Every week we feature some of the best grassroots events from the previous week. We want to highlight your creativity, enthusiasm and hard work. After you host an event, make sure to let us know how it went!
Here's a snapshot of what was happening across America this past week:March for Change: At one of the largest grassroots-organized events to date, hundreds of Obama supporters marched from Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC to the Lincoln Memorial, demonstrating the strength and diversity of this movement. At their resting place in front of the Lincoln Memorial, a lineup of performers and speakers expressed the need for sweeping change in the United States. The march was more than a demonstration - it was also a call to action. The sponsoring group Diversity4Obama used the event to register voters and recruit volunteers, particularly for Virginia, a neighboring state and battleground. "In the sweltering sun and humidity, we marched right down the road beside the White House," Rachelle, the lead organizer from DC, recalled. "Many spectators were stopping to receive the election awareness info sheets that we had printed. Then, a tremendous show took place, and thousands of tourists from many different parties came down to the front of the Lincoln Memorial. The networks and friendships that were built today will remain strong. We are committed to turning Virginia blue and to keep election awareness active all year, every year. Garden Tour: Every few weeks, Magda opens up her Middletown, CT home and her garden as a fundraiser and awareness event. This past weekend about 20 Obamaites enjoyed her lovely garden of flowers and organic vegetables and learned about "sustainable suburban living." Magda raised more than $650 dollars, much of it coming from first-time donors. This puts her fundraising total from the Garden Tours at almost $2700. Habitat for Humanity Service Day: A crew of 16 volunteers in Minneapolis, MN helped build the movement for change with Habitat for Humanity. Fulfilling their agreement to work rain or shine, the volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty, helping landscape two homes in dismal weather. "It was hard, muddy work but very satisfying to see how we transformed these small urban yards into beautiful gardens," said Vina, the event coordinator. "Each of the families worked alongside us, and we could see that they were grateful for the help and very proud of their homes." Vina put together the event with Obama Works Twin Cities, the local chapter of national group dedicated to community service. The group takes its inspiration from Barack and his call to "be the change we seek." "We all wore Obama Works plackets and buttons and t-shirts, and were complimented on our work by neighbors passing by. And at the end, we helped the family stake an Obama sign in their yard!" Student Organizing: Will, chapter coordinator for Students for Barack Obama at the University of Arkansas, has been busy organizing multiple voter registration drives in the past week. One of the drives at a residence hall proved particularly fruitful – 50 newly registered voters in two and a half hours.The student group also registered voters at the Fayetteville Farmers' Market. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed -- their campus newspaper wrote about them and featured a photo on the front page.Jewish Forum: Gayle of Highland Park, NJ wanted to strengthen Barack's support in the Jewish community and dispel any rumors. What started out as coffees in homes over the last few months culminated in a forum last week with 16 speakers and 200 attendees. Speakers included Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer, and comedian Sammy Greenfield. During intermission, attendees were treated to Jewish music (Klezmer and Jazz) and refreshments.
The event was hosted by Central NJ for Obama--Jewish Outreach group and co-sponsored by several other groups. "One of the best things about the event was the number of people from various communities who asked if we could help them put this kind of event (on a smaller scale) together in other areas throughout the state," Gayle noted. "And we will help them!"
Ready to host your own event? Create an event now, use our flyer templates to help promote it and let us know how it goes.
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