Action Center Updates

The Next Step: Action Guide

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

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

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

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

Grassroots Action Guide

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

Our Work Has Begun!

m2violin — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:55:25 EST

As I'm typing this, I'm watching Senator Obama's thrilling victory speech in Des Moines. What an evening! I hope you're as thrilled as I am about the results of the Iowa caucus. In reality, the United States won tonight!

Now, thre rubber meets the road. Oklahoma's primary takes place on Super Tuesday, February 5. We will be planning some GOTV (Get Out The Vote) events in the next few weeks. We need to make personal contact with voters to encourage them to get out and vote-and prove the pundits wrong, like they did tonight in Iowa.

One thing that you can do right now is to encourage people to register to vote as Democrats. The best way for Obama supporters to support Obama is to vote for Obama on February 5. To do that, you must be a registered Democrat. Unlike some other states, Oklahoma has closed primaries. What this means is Republican and Independent Obama supporters will be unable to vote for Obama on February 5 unless they register as Democrats.

Persons who wish to register to vote, or change the registration to Democrat, have very little time to do this. The deadline for voter registration for the February 5 primary is January 11.

The Obama campaign has made it easy to register, or change your registration. Just go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/OKVote# , click on "Register Now," and you can register online. Voter registration forms are also available at Tulsa County Democratic Party Headquarters, any tag agency, any branch of the Tulsa City-County Library system, or the Tulsa County Election Board, 555 North Denver Avenue

Please pass this message along to your friends who need to hear this message. Together, we can bring about change in our country!

Martha Mattes

PS: Be watching for information on things you can do to GOTV for Barack in Oklahoma!

1-1-08 update from Ukiah CA

Jim Stoepler — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:25:44 EST

wow- as my coworker Judy Popowski says- these are the days! We are reeling off the De Mones Register poll and analysis on Jim Lehrer tonite!!

We tabled at Lakeport Safeway Sun 12-30 and did they say Lake County CA was "conservative" ??! Julie Bywaters, Rene , and Wanda take the credit with BO!

we had a great party at Deborah's 12-27 - watched the amazin Barack announcement speech from

Springfield Ill last winter !!

Then we launced our canvass effort Sat 12-29.

Robert and Ava are writing us talkin points esp suited to CA CD-1

Debora McGillivray continues to find volunteers and organize us and we are having WATCH parties

at her house 505 Cypress Ukiah both for iowa th 1-3-08 and for NH on tues 1--08-08.

This thing is happening! Barack Obama 2-5-08 !!!

jim stoepler

area 2-- CA CD1

Action Center Update

Asher Heimermann — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:43:50 EST

The Iowa caucus is exactly one week away and supporters across the nation are coming together to celebrate as the primary season kicks off on January 3rd.

Host an Iowa Watch Party and be a part of this historic moment as the caucus results come in through the night: http://my.barackobama.com/watchparty

An Iowa Watch Party is a great way to ring in the New Year with your friends, family and fellow supporters and gear up for action throughout the primary season.

We could also use your help right away to encourage supporters to travel to New Hampshire to volunteer in these last few days before the January 8th primary. You can call supporters and invite them to knock-on-doors in New Hampshire from your
home now: http://my.barackobama.com/callboston

Now is the time to make the difference by supporting the early states by hosting an Iowa Watch Party and making calls on behalf of New Hampshire. Thanks for all you do!

Join the Grassroots Finance Committee

Asher Heimermann — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:00:41 EDT

The Grassroots Finance Committee is a program dedicated to empowering grassroots supporters to take fundraising into their own hands.

No prior experience is necessary to become a member. You'll be taught everything you need to know about fundraising from the leading experts in the field.

Join the committee today!

Turn the Page In Iraq Canvass

Heather — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 23:18:58 EDT

Our day started with a bit of fog but that soon burned off and by afternoon it was another gorgeous day in the Pacific Northwest! There were five of us, Bev, Rich, Patricia, Dean and myself that met at the local coffee shop this morning fired up and ready to go! We went over our game plan and split into two groups, with our clipboards, flyers and maps in hand we headed out to start canvassing the neighborhood. We talked to at least 100 people about Barack's plan to bring our troops home and signed up four new supporters. The people we talked with today were friendly and open. Several of them said they were voting for him in the upcoming caucus or primary. A few were still undecided and I hope with our visit today we were able to change some hearts and minds. All in all it was a successful day and I'm looking forward to our next event! I want to thank Bev, Rich, Patricia and Dean for coming out and canvassing...all of you did a great job!

Good Luck

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

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

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

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

Host Feedback
Attendee Feedback

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

A New Way to Take Action

Nikki Sutton — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:24:58 EDT

In these last 100 days before the first primaries and caucuses we need to come together and step up our efforts for the future of our nation. If we are serious about bringing real change to our country we are going to need everyone to help.

One of the best ways you can make the difference is by joining our new National Call Team.

The National Call Team is a coalition of dedicated supporters that have committed to using the My.BarackObama phone banking tool regularly to reach out to fellow supporters and potential supporters to grow our movement for change.

If you are ready to make the difference in this campaign commit to making calls regularly and sign-up for the National Call Team now!

Thanks for all you can do!

Obamawood October 13 KNOCK for CHANGE

Lucia - Team Coordinator for OBAMAWOOD — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:25:56 EDT

Please sign up at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vmbf

On Saturday, October 13th in cities and towns across the country, Barack Obama supporters like you will organize to canvass door-to-door to build support for Barack's plan to turn the page in Iraq. As part of this exciting opportunity, we're having our own Knock For Change here in Obamawood (Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silverlake, parts of Hancock Park and Koreatown)!

We urgently need your help to make this a success. Please contact me or our Canvass Coordinator, Reginald Nelson, (qb17@sbcglobal.net), if you have any questions or need help getting a ride to the event.

The details are as follows:

Time:
Saturday, October 13 at 9:30 AM

Duration:
4 hours

Host:
Lucia Brawley

Contact Phone:
646-408-4783

Location:

below the Greek Theater in Griffith Park. (Los Angeles, CA)
2700 North Vermont, in Griffith Park
Los Angeles, CA 90027

IF YOU CAN, PLEASE BRING A WALKING BUDDY. If not, we'll help you find one at the event. It's much safer, more fun and effective to walk with a partner. Also, wear your Obama swag, if you've got it. We'll have some there, too.

We will begin the day by checking in, enjoying coffee, collecting our materials, and having a quick training session. Then we'll drive to our precincts with our partners, park our cars, and knock on doors to get out the word about why we're voting for Barack and why they should, too =0) We want MANY people, so we can cover a lot of territory. If you have a clipboard, feel free to bring that, too.

I know canvassing may seem like a daunting thing to do if you've never done it before. We'll make sure everyone understands where to go, what to say, and that everyone has fun.

If you have certain physical limitations, we'll be sure to put you in a flat walking area. Or you don't have to walk at all. We could really use your help registering people, watching our stuff while we walk, and then collecting everyone's data at the end. We also could use help with refreshments. You can help without ever having to leave our base camp in Griffith Park.

If you or anyone you know is bilingual in either Spanish, Armenian, Korean or Thai and wants to walk with us, please let us know ASAP!

Thank you for your time and enthusiasm. Go Obama!

Lucia Brawley (luciabrawley@hotmail.com)
Obamawood Team Coordinator
33rd Congressional District

Canvass Training Video

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

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

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

Not Too Late

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

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

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

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

And the winners are...

Nikki Sutton — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:47:30 EDT

Tier 1 (85+ group members): DC for Obama with 116 donations

Tier 2 (30-84 group members): Young Lawyers for Obama with 129 donations

Tier 3 (0-29 group members): Sierra Foothills for Obama with 36 donations (including 12 offline donations)

Congratulations to these groups for their monumental efforts. Our honorable mention groups will also be receiving a special prize in recognition of their great work:

NW Suburbs of Chicago for Obama with 95 donations

Open Letter to Obama with 41 donations

Second Lifers for Obama with 29 donations

All of the groups that participated in the Action Center Group Fundraising Challenge helped demonstrate the amazing things that are possible when a group of dedicated people come together and decide to grow a movement one person at a time. The groups that had the most donations at the end of the day on September 30th in each of the three tiers will have the opportunity to participate in a conference call with Barack scheduled for October.

Thank you again to everyone involved for all of your hard work and dedication.

Thank you!

Nikki Sutton — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:39:30 EDT

Congratulations to everyone for your hard work and determination during the Action Center Group Fundraising Challenge! Groups large and small came together to work as a team and make a difference in this campaign.

With your tremendous help we reached the goal of over half a million donations by more than 350,000 people. Thank you for your contribution to this historic demonstration of grassroots action.

We are tallying up the last minute online donations and adding offline donations that were reported before the conclusion of the Action Center Challenge. The group in each of the three tiers with the most donations at the conclusion of the Challenge will be announced shortly!

Thanks again for all you do and check out the Action Center Updates Group to be the first to hear more about our next Action Center event!

45th CD in top 10 of nationwide Group Challenge

pservelle — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 19:45:59 EDT

Good news California 45th Congressional District!

Your group is one of our leading groups in the Group Fundraising Challenge!
The goal of the challenge is to get the greatest number of people to donate
to the campaign before September 30th, the end of the third quarter. It's
not about the amount you raise, but the number of people you bring to the
movement.

Contribute to your groups success: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/45thCDNoBono

The groups that get the most people to make a donation on their group
fundraising page will get a chance to participate in a conference call with
Barack this October. You can learn more about the challenge here:

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

California 45th Congressional District is currently in the top 10
among groups with less than 30 members. Here are all the rankings as of this afternoon:

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

Thanks so much for your help in growing our movement. Good luck!!

Nikki Sutton
Obama for America

PS- Help pull your group into the lead: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/45thCDNoBono

45th CD Update 9/28/07

pservelle — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:51:55 EDT

Here are how things stand; kudos to all of you.

There have been 117 invitations to participate in the Group Challenge competition announced by Chris. The invitation was to join and donate through Group California 45th Congressional District. As of last evening, the 45th CD Group membership stands at 22. What they lack in numbers is more than off-set by their commitment to what Obama represents.Our team: CD Team Coordinator pservelle *

> Data Manager : Gavin from Palm Springs, CA

> Volunteer Coordinator : Maria

> Events Coordinator : Jonathon Kamph

> Phone banking Coordinator : Brendan

> Canvass Coordinator : FirstName

> Materials/Resource Coordinator: Shakes

Newspapers in the 45th CD are online and provide a daily opportunity to tell the Obama story. Go to: MyDesert.com. Our district coordinator posts at least once a day at his Blog “Isn’t it amazing” .The 45th CD has rolled out an interactive web site. Best viewed using Mozilla Firefox. Go to: www.4540.co.nr The 45th CD had it’s launch event, 45 for 45, on September 16th. Wonderful catered buffet, outstanding venue and enthusiastic attendees combine to create a first-rate event for Obama campaign last evening. The Event was hosted by the 45th CD Volunteers for Obama. The Palm Springs Air and Space Museum provided both a spectacular backdrop as well as a powerful reminder of the debt we owe to previous generations who had stepped forward to serve their country in times when nothing less demanded it.

Top Ten

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

Only one day to go in the Group Fundraising Challenge.

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

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

Action Center Challenge

Nikki Sutton — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:22:32 EDT

Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the challenge so far, donating and sending invitations to friends and family asking them to join the movement and own a piece of this campaign.

There are only two days left till the end of the 3rd quarter and the end of the Action Center Group Fundraising Challenge! And the competition is heating up for a chance to join Barack in a conference call! Check out who is leading the pack and who is about to pull ahead.

But, no matter how many people have donated to your group so far, this challenge can turn around as soon as your group is ready to take the lead. E-mail your group and get them involved!

There is still time to contribute to a historic movement of people across our country that have deiced that now is the time to take ownership of this campaign and make sure Washington hears loud and clear that our future will be brighter than our past.

Bring your group into the lead!

One Person at a Time

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

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

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

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

Your Countdown to Change Feedback

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

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

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

Erika from San Diego, CA:

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

Dena from Hattiesburg, MS:

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

Melissa from Union City, NJ:

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

Hoboken, NJ Countdown for Change

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

Group Update

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

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

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

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

Comfort Zone--Push It!

Nancy Hussein Gage — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 22:39:26 EDT

If I made a list of things I'm afraid to do, callling strangers on the phone would be right up there near the top. But I got two requests to do just that, one from Obama's national campaign and one from our local group, Grassroots Obama/New Mexico. I entered all the stuff I needed to enter on the website to get a list of numbers in New York City to let people know that Senator Obama will be there next week. Then I procrastinated, got myself a soda, went down the driveway to check the mail, then, getting closer, entered a phone number, but did not press "talk."

Finally it got ridiculous, and I made a call. The number had been disconnected, which gave me courage (pitiful, I know). There were some "no answers" and another disconnected number, then a machine where I left a message. My courage was building when, finally, a person answered. Lo and behold, this person, in Brooklyn, was not only very nice, but did not know that Obama was going to be appearing at a rally in Manhattan next Thursday. She was happy to get the news. By the time it was too late to call, I had spoken to several people. None of them had known about the rally.

It was exhilerating to know that I had maybe made a difference, maybe gotten one more person to the rally, given someone some useful information.

After it got too late to call New York, I called for our local campaign here in New Mexico, to invite folks to a barbeque. I feel like I'm a little stronger than I was yesterday.

I joined this campaign to make this country and this world better. I didn't know that self-improvement would be a added benefit.

A Chance to Talk to Barack

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

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

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

Does your group want to talk to Barack?

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

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

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

Countdown to Change House Parties

Nikki Sutton — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:37:09 EDT

Over the weekend, thousands of supporters came together to countdown the days until the early primaries and caucuses in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina. They raised money and reached out to voters in these critical early states. Thanks to everyone that participated! Here are some stories from Countdown to Change House Parties across the nation:

Sarah hosted an event in Oakland, CA and now she feels invigorated.

As part of the campaign's Countdown to Change program, I hosted a house party today. It was yet another reminder how much I enjoy the people of this campaign. I spend my time, money and energy on this campaign because I believe in Barack as a candidate, but perhaps the biggest bonus is the people I have met along the way.

Melissa went to a Countdown to Change event in Hoboken, NJ and still feels uplifted.

Mike hosted an event in Rockville, MD and was inspired.

I hosted an event last night for Barack as part of the nationwide "Countdown to Change" and it gave me a great pride to take ownership of this amazing campaign.

George of the Woodlands, TX had a great time at Woodlanders for Obama's Countdown to Change event.

Michaele hosted a Countdown to Change House Party in Chandler, AZ and made a difference.

We met our fundraising goal of at least $126. We turned three undecided voter into supporters. We got two more people interested in hosting a house party. We interested one supporter in going to Nevada for weekend. We wrote 10 postcards to Nevada voters. So if you can gather a group of just ten people together, you can make a difference in this campaign.

Check out the Action Center to learn about the next way you can get involved in our campaign for change with the Group Fundraising Challenge. You and your group members could have a chance to participate in a conference call with Barack!

Group Fundraising Challenge

BrianK — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:39:03 EDT

Hello all,

Between now and September 30th, the Barack Obama campaign has created the Group Fundraising Challenge to encourage us as a group to raise money for the campaign effort. Being successful in today's election process requires the ability to communicate effectively through TV as well as other mediums, which of course costs money.

A donation, regardless of the amount, is one way we can each contribute to the political process, help Barack, and send a message that:

We as citizens of this country care about our government, care about how it is run, and collectively have the power to change it for the better.

I have added the first contribution which should show up today on the site, please join me!

Group Fundraising Challenge

It’s time to make a habit of taking action in your local community. Every two weeks throughout the fall, the My.BarackObama Action Center will detail the most meaningful action to help Barack Obama get elected that you can complete in your local community.

As we approach the end of the third fundraising quarter, it is important to remember that the true achievement of this campaign's fundraising so far isn’t the amount we've raised, but the record number of small donations made from people like you. You've built more than a campaign, you've built a movement. Now we need your help to make it grow.

We’re launching the My.BarackObama Group Fundraising Challenge so we can all see what is possible when a group of dedicated people come together and decide to grow a movement one person at a time.

The goal of the challenge is simple: Get as many people as you can to donate to the campaign between now and September 30th, the end of the third fundraising quarter.

State Director Recordings

L. Cherry Vincent — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:42:46 EDT

I had a chance to listen to the conference call from South Carolina's director today. The call was quite energizing I'm sorry that my House Party guest were not able to hear it. It offered a lot of information on the activities and successes that are occuring in South Carolina

Listen in on the Countdown Calls

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

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

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

Iowa with State Director Paul Tewes:

Nevada with State Director David Cohen:

New Hampshire with State Director Matt Rodriguez:

South Carolina with State Director Stacey Brayboy:

Still Getting Results From the House Party

L. Cherry Vincent — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 22:49:48 EDT

Im happy to say that I am still getting positive feedback from my guest on Saturday's house party that I hosted. Not all of those who signed up were able to attend but several of those who did not attend have still expressed an interest in support Barack Obama. This is great news. Tonight Im putting on my organizing hat and perhaps setting up a new house party or creating some other event to generate more support. And of course I'm still looking forward to the mass canvassing on September 29th in South Caroline. Come on Obama-ites. . .get your walking shoes on. . .Lets win South Carolina!

Our Happy Hour while we "countdown to change"

.mike — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 20:04:35 EDT

Yesterday was one of those days there were simply inspiring!

For many, it was the first function to attend for Barack Obama. For some, it was the second time. For me, however, it was doing what I believed is was the right thing to do! Yesterday's event reaffirmed why I support Barack.

I hosted an event last night for Barack as part of the nationwide "Countdown to Change" and it gave me a great pride to take ownership of this amazing campaign. I met White people, Black people, Brown people and many in between who share the same ideals as I do. They were extremely personable and real. What strike me most about it was the strong belief we shared that Barack represents the best in us.

I have also met and surpassed my goal of raising $129 for NH primaries. I raised $269. Thanks to those who have generously donated! It makes me proud to know that I am capable of affecting the future and bring change.

Barack, if you ever read this, I'd like to say thank you for inspring me to do the right thing.

As I promised when I first wrote about me when the start of this campaign, I have applied for my citizenship papers and waiting to vote for you.

Obama '08!

-Mike

Countdown to change party update

Will Dismukes — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 20:30:11 EDT

I had my countdown to change party today. 10 total showed up when I expected 20 but I'll blame the rain for that. 2 undecided democrats showed up with lots of questions and I was glad to have both the staff and other Obama supporters to help answer. We also had issue papers from the website to help with the details. The part I enjoyed most was during the introductions everyone explained why they support Barack Obama. It was very inspiring!

Action Heads Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

Group Fundraising

Nikki Sutton — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:53:51 EDT

Every group now has the ability to create a group fundraising page!

As a group you're now able to set a fundraising goal and work together to achieve it. You create a customized donation page that tracks the number of donors and dollars your group has raised. Group members can then easily send emails to friends and family to invite them to give to the customized group campaign.

The amount your group raises isn't as important as the process of bringing another donor into the campaign. You own a piece of this campaign. Now you can more easily reach out to your own network of friends and family to build this movement.

To get started, your group administrator needs to create a group fundraising page and set a goal. The admin can find the option to create the campaign on your group page. After the page is completed, everyone in the group can see the group fundraising icon on the group page and can get started right away inviting friends and family to join the movement by contributing.

In the first two fundraising quarters of this campaign, a record breaking 250,000 people donated to the campaign. If we all take this opportunity to reach out to our friends and family we can break even more records and prove that it's the American people that are the strongest interest group and anything is possible when they stand up together.

Countdown to Change Update

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

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

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

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

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

Sandwich board

Nancy Hussein Gage — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 21:27:25 EDT

My Obama 08 t-shirt is ever so much lighter and comfortable than the old-fashioned sandwich boards people used to wear to advertise. And it's effective!

Shopping in a warehouse food store for supplies for the Barbeque for Obama last month, a fellow hailed me down to ask where Obama headquarters was, and where he could get a shirt like mine. Alas, I doubt there will be a HQ in Albuquerque until next summer, but I invited him to the BBQ. He bought his own shirt there (I'd ordered extras), along with bumper stickers and buttons. He's joined our movement.

At soccer practice for my 4-year-old grandson, a soccer dad admired the shirt, and he too is on-board and with us now.

I was passed in the aisle of a store by two young men. One smiled at me (and my shirt) and said "Obama!" I answered "Obama!" I heard the other young man asking the first, "What's Obama?" The first was enlightening the second as they walked away.

It's a kick to get the thumbs-up and peace-signs as I'm driving too! The energy grows and grows. It pays to advertise.

It's Up to You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picnic Social for Barack - Helena,Montana

Betsy Butler — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:08:33 EDT

Greetings from Helena! I've been a supporter of Barack's since this past spring, checking in on the website nearly every day. I joined the Montana for Obama group in early May and have been keeping busy!! This is my first time blogging and in this post I want to report on the Picnic Social we held last weekend; but I'll be writing more later about other activities and projects that I've been involved with over the past few months. Beth Murphy and I hosted a drop-by picnic get-together at the Lewis & Clark Library last Saturday for folks interested in Barack and how they could get involved in the campaign. It was a come-and-go gathering. We had 20 folks sign-in, 2 supporter cards filled out, and 5 folks gave a donation. We had positive feedback for having our issues boards there ( two 30'x40" issues boards with manilla envelopes attached which hold copies of the Obama issues flyers---at 8 per board there's room for 16 different flyers); and I was really glad that we had copies of the Pew Forum's info sheet for Barack available. A gentleman dropped by as we were getting set up (not someone who stayed for our gathering) and said that he liked Obama and had just the night before received a nasty email from somewhere about Barack secretly being a radical Muslim out to destroy the country. Please understand, he knew this was nonsense, but he did not know what the truth was. I was able to hand him a copy of the Pew Forum info sheets. The sheets are accurate and even-handed in their presentation of Barack's background and his views. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a way to counter the vile nonsense that persists on this topic. I was delighted that I could so easily give this man good info. He seemed pleased too! (www.pewforum/religion08/profile.php?CandidateID=4) That's all for now. Fired up and ready to go! Betsy

Fired Up!

Nikki Sutton — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 19:14:31 EDT

This weekend supporters across the country proved that they are ready for change by firing up their grills and holding Barbecue for Barack events while reaching out to members of their community and signing up new supporters.

In Los Lunas, New Mexico, Scott held a barbecue, with the help of host Nancy, in his front yard so neighbors could wander over. He also distributed flyers up and down his block to let the neighbors know about the event. It was a tremendous success! Over 50 people showed up to show their support, including 20 people that are new to the movement.

I talked to host Nancy and she described the event as, “A really positive experience."

When Nancy was buying food for the event someone approached her because of her Obama shirt. She gave him a flyer to the event and he ended up coming to the barbecue. He is an artist and now they are thinking of having artists donate pieces for a fundraiser.

The diverse group was comprised of old and young coming together including 12 High School students who joined their teacher, Steven, who offered the students extra credit for experiencing and engaging with grassroots political organizing.

In Los Lunas they are even already preparing for the next Action Center event, Count Down for Change.

Samples of organizing tools at http://www.rootcamp.us/trainingtools.html

lionanimal — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:52:35 EDT

http://www.rootcamp.us/trainingtools.html has a description of and hyperlinks to various organizing tools previously used by progressive activists. If you are not able to attend a "Camp Obama" in your region, then a review of such organizing tools may be useful and educational.

Bozeman BBQ

S.K.Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 22:14:49 EDT

I just wanted to thank everyone for their support at Bozeman's Barbeque for Barack. Its was extremely succesful. We had about at total of 24 people who came to show their support, along with 5 new supporters! I can't wait to keep the momentum up with our next upcoming events. See everyone soon!

Your Barbecues

Nikki Sutton — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:08:04 EDT

This weekend friends, family, neighbors and colleagues will come together for the first event of the Action Center, Barbecue for Barack. I have talked with many of the hosts and everyone is doing something a little bit different, but all have the same goal of signing up at least 5 new supporters to grow the movement.

In Andalusia, Alabama Mark will be grilling a “recently harvested wild hog” and attendees will not only be supporting Obama, but will also be helping the environment by taking home an “Obama-Tree” provided by Mark & Katia to plant in their yards.

Some events will be just a few people meeting at a local barbecue restaurant like in Suntree, Florida. Other groups are shooting for a big crowd like in South Pasadena, California where Ellin is expecting over 50 people for her backyard barbecue.

In North Hollywood, CA supporters canvassed their neighborhood and while they were at it encouraged people to come out to their Barbecue for Barack at North Hollywood Park.

Thanks to everyone who is getting involved in our first Action Center event and make sure to keep up the great work with our second event: host a Countdown to Change Party on September 15th. This weekend we have Barbecues for Barack in over 25 states, for the next event lets make sure we are working for change in all 50!

abuelas for obama

Irma — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 00:07:18 EDT

Allowing Barack to Unite and Empower Latinos to Act on Saving America

In preparation to BBQ for Barack event: August 25th

.mike — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:37:07 EDT

I am organizing a BBQ for Barack Event on August 25th (http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vcrw)

The funny thing is I dont even own a grill. But I'm willing to go the extra mile and buy one for Barack.

So I'm asking y'all to give me some advice :) which grill should i get... this should make the process more fun (click the pics to see the specs, i'm thinking of getting it from Home Depot, you can suggest other ones)

I hope this will inspire other people. I will post my recipet and stuff once you tell me which one to get :)

thanks for the help, family.

Staying energized as a grassroots volunteer for Obama.

lionanimal — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:40:33 EDT

From our experience, one way for grassroots volunteers to stay energized for the duration of a long campaign is to observe the incredible on-camera presence of Barack. As an individual (not affiliated with Obama For America), I have been sharing DVD's of Barack's appearances on TV with friends, associates, and motivated citizens. The following device is worth it's weight in gold. http://www.aleratec.com/al13dvcotopr.html If you have a team of volunteers that you are are striving to maintain cohesion and consistency with, consider this method of genuine motivation, inspiration and givng leadership. The candidate speaks best (for himself). Remember, lots of folks don't have broadband access, but almost everyone has a television and DVD player.

Make a habit of it.

Chris Hughes — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:11:15 EDT

We have a historic movement online on My.BarackObama: 80,000 profiles, 6,000 organizing groups, 7,571 events already held and another 528 planned for the next few weeks. It’s clear that the work being done inside the network is of historic proportion and significance.

The common doubters’ question in response to hearing such numbers is, “How are all those people actually making a difference in the election?”

Well, you’ve already proved several times over that you can. Thousands of you have participated in coordinated national days of action—events like the house parties day on March 31st and a nationwide walk for change on June 9th. These kinds of events would have been impossible without your energy and support and the online tools of My.BarackObama.

What we must do now is channel all of the enthusiasm and energy that you in this community have toward the completion of discrete goals that will help meet the campaign’s objectives.

Today we're announcing the launch of our My.BarackObama Action Center, a place where you can go to find out what exactly the campaign needs from you today.

Every two weeks throughout the fall, we will focus on a coordinated action that everyone in My.BarackObama should aim to complete.

We’re kicking off the program with a call to host a barbecue for Barack on August 25th. We’ve put together an entire guide to help you plan and organize your event.

The most important aspect of barbecuing for Barack is making sure that you engage at least five new supporters—and get their information back to the campaign. You should have a ton of fun at your event, but you should also leave it having brought at least another five people into the movement.

Over the course of the next few months, you will demonstrate the power of the grassroots to change an election and shape American history. Take the first step now and learn more about hosting an event.