Organizing for America | Blog of a Genius: OBAMA ORGANIZING FELLOWS

OBAMA ORGANIZING FELLOWS - HELP!

By Chris J the Genius - May 28th, 2008 at 11:17 pm EDT

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I was recently informed that I have been accepted to the Obama Organizing Fellows program. I am excited, but now I am faced with a dilemma. On the FAQs it says that there are no stipends for food or transportation. Also, there is no guaranteed housing. I really can't afford to travel, live, or work under those conditions. Can anyone offer some clarity as to what options I may have if any? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I would really like to participate, but I won't be able to if there are no guarantees.

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By Sam May 29th 2008 at 12:23 pm EDT

I know many people who have the means and the qualifications and were not accepted. Maybe you should have read the information about it being an unpaid position before you applied. Now you have taken the spot of someone else who is willing and able to make the sacrifice. The campaign has made a blunder by taking mostly college students and recent graduates for this program. I'm sure you would be a great addition to the program; it is unfortunate that this program was designed for people whose mommy's and daddy's can afford to foot the bill while their kids play politics. There are alot of working people who have alot more at stake in this election and would like to participate but the campaign does not want to include them.

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By Chris J the Genius May 29th 2008 at 3:57 pm EDT

Wow, what an ignorant comment. I don't rely on my parents for anything, so consider yourself corrected. I pay my own bills. If you haven't noticed, the cost of gas is going up and so is everything else along with it. If YOU had paid attention to the many write-ups about the program, you would have noticed that the program is directed toward college students, but is open to everyone. I simply can't afford to go. Just how do you expect anyone to suck it up when if they don't have the money there is nothing for them to do? You sound as if you are working and want to be included, why didn't you apply? If it's because you have bills to pay with the money you make and couldn't afford to take off for about six weeks, you have ABSOLUTELY no argument. Don't play yourself, man. I have qualifications and experience, which is why I was accepted. From what you have said, I can unmistakably identify you as a hater who needs to get his or her weight up. Consider yourself lucky that we haven't met...

Re: Consider yourself lucky and suck it up... | Report to Admin

By mitch90210 Jun 2nd 2008 at 7:51 pm EDT

Hello, sorry that the S Mac person was so mean to you. His comments were totally uncalled for. I don't know if you have gotten everything together or what city you are going to, but I would suggest that you post several times, but be specific about your needs, I am sure someone will try to meet them. Maybe something like:

Help Needed

I have been accepted as an organizing fellow, but as a struggling student who pays my own way with no parental support, I will need help. If someone could help with transportation and temporary housing I would be oh so grateful.

I have live in __________. I have been accepted for the programs located in ______________.

Anyone willing to assist, please respond to this blog and we can work out the details from there.

Help is on the Way!!!!!!!!! | Report to Admin

By Kenisha S. Williams May 30th 2008 at 12:31 am EDT

There is absolutely no need to worry. I was told by the interviewer that housing will be provided although the FAQ list specifies otherwise. As far as transportation is concerned, I am almost certain you will come into contact with so many Obama Organizing Fellows that will be willing to carpool to accomplish the mission because of the cost of gas. My volunteer experience with the Obama Campaign has never left me with aches in my stomach; anytime I volunteered I was provided with food. I read the FAQs list and I still applied not knowing how I would surpass such obstacles, so when the interviewer informed me that housing would be provided I said HALLELUJAH!!!!!!! Don't drop out now, you've come too far, the anticipation, the sweat, the biting of your nails while waiting for the interviewer's phone call and the final e-mail that said Congratulations. Is this not enough to wait it out? If that's not enough, then what about the preparation of the (3) 300-500 word essays? Are you really going to let this go to waste? I have faith in you and I don't even know you....so ride with the big dog (being myself) and wait it out.....Good Luck!!!

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