Organizing for America | Posts with the tag Leadership

Posts with the tag Leadership

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By Jerry E Fluellen Jr - Sep 7th, 2009 at 6:34 am EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

Tell them we are rising: Story of OFN-Jax by Jerry E. Fluellen Jr. Abstract On the weekend of December 13, 2008, 4,000 House Meetings in our nation convened to plan service events. In Jacksonville, Florida, four such House Meetings were held. Of the four, two became official links in Organizing for America, the parent grassroots organization. Of the two, one aimed explicitly at becoming a learning organization. At the heart of The Obama Family Network of Jacksonville, Florida (OFN-Jax), is an example of education outside of school. This network of Jacksonville leaders engaged workshops embedded in monthly House Meetings as well as occasional think tanks to learn Peter Senge’s fifth discipline framework for learning organizations. So empowered with knowledge about Senge’s framework, leaders have been developing capacities for new thinking and new seeing with an eye on the 2012 Presidential campaign. But for now: how did a group of campaign volunteers for President Obama become a learning organization? Background Most research on Peter Senge’s fifth discipline framework rests on Fortune 500 companies and businesses. Rare is the study of a community organization made of campaign volunteers. But that becomes an opportunity to learn more about how an organization, outside of work and school, starts from scratch with the Senge framework. One such organization is The Obama Family Network of Jacksonville, Florida (OFN-Jax). A professor and researcher at MIT, Senge says a learning organization is one in which “people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning how to learn together.” OFN-Jax members have been systematically engaging workshops on Senge’s framework since its inception December 2008. Thus, an ethnographic study of OFN-Jax can create a story about another dimension of education—professional development in a grassroots community organization. How did a group of campaign volunteers become a learning organization? This research problem emerged from themes coded in the first set of fieldnotes for OFN-Jax monthly house meetings. Future data collection to create a story addressing the research problem will derive from subsequent coded fieldnotes on House Meetings and observations of blogs in Organizing for America’s web site (June 2009 to December 2009), two leadership think tanks (July 2009 and January 2010), dialogue interviews with at least five leaders in The Obama Family Network of Jacksonville, Florida (October 2009), and, finally, one video tape of a professional development workshop on Senge’s fifth discipline framework including a co-generative dialogue session (December 2009). The ethnographic story will add value to reflections about a newly minted group. Early findings suggest that members are knowledgeable about becoming a learning organization. Eight members of the OFN-Jax leadership team participated in a think tank on July 11, 2009. They examined the concept of “learning organization” in depth and wrote responses for two thought demanding tasks. Consider the blog entry for Organizing for America—the national grassroots organization of which OFN-Jax is a member. The blog speaks to the leadership team’s awareness. July 11, 2009 marked a new day for The Obama Family Network of Jacksonville (OFN-Jax). Eight leaders in the network completed a three hour professional development think tank on the core concept in Peter Senge’s fifth discipline framework. While each monthly House Meeting for OFN-Jax featured a one hour workshop to explore a core concept in the five disciplines (personal mastery, shared vision, systems thinking, mental models, and team learning), this think tank took time to examine the very concept of learning organization itself. Leaders constructed an individual and collective understanding of learning organization while the membership was on summer recess. In addition to listening to a 10 minute clip from Senge’s audio book on the fifth discipline framework for learning organizations, practicing a 20 minute co-generative dialogue activity, and examining the concept critically in a power point slide show, leaders wrote about the learning organization and engaged six steps for creating one. The writing prompt was this: How do we become a learning organization? One leader made a list of 11 characteristics of a learning organization including “leverage multiple perspectives, skills, ideas and goal,” “discuss possibilities” and “respect all voices,” record our history, progress, and accomplishments” and, finally, “connect thoughts and themes to institutional actions.” Another member wrote, “we become a learning organization by keeping open minds. We respect other view-points in order to incorporate a variety of ideas into the organization. We focus our principles, purpose, and values in order to keep on track. We do now allow the organization to become stagnant or rigid. We remain nurturing and supportive of creative thought, ideas, and actions.” Another leader wrote, “we express our thoughts freely and respect each other’s ideas. We discuss our collective thoughts, mold them into collective aspiration and, then, act on them with one voice. If we do this every time we meet, we will evolve into the type of learning organization we desire.” Finally, a leader wrote, “We become a learning organization through our collective willingness to think new and see new. We value each member and all ideas. We rid ourselves of fear and work to increase individual and collective capacities. We teach and learn. We connect through meaningful dialogue. Because the group of leaders participating in the think tank will become a critical mass to help OFN-Jax evolve into a practicing learning organization, the activity for creating a learning organization was key. Like connecting the pieces of a puzzle, each leader responded to the six steps given in Peter Senge’s fieldbook for the fifth discipline. A completed puzzle emerged from this effort. Step one: If I had a learning organization… People would commit to learning, teaching, and doing. People would have fun. People would start with a blank slate. People would have common values and goals. They would work together to serve others. They would share a common vision. We would listen to each other. People would come with energy. They would feel valued and loved. People would give and grow, serve and reflect. Step two: enhancing the definition of learning organization People will build a vision, seek knowledge, and share ideas. People feel they are doing things that matter to them. People are more intelligent together than they are alone. Step three: what would a learning organization bring me…? If we became a learning organization, we would commit to intellectual engagement and service to others. We will be changed for the better. We would try new thinking. We would create together. We would change from the inside out and grow new capacities. People would feel they are doing something that mattered to them personally and to the larger world. No one would be killed for making a mistake. People would be free to inquire. I will be empowered. I will not be afraid to not know. I will learn. I will be enriched in my service. Every person in the organization is stretching and enhancing their capacities to create. People would share a vision. People would gain a sense of belonging to a great organization. Each member could say, “I am strong, smart, and creative.” Step four: picking and refining the top five characteristics of a learning organization Perhaps the most important characteristic emerging from the puzzle on learning organization for the participating leaders was “shared vision.” So many ideas fold into that one concept which happens to be the next of the five disciplines the overall organization will study when we resume in the fall. Additionally, John Naisbitt’s idea that the new basic skills of the 21st century were thinking, learning, and creating speaks to themes emerging from the collective response of OFN-Jax leaders. In brief, we seem to agree that in learning organizations, people think, learn, and create. As importantly, they create a shared vision. Step five: what stands in our way… Collectively, we identified several barriers to becoming a learning organization. These included fear, time, and energy. One leader said we should not take on too much. Another leader said old ways of thinking could stand in our way of becoming a learning organization. Still another said we could fail to listen. Step 6: I’ll know we’re making progress towards becoming a learning organization if… a cohesive and productive organization still exists, if a plan to move forward is in place, if we become sustainable. One leader summed this evaluative step as follows: If we “continue to gather and communicate, nurture and listen, include and conclude, we will be a learning organization. In all, eight leaders participating in the July 2009 OFN-Jax leadership think tank created a conversation about learning organizations. They will become the critical mass needed to transform the whole system. But the story of OFN-Jax’s growth from group to learning organization is still to come. For example, one month later, the leadership team met with Deirdre Johnson to plan, events, strategically, for the coming year and beyond. On August 22, 2009 at the University Park Library, eight leaders of OFN-Jax reached consensus that four events will be featured every quarter, every year. These events will correspond with four thematic areas, three of which draw directly from President Obama’s pillars of our future economy: health care, education, energy. The fourth area is political process. That means the leadership team elected to deal with themes of national concern and to do so every three months in ways that engages the community. Phillip Miner, who had taken the time to write and distribute a skeleton plan drafting the four themes, suggested political process as a new direction for the organization. Until now individuals from OFN-Jax have been involved (e.g. eight members from OFN-Jax serve on the Democratic Executive Committee), but the organization as a whole did not explicitly engage the public in the political process during its first nine months of life. Almost by accident and to its credit, OFN-Jax did an activity during a House Party held to honor President Obama’s first 100 days. In the midst of doing the electric slide, eating, laughing, and talking with people at 2016 University Blvd North, the old staging site for the last three weeks of the presidential election, OFN-Jax created a carousel game. The walls in the room used for dining featured huge post-its, each with a question inviting a response. The questions helped people to reflect on the first 100 days of President Obama’s administration. At the end of the party, an OFN-Jax member collected the responses and published them for members to examine at the next House Meeting. That suggested a model. OFN-Jax might engage the public in the political process through activities during a House Party. Such an event might become a major fund raiser as well. But to the point, Phillip’s four themes create a skeleton upon which to invite strategic participation in years to come. Thus, the 2009-2010 calendars of OFN-Jax events might include each quarter an event around the one of the themes health care, education, energy, and political process. With a plan in place to present at House Meeting 8, September 19, 2009, all four themes are likely to become strategic action areas of the work. Each of these teams will foster the development of leadership and provides prior knowledge of team learning. When OFN-Jax reaches that point in its study of Peter Senge’s fifth discipline framework, members will have experiences with team learning and be better able to understand the more academic concepts of why team learning is vital in a learning organization. Finally, each of the themes relate to the tentative, OFN-Jax strategic vision as follows: “Prepare leaders for the 2012 Presidential campaign.” Less obvious than the co-created themes were the ways the planning session marked a new stage in OFN-Jax’s development as a learning organization. Deirdre opened the meeting with our standing South African greeting “Sawa bona.” Participants responded “Sikhona.” Translated, Deirdre said, “I see you,” and the participants said “I am here.” In that brief exchange, people recognized one another as people—the mark of a learning organization in Peter Senge’s view. Then, the group formed a prayer circle, holding hands and saying some wish for the work of the day. Next, Jerry Fluellen led the group in a Qi Gong exercise to circulate chi in each person’s body as well as the group. Participants experienced silence as well to tap cosmic consciousness. Daryl Sherman started off the check in game. Deirdre had asked each leader to say something about why he or she was at the planning session. Then, Ingrid Fluellen introduced a power point slide show to summarize the history of OFN-Jax in its first nine months of life. Based on fieldnotes for seven House Meetings, reflections on two of three service projects, documents from a leadership think tank, and several blogs in the Organizing for America web site, we now know the organization in the business of creating service projects, professional development, and knowledge. After Ingrid’s power point, Jerry facilitated a 10 minute co-generative dialogue allowing the group to exchange different views of the OFN-Jax history and new directions possible. All this, set the table for Deirdre’s facilitation of the planning session. The discussion that followed illustrated Senge’s view of dialogue featuring honest disagreements and creativity born from the honest differences. The group (Annette Bodie, Deborah Brillo, Ingrid Fluellen, Jerry Fluellen, Phillip Minor, Daryl Sherman, Deirdra Thompson, and Patricia Turintine) successfully created a draft strategic plan to present at House Meeting 8. The new season for OFN-Jax will begin with people working together to create what they truly want—mark of a learning organization.

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Getting the Band Together

By grapesoda - Aug 24th, 2009 at 5:15 pm EDT

Also listed in: Iraq-Afghanistan Veterans for Obama | Veterans for Obama | Virginia Action Team

Why is it the end of the summer and we dont have half of the administrations appointees in place?

Does the phrase "Recess Appointees" ring a bell?

All of these excuses will mean nothing in 2010 and 2012. The Health Care Scam to payoff big business with our money is unforgiveable and dispicable.

Why is the Obama administration so weak and cowardly?

As a former Chicago resident, this is embarrassing that the President uses Chicago to express how tough he is but gets nothing done.

How much do I have to donate for Obama to grow a pair and start cracking skulls?

Bipartisanship only works when youre running the show and are dominant over one's enemies.

Otherwise its just weakness.

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ADD -Attitude Decides Destiny

By Unknown user - Aug 14th, 2009 at 1:27 am EDT

It is The Attitude that will change us Attitude is not a simple word Attitude is reltionship management ,is everything How we look at, is attitude How we act, is attitude How we react ,is attitude How we support causes,is attitude And Finally What Lessons we should learn from the mistake (not to repeat)is attitude

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Obama's First 100 Days: A Smashing Success!

By 2morrowKnight - Apr 22nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm EDT

CNBC's John Harwood made a great analogy on the show Meet the Press recently: he likened President Obama's performance to a star quarterback driving the ball down the field getting first down after first down. To put it another way, imagine a game where Lebron James and the Cavaliers or Kobe Bryant and the Lakers hit 3-pointers and slam ducks at will and never ever turned the ball over. That explains President Obama's overwhelming success thus far.

Indeed, President Obama's First 100 Days in office is going down in the history books. Someone might be able to say that they disagree with his policies, but no one can say he hasn't done anything. Most of the of the national polls put him in the mid to high 60% range. A healthy number of respondents in a recent New York Times/CBS News Poll say they have strong confidence in Obama's leadership, and, that they see small signs that the economy is getting better (ever so slightly) with his initiatives.

And yes, OMG!, just last week, President Obama announced that the Recovery Act is "starting to work" and that 2,000 transportation projects are under way around the country: Red States and Blue States. In fact, last week, on The White House Blog, there was a compilation of articles from publications around the country hailing the job-generating success of the Recovery Act. Yes baby...its working.

President Obama has been inspiring, substantive, engaging, unconventional, and downright transformational. He has signed 7 pieces of major legislation so far, which include: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, DTV Delay Act, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and The National Service Bill. He has cracked down on mortgage fraud, worked with the Federal Reserve Bank to lower mortgage rates, and created a very resourceful website (makinghomeaffordable.gov) that comes highly recommended by consumers and mortgage professionals alike.

Furthermore, he has ordered the closure of Guantanamo Bay Prison in 2010; reversed horrendous Executive Orders by President Bush on reproductive rights for women, stem cell research, and environmental protection; and, already, opened up The White House for parties, bi-partisan cocktails, and well-publicized cultural events with community children. Plus, he made groundbreaking appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, ESPN's" "March Madness/Bracketology" segment, and Univision's popular music show “Premio Lo Nuestro" to raise his profile with millions of viewers who were not tuned into the debate over the Recovery Act and his budget - and it worked beautifully.

But he has been the most compelling in the following areas:

(1) Foreign Policy - Yes, he has taken some lumps on defending some Bush Administration views on warrantless wiretaps, and, yes, Iran, Afghanistan and North Korea (and Palestine) are still evolving toward a solution, but don't tell me that any of that dampens the awe-inspiring impact of his trip to Europe and Asia, where he was the toast of every country he visited. His town hall meeting with Turkish students was the stuff of legends. Need I mention his outreach to Cuba - which most Americans support? And don't get me started over his involvement with the effort to rescue Captain Richard Phillips. Obama rocked it!

(2) Diversity - Simply put, President Obama has stacked his administration with action-oriented thinkers and visionaries (young and old) who care for America, believe in America, and, look like America. Asian-Americans, Latinos, Native-Americans, African-Americans, Arab-Americans, Whites, women, and gays make up the most experienced, pragmatic, and diverse administration in history. Obama refuses to believe there is a contradiction between "outreach" and "achievement". His cosmopolitan hiring is certainly putting pressure on employers in this country who believe they don't have to embrace diversity and can cling to antiquated thinking.

April 29th will mark President Obama's 100th day in office. And so far, he has proven himself to be a thoroughly innovative and pioneering individual, who is complimented by his unflappable and dazzling wife and life partner, First Lady Michelle Obama, and by his phenomenal, social media savvy staff. I wait anxiously for what the next 100 days will yield.

2morrowknight is an internet strategist and community organizer who blogs at 2morrowknight.blogspot.com, and is author of a forthcoming children's book. You can follow him at Twitter.com/2morrowknight and friend him at Myspace.com/2morrowknight.

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It Took a Real Leader to Get the Ball Rolling

By Henry M - Apr 19th, 2009 at 8:56 am EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

Dutch marine commandos with 20 fishermen that they freed from the Yemeni flagged dhow on 18 April 2009
Nato foils Somali pirates' attack

Pirates have intensified attacks on shipping in recent weeks

An attempted attack by Somali pirates on a Norwegian tanker was foiled by Nato warships and helicopters after an overnight pursuit in the Gulf of Aden.

Nato said a Canadian warship caught the pirates before releasing them after the gang attacked the MV Front Ardenne.

The alliance said the pirates had been released because they could not be prosecuted under Canadian law.

On Saturday, Dutch commandos serving with the Nato anti-piracy operation freed 20 pirate captives from Yemen.

In that incident, too, the raiders were released.

We were faster and surprisingly more manoeuvrable than the pirate skiff
Michael McWhinnie, Canadian warship spokesman
Somali piracy: Global overview

American forces joined in Sunday's pursuit of pirates who used rocket-propelled grenades in an attack on the 80,000-tonne MV Front Ardenne.

Portuguese Lt Cdr Alexandre Santos Fernandes told AP news agency the raiders only stopped after repeated warning shots were fired.

He said the gang was interrogated and disarmed before being released.

A spokesman aboard the Canadian warship, the Winnipeg, Michael McWhinnie, said they had switched off all lights to hunt the fleeing pirates through the night.

"We blocked their path. We were faster and surprisingly more manoeuvrable than the pirate skiff," Mr McWhinnie told Reuters news agency.

Pirates have intensified attacks on shipping in recent weeks in one of the world's busiest sea lanes, despite patrols by the foreign navies.

In another incident on Saturday, Somali pirates seized a Belgian ship and its 10 crew, including seven Europeans.

Nato's success this weekend is the latest in a string of recent Western military operations against the pirates.

French and US troops have both taken action against pirates in recent days.

The French rescued three people from a captured yacht in an assault which saw one man killed.

Last week US troops killed three pirates and captured another as they rescued the American captain of a tanker from captivity.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently unveiled a plan to tackle piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean off Somalia.

Henry M

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Oepanak

By Unknown user - Apr 16th, 2009 at 3:27 am EDT

Oenaa enejak

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Uansja

By Hasnak from Moorpark, CA - Apr 14th, 2009 at 9:12 pm EDT

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Open Letter to Leaders at Fem2pt0 : society’s issues + women’s voices

By Madama Ambi - Apr 14th, 2009 at 4:06 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Please read my post and leave your comments at Fem2pt0's blog or wiki. The wiki can be found at www.fem2pt0.wetpaint.com.

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WHO IS THAT GUY BARACK OBAMA? HE IS US.

By Alex Karoub - Feb 28th, 2009 at 6:27 pm EST

..... Contact: http://Alex.Karoub@gmail.com

(orig. posted 11/7/08)

We have made historic headway by together pointing our nation in the right directions. After decades, we have America focused on the issues of fundamental importance. Now, each of us acting in concert can together move our country to lead the world to the fruitfulness of moral goodness. I have no doubts about my abilities and the abilities of fellow Americans to work smart and hard to achieve these goals.

Barack Obama has the visions, leadership, and integrity for us to correct and redirect our country to once again lead the world for the fruitions of good. Let's closely listen, learn, and move forward based on that which we know deep inside is good and which we can validate with our hearts.

I hope that those who had but a few reasons to support Obama, look further into the other issues more deeply. I found the more I explored, studied, and listened to Obama the more I found us in agreement. The couple of issues that I did not have depth of knowledge of, quickly became obvious in need. This was unusual for me since I have always refused to be any kind of a follower, and still am not. I find Obama to be a deep thinker who is articulate and inspirational; and, of most fundamental importance, Obama makes excellent moral sense.

Hopefully, our country has learned lessons from the past of mistakenly following leadership blindly, as was done with Nixon and Bush. There are leaders who are simply in it for themselves and will cater to individuals or groups in order to grab for their own benefit. Corrupt and bad leaders hide at all levels. This is especially true in city government as well as county and state government. The corrupt deals of politicians need to be exposed, and those responsible need to be weeded out in the coming local elections. Others need to be investigated by law enforcement and be prosecuted for illegal dealings; for deals they often make for their hidden personal agendas. Let’s look at the bad experiences of the past as bitter medicines, let’s eliminate the need for such bad medicine in the future. Let us use what we know is good to go forward.

I believe we have chosen wisely, not by greed and not by misguided retaliatory anger. I believe this time our country has chosen with open eyes, with each of us listening and examining our choice of leadership closely, driven and validated by our hearts.

I hope we can continue to make our efforts even more inclusive (in many more ways than I touch on here). Far right republicans will be stubborn to change, but we will need to include them to change if we are to succeed. Sure a few more will leave our country, but that is not the American way. No, we really don't need their false fronts of power, money, insider knowledge, or other trappings that they have taught many to 'respect?'. Let's recruit as many as we can, that's the American way, evolving and changing together as one nation. Try to be understanding as we move forward; by better understanding each as individuals and people with various desires and needs we will find ways to reach out with friendship and have them join our causes of good.

Be on the lookout, and root out bad leadership in government and business. Do not be intimidated by those who use the false fronts of power and give a false sense of security in order to lead. Be extra leery of those who say or imply ‘Trust me’; those who give a sense that they somehow omnipotently know better. No longer will Americans be dazzled by phony displays of brilliance or baffled by baloney. There are government aristocrats and business leaders who still believe in the old adage of: “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, then baffle em with bullshit”. We can embrace complexity by demanding true, fundamental, and understandable explanations. We can root out falsehoods by not accepting double speak. We as Americans know how to grow ourselves by first believing in ourselves. Don’t be a follower. Don’t be a follower of followers.

However, when we find leaders who are good; a leader that thinks, speaks, and acts from their heart; one that is honest, has integrity, and leads by sincere examples; then we need to in a big way, join them, support them, and promote their causes of good. From much research, investigation, and scrutiny, I believe Barack Obama is such a person. I hope we search for and find many more who are similar, who we can add to service at all levels of government. We need to add/replace leaders in business with ones that have honesty, integrity, and show quality in leadership. We need more people in leadership roles who are moral, like Barack Obama.

Remember, we are not fighting a battle, we are the artisans and sculptors of the future for ourselves and generations to come. Rarely do societies have opportunities to make such dramatic moves forward as we now have in this opportunity of today. Take pride and practice in being inclusive as we stride forward. In moving forward, create opportunity not only for yourself, but also for all. Hope is a wonderful thing to behold; but without opportunity, hope can become but a dream never achievable. We can, will, and must, create opportunity.

In the coming year I hope that we do not lose our spiritedness, but instead continue to build and make headway. I hope we all continue our campaign for change in government and business. We will succeed in moving forward once again, it will take much effort and good oversight on the part of each of us. We will make great strides in the months and years ahead in order to achieve the fruitions of good. Let's keep our enthusiasm progressing through these coming toughest of times. Let us use the light of goodness and love to motivate us with historic momentum.

I have chosen Barack Obama because he best represents my deepest beliefs in America. Please take time to read the issues that Barack Obama has published on this website. Also, give your attention to see how he leads us to move our nation forward in the time ahead. Most importantly, be part of America's great future, participate in the greatness that together we will make. Participate!

We will each and all flourish, if we think, speak, and act, by using the love in our hearts.

Your reply is welcome. Contact: Alex.Karoub@gmail.com

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President Obama Needs to Run the Show

By Andrea - Feb 9th, 2009 at 3:41 pm EST

Also listed in: Bill Maher Fans for Obama | Environmentalists for Obama | Jon Stewart and Obama Enthusiasts

We Won the Election! How could we have gotten stuck so soon? Our first critical piece of legislation should be absolutely bullet proof! We should have gone over it with a fine tooth comb, nothing should have left any door open for the Republicans to walk through. Shame on us. There is time to legislate on all the important issues of the day.

We are smart enough to prioritize. Smart enough not to make the same mistakes over and over again. How can anyone in their right mind think that a few dollars extra in each pay check will turn the economy around? If a person isn't working how will a tax cut help them? Working people can't afford health care for themselves or their children. Unless an old idea has proven to work, don't do it again. Simple.

We know better, we have extensive experience with Republican strategies. I love the idea of collaboration and bi-partisanship, especially when so much is at stake - America is at stake. I don't like looking stupid or silly.

We should come from abundance and clarity. We are strong, active and ready for Change. It's really strange to feel so defensive so quickly, it hasn't even been a month that we are in the White House. President Obama has great instincts, he needs to use them. We are counting on him. Even if he is wrong, we are trusting he will consider all ideas and settle on the best of them. We believe he will do his best.

I hosted a house meeting this past Friday evening. It was very well attended and we had really good conversation about current issues and the economy. We want to know what to do next, how can we help use our voices. We want to establish our footing firmly and clearly. We want to understand the Stimulus Bill and any other legislation coming down the pike.

We want a roadmap, a treatment plan so to speak. If a person is sick, the doctors create a treatment plan. If a person is really sick, there are a lot of things that must happen. The only way to handle the scope of the plan, without going insane, is to break it down into clear, bitesize pieces. The patient needs to see where they are going, the destination. We want a better idea of how we are going to get there - what steps and in what order. That assumes a certain logic, but it helps us from being overwhelmed!

I think America needs a treatment plan and more clarity on what we have to do in what order. Are we traveling in a car, a jet, a train? On highways, side roads, over bridges, what? No one knows everything, but we have so many smart people who can help define this more clearly for us. We can modify along the way and adjust. That would be normal.

President Obama needs to run the show. The people around him must make sure they are adding value, not distracting the public. They need to be somewhat invisiable. The President's success is their success and our success. America's Success. This is not the time to get distracted by the wrong things.

Andrea

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Presidential Leadership

By Ailene - Feb 5th, 2009 at 6:18 am EST

Also listed in: 8 groups

America witnessed something extraordinary this week --- presidential leadership at its best. If there were any doubts concerning who is the chief executive of the country, they should have been dispelled this week. President Obama was authoritative, yet respectful; accomodating, but resolute and principled.

President Obama took a stand with Congress --- BOTH Republicans and Democrats, encouraging them to work in a bipartisan manner. He took a stand against 'distractors' who may be inclined to nit-pick at every item in pursuit of the perfect legislation by reminding us, "Let's not make the perfect the enemy of the essential" He took a stand with Wall Street executives by reminding them that everyone will bear their share of responsibility. Most importantly, he showed us that REAL leadership requires that a person be willing to do himself what s/he requires of others, in this case, accept responsibility. It was refreshing (and I admit surprising) to hear President Obama acknowledged that he 'screwed up' and accepted responsibility for it.

Yes, America we have witnessed a defining moment in our history. It was probably inevitable if not essential that this moment occurred during these perilous times. On January 20, the U.S. Constitution officially declared Barack Obama the President of the United States. This week Barack Obama showed us he is the President of the United States.

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“You’ve come for the wedding, now stay for the marriage.”

By Andrea from Kirkland, WA - Jan 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 pm EST

“You’ve come for the wedding, now stay for the marriage.” Father Miles O’Brien Riley

On Tuesday, I watched with a renewed sense of hope and excitement the Inauguration of our 44th President of the United States. While each Presidential Inauguration represents an important moment in our nation’s history what struck me at this time was the especially exuberant levels of energy arising out of our citizens. I couldn’t help but get the feeling, like those who gathered in Washington DC and around the country, a keen sense of optimism.

At the same time, I was reminded of a meaningful phrase that was communicated to the guests at my wedding, “You’ve come for the wedding, now stay for the marriage.” Our priest, Father Miles O’Brien Riley went on to advise our guests that while it is important to celebrate and take joy in the moment, the long term success of our marriage included the support and participation of our guests — our family and our friends — to help foster our commitment to each other and our marriage, in good times and bad.

I find this advice is fitting today for us as a nation. We have many challenges ahead, many of which are quite daunting to imagine. No single individual, political party or institution can alone make our country strong. Rather, it will take each one of us to do our share and take responsibility for our country’s success. It is a privilege to live in the United States. While some of us haven’t always felt proud of our past, we can certainly influence and shape our future. If we want it to be better, let’s make it that way. In addition to looking to the leaders before us, we need to look inward and ask ourselves what is our responsibility in making this country great. Instead of always looking to others to solve our problems, how can we, each day, do our part?

How can we do this you ask? We can begin by staying involved in our government. By voicing our standards for a better nation. We can take part and lead in our communities, schools, churches and places of employment. It is we who embody these institutions. We need to work to put aside our differences and seek common ground. We need to open our hearts and our minds by talking less and listening more. No matter what our role, we need to become better examples for each other. We all contribute to the success of our country and the new administration going forward.

America, we came for the wedding, now let’s stay for the marriage.

Andrea Spudich
The Responsible Leader Group, LLC

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Welcome to the New Day

By MDR Miami Beach - Jan 20th, 2009 at 2:59 pm EST

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

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"... we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, WE CANNOT HELP BUT BELIEVE THAT THE OLD HATREDS SHALL SOMEDAY PASS; THAT THE LINES OF TRIBE SHALL SOON DISSOLVE; THAT AS THE WORLD GROWS SMALLER, OUR COMMON HUMANITY SHALL REVEAL ITSELF; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

-- President Barack Obama, January 20, 2009

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INSPIRED time to UNITE not FIGHT its not ME its WE, be free

By A.D.D. Poet - Jan 12th, 2009 at 7:38 pm EST

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release

Contact: Ron Sorenson/Kathy Kafka PHONE 954 632-8495

E-MAIL: sorensonbuilders@mac.com and kathy1000kai@yahoo.com

SOUTH FLORIDA’S “A.D.D. POET” HEADS TO INAUGURATION WITH AN OBAMA TRIBUTE

Former Home Builder Turned Poet Will Be At The Inauguration With A Truck-load of His Poetry Honoring Barack Obama

Ron Sorenson has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.)—he says his condition is at the core of his talent

Miami- The week of January 20th millions will arrive in Washington DC to witness Barack Obama become the 44th President of the United States. In the crowd will be South Florida poet, Ron Sorenson. The former homebuilder has been diagnosed with A.D.D (Attention Deficit Disorder). Recently he began a diet and exercise program to manage his ADD. The side effect of this non-prescription treatment of ADD has been a creative explosion. Ron now creates poetry that has received recognition and applause from academic institutions such as Rutgers University, Stanford University, Jonn Fee Okford University, San Francisco Art Institute Suzanne Olemsted Addmissions,The Bereavement Society and his celebrity fans include Jonny Depp, Red Hot Chlie Peppers Jewel, Elle, Coda Ray, Evanescence, Soul Bomb, Siva Noir, Oliver Stone, Denzel Washington, Ian Lewis Inner Circle Band, John Sally NBA, Charles Johnson Baseball Great, Eddie Johnes Basketball Great, Larry Hendricks Hendricks Racing, Jeb Corbis Daredevil, Evil Knevil, Anjelo Dunde, Muhamad Ali, Mark Clayton, John Tesh Yoko, House of Zaccardi Artist, many more and names of some that would not or frienship open and not private anymore.

This past year Ron has become caught up in the Obama campaign and to honor his presidency, Ron created a poem titled Persistence True Dream. Ron teamed with Coral Springs artist, Tony Hall—in an almost impossible way they met and the two have created a framed limited edition and a poster to mark the historic event.

Ronald Sorenson was born a twin on September 26, 1957 on an Army base in Columbia, South Carolina. His twin brother Donald passed away at three months old. Ron found out when he came across a photo of two babies in a crib. His beloved grandmother told him when he was ten. Ron always believed his brother was his guardian angel, and has had a difficult job watching over him. With his high energy level, risk taking, and other traits he possessed, Ron felt different from everyone else. He describes the inside of his brain as Jimmy Hendrix playing the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock in his head 24/7. On June 4, 2005, Ron met Kathy Kafka—both are divorced with children. On there first date during the evening conversation, Kathy described Ron as gifted and having A.D.D. Ron had no idea what Attention Deficit Disorder was. The journey began, he had to find out what it was, during the week he was tested and diagnosed with A.D.D. Finally he had a description of why he felt different. Kathy saw a person in Ron that he never noticed. He was intelligent, creative, enthusiastic, and sensitive. Now aware of his gift of A.D.D., and the love and understanding from Kathy, his life is only getting better. Ron has been a building contractor, building beautiful homes for over 25 years. Because of his boredom and the poor economy, Ron has grown significantly tired of the construction business. Now aware of his gift, and Kathy’s love and understanding, life is only getting better. With Kathy’s knowledge of health and natural herbs, she has transformed Ron’s poor health habits. Ron is now eating healthier, consuming herbal blends and teas, resulting in positive energy. This has brought out his inventiveness, and creativity, and he is now writing beautiful philosophical poems, which he never thought he could do. Ron began writing poetry for Kathy. She noticed his talent and with the positive reinforcement he began spreading his poetry to others. Ron is now referred to as the “A.D.D. Poet.” Poetry is a way to go deep inside and express him self. Life is only getting better for Ron who has been living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida most of his life. He is unleashing the artist that resides in his heart and brain for all to enjoy.

Tony Hall was born on December 26, 1950 in Kingston Jamaica. His family moved to Mt. Vernon, NY in 1966. Attending Parsons School of Design, he majored in Graphic Design. After being drafted in the Army in 1971 and his interest in art, Tony started to paint in the evenings as a hobby. He would paint for his friends. After the release from the Army in 1978, a person noticing his talent, offered to sell his works. He gave this man several of his painting, which he never saw again. Discouraged by what happened, Tony stopped painting for three years. Then in 1981, a man commissioned a painting, but after the work was completed, the man was killed. Discouraged again, Tony stopped painting for several years. He began another hobby, base guitar, starting his own group called Mystique. Then in 2000, a co-worker requested a pencil drawing of his two children that both passed away after their birth one year apart. He asked Tony to draw the one child without the deformities he was born with. The look on his co-workers face when he gave him the drawing of his two children, put both of them in tears. Inspired to do art again, Tony created many pieces in just the last year and a half, but has not been able to sell any of his work. Tony and his wife are in jeopardy of losing there home because of the poor economy. Tony works for a printer who reduced his hours and his wife is in real estate sales. Tony and his family live in Coral Spring, Florida. Ron says along with Tony nothing can go wrong and every wrong turn ends up being the right way, He believes if you can dream it you can do it and he is living proof. Anything is possible no matter the economy your situation its what you belive and choose for your journey.

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Free Leadership & Advocacy Training (Roanoke, VA)

By Dina - Dec 18th, 2008 at 2:07 am EST

Also listed in: Voice of Virginians | Roanoke Valley Women for Obama

Thank YOU all for attending the "CHANGE IS COMING" meeting on Saturday, December 13, 2008. The atmosphere was so rich with passion and enthusiasm. I felt honored for the opportunity to host and be a part of this great beginning of community leaders emerging, not waiting for another to get behind the driver's seat and take YOU along to CHANGE ROAD, but YOU yourselves taking the drivers seat towards CHANGE. I will be addressing all that was discussed, in another e-mail.

ALSO, the Obama-Biden Transition Team has advised for us to meet and have a discussion specifically around the Health Care System and "identify what's broken and provide ideas for how to fix it." I would like as many of YOU to come & invite YOUR friends, Saturday, December 27, 2008, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P. M. The Washington team needs YOU! Virginians need YOU and YOUR ideas. Our nation cannot continue with this broken health care system where precious loved ones are left to die because their insurance company decides to deny a simple procedure that could have saved or better their quality of life. This needs to CHANGE! WE NEED TO CHANGE THIS!

We will spend a short time discussing the need for a Leadership & Advocacy training. We will have four (4) to five (5) teaching sessions, one (1) advocacy assignment (by phone), and one (1) advocacy assignment (in person). The teaching sessions will include role playing prior to YOUR two (2) assignments. YOU will also be provided (via e-mail) various websites for research; YOU will learn about the branches of government; the role of the federal and state court system; become familiar with social service agency regulations; making referrals to community based organizations; spreading the news through public service announcements, YOUR local paper, and YOUR own public service television program; learn how to prepare a press kit; becoming affective in advocating for YOUR community's needs through the City Council or Board of Supervisors; developing allies with other advocates- nationwide; developing relationships with journalists, and the importance of record keeping and various ways of preserving YOUR findings- YOUR evidence, etc. The sessions will be free to all who plan to take an active part in helping the Obama-Biden administration better our nation. All who wish to take the Leadership & Advocacy training for their own personal development- will be charged a fee of $50.00 which YOU can donate online to the Obama-Biden Transition Team. A print-out of your donation receipt will be required on the first session. Location TBA. RSVP online (when the dates and location of the sessions are placed on the Obama-Biden website). Please email YOUR questions to: seeyou@voiceofvirginians.tv

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Amazing People of the Community

By TSpangler - Dec 14th, 2008 at 5:01 pm EST

I am ever so humbled by the amazing talents we have in our communities. These talents my be retired, unemployed, in career transition... they may be moms, stay at home dads, they are young, they are over 50, they have a variety of passions and they, WE, are all connected by one single, simple thread... the thread of change.

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A Time to Lead; a Time to Fight

By Valeroso2008 - Nov 27th, 2008 at 4:57 pm EST

In the face of severe crises in diverse segments of the national and global economies, Democrats need to respond effectively and advance the principles and ideals that got them elected. As Martin Luther King, Jr., declared, “It is always the right time to do what is right.” Read More »

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Barack

By Dud - Nov 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 am EST

A solid leader that now has to perform Read More »

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HOw to improve the people around you!

By Joshua from Ogdensburg, WI - Nov 17th, 2008 at 5:09 pm EST

The truth is that when GM finnally announced the Chevy Volt.. the people in the oil and gas indutry couldn't see past thier shorterm profits. So they jacked up the price of oil. Which in turn has effectivly weakend our economy almost to the point of collapse.

We need to expose the greedy, corrupt people that have pulled this shennanigans on thier own brothers and sisters. Is the blame in the Middle East? or since we get most of our oil from Canada and South America. Is the blame squarely on the Fascist Corporations that have been killing our profits for years? It really does not matter who's fault it is. What does matter is that we find a solution ASAP!We can use our our tecnology headstart to bring to the world the wonderful gift that will become the Chevy Volt! We have to save GM, they will save us! This is exactly what is meant by {Treat others as you would be treated.} which sadly has been misinterpreted as treat others as they treat you! THIS IS WRONG We have to help people overcome these afflicting emotions that are clearly keeping us as human beings divided. It is sad that most people in the United States are extremely condesending. Our leadership has created this problem. With the negative and damaging campaign tactics shown in the past. But we can solve it by acknowlegeing and treasuring the good that is happening all around us. We only need to help people to know where to look...

I enjoy reading articles with bad grammar because it makes me think about what I am reading more. Thus helping me remember what I have read! We can all cultivate this behavior throughout our society. We have to lean out of our comfort zones too make this world a place that our children and grand children will be able to exist in. Our minds can be shaped by ourselves to embrace change and love every human being on this planet... If we don't do it now it is going to too late.. Read More »

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The Newsroom at Change.com

By Jill 4 Obama - Nov 15th, 2008 at 6:37 am EST

Also listed in: 10 groups

The Newsroom Saturday, November 15, 2008 06:00am EST / in Blog Your Weekly Address from the President-elect For the first time, the weekly Democratic address has been released as a web video. It will also continue to air on the radio. Friday, November 14, 2008 07:00pm EST / in Press Releases Former Sec. of State Albright and Former GOP Congressman Leach Meet with Delegations at G-20 Summit

President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden announced that former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Republican Congressman Jim Leach would be available to meet with delegations at the G-20 summit on their behalf. Congressman Leach and Secretary Albright are holding these unofficial meetings to seek input from visiting delegations on behalf of the President-elect and Vice President-elect.

Friday, November 14, 2008 06:25pm EST / in Blog Advice for the President-elect Across the country, people are already writing to us with their advice for the Obama Administration. Friday, November 14, 2008 03:21pm EST / in Press Releases Obama-Biden Transition Team Announces Broad List of Agency Review Team Leads

The Obama-Biden Transition Team today announced a broad list of Agency Review Team leads that will complete a thorough review of key departments, agencies and commissions of the United States government, as well as the White House, to provide the President-elect, Vice President-elect, and key advisors with information needed to make strategic policy, budgetary, and personnel decisions prior to the inauguration.

Friday, November 14, 2008 10:32am EST / in Press Releases President-elect Obama to meet with Senator McCain Monday

Obama-Biden transition spokesperson Stephanie Cutter released a statement on a planned meeting between President-elect Obama and Senator McCain Monday.

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