It's possible you haven't heard from me since the election. I've not been idle. I had a house party in December. I hosted a service event on Martin Luther King Day which was wildly successful, collecting over two tons of food for Neighborhood House Food Shelf and 25 plus units of blood for Memorial Blood. I recently participated in a recap/potluck regarding that event hosted by fellow volunteer Linda Zwicky. During that party, I discovered what I'm doing next. Ever since the election, I haven't been settled or sure of what the next step for me personally would be with respect to our new administration. I am keenly interested in community gardening and have taken steps to educate myself in this area in hopes of fostering community gardens all over the Twin Cities. My thought was to throw myself wholly into the urban gardening movement and consider that to be my contribution to the new administration. After all, food democracy was a worthy and concrete endeavor and with the economic crisis looming, it seemed like a justice issue as much as a health and environmental issue. So when I attended the recap of our service event last weekend, I wasn't prepared for the epiphany I experienced. We were talking about what to do going forward. Lots of smart people in the room, as usual. We talked about how we were all waiting for the Obama Administration's organizing arm, Organizing for America, to lead us. An astute observer nixed this concept. No, the administration was waiting for us to lead them. Huh?
Much as I wanted to forget about door-knocking and phone banking, I had to admit this was still a powerful calling. I had to reconcile myself--can I pursue urban gardening and continue to organize for Obama? Yes, simple as it sounds and it was oft repeated during the campaign, change happens from the bottom up. Reminded of this at the meeting I attended recently, we agreed we wanted to continue to meet to try and bring change to our communities and to our country with the help of OFA and the Obama administration. We agreed that we wanted to continue to meet face-to-face on a monthly basis. We agreed that our activities could include a broad range of activities, from the community gardening projects I am interested in to lobbying legislators for health care or door-knocking and phone calling as we did during the campaign.
AndI realized that my urban gardening project, once I really understood it fully, would fit neatly into the new organizing paradigm. Service projects for kids in the garden, help in the garden on planting day, invitations to the community on harvest days all would fit into Organizing for America.
The one thing that we all seemed to agree is that this group needed to meet face to face. It wasn't enough to communicate via email or online blog postings. We gained sustenance from EACH OTHER and so once a month meetings were imperative.
Thus, Face to Face for Change - Twin Cities was created. Its goal seemed simple--to meet on a monthly basis to exchange ideas and plan for change in its many shapes and forms. We will be there to support OFA and this fledgling administration's agenda, in much the same way we supported its agenda during the campaign.
I'll invite you to join as soon as the site has approved our group. We hope to organize for the next phase of this Movement--the part where the lion's share of the work will be involved--creating permanent change we can believe in. I hope to see you there. Katie McGee
http://obama2008.s3.amazonaws.com/headlines.html
Check this out
Did anyone save a copy of the 30 minute infomercial last week on the 3 networks? I copied it but managed to mess it up. If someone has it, I would LOVE a DVD copy of it and would certainly pay for the DVD and postage costs, and something for your time and trouble too. I know we cannot buy and sell--I am just looking for a personal copy for me.
If you could possibly do this, please email me at rgesf415@comcast.net and we can set something up. THANKS!!!
For whatever struggles I have had through this campaign, such as pro life issues and the like, I have never wavered on my personal affection and hope that Barack Obama, if elected, would bring us the change we need. NOW HE CAN!
My faith, ultimately, is in God, not President-Elect Obama, but...I am proud to have had some association with his campaign for change. I remember, as a child of 12, when Martin Luther King was assasinated, as well as Robert Kennedy.
Whatever your faith tradition, or even if you don't have one, PLEASE just say a prayer for the safety and well being of our new First Family tonight.
YES WE CAN--YES WE DID--AND YES WE WILL. God bless!
From social networking to text messaging, young people have changed the way political campaigns are run in the United States.
And, today, we have a chance to change the nation.
But only if we vote.
Check out this video of Kal Penn, the star of the Harold & Kumar movies, talking to students at the U about the power of the youth vote, and then find your polling place and vote!
Now the big question: if your attention is worth billions of dollars, how much power does your vote have?
Go to www.VoteForChange.com to find your polling place.
Most of us have been on an extended journey to search for what is best in this country, and that journey has led us to Barack Obama. The one thing that holds me back, and that I have struggled with constantly all along, is his willingness not only to tolerate and support abortion rights, but his stated intention to expand them.
Before you write my words off, and before you vote on Tuesday, I would just ask you to check out this link to a Catholic Christian songwriter from Canada by the name of Mark Mallett. I am personally accquainted with him and can only assure you he is not a sensationalist or a fanatic, but rather a very kind and gentle father of 8 children with genuine concerns for our nation and world.
If you can still vote for Barack Obama after seeing this I will just say that I totally understand--I think he is smarter than McCain, and better on most social issues as well in my opinion. But Sacred Scripture tells us that we are not to "do evil that good may come"--in other words the end does NOT ever justify the means. All I ask is that you check out this video, and then say one quick prayer before you vote--one that says "God, please show me if I am voting correctly or not."
Here is the link and God bless--http://www.markmallett.com/blog/?p=736 .
In an effort to mobilize an unprecedented turnout among first time and youth voters, Mike D., Ad-Rock and MCA of the Beastie Boys will help Get Out The Vote for Barack in Minnesota. They will host a Canvass for Change kick off at Augsburg College in Minneapolis.
Here are the details:
GOTV Canvass Kickoff w/ Adam Yauch, Adam Hrovitz, & Michael Diamond of the Beastie Boys Oren Gateway Center, Augsburg College Minneapolis, MN 3:30 PM
We’ve got four more days to make a difference. So take some time this weekend to volunteer. If we don’t each do our part, the next four years could be scarier than anything you see tonight.
With just six days until Election Day, Conor Oberst, the guitarist and vocalist of the popular band Bright Eyes, will host a Get Out The Vote concert today at Loring Pasta Bar in Minneapolis, near the University of Minnesota campus.
WHAT: Get Out The Vote Concert with Conor Oberst
WHEN: 2 :30 PM, Wednesday, October 29
WHERE: Loring Pasta Bar 327 14th Av. SE. Minneapolis, MN
RSVP Online at: http://mn.barackobama.com/ConorOberst
Want to attend? All you have to do is sign up for two "Get Out the Vote" volunteer shifts between now and Election Day.
When Chris Walla, who plays in the band Death Cab for Cutie, was in Minnesota recently, he encouraged young people to get involved in this election, and to help "Get Out the Vote." Check out the video below:
The Obama for America and Al Franken for Senate campaigns today announced that former President Bill Clinton will headline a “Five Days to Change” Get-Out-The-Vote rally in Minneapolis Thursday evening. Clinton will be joined by U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
President Clinton will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need and the candidates, like Al, who are working to help make that happen.
Five Days to Change Rally with President Bill Clinton
Minneapolis Convention Center Exhibit Hall A 1301 2nd Ave S Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, October 30th Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
RSVP Online at: http://MN.BarackObama.com/FiveDaysToChange
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however, an RSVP is strongly encouraged.
Don't forget to RSVP at http://MN.BarackObama.com/FiveDaysToChange
In Hibbing last night, Hillary Clinton drew on her years of public service and made a lucid observation on the choice Minnesotans have in this election.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden. With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
Barack Obama has a plan to jumpstart the American economy, provide middle class tax relief, and provide quality, affordable healthcare to every American. This fact, and the reality that on every one of these issues John McCain is disturbingly out of touch with middle class families, was not lost on Hillary:
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion. But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong."
Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground
and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion.
But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
"The evidence is clear," continued Hillary, a champion for working families in her own right, "Barack Obama and the Democrats are for you. And that's why I hope you will be for the DFL candidates up and down the ballot to delivver the change we need."
Folks in Minnesota are struggling to cope with a failing economy and looking for real leadership from the next President. Since President Bush has taken office, health care costs have risen 4.3 times faster than average wages in Minnesota, and over 430,000 Minnesota residents – and over 45 million nationally – lack health insurance today.
The situation in Minnesota is just a microcosm of what's happening across the country, a situation which will only get worse if John McCain is allowed to continue the failed policies of the last eight years.
That's why we have to take action to prevent that from happening:
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream. I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket. That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream.
I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket.
That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
"So I hope each and everyone of you will go out and talk to those who are yet undecided. Maybe try to persuade those you think are heading in the wrong direction," added Hillary.
Join the tens of thousands of volunteers across Minnesota who have responded to Barack's call to service. You can phonebank, go door-to-door, volunteer in your Campaign for Change office, or even clean up a local park or roadway in your community.
It's all about making change in your community, and we're proud that you're making a difference.
Or, as Hillary put it in Hibbing last night: "This is our moment, this is our time."
Earlier today, DFL Associate Chair, Donna Cassutt sent out the email below promoting the Campaign for Change's Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort...
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to. Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4? This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket. Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up. Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now. Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing. I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now. We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4. You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in. Click here to find an office near you. Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state. Sincerely, Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to.
Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4?
This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket.
Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up.
Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now.
Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing.
I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now.
We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4.
You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in.
Click here to find an office near you.
Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state.
Sincerely,
Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
At first, Bush made McCain look bad. Now, with all of McCain's insane positions, decisions and statements, Bush should most definitely distance himself and his party from McCain. Damn!
Obama/Biden 08!
Last week, we posted a video of two friends, Anya & Emily, canvassing in Minneapolis.
Both Anya and Emily have made a personal commitment to volunteer for at least three hours each week to make sure Barack wins Minnesota on November 4th.
Watch the video of the drive back from the canvass, as Emily and Anya share their experiences with each other:
When you get out and talk to voters about Barack, you feel like you're making a difference, because...you are!
Check out Neighbor to Neighbor right now and see how easy it is to print up a list of people to canvass right in your own neighborhood.
This post-debate weekend is the perfect weekend to get out there and talk to your neighbors about the real differences between Barack Obama and John McCain. Getting a real live visit from a real live supporter makes a difference at this crucial time when voters are making up their minds.
And it's also a great time to get your kids involved!
Anya said it best: it's inspiring just to hear how excited other people are about Barack Obama.
On Monday, Michelle Obama returns to Minnesoa to speak with Minnesota voters about the clear choice they have in this election between change and more of the same.
Michelle discuss the everyday challenges that working families face as our economy worsens and talk about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s long records of standing up for women and families.
Here are the details, check back for an opportunity to RSVP for these events online:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 Rochester, MN COMMUNITY EVENT WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Taylor Arena at the Mayo Civic Center 30 Civic Center Drive SE Rochester, MN 55902 Doors Open: 10:30 AM Program Begins: 12:00 PM The event is free and open to the public. Free tickets are available at on a first-come, first served basis at the following location: Ticket Location Olmstead Co. Obama Campaign for Change Office 401 16th Ave. NW, #105 Rochester, MN 55901 Right off of 52, just past the Famous Dave's and the Perkins Map & Directions Tickets Available: 12 noon - 9 pm Saturday and Sunday For more information contact the Olmstead Co. Obama Campaign for Change office: (507) 536-9785. ***For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.*** St. Paul, MN CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Macalester College Leonard Center 125 Snelling Ave S St. Paul, MN 55105 Map & Directions Doors Open: 2:30PM Program Begins: 4:00PM This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. To RSVP, please visit mn.barackobama.com. Space is available on a first come first serve basis. ***For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.***
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13
Rochester, MN
COMMUNITY EVENT WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Taylor Arena at the Mayo Civic Center 30 Civic Center Drive SE Rochester, MN 55902
Doors Open: 10:30 AM Program Begins: 12:00 PM
The event is free and open to the public. Free tickets are available at on a first-come, first served basis at the following location:
Ticket Location Olmstead Co. Obama Campaign for Change Office 401 16th Ave. NW, #105 Rochester, MN 55901 Right off of 52, just past the Famous Dave's and the Perkins Map & Directions
Tickets Available: 12 noon - 9 pm Saturday and Sunday For more information contact the Olmstead Co. Obama Campaign for Change office: (507) 536-9785.
***For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.***
St. Paul, MN
CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Macalester College Leonard Center 125 Snelling Ave S St. Paul, MN 55105 Map & Directions
Doors Open: 2:30PM Program Begins: 4:00PM This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.
To RSVP, please visit mn.barackobama.com. Space is available on a first come first serve basis.
Inspired by the grassroots movement created by Barack Obama's historic presidential run, and his call for the change Americans need, a group of enthusiastic grassroots supporters met up at the Lake Harriet Rose Gardens last Thursday to record a music video set to the Larry Long's "Be The Change."
Larry Long, who wrote and performed "Be The Change," was inspired to create the piece by U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone:
Paul and Sheila Wellstone were my friends for over thirty years. During their last Senatorial campaign, I flew with Paul & Sheila to a debate in southwestern Minnesota. On the flight home, I asked Paul how he was able to handle what I perceived to be personal attacks. Paul simply quoted Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Watch this supporter-created music video below, and sign up to volunteer.... be a part of the change we seek. There are only 25 days left, and our moment is now.
Do you have a picture, video, or story you want to see posted on the blog? Share it with us!
From the Rochester Post-Bulletin:
Ashley Ozuna voted in the last presidential election, so it would be unfair to call her apathetic about politics. She was, as she says, "not involved" politically. What a contrast four years can make. As the 2008 campaign rounds the final turn, this 25-year-old Rochester woman is juggling life as a mother, a student at Winona State University-Rochester, and a staff volunteer at Olmsted County DFL Headquarters. Unlike four years ago when the sum of her political activity consisted of casting a vote, Ozuna is immersing herself in virtually every aspect of grassroots campaigning. The reason is simple, she says. Politics no longer feels so unreal, so theoretical. As prices rise at the pump and the cost of attending college becomes ever more expensive, Ozuna said the connection between politics and everyday pocketbook issues has never seemed so obvious -- or imperative. "It's in our face. Before, it was just like an (abstraction). Now, it's really hitting home," said Ozuna after working at DFL headquarters one evening. Ozuna apparently is not alone. This year's primary campaign witnessed a sharp increase in political activity by young people. After a long period of political somnolence from 1972 to 2000, politics no longer seems like alien territory to many young people. In states where data is available, the national turnout rate during the primary season rose from nine percent in the 2000 primaries to 17 percent in the 2008, according to Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a nonpartisan research center that studies youth trends. "Across the country, I think turnout is just off the charts this year," said Dan Hofrenning, a political professor at St. Olaf College. "Young people are part of that surge."Analysts and young people identify a confluence of political and economic factors contributing to this political upsurge: Turmoil on Wall Street and rising gas and grocery prices; a general sense that America stands at a crossroads; and a wide-open presidential contest without a Bush or Clinton on the ballot.
Ashley Ozuna voted in the last presidential election, so it would be unfair to call her apathetic about politics. She was, as she says, "not involved" politically.
What a contrast four years can make. As the 2008 campaign rounds the final turn, this 25-year-old Rochester woman is juggling life as a mother, a student at Winona State University-Rochester, and a staff volunteer at Olmsted County DFL Headquarters. Unlike four years ago when the sum of her political activity consisted of casting a vote, Ozuna is immersing herself in virtually every aspect of grassroots campaigning.
The reason is simple, she says. Politics no longer feels so unreal, so theoretical. As prices rise at the pump and the cost of attending college becomes ever more expensive, Ozuna said the connection between politics and everyday pocketbook issues has never seemed so obvious -- or imperative.
"It's in our face. Before, it was just like an (abstraction). Now, it's really hitting home," said Ozuna after working at DFL headquarters one evening.
Ozuna apparently is not alone. This year's primary campaign witnessed a sharp increase in political activity by young people. After a long period of political somnolence from 1972 to 2000, politics no longer seems like alien territory to many young people. In states where data is available, the national turnout rate during the primary season rose from nine percent in the 2000 primaries to 17 percent in the 2008, according to Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a nonpartisan research center that studies youth trends.
"Across the country, I think turnout is just off the charts this year," said Dan Hofrenning, a political professor at St. Olaf College. "Young people are part of that surge."
Analysts and young people identify a confluence of political and economic factors contributing to this political upsurge: Turmoil on Wall Street and rising gas and grocery prices; a general sense that America stands at a crossroads; and a wide-open presidential contest without a Bush or Clinton on the ballot.
If you haven't already, be sure to add yourself as a "supporter" of the Minnesota for Obama Facebook page.
To get involved with this campaign to fundamentally change the way Washington works, sign up to volunteer.
