On June 28th, supporters hosted over 4,000 "Unite for Change" house meetings across all fifty states. It was an unprecedented grassroots organizational effort, but it was just the beginning. Those in attendance were encouraged to host their own meetings in the coming weeks and months, to grow the network of support for the work that lies ahead. Three weeks later, the ripples from that initial first kick-off are still spreading outward.
Caitlin Harvey is on the ground in New Mexico, where she attended a house party just last night . . .
Last night, Ann in Albuquerque hosted a "Unite for Change" house meeting, where people who had supported both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama met to discuss how they would unite the Democratic Party in their community and across the country.
Many of those in attendance, including Ann, were strong supporters of Hillary Clinton during the primaries. Ann said:
It was painful to lose that dream, but I'm impressed with the way that Barack Obama wants to do things. We want Obama to win, and we want to make sure that he hears our voices.
After introductions, everyone met in small groups to discuss issues such as energy and the environment, universal healthcare, and immigration. Once they decided on policy planks, they submitted their ideas to the campaign.
After the meeting, I spoke with Amy, a medical instrument technician at a VA hospital who supported Hillary Clinton during the primaries, but is now excited to support Barack and unite the Democratic Party.
Amy said:
In a way, I've always supported him. When I first heard him speak [at the Democratic National Convention] four years ago, I thought "this guy is great!"
Amy thought that the house meeting was a tremendous success. "It helped me clarify what my goals are, and gave me suggestions of concrete things that I can do to help the campaign." She's excited to help out in any way she can, including registering folks to vote.
The economy, healthcare, and the environment are all important issues to Amy. She said:
We need to get off of oil and look to alternative energies, such as solar panels. We have to develop contingency plans for global warming and stop adding to it and making it worse.
Find an event near you, and connect with other supporters in your own community.
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