Organizing for America | Arusha's Blog: Moving Forward

volunteers | Report to Admin

By CDB Dec 7th 2008 at 4:17 pm EST (Updated Dec 7th 2008 at 4:17 pm EST)

I think volunteers should identify what their role should be. Most of the volunteers I worked with during the campaign are vested in their communities and are eager to continue their involvement with the Obama administration. They know what's needed in their communities and have ideas for ways that government can be helpful in making those things happen. Respect, include, empower - seems to be it starts with asking them.

Networking Element? | Report to Admin

By vette58 Dec 7th 2008 at 5:55 pm EST (Updated Dec 7th 2008 at 5:55 pm EST)

I agree whole heartedly with CDB regarding the volunteers role since we'll be asking them for their continued participation. However, concerning the structure might I suggest a sort of "network" element, so that those folks that have already begun the work of moving forward with organizing in our community as a direct result of getting involved with the Obama Campaign, could network locally on those mutual policy issues. The benefit is two fold. We add more activism to pushing the agenda with our local governments and state congressional members, but also provide an additional opportunity to grow the Obama Change network by recruiting from these active group members. (Keeping the ground fertile for a re-election.)
For instance, we've launched a Black Caucus (new for our State) which has grown tremendously over the last 6 months (over 150 paid members and over 400 on the email list). Many of the members became volunteers for the Obama Campaign and as the caucus grows provide potential "new" volunteers for the Obama change movement. In addition, this group would work in cooperation with the Change Movement in pushing their agenda in their local community. I'm sure there are many folks out there like us with the same opportunity. I'm so excited about our house meeting next week and hope that you'll provide either access to a video blog so we can all better understand the direction you're taking. We have a few of our elected officials that want to stop by and meet everyone and let them know that they are excited about working with them on a "change" agenda. I'm continually amazed at how this "movement" has already "changed" the way people (including our elected) think of doing business in politics now. Keep up the great work.

Yvette Williams
Las Vegas, NV

Re: Networking Element? | Report to Admin

By Josh Dec 12th 2008 at 8:15 am EST (Updated Dec 12th 2008 at 8:15 am EST)

I strongly agree with the networking element but I do not think efforts should end in pressure on our local or federal governments. I think while networking and forming connected leadership we should form priority goals and realistic solutions to issues the public at any level can form a close consenses on. Then develope the structure and support for these initiatives so they can be with or without local governments.

I think a group the grew with the rest of the people to acheive that should be called "Volunteers for Community" or even
"Volunteers for a Stronger Community".

Methods to structure this leadership can be found in the group

Connect Elected Local Leadership

Organizing Volunteers | Report to Admin

By Diane from Cushing, ME Dec 7th 2008 at 6:43 pm EST (Updated Dec 7th 2008 at 6:43 pm EST)

(1) To help move the legislative agenda through Congress,

(a) create telephone chains to educate/mobilize citizens to contact their legislators

(b) or replicate the primary phonebank model to offer volunteers "scripted" telephone calls to be made to citizens in targeted states whose legislators need to be lobbied

(c) if needed, facilitate face-to-face contact with legislators.

(2) Utilize volunteers to continue community building--to address unmet needs within communities through relationship building--
for example, a retired senior who feels life is empty is matched with a young family deparately needing the love/support/after school help of a "grandparent."

I am so encouraged the momentum of volunteers will continue.

Warmest wishes, Diane

Diane Smith
40 Summer Road
Cushing, ME 04563

Organizing Volunteers | Report to Admin

By Diane from Cushing, ME Dec 7th 2008 at 6:44 pm EST (Updated Dec 7th 2008 at 6:44 pm EST)

(1) To help move the legislative agenda through Congress,

(a) create telephone chains to educate/mobilize citizens to contact their legislators

(b) or replicate the primary phonebank model to offer volunteers "scripted" telephone calls to be made to citizens in targeted states whose legislators need to be lobbied

(c) if needed, facilitate face-to-face contact with legislators.

(2) Utilize volunteers to continue community building--to address unmet needs within communities through relationship building--
for example, a retired senior who feels life is empty is matched with a young family deparately needing the love/support/after school help of a "grandparent."

I am so encouraged the momentum of volunteers will continue.

Warmest wishes, Diane

Diane Smith
40 Summer Road
Cushing, ME 04563

volunteers | Report to Admin

By Obama Got Next Dec 7th 2008 at 11:51 pm EST (Updated Dec 7th 2008 at 11:51 pm EST)

I think that it would be great if the volunteers were taught the ways to lobby and build their relationships with their representatives locally. There of course will be opportunities for them to spread the word about Obama's agenda but empowering them to act locally is key.

During the election volunteers showed that they have the power and ability, but just need to be shown the way.

Name ideas | Report to Admin

By Chris Savage Dec 8th 2008 at 8:21 am EST (Updated Dec 8th 2008 at 8:21 am EST)

My first thought was "Community Organizers with REAL RESPONSIBILITIES" (CORR). Kinda of a tip o' the hat to Governor Palin ;)

Trying to come with something with a catchy acronym, I landed on Citizens Organized to Make the Union Perfect (COM-UP ["come up"])

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