Connie supports Barack because, as she explains "Barack is a smart, progressive, and personal candidate, and I feel like I can trust his judgment in making reasoned decisions. I think that his community organizing background gives him a unique decision-making style from which the country would benefit.”Now Connie is part of our Grassroots Fundraising project, a growing network of small donors across the country who work to get their friends, families, and coworkers involved in donating to the Obama campaign. Connie’s excited to help raise much-needed funds for the campaign. “I signed up to have my own personal grassroots fundraising page for two reasons – I like being involved in fundraising and this seemed like an interesting way to raise money for a campaign I care about. It’s been a really good experience.”So far, Connie has raised over $4,700 from 35 individual donations. Connie says her one piece of advice for others who want to get involved in grassroots fundraising is to emphasize what the donations can achieve.
I stressed the power of our combined contributions. My goal was to raise enough money to pay the rent on one early primary office for one month. That, multiplied by others doing the same thing, was a way for small donors to have a significant impact on selecting the next President of the United States. We made our goal, plus some.... What I like most about the experience was that it was not just about raising money, it was about introducing Barack to friends and relatives around the country. I called a lot of people on the phone – this gave me an opportunity to discuss politics with people I might not have otherwise called. Many of the people I called are now attending events and fundraisers on their own and are actively volunteering for Obama.While it is hard to say that my calls generated this current support, they certainly made some difference and multiplied the power not only of my dollars but also of my one voice.
I stressed the power of our combined contributions. My goal was to raise enough money to pay the rent on one early primary office for one month. That, multiplied by others doing the same thing, was a way for small donors to have a significant impact on selecting the next President of the United States. We made our goal, plus some.
... What I like most about the experience was that it was not just about raising money, it was about introducing Barack to friends and relatives around the country. I called a lot of people on the phone – this gave me an opportunity to discuss politics with people I might not have otherwise called. Many of the people I called are now attending events and fundraisers on their own and are actively volunteering for Obama.
While it is hard to say that my calls generated this current support, they certainly made some difference and multiplied the power not only of my dollars but also of my one voice.
Setting up a personal fundraising page is a great way to get more involved in the campaign and bring others into this movement. You can join Connie and supporters like her by starting your own personal fundraising page on my.barackobama.com.
When Barack Obama declared his candidacy for president, Evelyn of Atlanta, Georgia, knew she wanted to do something to help.
Evelyn, 66, who is retired from the City of Atlanta, thought that helping to raise funds for the campaign sounded like an easy way to get involved and make a big difference. So she joined the Grassroots Finance Committee and set a personal goal of raising $1000.
I have to admit that I haven’t done much fundraising on other campaigns. I was really nervous and had to get the gumption up to ask people for money. So I started with my family and asked them to ask their friends to donate as well. And it was easy! I asked people to give whatever they could, and everyone was happy to help.
Evelyn says that many of the people who donated to her personal page went on and got their own friends to donate to her page as well. Evelyn’s efforts went far beyond her initial $1000 goal. She has now raised over $1700 from 27 individual donors.Evelyn says:
Most people I asked were already planning to vote for Barack, but this is a way that they can help me and really make a difference.
She says she’s been very impressed with how appreciative the campaign is of her efforts. “The Grassroots Finance Committee sent a letter to me after I reached my goal. For everything I’ve given the campaign, the campaign gives back with their appreciation.”Evelyn says that grassroots fundraising is a great way for people to join the campaign.
It’s so thrilling to be able to do something to help. I told all my friends – this campaign is going to be a little different. You have to do more than vote. You have to do another step: canvass, make phone calls, donate. And that’s going to help us all make a difference.
You can join Evelyn and supporters like her as a member of the Grassroots Finance Committee. We've set a challenging $1,000 goal for GFC members, but our team of fundraising experts will be available to give you personal advice and the support you need.
