Journey for Change – Your Messages, Our Present & Future Hope
“Empowering Youth Through Global Service”
Youth – Community – Hope – Service – Empowerment – Change – Destiny
Greetings Fellow Hopemongers, Women for Obama, Vote for Change Volunteers, Obama Supporters with a Margarita, Friends, Brooklynites, New Yorkers, Obama Family, Americans, and Global Citizens.
As some of you know, we have been collecting copies of Hill Harper’s Letters to a Young Brother and Letters to a Young Sister to send with the 15 girls (young women) and 15 boys (young men) from Bushwick, Brooklyn, that will be taking part in the Journey for Change youth service project to South Africa. (Details on this amazing project headed by Obama supporter Malaak Compton-Rock, who also happens to be the mother of my dynamic North Carolina canvassing partner Gayle, can be found on the Angel Rock Project web site at http://www.angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp). The book drive was part of the Vote for Change registration drive we had in Harlem the night of the Montana and South Dakota primaries (with 66 voter registrations collected by our awesome volunteers.)(Details on this past event and some of my motivation for creating it can be found at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4b5m).
In addition to providing books full of advice and guidance to read on their trip, Obama supporters have been writing in personal messages for these young adults that may one day be future women and men for Obama and, just possibly --with a little hope and help, future leaders of their communities and our country. As a bonus, the “Young Brother” book includes a letter from Senator Obama and the “Young Sister” book contains a letter from Michelle Obama. I have included some of the amazing messages already gathered below. Due to the generous donations by our past volunteers and donors (particularly my own Mama for Obama in Colorado and Lonny in NYC with multiple donations), it looks like we may have donors for all the books. However, I need more messages from YOU. Before you try to tell me that you are too busy, take a look at the fundraising picture and you will see that Senator Obama took the time out to sign one of the books at the Women for Obama breakfast we just had in New York!!! I have to admit, I’m going to be a little jealous handing over that treasure.
So please leave messages for the kids in the comments section of the blog. I am asking for a small suggested $5 to $10 donation to the campaign through our fundraising link to participate, but will accept positive messages from all regardless of contribution (after all economic times are hard). Link for the fundraising page and the Obama signature can be found here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/ObamaSupporterswithaMargarita
“Your life is what you make it. Those who achieve don’t waste time on self-pity…Instead they strive for excellence. They take responsibility for their actions and they try to focus not just on themselves, but on others. In fact when you focus on others you realize the blessings you have…It doesn’t mean you can’t get down sometimes. Everybody does. But, always remember that being defeated is a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent….Barack” Letters to a Young Brother by Hill Harper, page 157
Obama Supporters’ Messages of HOPE --
“…Be grateful for what you have – be compassionate to those that do not have what you have – and work for quality in this world…and always LOVE.” – Sue, NYC
Always dream big, but remember to set goals. …Stand by your convictions. Don’t blindly follow the crowd…You have one life, live it to the fullest!’ Love I. Watkins, NY
“Future Ba-rack Star, I am actually a college student that is only now getting involved in the political process. Before this election I dreamed big, but my dreams were always questioned by a society that constantly dismissed my ability, and the collective abilities of young people…I write this to ask you to never allow anyone question your strength or power. Your voice is your tool, use it to be the change you seek…I find comfort in knowing that whatever you choose to do, the story that you write through living will make a mark on the pursuit of progress.” Sara, NYU Student & NY Women for Obama
“Khaljani – This is Swahili for destined to rule. In the Spirit, brother, I know that indeed, you are. Rule yourself & submit to righteous principals. Then serve greatly, young prince! --Brother Esq., NJ (a friend of Kevin Powell, who is running to be the Democratic candidate for Congress in Brooklyn, NY, District 10)
This is coming to you from NY City where we are about to see Barack Obama, who we hope will be our next President. He is truly an inspiration and proof that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind and your soul into it. Be strong, be confident, respect yourself and know you can be anything you want to be!” Dianne NYC
“Dear Young Sister, As you go on your journey to South Africa, I want you to bear in mind that it is always more gracious to give then to receive.” – P. Obetoh, NYC
“As I write this I am at a gathering of Obama supporters. Obama just clinched the nomination for the Democratic nominee for President. A historic night. I’m hoping we’ll have another historic night this November…Cherish your trip to South Africa. The world is a much smaller place than we know.” - JQ Faith, New York
“South Africa is such an interesting country. You will do and learn so much and at the same time make a contribution. Best wishes for a truly extraordinary experience.” --J. Fogurty, A Woman for Obama
May the examples that you are reading about in this book inspire you to reach for the stars! Dimitra, New York
“Good luck on your adventure. Follow your heart…it will help you decide the right thing to do…” Lara, NY, HIV Counselor
“My sister lives in a country where people don’t get to vote and she always reminds me what a great power and blessing it is!!” Ellen, NY
“Be Inspired! Enjoy! S. , NY
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