Posts with the tag Phonebank

Organizing for America - Hawai'i Volunteers

Ria from Aiea, HI — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:40:15 EST

The OFA-Hawaii HQ was buzzing in the afternoon with volunteers making phone calls to constituents and asking them to contact their respective Senators. All of the volunteers were very ecstatic to learn how to use the Neighber-to-Neighbor tool on My.BarackObama.com.

Bonnie W., a volunteer who is a new fan of My.BarackObama’s phonebanking tool, was excited to learn that the Senate just voted to begin debate on comprehensive health reform. “It’s fantastic. It’s wonderful that the Senate can move forward on the bill. Volunteering for this cause and to hear that we are one step closer to health care reform makes me hopeful that we are seeing the change that we’ve been looking for.”

One of our new volunteers, Lulu, loves to speak with potential volunteers. You can hear the excitement in her voice when she invites people to our next health care phone-banking event and holiday party. Her energy comes from the people she talks to. She says, “I hear their feedback and they say they’re interested in volunteering! I can sense they care and believe in what Organizing for America is doing.” She plans on continuing her volunteer work with OFA- Hawaii, “I’m a talkative person and I can talk on the phone all day!”

Join us on Friday, December 4, 2009 to contact constituents for health care reform: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpcfts

Adrian Grenier Gets to Work at Barack TV

Sarah Gallagher — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:09:07 EDT

Adrian Grenier, from HBO's hit show Entourage, joined volunteers at California Obama HQ to work for change, making phone calls to battleground states.

Adrian made calls to swing state voters, encouraging them to get to the polls to cast their votes for Barack Obama.

The volunteers took a break to watch Barack's 30 minute address to America on TV, then were fired by a quick speech from Mary Jane Stevenson, our Field Director. Everyone then got back on the phones, the office was quickly buzzing again with the voices of volunteers working to Get Out the Vote! Join volunteers at a phone bank near you to help Barack Get Out the Vote in the final days of this election!: ca.barackobama.com/LastCallCA

Making a difference by bus, plane or phone: Palo Alto Rally Wrap Up from Giselle Schmitz

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:41:07 EDT

Sunday's Obama rally at Palo Alto City Hall energized the troops.

Red, white and blue balloons brightened the plaza and a vast array of Obama T-Shirts and buttons adorned rally goers.

State Senator Leland Yee delivered a stirring speech on the importance of electing Barack Obama for both the country and the world. State Senator Elaine Alquist also spoke. Obama for America Regional Field Director Giselle Schmitz urged everyone to either travel to a battleground state, or to reach out to voters non-stop until election day on the phone banks.

More than 200 callers showed up, with the top award for "Top Agent of Change" going to Stanford student Marisa Juárez with 162 calls. Congratulations Marissa! Phone bankers were divided up into teams, named "hope," "inspiration" and "change." Callers sat scattered throughout the plaza working their phone lists, enjoying the balmy late October weather. The excitement was palpable, in the air a sense of hope and expectation, and recognition of the work still to be done.

Oakland Rally Phonebank Wrap Up

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:39:59 EDT

Last weekend, the California Obama Campaign held a rally phonebank at an Oakland park. We are fired up to do it again next weekend bigger and better.

Over 300 supporters gathered at an Oakland city park, kicking off the rally with music and speakers. Then we got to work. Volunteers split up into groups calling different battleground states and relaxed on the grass while making calls to swing state voters.

Groups of friends and families enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather and were excited about the opportunity to make such a big difference in such a great setting. We had a bouncer and art table for the kids, Obama gear to buy, balloons, music, and local food vendors who set up shop next to the park.

In less than 3 hours, we made over 16,000 calls - more than 5000 calls an hour! We're fired up to do it bigger and better this weekend. Join us at our SF Rally on Saturday and make a difference in the final days of this election.

If You Can't Join Them, Beat Them: Be Involved From Home

Anne Marie @ NH HQ — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:43:46 EDT

Do you want to be involved in a battleground but don't have the time to drive for change or go into your local office? You can still make a direct impact in New Hampshire, a critical battleground state, by using Neighbor to Neighbor to make calls or get canvass lists right from your home computer.

Our Neighbor to Neighbor tool makes it easy to get in touch with voters in your community. Recently, Jill Biden visited our office in Chicago and used Neighbor to Neighbor to contact voters in a battleground state near her. Check out this short video of her experience:

We need your support now, and Neighbor to Neighbor helps you be involved no matter where you live, on whatever schedule that is convenient for you. You can choose what campaign you would like to be involved in:

Calling Latino Voters

Calling Women

Calling NH Voters Concerned About Healthcare Issues

Calling Unregistered Voters

Canvassing Unregistered Voters

You can make a huge impact in this election. If you can make calls anytime between now and Election Day, sign up now and make a commitment to battle for every vote with us.

Only 19 days left

JD from Seal Beach, CA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:08:52 EDT

This expressed my feelings so well I chose to put it on my blog so I can share it with others. This came off the Westside Grassroots for Obama and written by Mike Bonin. It is something that I have thought this whole campaign but couldn't find the right words. Thanks, Mike

Dear Friends, Four years ago, I slept in. I rooted for Kerry and I voted for him, but I did not lift a finger to help. I did not dial a phone, knock on a door, or donate a dollar. Not this time. With the economy in the toilet, with our troops at risk in foreign wars, and with our constitution in shreds, there is too much at stake. In this election, I have chosen to be active with the activists. I have taken time off from my job to volunteer full-time. I am doing everything I can to help elect Barack Obama. Will you please join me? Can you please help? There are plenty of opportunities to get involved. No effort is too small:

Phone Banking in Van Nuys

Lynn from Van Nuys — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:12:19 EDT

This is the first time in my life that I have volunteered my time for a political cause but after watching and reading about Gov Palin online I felt I had to do something. So I signed up to call voters.

I walked down to the Democratic Headquarters from my house, and it was a nice walk. Its so close and parking in that area is always limited on Saturday so that is why walking was a good plan.

After the short training we were given phones and information to call voters about. It was a lot easier than I had imagined. Everyone in the Van Nuys Democratic Party Headquarters was so very nice and knowledgable about the issues. How important it really is for us to not just vote for Barack, but to understand and vote the party ticket. Barack needs a congress that will support him when he is President. (note that I didn't say if, I said when).

Anyhow, when we were finished calling, I bought some signs to display and walked home carrying them.

This was when the magic occurred. I walked down Van Nuys Blvd, and then down side streets to my house, but no matter what street I was on, people smiled after seeing my Obama/Biden sign. I got waves, and honks, thumbs up and sooo many smiles. The Obama / Biden ticket is giving people hope. The smiles said it all.

Ready to Go!

California Hoper — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:48:32 EDT

Phone banking, canvassing, recruiting volunteers and raising funds. That’s the game plan to get Senators Obama and Biden into the White House. All aboard!

Last weekend I attended Camp Obama and learned about the People Centered, Numbers Driven Campaign for Change. With the negative press that’s floating on the airwaves, what a joy it was to hear more about the incredible ground game that is working at full capacity across the country. In California Districts there are so many volunteers that Camp Obama graduates were immediately put to work managing teams. Next weekend’s trip to Nevada to canvass has already maxed out.

I’m making phone calls each week even though it’s uncomfortable. I’m sending emails to my friends to solicit donations and recruit volunteers even though that’s uncomfortable too. I’ll be knocking on doors in Nevada next weekend although I am one who doesn’t open my door when a stranger comes by. I do these things because I must. This election is critical.

In Nevada, registered Democrats now outnumber Republicans by almost 61,000. 500,000 new voters were registered nationwide in August. There are 11 million more registered Democrats than Republicans in the country. Add in the Independents and Green Party candidates that will vote for the Obama/Biden ticket and putting Senator Obama in the White House is within our grasp.

We still have 6 weeks to go in this campaign. Each door knock matters. Each phone call matters. We’re gathering volunteers, funds and most important—votes for Senator Obama’s Presidency at an incredible rate. November 4 is in sight.

Let’s stay Fired Up!

Phonebanking Gathering, Ballston Spa, 9/21, 6pm

Matt Beane — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:51:09 EDT

Now's our time! Join us for an evening in Ballston Spa to support the Obama campaign (Phone Bank)

Come join us at a wonderful Ballston Spa tea house for an evening to support the Obama campaign. We will primarily be phonebanking for the campaign, so please bring a cell phone. We'll take care of the rest. If you want to support the campaign but don't like the idea of getting on the phone, please join us anyway to get involved and energized about our country's future.

Now is our time - our time to do what we can to ensure Barack Obama is the next president of the United States, and, more importantly, it's our time to create the future we all want for this country.

Together, yes we can!

Click here to RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs7rxc

South Bay Phone Bank

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:22:44 EDT

Hi All! I am a part of the 51st District - SouthBay section of volunteers. Our team will be holding a phone bank on Saturday September 13, 2008 at: Ideal Choice Insurance Agency 1233 Palm Avenue Imperial Beach, CA 91932 It will be held from 10:00AM - 4:00PM We will have 3 shifts of 2 hours each. Shift #1 : 10AM - 12PM Shift #2 : 12PM - 2PM Shift #3 : 2PM - 4PM Each shift can accomodate 14 people with phones on the premise. However, people CAN come with their own cell phones and we will have chairs where people can sit and make phone calls (FREE weekends for wireless networks, remember! depending on your provider). If you would like to bring your own chair, by all means, feel free! The more the merrier! We will train for 15 minutes at the beginning of each shift - providing a script and a quick background on why we are calling Nevada voters to find out who they will be voting for. It is quite exciting! If anyone is interested please email us at southbayforobama@cox.net Email us with any questions and any interests in further phonebanks. Our goal is to have a phonebank once a week until election, at the same location. We can sign for community service hours for high schoolers, you do not have to be 18 yrs old. Thank you! Go Obama!Time:Saturday, September 13 at 12:00 PMDuration: Host:Adriana Rivas-SandovalContact Phone:619-423-7172Location:Ideal Choice Insurance Agency (Imperial Beach,

WE NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK FROM NOW THROUGH ELECTION

Nevada County For Obama-Curtis Walker — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:04:28 EDT

OUR TIME IS NOW

WE NEED FOLKS TO MAKE CALLS TO NEVADA AND HAVE A NEED FOR FOLKS TO GO TO NEVADA TO CANVAS AND SUCH ON THE WEEKENDS.

PLEASE CONTACT SHERRI WALKER AT 530-272-9696 IF YOU ARE IN NEVADA COUNTY AND CAN GIVE US SOME TIME.

SHARE WITH YOUR CONTACTS WHO HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN INVOLVED IN THIS HISTORIC ELECTION!

WE ARE ALMOST THERE, FOLKS. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!

Wow...

JWhitt — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:35:06 EDT

I decided to try phonebanking from home. The majority of calls were either disconnected or just not there. I had one person actually tell me they were supporting Obama, two tell me McCain, one rude person who just hung up, and one woman wait half a minute after I told her I was volunteering for Obama to interrupt me midspeech to tell me its not a good time. What has the world come to?

Birthday Phone Bank-Our Present to Senator Obama!

Denise from Medford — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:08:49 EDT

Good Morning!

Hope everyone is having an awesome day! Yesterday, we celebrated Senator Obama's Birthday here in Medford with a party/meeting at Democratic HQ. Many thanks to everyone who came! Special thanks to those who brought goodies-we had some awesome food!

At the party, we had two special guests-Max and Joss. They are our new field organizers here in Medford, OR. They will be working with our current OFA field organizer-Jay. We are so glad to have these awesome young men here to help us! Welcome, guys!!! They had a great idea for a birthday present for the Senator-a birthday phonebank! Guests grabbed a call list and we made over 200 calls last night! We called people to invite them to this weekend's grand opening of our new office (105 E Main St) and ask them to help us with the kickoff canvass (Sat. at 12 and 2). Thanks to everyone who stayed to help make calls!

We will be phonebanking-and canvassing-pretty much every day from now till November 4! So, come on by the JCD (40 S Central) or-after Saturday-Obama HQ (105 E Main) and grab a canvass packet or a phone list!

OCTOBER 17TH-Ballots are mailed on that day. It isn't that far away. So, let's go Oregon!

FIRED UP AND READY TO GO...OBAMA '08

Denise

Is Anybody Else Watching The Delegate Countdown?!?!

Denise from Medford — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:39:53 EDT

WOW!!! I've been watching this all day! This is great!!! I'm taking all this energy and making phonebank calls while watching the numbers roll by-please do the same!! Let's try to make the most of this last chance on the last day of the primaries!! LOL, OBAMA '08!!! Denise

1st tabling for Obama and new initiatives! Notes from May 29 meeting of Sunnyvale for Obama

Wade Sanders — Sat, 31 May 2008 05:01:42 EDT

This is a copy of an e-mail sent to the group Sunnyvale for Obama way too late at night on May 30 (May 31 morning, actually)

Hello Sunnyvale for Obama!

How would you like to go to a “Food for Thought” dinner party, travel to Reno to help swing Nevada for Obama, or perform community service in a nursing home? These are just a few of the great ideas for new initiatives we brainstormed at the May 29 meeting. We also planned for the first farmers’ market voter registration, this Saturday, May 31. This was our fourth meeting, and we had FOUR TIMES AS MANY PEOPLE as at our first meeting on May 4!

This e-mail will summarize what happened at the last meeting, but before I start that, I want to let you know that THE NEXT MEETING is scheduled, as follows:

DATE: Tuesday, June 10

TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Round Table Pizza in reserved room, 101 Town and Country Village, Sunnyvale, CA (it’s on Washington Street across from Macy’s). Here’s a link to their web site: http://www.roundtablepizza.com/RTP/HI/

At the next meeting, Cynthia and the volunteers will tell us about how the tabling effort went on May 31. (All signs are positive!) We’ll also decide on a general plan for how we’ll proceed with new initiatives. (See item 4, below.)

I will post this e-mail to the Sunnyvale for Obama blog on the group web page at http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/SunnyvaleCitizensforObama.

Now for the great stuff we did at the meeting on May 29! Here’s a table of contents for this e-mail:

1. Mission, vision, values, and meeting ground rules

2. The first tabling for Obama at the Sunnyvale farmers’ market on May 31!

3. Blogging for Obama

4. New initiatives for Obama

5. How to stay informed about Sunnyvale for Obama

6. How you can help Obama clinch the nomination this weekend

7. Event: end of primary season celebration June 3 at Britannia Arms in San Jose!

(If you are reading this in an RSS feed reader, go to the blog to see the rest of the post.)

One Week to Win 2 States ~ This is It!

V, aka VCubed/Virginia V — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:15:30 EDT

Now is the time to give your all. Indiana and North Carolina must and will be blowouts, if you and I give our all.

Let no one say Hillary got more steam out of this than Obama - we overcame a 20+ lead after every smear thrown at Obama, in less than one month, after 55 minutes of organized attack at the final so-called "debate" - so for all practical purposes, she lost! She needed a 15 point win, she only got 10, if that. She only got 10 more delegates than Obama, 75-65, with 18 to be determined. There are just as many delegates up for grabs in IN and NC, so let's go get them!

If you've never pushed an undecided or Clinton-leaning voter to reconsider, do it now, in one of those upcoming elections. It is so easy. Over 10% of voters still believe Obama is a practicing or undercover Muslim, and/or doesn't salute the flag. You can change that! Just say, nicely and firmly, why you want Jan. 2009 to usher in the Obama Administration.
Phonebank

If you've never donated or have 5, 10, 20 to spare, do it now.
Donate

If you've never written a newspaper, or in news sites online, write now. Start with Indiana and NC. If you get into a groove, keep on going. Just say, nicely and firmly, why you want Jan. 2009 to usher in the Obama Administration.
Rapid Response

If you're bilingual and write nicely in Spanish, write Puerto Rico's media outlets, at least online.
Latino Rapid Response

If you can travel to one of the last states, from Kentucky to Oregon, or West Virginia or Puerto Rico, get set and go now!
Hit the road!

If you ever wanted Obama campaign gear, get it now, only at
BO Store

Remember, as future President Barack Obama reminds us:

Volunteering made easy

Mid America Mom — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:10:00 EDT

Thinking I would like to help but have little time? Or maybe you are looking for some hard to come by Obama gear?

We'll take the time and give back to you in return.

Calling Texas

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:28:12 EST

It's time to make sure everyone gets to their caucus in Texas -- so it's critical that everyone help out right now and make a few calls to get out the vote:

Here are a couple of the dedicated volunteers from Ohio who have been working around the clock all weekend to talk to voters in all the March 4th states, including Texas...and they could use your help!

Meet Greg and Mica:

I am a registered Republican who has wanted to vote for Obama since his 2004 speech. It inspired me to have hope for the future and I told my wife then that Barack Obama would be president some day, I just knew it. I am an accountant and love Obama's plan for a more fiscal responsible nation, this has been an issue that has driven me away from the Republican party. It is simple like Obama says, there has to be as much money going in as going out and if not, there is a problem.
...My parents are deep conservatives but I got them to vote for Obama this Tuesday in Cleveland, they voted for Bush twice. I got my siblings (4 brothers and 1 sister, all older than me) to vote for Obama...
Two main reason I really like Obama are: (1) is his alternative fuel plans...I always thought we could be building solar panels and wind mills in places like Ohio and bring jobs back. (2) The fact he wants the whole country to work together and not demonize anyone. I am tired of the presidents only being for half the country, I want a president that is for the whole country, not just their party. This country has to work together and both parties need to stop demonizing the other, we are all AMERICANS. I love the fact that we gives this country hope at a time where I think we could take a turn for the worst unless someone like Barack Obama helps this country. This country needs hope in difficult times.

I believe the parties don't matter, the person you are voting for does matter. The party does not matter as long as they are a good person and best for the job and Barack Obama is certainly that person.

And Girish:

My name is Girish, I have a family of four --my wife Mala, my daughter Vismaya, my Son Dhritik -- and I work as a software engineer.
...Not a single day has passed since then without me doing something for this movement inspired and lead by Senator Obama. I have phone-banked, asked everyone within my reach to raise more than $7000 for this campaign, maxed out my personal contribution, registered voters in Ohio, grown the volunteer network in Dayton area, volunteered in Iowa City, Iowa for 10 days, in Rock Hill, SC for 4 days, and am now doing everything I can, including a petition drive to put Senator Obama on the ballot, a voter registration drive, visibility events, fundraising, reached out to more than 10,000 absentee voters with help from some of my MyBO friends and Dayton friends.
...Barack Obama has a willingness to listen to everyone, an ability to think with an open-mind, to see strength in diversity, a readiness to stand-up against established opinions, a dedication to make meaningful difference in the lives of common people, a keenness to speak truth even where its not a common practice, a “walk before talk” approach, and an ability to think thorough the consequences of potential actions...
Many have asked why I am so passionate about Senator Obama. There are a zillion genuine reasons...and today I might be in a position to make a big monetary contribution to this campaign. I consider the harsh reality that it took my Dad several years of day/night labor in our farm to earn $1000, so that I could graduate and live a comfortable life. That should give you an idea how serious of a decision this was for me. I could have resigned into a comfortable/lazy life, but I would have let down my dad in principle. So here I am continuing to devote all my time to help Senator Obama become the next President of this great country.

Please, whatever you're doing, pick up the phone and make just a few calls to Texas to help get out the vote.

Today we have a chance to make history.

Make some calls!

Phonebank from Home

Chickeyd — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:30:07 EST

I've never donated to a political campaign, never volunteered for a candidate, nothing.

The candidate I believe in never seems to have a chance. I've never voted for a Presidential candidate that won the primary before Al Gore, and then he had the general election stolen from him. I'd given up supporting candidates after that.

Until Barack Obama ran for President.

I saw the first opportunity in eight years to support a candidate I truly believe in. I could vote for a candidate where my vote was FOR someone, not AGAINST the other candidate, as my vote had been in 2004.

So I donated $50 on February 4th. I hoped my paltry $50 would make a difference. I bought a yard sign, and a lapel pin, which I wear on business trips (of which I have many).

Every state, and every win, motivated me more. Maybe the candidate I believe in actually has a shot this time! So I committed to calling voters in Texas. But I was nervous to call strangers from my home phone. I put it off.

But today, I did it - today I made 60 calls to Texas from my home. I admit, it was a bit nerve-wracking, cold calling people, asking them to support anything - I mean, I know how I feel when telemarketers call.

But it was great to be able to do a little bit more to help the campaign move forward. I don't mind saying I am nervous about Texas and Ohio tomorrow, which was a real catalyst for getting me to make those calls.

And I feel like my $50 and 60 calls makes a difference. I know there are a million other "me's" out there, and together, maybe our paltry donations and few phone calls really do add up to a tidal wave of change.

Tomorrow may not be THE day, but I wanted to make sure I did my part to help it be Barack's Day - My Day.

What it's like to phone bank

AussieGirl — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:13:19 EST

I hosted a "phone Texas" party last night. It was an interesting experience.

The lows:

Of eight people who signed up, only two showed.
The calling lists contained a lot of bad numbers. Out of 180 calls, we reached 50 people and left messages with around another 45. Bad numbers accounted for almost all the rest.
Of the answered calls, many responses were negative or grudging, or the people were Republican voters.
Wasted refreshments!

The highs:

Even though only three of us did the phoning instead of the anticipated 9, we still managed to get through all 9 call sheets. The two blokes who came happily stuck around to do double and triple duty.
The occasional really positive response was enough to energise us and keep us going. As one of my guests said "Just one good call a sheet [of 20 numbers] is enough to make me feel it's worthwhile."
Knowing that thousands of other call parties were occuring across the nation at the same time. In our minds, the small number of positive calls were multiplied thousands of times.
Being truly active in the campaign to make Obama president.

Calling out to Texas and Ohio...

♫Parodee♫ — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:49:12 EST

I didn't get the warmest reception in Ohio but then again I felt discouraged with my calls to Maine yet Senator Obama won there. I don't expect a victory in Ohio but I still think it will be close (within 5 points).

Texas is more encouraging and I hope that Vermont and Rhode Island are also victories or close calls. Whew! I hope that for all intents and purposes, tomorrow will end the the serve-'em-up-to-the-Repubilcans activities.

It's time to prepare for war because that's what McCain is all about -- that's why St. Rudy of 9-11 endorsed him! We can't waste any more time fighting each other-- let's take away his advantage of being able to focus on Obama and build his fall arguments now. Again, even if Hillary doesn't get the votes she wants and doesn't drop out of the race, she needs to stop feeding the GOP NOW!

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Calling Texans

josko — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:28:11 EST

Today I participated in a calling party at Jean and John's house in North Hills (LA). They are directors of the Waldorf Institute at Northridge and do volunteer work with MoveOn.org. My sister Mary Ann is involved with the Waldorf program and talked me into coming along against my better, shy, judgement. We called Texans to get out the vote for the Texas Two Step---especially the evening caucus that a lot of folk don't know about.

We made about 250 calls! It took a while for me to get warmed up on the phone but now that I've broken the seal, I'm 'fired up' to make more calls. If I can do it, anyone can. You should give it a try!

The anticipation of calling Texas voters

AussieGirl — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 10:03:25 EST

I decided to take the plunge and host a phone party at my house on Sunday March 2nd to help get out the vote for Obama in Texas. I was a little hesitant at first - invite a bunch of people I've never met to my house? negotiate this with my not-so-activist partner? - but as the time approaches I'm really excited about doing this.

My event is now full, after a slow start. I've had email or phone contact with everyone who's coming and I'm looking forward to meeting each of them. I've already had great ground-laying conversations with some of the participants, and our common goal of getting Obama elected proves to be a powerful social lubricant. (A bit like encounters with fellow New Orleanias who have been through Katrina - but without the traumatic context!)

'll blog about our experiences after the party, but already I feel the power of hosting an activity like this.

Voting Doesn't Really Make That Much Difference

Jim Parker — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:29:36 EST

On the other hand, participating in the process makes all the difference.

Believe it or not, that's the first thought that popped into my head this morning, when I remembered the 100+ calls I promised myself that I'd make on behalf of the campaign today.

Not that long ago, I'd have resented that prospect (in fact, I'd have resisted the whole concept) at my core: forcing myself to "bother" people by phone on behalf of a political campaign. It would've seemed too much like being an unpaid telemarketer, I would have assumed at the time.

And everybody knows that everybody hates telemarketers, paid or not.

But something funny happened to me on my way to the phone this morning.

It started about a week before the February 5th Arizona primary, in fact: way back when (at least it seems way back when, now) a month or so ago: I attended a Barack Obama rally at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix with my daughter Sara—and 14,000 or so of our now-close, like-minded friends that we hadn't yet met.

Then, in between explaining to Sara how and why the excitement generated by Barack's campaign reminds me of nothing so much as Bobby Kennedy's 1968 campaign, I realized that this campaign is fueled by the same faith — that we really can make a difference in determining the direction and destiny of our country And it asks each of us the very same question: Will we?

That was approximately the same moment that I remembered something that once seemed both crucial and obvious — but which I somehow managed to forget (or stopped wanting to remember) amid the disappointment and disillusionment I felt following the assassinations of both Martin and Bobby: That truly answering that question requires something more of us all than simply voting.

It always starts with (and centers around) hope, as Barack reminds us, but it also requires as much commitment and participation as each of us can create and sustain as citizen-subjects in the most noble political experiment ever attempted in this world: the democratic process.

That's why I started this blog with a statement that may seem to many to be such an heretical proposition — especially in the context of this reawakened citizen-activist's first blog entry at www.BarackObama.com.

Still, I hope, at least, it helps explain why I’m here and why I’m writing this — and why I need to stop writing, PDQ: Because my single vote in Arizona on February 5th really didn’t make that much difference.

On the other hand, the canvassing I did — door-to-door in my neighborhood and others, in the days after the Phoenix rally and before the Arizona primary — talking to voters, did make a difference, and a bigger one, at that.

And the calls I’ve made since, as one citizen-participant in this still-noble experiment of democracy to hundreds of my fellow citizens, has made an even bigger difference, still.

Which reminds me: I’ve got calls to make — in Rhode Island and Ohio and Texas and Vermont — while there's still time and still a difference to be made.

In fact, if you’d like to join me — and few hundred or thousand people like me — please feel free to do that.

After all, there literally are millions of people waiting to be reminded that yes, we can make it to the mountaintop — and it's still not too late to seek (and help shape) a newer, better world.

Video: Barack in Austin

Sarah Ramey — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:22:45 EST

Here's a video of Barack Obama in Austin, Texas yesterday:

For full details of Barack Obama's policy plans, please visit the Issues page here.

Right now, we are so close to reaching what no one ever thought was possible: one million grassroots donors. People from every state, of every race, age, gender, and economic background have donated to this campaign -- in 5's, 10's, and 20's, all dedicated with a simple message. Yes we can.

And starting this Sunday, please add your voice to another, literal call for change.

We've set another goal -- one million calls to voters in upcoming states by March 4th. Just think, if everyone reading this post makes just a few calls tomorrow, we'll be well on our way...

And if any of you are one of the million donors out there: please send us your statement about why you support Barack Obama at Blog@BarackObama.com.

You can do it one of two ways: either make a video, upload it to YouTube and email us the link -- or email us a short writeup with a picture attached, so we can show everyone what one million grassroots donors looks like.

Thanks everyone. Yes we can.

Great New Phone Bank Groups

Julie Hensley — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:51:02 EST

If you think you might one day make a call if the stars are lined up perfectly and you can come up with an ideal covert ID... or if you don't think you could ever make a phone call AT ALL...or if you think you'd really like to make some calls for Obama and would like to know others who do and wanna be your friend....

Go to GROUPS right now and search on the term phone. There are several groups out there that are a great support system but I'd like to discuss two in particular (mostly cause I am familiar with them).

Making Calls

Jacques Casimir — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:09:29 EST

My mouth is tired, its amazing how many people dont know about OBama or have clear facts, i'm glad i can help out.

Its been interesting there is no spanish script but i can wing it enough, its been a blast but i think i'm done for the night. i still have homework to do too,

Calling Ohio

Sarah Ramey — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:39:27 EST

Just got off the phone with James, a grocery store clerk and part-time substitute teacher, born and raised in Ohio, and he says he just got his Obama signs and put them out in the yard.

"I actually think he's going to be the next FDR. He's energizing the whole country -- states as different from one another as they could be -- and it's happening from the ground up. He's got detailed, creative programs that appeal to Independents like me -- and I think he'll really work to get things done because he knows on a personal level how badly this country needs it. He comes from modest means, worked his way up in life, and can relate to a whole lot of people in this country who are struggling."

Like many people, the economy is the most important issue to James in the upcoming election.

"Barack's got it right: it's all about getting money to the people who need it and who will spend it."

James also belongs to the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), and he's proud that his union just endorsed Obama.

"I think when people take the time to look for themselves, they really like Obama. He just embodies leadership -- if I were going to be a politician, that's the kind of politician I'd like to be."

So you heard it from James -- it's time to get calling in Ohio, and encourage people to take a look at Barack Obama for themselves!

We've already made an impressive 68,000 calls in the last few days, and this weekend we have time to outdo ourselves.

The goal is 110,000 calls by Tuesday. We can do this.

My.BarackObama.com/Calls

New to phonebanking?

As our experienced phonebankers will tell you: once you make your first call, it's smooth sailing after that.

So pick up the phone and make your first call!

And then you can tell everyone about it, swap phonebanking tips, and encourage each other in the comments below...

Calling Wisconsin

Sarah Ramey — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:57:19 EST

Lynn is a registered nurse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Every day new patients come through the doors of her ER with no health insurance, and no safety net.

We just got off the phone with Lynn, and she says that healthcare is the number one thing that needs to change immediately in this country -- and she is sure Barack Obama is the only one who can actually make it happen.

"This is what's so refreshing about Barack Obama's message: he isn't about bickering, and he isn't just out to get the Republicans. He's out to get something done -- and that's a real difference."

That's also the quality she thinks makes Barack Obama best suited to take on all the big issues facing our country, including the economy and the war in Iraq. "He's so good at involving all kinds of people, bringing them into the process -- and that's the difference."

Lynn was at the big Milwaukee rally this morning, which she says was incredible. She also says there's one other part of Barack message that really hit home for her as she was standing there: "The idea that we are our brother's keeper, we are our sister's keeper -- to hear that coming from a politician, that's amazing."

Voters like Lynn will be going to the polls in Wisconsin next Tuesday -- and while people are fired up for Barack Obama in Wisconsin, the fact is: it's close.

That's why we need everyone in this movement to take a second -- right now -- and make some phone calls to Wisconsin.

We have a goal of 110,000 calls by next Tuesday, and we're already at 30,000.

Let's do this.

Barack Obama has been winning state after state because this country is hungry for change -- but most importantly, because of an unprecedented outpouring of grassroots support.

Keep it up!

My.BarackObama.com/calls

Make some calls tonight -- you'll be able to get Wisconsin numbers in the call center until 9 p.m. central, but the great news is, we're also calling Hawaii right now! So if you get started late, you can make some calls to our friends in the Pacific.

And to help out in Wisconsin (or Hawaii for that matter!), visit WI.BarackObama.com and HI.BarackObama.com.

Obama supporters do not get relaxed

LaShanda (GRAB A MOP!) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:23:19 EST

I know its exciting to be so close, but remember we are too still so far. We have to pull an upset in Texas and OH, and we must win Hawaii and WI. Please dontate, phonebank, do whatever you can. We can all fall back and celebrate, once he is in the WH. If everyone that voted or will vote for Obama makes 20 phonebanking calls we can win this thing! Make those calls...phonebank right from home!

Another way to contribute

cgrantmaledy — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:18:57 EST

Alright folks, I suspect that anyone reading this is in a financial situation much like mine. My ability to donate to the campign financially is pretty limited. My schedule is pretty rock solid and I'm not always able to get to events. however, there is a way that you can be instrumental in this election (especially with every primary counting). Make Calls. It's simple, easy and painless. It's not telemarketing in the time share-insurance-long distance company sense of the word, it's easy, integrated and effective. I have rolleover mintues that expire every month. i have free, nationwide long distance. i have a phone. i have to call. please take a swing in the phone bank, i think you'll realize how important it is. If you've got more time, a lot of minutes and a desire to make something happen, join the national call team.

try it, you might alter the course of history.

Obama supporters, please do not get too comfortable

LaShanda (GRAB A MOP!) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:15:58 EST

I admit it feels great to be ahead. However, we must act like its February 2007 and we are down my 30 points. Even though the Clintons have shown a lot of their ugly ways, she has not shown how dirty she can be. Especially with ther losing in most of the states, she will bring out all the guns she can. So we must be prepared to bring out the cannons. Donate, Call, Talk to friends and neighbors, we must keep this grassroots going. You know she has been taking everything from our playbook, so trust me, she'll try her own grassroots strategy!!!!!

BEWARE! Do not get comfortable. Play like the underdog. Matter of fact, we need to double our efforts!!

Amirah: Over 1,000 Calls

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:21:15 EST

"People are just so used to getting robo-calls from other candidates -- when they realize that I'm a real person reaching out to them, that makes a huge difference," says Amirah in Philadelphia. "I think it's the essence of what makes this campaign different."

That's exactly it. Phone call by phone call, we are showing America that this campaign really is different.

Amirah's made over 1,000 calls in the last two months, connecting with voters in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico and now Virginia for tomorrow's primary. Recently, she's been putting an hour in every evening and getting up early on Saturdays.

"After Iowa, it just felt like, OK, this is it. This is really happening. So I started doing phone calls because that's something I can do on my own time. It feels great -- you talk to so many undecideds, and when they hear that you're a volunteer, that you're not getting paid, that you're just doing this because you're personally invested -- that makes a big impression."

It just takes a few minutes to make a phone call, or half an hour to make 20. And, as Amirah points out:

"You can do it in your pajamas!"

So right now, it's early Monday night and we're nearly at 45,000 calls.

We're going for 100,000 by tomorrow night.

We can do this.

Pick up the phone now, and be one of the thousands of volunteers around the country joining Amirah in making calls to Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC to help get the vote out for Barack Obama.

Don't wait.

Let's keep Barack Obama's momentum going.

Make some calls!

My.BarackObama.com/Calls

Getting involved in the excitement...

Spencer NY — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:31:17 EST

Until this weekend the extent of my active campaigning for Obama had been personal donation and emailing/speaking with friends and family about Obama (I gave my mother his book "Audacity for Hope").

I finally decided it was time to go a step further -both Friday and Saturday I made calls to people in Nebraska and Maine to remind them about their primary and urge them to vote Obama. I was skeptical at first, since it reminded me of a job I used to have where I'd cold-call people - usually resulting in hangups or "not interested" responses. My first few calls to Nebraska yielded much the same, but I kept telling myself what my boss used to say: "some people are just not going to give you the time of day. The key is in the numbers. The more people you call the more you will find those that are receptive". Sure enough, I kept going and ended up speaking a few that considered what I had to say. Even had a few thanks for reminding them about the caucus.

Calls to Maine were even more productive, and I even spent a few minutes on the phone with a man who was curious what Obama's ideas were for Immigration reform. I quickly clicked over to the section on Obama's website and was able to outline the plan in a clear and concise way. By the end he was saying "I really like what I hear". I had another woman that didn't plan to vote at all because she was so fed up with politics as usual - I told her I understand and felt the same way until I learned more about Obama. Even though I couldn't get her to say she was going to vote tomorrow, she did sound interested in looking into Obama.

Overall, it took about 40 calls to get about 5 or 6 people to listen and take an interest. At first glance those odds seem a bit disheartening. But when you consider if the more than 300,000 donors to Obama's campaign made 40 phone calls that would result in possibly 1.8 million more voters at the polls and maybe a good portion of them for Obama.

Now I see the power in numbers. Now I see the embodiment of our credo "Yes We Can!"

Ken and Mary Pat: Phonebanking in Maine

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 11:49:37 EST

Just spoke to Ken and Mary Pat, a high school English teacher and a college dean in Maine, who have been phonebanking for Obama non-stop over the weekend. And they're in very good company -- yesterday, so many volunteers turned out to help make calls, there weren't enough phones for everyone all at once!

This incredible grassroots enthusiasm is totally unique to this movement -- and it's making a huge difference.

Please, right now, pick up the phone and give Mainers a call. People need to know how important it is that they turn out to caucus.

Here are some inspiring thoughts from Ken, who's also a precinct captain, to get you fired up and ready to call:

I believe in Barack because he believes in us and our ability to make real change. This election, really, isn't about him or her - it's about getting the American people back in the driver's seat.
It makes me think of James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time, about the civil rights movement. At the end of that book, he writes:
"If we dare everything, we may be able, handful that we are, to achieve our country and change the history of the world."
That moment is upon us again. I hope we are courageous enough to meet it.

This is our moment.

Our goal is 10,000 calls to Maine today -- pick up the phone!

Yes we can.

Phone banking yesterday

Dianne — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:04:35 EST

So we went to open the new Hampton office yesterday and some amazing things happened. First of all, I met this astonishing high school student who was as well informed about politics as any adult I've ever met. His whole family were Hillary supporters, and he was too young to vote, but he had gotten his mom to drop him off at the headquarters so he could work for the candidate in whom he most believed. He said he'll vote for Barack in his *second* term! We had a script to use that was brief and somewhat bland. Our youngest volunteer modified his. He went online and printed out the Senator's position papers on every issue and would ask undecided voters if he could help them with answers to any questions they had. We finally had to suggest that not everybody wanted to talk about the election all morning on a sunny Saturday, so he cut it back, but it was just so fine to see such enthusiasm and you could hear the people he called responding well to him.

The less good thing was the surprising number of middle-aged adults we called who knew there was an election on Tuesday but didn't understand what it was for! I spoke to people who said they knew you voted for the President in November but they didn't understand what they were supposed to do next week. As a Social Studies teacher, this was somewhat disheartening. We explained it and they seemed genuinely happy to know what was going on and they said they'd vote, but this is 2008. How does this happen in a democracy?

The thing that broke our hearts were the number of people to whom we spoke who said they really wanted to support the Senator but they "didn't want to get him killed." Lots and lots of black women and some black men are afraid to hope because they've seen this thing go bad before. We explained that he and Michelle had weighed that risk and decided to go forward and that, if he were willing to risk it, how could we stand in his way? But it was so disheartening; we all stopped for a second to talk about it. There was a wonderful lady there who had been a JFK campaign staffer back in Boston and she talked to us about her experiences and about how God had not given us a spirit of fear. She and the young man were kind of bookends for me. And the Lord had a ram in the bush.

One of the last calls I made was to a lady who was in her 80s, married to a man in his early 90s. She answered the phone and said her husband was at work! They were going to the polls, she said, but couldn't make it to the VA Beach rally but she "wanted the Senator to know something." Her message was that she and her family were lifting him up in prayer and that he didn't have to "carry that albatross alone." She said he had studied and prepared himself for this time and this hour and she had faith that he would be successful. She said he embodied America and, even though it was kind of selfish, she thought that, because he could make it, *her* 40 year old son could be successful, too! I was just blown away. We all stopped and marvelled. If a white woman in her 80s can be inspired by Senator Obama to believe in the American dream for HER child, this campaign has the ability to speak to anyone in this country.

Volunteer GOTV phonebank calls . . . from the comfort of your own home

Matt in Boston — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:53:33 EST

I'm originally from Omaha. The Nebraska Democratic Caucuses are tomorrow. So it was a no-brainer that my first volunteer phonebank calls would be to my (old) home state.

It is so easy to make volunteer GOTV phonebank calls.

Just go to the phonebank map page and click on the state in play that you'd like to help call. You'll be given 20 names and phone numbers, along with an extremely easy-to-follow call script.

It took me just under an hour to make my 20 calls. With a few wrong numbers and more voice mail messages (which obviously go very quickly), I ended up speaking to about twelve people. A couple were registered Republicans.* A few were strong Hillary supporters.

But five folks were either strong or very strong Obama supports. All but one were definitely planning to attend the caucuses tomorrow. Three people were very fired-up. Two took off work to see Michelle Obama at a rally in Lincoln (all my calls were to Lincoln). One young African-American guy was unsure about taking the time to attend a caucus, but said if he did go, "Barack is definitely [his] man." Going off-script (which I actually did quite often), I did my best to encourage him to attend, letting him know how much of a difference his support could make. I may have made an impact. He was eager to have me check his caucus location and time. Turns out, the location was "practically in [his] backyard." He asked why I was volunteering and we had a great discussion. Who knows, but I got the feeling he would attend.

I also talked to two people who were undecided. One in particular was very open to, and appreciative of, my call. She said she'd been reading and hearing "a lot of very good things" about Barack, and ended up saying she was leaning toward Obama (of course, she may have simply been telling me what she knew I wanted to hear).

OK, sure -- reaching out and potentially making a difference for three voters is not much of a result. But If everybody on the Boston for Barack list took an hour to make calls . . . Hey, it starts to add up.

Plus, you'll likely find it exhilarating and empowering to speak with real folks in another state who share your enthusiasm and commitment to Barack. I know I sure did.

GOBAMA !

Tracie in Maine: "We Can Change Washington Politics"

Sarah Ramey — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:04:37 EST

Tracie, a native of Maine, has been with the Obama campaign for President since the beginning.

On February 10th, 2007, Tracie co-hosted an "Obama Announcement Watching Party," and starting right then and there she began to organize for Maine's Democratic caucus that's happening this Sunday, February 10th, exactly one year to the day from their original kickoff celebration.

After watching the speech she decided to start the Portland Barack Obama Supporters group on the Barack Obama website. It was a total success and they've been meeting monthly to plan for the Feb. 10th, 2008 caucuses and have traveled to New Hampshire to volunteer, canvassed in the state, held debate watching parties, and run phone banks for Obama.

As Tracie says:

I am inspired by Barack and Michelle's commitment to changing our country. Barack challenges us to "hitch our wagon to something bigger than ourselves." Many have said Barack could have done anything he wanted after school. Barack could have gone on to be a trial lawyer and make tens of millions, but instead, Barack has dedicated his life to serving others. From his days as a community organizer, constitutional law professor, and politician campaigning for change in Washington and the Illinois Senate, he has been fighting for us. Barack represents the best in us and the best in America. That a skinny kid with a funny name can grow up to achieve his dreams. I think we've seen (this past year) America rise up again from their apathetic, cynical state to believe, to hope again that we can change Washington politics, our country, and the world.

And Mainers, Tracie says, are fired up and ready for real change.

"Maine's a rural state full of independent down to earth people. We've seen the effects of the Bush administration's cuts to state funding of Medicare and the so-called "No Child Left Behind" act, and felt the sacrifice of our national guard's continuous redeployment overseas. In a state where residents are independent in nature, a candidate who can heal our country's political divide is very welcome."

Volunteers like Tracie have been laying the groundwork for a year now in all the states with primaries and caucuses this weekend-- and we can all help out and build on that foundation in the last two days by getting on the phones, and calling voters in Maine, Washington, Louisiana, and Nebraska right now.

Click here to lend a hand in the call center.

And to find out how to get involved before this Sunday's caucus in Maine, visit ME.BarackObama.com.

Mardi Gras Grassroots for Obama

Sarah Ramey — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:11:37 EST

You know it's a successful visibility event when you've got a crowd of 100,000 people.

These are some of our incredible Louisiana for Obama grassroots volunteers who set up an Obama tent along the parade route at Mardi Gras. They had free hot dogs, lots of Obama literature, and tons of interest from passers-by as they made their way through town.

And yesterday, Barack Obama himself came to Louisiana to discuss how he will rebuild trust with the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. He knows that the responsibilities of government don’t end in places like the 9th ward – they begin there. He brought the crowd at Tulane University to its feet over and over again, in a speech you can watch here.

Barack Obama will turn the page on the cronyism and incompetence that has plagued Washington for far too long -- and that's why there are so many Louisianans who are fired up and organizing for Barack Obama:

Louisiana is seriously fired up and ready to go for their primary tomorrow -- and as you can tell, they're out there doing all the important organizational work to make sure it's a big success.

And they need our help! Take a second right now to make a few phone calls to voters in Louisiana -- your help made all the difference on Super Tuesday, and you can do it again as we all pitch in to spread the word and get out the vote for Senator Obama this weekend in Louisiana.

Click here to make phonecalls to voters in Louisiana.

And if you're from Louisiana, check out LA.BarackObama.com to find out all about what you can do to help out!

Fired Up Across the Country

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:43:15 EST

From the Pacific:

To the Atlantic:

And right here in Chicago, Illinois:

Send your GOTV photos to Blog@barackobama.com!

And if you can, take a minute to make just a few more calls...

Yes we can.

Do One Thing

Mid America Mom — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:15:35 EST

Last weekend I met Trey. Sunday afternoon he came out to walk a Peoria neighborhood getting out the vote.

I was impressed. It was not just that he was taking time away from his family AND job. It was the first time in his life that he has canvassed. And after talking to a voter at this home

he shared that he may road trip to St. Louis this weekend doing the same.

He wanted to do something. As Trey realized, Now is the time.

… I’m asking for your hands. I’m asking for your help. And I’m asking for your hearts. And if you will stand with me in the days to come - if you will stand for change so that our children have the same chance that somebody gave us; if you’ll stand to keep the American dream alive for those who still hunger for opportunity and thirst for justice; if you're ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell you you must accept, and finally reach for what you know is possible, then we will win these primaries, we will win this election, we will change the course of history, and light a new torch for change in this country – and “the glow from that fire can truly light the world." Senator Barack Obama - American University 1/28/2008

Lend your voice. Throughout this week in Central Illinois we are phonebanking and picking up local endorsements. We provide the phone, the script, and voter information. Only have an hour to spare? We will take it!

Join special guest Illinois Secretary of State Jessie White in Springfield on Tuesday at Noon. Live near Decatur? We are there Tuesday Night. On Wednesday evening supporters in Peoria will also see the media in attendance. Champaign area? See you on Friday. Before the Debate on Thursday join us in Normal.

*This weekend you can call 50-100 of your neighbors from the comfort of your home with our Central Illinois Phone Bank. See details here *

Those of you that would like to knock on doors and make those personal connections road trip with us to St. Louis on Saturday.

Like Trey, now is the time to do something, one thing, to help elect Barack Obama. And your one, and his, and others will add up to make history.

Mid America Mom - Obama in the Heart, Peoria IL

phonebanking

cara slifka - south portland — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:03:37 EST

tonite i volunteered at the phone bank for the first time...i was nervous for the first call, but once i got into a groove, what a piece of cake, and what a great feeling to know that today i did everything i could do to help...

thankfully everyone on my list were already confirmed supporters of obama (i was calling to remind everyone about our upcoming caucus, and also to recruit precinct captains for the caucus), and so i had an automatic and instant bond with each person i spoke with...

the moment i introduced myself as a volunteer of the campaign, one woman yelled "fired up!", to which i responded "ready to go!", and we shared a laugh...one woman hounded me about getting her some signs for her front yard...i had two sets of married couples get on the phone together because they both wanted to talk to me, just excited to have a friend to share their passion with...

it was a wonderful experience...i urge anyone wanting to get involved to face their fears of phonebanking...i faced mine and can't wait to do it again!

yes. we. can!

We did our part!

Nicki from California — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:01:52 EST

Today was the day to place 100,000 calls across the state. We had a small party of 5 in the West Valley and we made it through an entire precinct of Democrats and Independants in a c few hours. It was very exciting to call together. Joyce and Rosie came out. It was their first time working in the campaign. Like me, they had been sitting on the sideline. I tried to train them with my limited knowledge while my precinct specialist, Ayinde, watched. I guess he's letting get the hang of this leadership thing. Not only did we make good progress through my precinct, we set a schedule for the rest of the week's calls. All of a sudden we have this team forming. It's exciting! It makes me want to do more than my 5 hours/week.

We finished off the evening when CNN announced Barack had won! We were estactic! What a great way to end the evening, knowing how we had personally touched people today who would be hearing Barack's amazing victory speech later. It was great to feel connected to the victory. The NYTimes says Barack is gaining on Clinton in California. For me and my team I can say that we are going to battle to get more votes for Barack. One neighbor at a time. We've got a LONG way to go.

For those of you who haven't become an active part of this historic campaign, don't wait! Join up today! We need your help. I had complete strangers come to my house who left as friends, bonded by a cause. America can be a great great place.

Three Ways to Get Involved

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:02:19 EST

The primary season is now in full swing! With only 4 days until South Carolina and two weeks until February 5th, when 22 states across the nation hold their primaries and caucuses, now is the time to take action.

Host a South Carolina Watch Party

This Saturday, January 26th, folks across the nation are coming together to support Barack and watch the primary results come in through the night. A South Carolina Watch Party is a great way to share Barack's message with friends, family and fellow supporters. Find a South Carolina Watch Party near you or create your own event today: click here.

Make calls to February 5th voters

Answer Barack's call to action by picking up the phone. You can make calls from the comfort of your home whenever works best for you with our online phone banking tool. Get started reaching out to February 5th voters: click here.

Organize your community

From knocking on doors to get-out-the-vote efforts, we need your help to build the movement! Check out the Grassroots Action Guide for tips and resources on how to organize in your area: click here.

If we are ready for real change in our country, now is the time to make the difference. Get involved today!

Boston: Canvassing and Phone Banking This Weekend!

Rena — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:26:25 EST

We're hitting the streets and the phones this weekend to talk with Massachusetts voters about the upcoming primary! Please join us in making history for Barack!

Saturday

Sunday (I know there's a Pats game, but come on... at least BE a patriot until 2pm)

Phone Bank

Molly S. — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:00:52 EST

If we had a party at my house, could everyone bring their cell phones and we could call upcoming primary states for Obama?

Who is interested?

For more info: http://my.barackobama.com/callFeb5

5 Weeks for Change

David Fry — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 05:42:01 EST

Volunteers Needed to Help Identify Obama Supporters

Through the end of 2007, Obama volunteers in Hawaii will be calling members of the Democratic Party to identify Barack Obama's supporters. By committing to help for two hours a week, you can be part of our efforts to build the Obama campaign in Hawaii.

We will be meeting together at an office downtown, enjoying refreshments and the time to meet other Obama supporters, and making calls to the friendly folks in the Democratic Party. We're asking supporters to commit to one shift a week for five weeks.

Making those phone calls is easy...and fun...seriously!

Brian Corr — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 19:48:17 EDT

So...have you tried making those phone calls to get people to the Boston rally on Tuesday night?

I'm finishing up doing it right now and it's super easy and people are really nice and happy to get the calls (unlike many campaign calls I've made over the years.) And a lot of people (somehow) hadn't even heard about the rally yet.

The interface is simple and easy, and it breaks it up into clear steps. And the calls go very fast!

So, go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/contact/main/boston right now and make a few calls -- and you can only use it between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. so you don't wake people up :-)

What you can do TODAY: Pulling out all the stops for Tuesday's rally

Brian Corr — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:43:49 EDT

Here's what you can do RIGHT NOW to help make Tuesday's rally incredibly successful -- and I've gotten these additional detail directly from Chicago about exactly what they need. So there are three things you can do (and ask you friends as well).

1) Publicity and handing out fliers with us all over Boston (from Fenway to the Head of the Charles): email Eli Forsythe DIRECTLY at eli.forsythe at gmail.com (include name and phone number so Eli can call you and confirm) and say what day and what 3-hour time slot you can do:
* Sat: 11-2, 3-6, or 5-8
* Sun: 10-1, 1-4, or 5-8
* Mon: time TBD, include availability

2) On Sunday, from 5-8 PM, the campaign will be running a phone bank from Harvard Law School, Pound Hall in Room 201, to tell supporters about the Boston rally. Please sign up at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4vhcb bring your cellphone, and join us!

3) If you aren't able to get out and hand out fliers or phonebank, or if you have a bit of extra time, you can use the easy calling page at http://my.barackobama.com/page/contact/splash/boston and help spread the word to Obama supporters in the area!

And finally, RSVP (if you haven’t already) at http://www.barackobama.com/boston to be part of this a huge rally at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common on Tuesday, October 23rd at 6:30 with Barack Obama and Deval Patrick! And once you've signed up, tell your friends!

Let's pull out all the stops over the next few days for this!