08 – Following is a high-level recap of the meeting.
Participation
2. Select short-term project(s) we can complete by Jan 20th (Inauguration Day) ·
Lorraine Marino facilitated the group through a process in which we identified 3 projects. First she provided criteria for the project(s): Any project would have to…
o Be simple enough to be doable by January
o Have a positive impact on the community – address a real need
o Be of interest and accessible to a majority of us
o Not duplicate or interfere with an existing organization’s mission ·
The process
o The group first tossed out some potential ideas so we could get a feel for people’s interest and ideas.
o We then broke into smaller groups to discuss ideas.
o Then, in the large group, people identified suggestions from their group, which were charted for everyone to see.
o The group then boiled this list of potential projects down to the Top 3 Projects for completion before Inauguration Day through a voting process. These include:
o We had team lead(s) volunteer for each project. The role of these team leads includes: Calling the first meeting, at which time team members would think through what’s achievable in the time given; and to organize how to manage the project and involve others.
o Everyone signed up for the projects they wanted to be part of. Key points that came from the group’s discussion
(A list of the team leaders as well as the additional project ideas is provided at the end of these notes.)
3. Preparing for the January Meeting Though specific plans for the January meeting may be refined by the interim leadership team, the main goal is to share and consider ideas for how we might continue to leverage ourselves as a group longer term. At the January meeting, anyone who has an idea should get their thoughts together and come prepared to give a 30-60 second pitch for that idea. We’ll have a process to follow, so that others who are interested in one or more of those ideas can gather to talk more about them. We don’t need to come to any final decisions in January. But we want to begin the process. Lorraine presented some categories based on input from Art Haywood -- to help us think broadly, not just about service-oriented projects:
Political - Related to the political process – identifying and influencing elected officials; party infrastructure, making or changing legislation or public policy. etc.
Civic - Related to local/township or regional citizen committees; these are not related to a political party. (For example, there are many openings on Cheltenham’s Citizen’s committees, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee, Economic Development Task Force, Environmental Advisory Council, Historical Commission, Human Relations, Library Board and many others.)
Service/charitable - Community service projects, support of non-profit activities, works of charity, etc.
Issue-based - Focused on a specific issue, such as health care, education, energy, environment, etc – at a local, state, of national level.
Other - An initiative or idea that does not fit in the previous categories. If there is something you are eager to work on – or an idea you’d like to put forward -- come to the January meeting prepared to give a 60-second description of your idea at the meeting. Then, people interested in working on that idea with you will have a chance to meet with you in a break-out group to talk further.
4. Identify Interim leadership
· Katie proposed that we identify an interim governance structure so we can work for the next 4-6 months – until we have more clarity about our direction.
· The group discussed this and we proposed an interim steering committee format, of 6 to 10. People were then invited to sign up for this committee.
· Katie explained that she is committed to launching the organization but needs others to provide leadership and administrative support. Once the group defines the organization over the next few meetings, an appropriate leadership group can be created.
· Deb Bernstein has volunteered to manage our membership list.
· Mike Lazrus has volunteered to address our technology needs.
Next steps
The story of the campaign and this historic moment has been your story. Share your story and your ideas, and be part of bringing positive lasting change to this country.
This is part of an interactive roadtrip criss-crossing the heartland from Indiana to Michigan, through Ohio, then into Pennsylvania for the ten days preceding Election day. Volunteers with the Obama campaign invite people to participate in the large scale projections, and have been successful in signing up more volunteers to help out with getting out the vote and issue awareness.
Campaign for Change Road Blogger Paul Notzold wrote this post.
Tomorrow in Philadelphia. RSVP here. Details:
Here is a list of Talk Radio Programs for your chance to speak out to the public while it still matters
http://phillytalk.com/talk-radio/talk-radio-stations/talk-stations.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_radio_stations_in_Pennsylvania
It is worth just fiddling around on your dial with your phone nearby!
Yesterday I was driving in Montgomery County fiddling with the radio for another NPR election fix. They were playing soothing music so I turned to AM. On 860 I hear a request for people to call in and vote for either McCain or Obama. I called just to say "Obama" and they said Patricia from Cheltenham, you are on the air! Who are you voting for?" Turns out I'm talking to Councilman Frank Rizzo, Jr. WWDB 860 AM where he co-hosts a show with Senator Bob Rovner on Saturdays from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Without any hesitation I spooled out my reasonings with an ease that suprised me! They're like, "Wow, so who are you voting for?" I didn't get the Philly sarcasm so gave a few more reasons, like how with Governor Rendell, Senator Specter and Mayor Nutter plus President Obama the political planets will finally line up so we can get some things done around here! Like how my son is a Marine I first came to Obama because and of his position on the Iraq war, but then I learned about his economic policies, his character and the organization he's built over this campaign and know he will be a great president.
They asked if I was going to vote democratic all the way and I said "Yup! Strait ticket! The Republicans had their chance to lead and they led us down a path to a place we don't want to be."
Then I got a little delirous and said "It's like the Phillies, ya gotta believe! I hope everyone votes for Obama!"
They were eating it up with a spoon AND I tied up the vote 6 to 6. They thanked my son for his service (which always warms my heart as he was decorated for his service in the Al Anbar province and made Sergeant!)
What a thrill! The whole thing from dialing the number to the end of the call took seven minutes, tops.
You can hear what I sound like, it is going to be rebroadcast next week at the same time same channel. I figure that counts for at least a hundred door knocks for yesterday.
-- Let us then try what Love can do. William Penn
Lebanon ValleyWe held an amazing and beautiful rally in the on-campus chapel with a crowd of close to 200. The serenity of the chapel reinforced the significance of this event and this campaign.The Governor got a tremendous introduction from Pat Walter, who talked of her and her family’s commitment to LVC. She explained that for the college and the community to move forward; an Obama/Biden Administration is what is neededGot a chance to meet a great and active Democrat; Pat Stephens She has great story to tell about her long history of support the party in Southeast PA and Philadelphia. After moving near LVC she is ready to help this ticket and this party move ahead. Her enthusiasm was tremendous
It is clear that people are very engaged with the issues of the campaign. It was great to talk with young people who understand the importance of protecting Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare.
ScrantonA beautiful day and a tremendous rally. Thanks to the UFCW 1776 for their great shirts and their enthusiasm. It was good to see so many of our friends in organized labor. We had a great meeting with Field Organizer Matthew McCabe and Regional Field Director Bill Rubin. It was clear from the success of the event that they have a strong team.
Back on the road and headed south the Bethlehem. The search for candy corn continues...
Lebanon ValleyWe held an amazing and beautiful rally in the on-campus chapel with a crowd of close to 200. The serenity of the chapel reinforced the significance of this event and this campaign.The Governor got a tremendous introduction from Pat Walter, who talked of her family’s commitment to LVC. She explained that for the college and the community to move forward an Obama/Biden Administration is what is needed.We also had a chance to meet a great and active Democrat; Pat Stephens. She has great story to tell about her long history of supporting the party in Southeast PA and Philadelphia. After moving to Lebanon she is ready to help this ticket and this party move ahead. Her enthusiasm was tremendous.
A few more photos from Day 2 of the tour:
This post is the latest in a series chronicling Governor Rendell's Road to Change Bus Tour.
Beating the sun and on the road again, Gettysburg College is our destintation.We walk into an early morning rally of 300 full of all ages and races. A beautiful sight to see.The story of Susan Eisenhower, grandduaghter to President Eisenhower, and her reasoning for supporting Barack Obama, speaks volumes to where this campaign is going. We are bringing people of all political backgrounds onboard. Ms. Eisenhower goes on to say how excited she is to see a candidate and campaign "transcend the racial and cultural divide"The Governor's energy at these campaign stops is a site to see, espeically with a schedule as aggressive as his, so we all follow his lead and power on through.Some really hearty cheers for the calls for "renewable and alternative energy to be a key part of our economy", especially in light of the sucesses that already are occuring in PA with wind energySeeing the children of so many volunteers and supporters is a tremenouds reminder of the long term importance of this election. Young Andrew (11) of Gettysburg gets his placard signed and gets a picture with the Governor and then says "this is most historic election ever and it is great to have a candidate we can be proud of..."
-"Out of the mouth of babes, out of the mouth of babes"
Campaign for Change Road Blogger Abass Kamara wrote this post.
Day 1 of the Road for Change tour concluded with rallies in New Castle, Monaca and Beaver. All of our events today took place in a cold, driving rain. Under most circumstances the conditions would have made it a day to forget, but with only a week left until the election, the tough weather actually served to accentuate the passion and the commitment behind this campaign. Abass submits these words to end the day:
I was able to meet some of the great volunteers of this region. Their work really helped pull of a great event and will drive this camapign to victory. Doing all these events, sometimes we forget how powerful it is for citizens to meet their politcal leaders and make that personal connection with their government- the enthusiam these folks had for this event is so infectious. That so many folks would come out during late hours and in cold weather is a tremendous energizer....I wish I could bottle it up.
The Road to Change Bus Tour is currently crawling through the sleet in Western Pennsylvania, which gives us an opportunity to upload some photos and set the scene for the rest of the tour. In the slideshow below you'll find pictures from this morning's event in Erie as well as shots of some of the people accompanying us on the journey. We have the Governor of course. You'll also see pictures of Abass, our fearless road blogger (he's standing next to the cardboard cutout of Barack) and Fred, who miraculously doubles as both bus driver and Road Tour Chef. Those meatballs in the crock pot are the ones I mentioned earlier. It's safe to say at this point that they have all been eaten!
Thanks for checking out the Road Blog. We look forward to sharing the next 7 days of the trip with you.
Barack spoke to a packed house this evening at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. We'll have an extended shortly, but for now, enjoy these photos from our western Pennsylvania correspondent Anne Batchelder:
With the campaign entering its final stage, newspaper editorial boards around Pennsylvania have been meeting to decide which candidate to endorse for President and in an overwhelming number of cases, their answers have been the same: Barack Obama.
The Campaign for Change is fighting for every last undecided vote and these endorsements can be a useful resource for voters who are still trying to make up their minds. If you know anyone who is still on the fence, please send them some of the links listed here:
Newspapers that Backed George W. Bush and Made the SwitchErie Times-News (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “Our pick: Barack Obama for president”: Because of his steady hand, his demonstrated intelligence and his promise to listen to a range of views on domestic and international issues, the Erie Times-News Editorial Board endorses U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president… In Sen. Obama, we see a president who will inspire Americans to work together to address the current financial crisis and to repair our international relationships.
The York Daily Record (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “Barack Obama for president” [Obama's] campaign exudes optimism -- much like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton did at times in our recent history when our nation suffered from crises of confidence Ultimately, though, Barack Obama, standing on the doorstep of history as the first black man with a realistic chance to become president, is the best hope for a nation that is searching for inspiration and whose highest ideals hold that all men are created equal.
Easton Express-Times (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “The Express-Times endorses Barack Obama for president over John McCain”: A riddle for our times: Most Americans agree we are confronted with a historic choice in this election, one that will determine whether we continue climbing the mountain or fall off the precipice, with dire consequences. Obama does not win this by default. He wins The Express-Times' endorsement because of his platform, because he has demonstrated a cool head in troubled times, because he inspires confidence and because he is conducting an above-board campaign.
Scranton Times Tribune (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000) - “Barack Obama for president”: Change of course requires new leadership Pressing economic and security conditions, separately, are massive issues. Together, they point to the overarching requirement for the man who will be elected president: the leadership ability to inspire Americans to a new era of greatness. As this campaign has progressed, it has become clearer with time that Barack Obama is well-suited to the awesome tasks ahead. The Times-Tribune endorses him for president… America's problems call for new leadership. In that regard, Mr. Obama has the potential to be a truly transformational figure.
Harrisburg Patriot-News (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000) - “Democrat shows temperament, judgment to be a good president”: It's this approach to the office and its challenges that we believe sets Obama apart from his Re publican rival. His cool and thoughtful analysis, his willingness to consider alternatives and his promise to seek pragmatic, rather than ideologically pure solutions suits him especially well. Where McCain, the self-described "maverick," is inclined to go it alone when he believes he's right, Obama is much more likely to seek counsel from those offering a different perspective. It is such "intellectual curiosity" and "intellectual vigor," to use Gen. Colin Powell's terms, that this nation clearly needs in its leaders in this troubled time.
Big City and Small Town Papers Alike Make the Call for the Change We NeedPocono Record - “Obama can inspire us to be 'United' States again”: Obama continues to reach out to all Americans, in small towns and big cities, rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian. He has focused his stump speeches and public statements on the issues and acquitted himself with calm and intelligence during three televised debates. His spirit of inclusiveness has drawn large crowds to campaign events across the nation, including the Midwest where his mother and grandparents are from and where he has put down roots. His campaign fundraising arm boasts of some 3 million contributors, most of them small donors. In a recent endorsement, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican, referred to Obama as "transformational figure" who represents a new generation of Americans on the world stage. Our divided nation badly needs this kind of leader.
Sunbury Daily Item - “Our pick: Barack Obama”: These are trying times. We are in a war with no clear path to victory. Our dependence on foreign oil has been crippling and the economy has gone from sour to outright putrid. Increasing numbers of financial experts have called the current economic situation the most perilous facing this nation since the Great Depression. Which of the two candidates for president, then, seems most reminiscent of FDR and his thoughtful, inspiring style of leadership? The answer seems clear. That is why The Daily Item is endorsing Barack Obama for president.
Beaver County Times - “Common ground: Obama has shown the qualities our next president will need”: The next president of the United States doesn’t necessarily have to be a uniter. He does, however, have to be a leader who can convince Americans to start pulling in the same direction. For that reason, our editorial board endorses Democrat Barack Obama for president. We start with a basic premise: Neither candidate will be able to fulfill the promises he is making. In addition to working with a dysfunctional Congress, the next president will be limited by the economic meltdown. Therefore, what matters most is that the next president has the temperament to be a steady, focused leader who can communicate with his fellow Americans.
Pottstown Mercury: “Sen. Barack Obama is best choice to lead forward through change”: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell last week endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president, offering a perspective on the system that has brought the nation to this point, as well as on the candidates who will lead us forward from it. Powell spoke of the polarization that has overtaken much of the political thinking in 2008, and he chastised the Republican platform and Sen. John McCain's campaign for taking things too far. This newspaper's choice is Sen. Barack Obama. We believe he has demonstrated, particularly through how he has conducted this campaign, the ability to lead through differences and inspire unity.
Wilkes-Barre Times Leader - “Barack Obama”: Sen. Barack Obama exudes a cool confidence during debates and other high-pressure situations that, even many of his detractors will admit, makes him appear composed, somewhat soothing and, yes, even presidential. But Obama’s composure – combined with his intelligence, ideas, communication skills and capacity to rally people to a cause – gave our endorsement board the evidence it needed to reach a decision: Democrat Barack Obama is the man for the job... the 47-year-old Obama has shown, especially during the recent Wall Street calamity, that he will react quickly to a crisis, consult with trusted experts and draw up an appropriate response – without appearing flustered. His opponent, by contrast, looked at times during the market collapse much as he did during the second presidential debate – adrift. His election would help to salve some of the country’s longest-festering wounds and energize a population inspired by the notion that Obama first raised at the 2004 Democratic Convention. He said this is not a nation of red states and blue states, but rather the United States.
Delaware County Times - “Daily Times endorses Obama for president”: Change. It is the single word that has dominated the political landscape for months. On Jan. 20, 2009, change will indeed arrive. Both Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona have made change a hallmark of their campaigns. There is another reason to believe Obama would be the more effective leader. He has proven he is more than an eloquent orator. Throughout the course of the campaign, he has appeared unflappable, even in the face of ugly accusations and mud-slinging. Instead, he appears thoughtful, cool and not prone to rash action. On the other hand, McCain’s temperament and actions continue to sow doubt. The Daily Times endorses Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for president.
Philadelphia Daily News - “BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT” At this point, maybe no one has the solutions to the country's problems, but Barack Obama has the best chance, by far, of finding them...He is big enough for the moment. As he has throughout his career as a community organizer, a law student, a state legislator and a U.S. senator, he will apply an intellectually rigorous approach to making decisions, crafting policy and bringing people together. But it is his core temperament - and the movement that he has built, and that has been built around him - that will allow him to lead Americans into a challenging future with confidence.
Philadelphia Inquirer - “For President”: The situation facing the next American president may be the most dire since Franklin Roosevelt took over the job in 1933. With the Great Depression holding the nation by its throat and as talk of another war in Europe lurched toward reality, FDR offered this country something better than money or guns - hope. Both major candidates are trying to avoid association with Bush's failed policies. But only one does so successfully. On every issue important to America, Barack Obama offers a plan that would pull this nation from the precipice built by bad Bush decisions. The Inquirer endorses BARACK OBAMA for president.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - “It's Obama: We need a president who will break with the past”: American exceptionalism -- the idea that this nation by virtue of its history, political beliefs and the blessings of divine providence has a favored place in the world community -- is easy to believe in this year of a presidential election that is in every way exceptional. In three weeks, Americans will be called upon to make an exceptional judgment worthy of the times. The forces of history appear to invite boldness and the Post-Gazette believes they should be heeded by voting for the only authentic, fresh agent of change in this race, Barack Obama.
This afternoon we announced some exciting news. Barack is going to make two stops in Pennsylvania early next week. Here are the details: Monday, October 27th Doors Open: 3:00 p.m.
Mellon Arena 66 Mario Lemieux Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219
RSVP Tuesday, October 28th Doors Open: 8:00 a.m. Program Begins: 10:00 a.m.
Widener University Main Quad One University Place Chester, PA 19013
Public Entrance off of E 17th St.
