Posts with the tag canvass

OFA at West Chester, PA Swingin' Summer Thursday

Bill of Downingtown — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:36:51 EDT

On Thursday, August 6, OFA will canvass at Swingin’ Summer Thursday in West Chester, PA.

http://www.west-chester.com/boroughcal.php?z=9&c=&d=2004-09-05&t=m&f=l&p=1&t2=&f2=&p2=&time=1244514226

I love meeting people at public events like this. And this time it is doubly important. We will be asking for declarations of support for the President’s three health care reform principles. And we will, of course, supply the contact information for our two US Senators and all locally based Congresspeople so that the people we meet can contact their representatives directly.

If you are based in Chester County, PA or anywhere close by, please join me and other members of OFA in our canvass. Training will be provided at the start.

Find the event and sign up at

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple?source=sidenav

Thanks.

OFA in West Chester, PA, Spirits Up

Bill of Downingtown — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:06:57 EDT

On Sunday, July 26, OFA did both a canvass and a phone bank for the President's three health care reform principles in West Chester, PA.

The turnout, though small, was better than what we had expected based on sign-ups on the website. Three people stayed in the office to phone bank and two went out for the canvass. Both had their challenges.

The phone bankers, even before starting, noticed that there were no phone numbers on some of their printout pages. That makes phone banking difficult.

Organizing for America #1.

Wesley Sutton — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:53:06 EDT

Yesterday was canvass across america, a grassroots event that requires the signitures of a large number of American Citizens who are for Health Care Reform. This blog is about my expierence as part of this small group in Henderson, Ky.

I have been a member of My.BarachObama.com since right before the election was won. I was hopeing to be able to help with the campain, in some small way. However, nothing materialized out of my involvment with this site until yesterday, 7-25-09.

I checked the website (which I had come to do only sporadically) and for the first time seen an event that was actually in my location! So I called the contact number listed on the website and was connected to a Mr. James Glenn. James was ablt to tell me a few things about the event, but was unable to give me any specifics because he was the organizer for the whole state. Getting in touch with a local contact proved to be an impossability before the event, so I decided to just drop by.

I arrive at the library at 2:01p.m., only slightly late. In my mind images are invoked of a thriving group of volunteers assembled somewhere in the Library in a large group. A small but veritable Army of citizens who are ready for their voices to be heard. People who are emotionally Charged and empowered by their collective efforts to cause Change in america. I imagine a motley group of diverse races and class's, uniting to a common cause of bringing healthcare to everyone, to Investing in the people with who'm we share a common weal as well as a common destiny. These are lofty preconceptions that I assumed and conjured up in the mist of my mind.

On entering the doors of the Public Library I see an older man about the age of 50 or better. He is clothed in jeans and a black T-shirt that features Barach Obama and holding handouts that contain information about the 3 core principles of our proposed HealthCare plan. "Are you with the Organizing of America, Barach Obama Health Care Group?", I ask him. He looks at me and says "yes". " How many people are here or are coming" I ask. " Just me and you" he replies...

It turnes out that because of the possability of rain that most people decided not to come at all. So we decided to simply stand in front of the Library and speak to people as they came in or out. I'd say the number of people who responded positivley was pretty much equal to those who responded Negatively to our promptings. Even with even numbers, a lot could be gleaned from the types of people and the way they responded. By far the most likely to sign the petition where the Poor, African Americans, and the Elderly. Those that responded rudely or negativley where more likely to be getting out of a Jaguar or other expensive vehicle, Or expressed in some way that they where Christian,.

This last assertian, that Christianity = Republicanism= opposition to Healthcare reform is one I'm sure everyone has heard at sometime this year ( If you say, click past FOX news just for a second!) . Now it turns out that the organizer of the event, who was with me, was an ordained Minister of an Evangelical Church, as well as a Former Veteran who can't even get affordable healthcare through the V.A.! His dynamic with the public was interesting, because he himself contradicted many of their assumptions just by being who he is.

After collecting the signatures I went home. I am troubled that only 2 people showed up to collect signatures, and I hope I can attract more volunteers to help-out with healthcare. I can choose to look at the small numbers and see the premonition of failure for this Health Care proposal or I can choose to continue to invision the Mob of eager participants that I seen in my mind, and help to Make that dream a Reality.

I know healthcare is so important, that reinvesting in our people is what we need to do to truly build a nation that is united. We need to realise that we are all connected in myriad and diverse and even mysteriouse ways, and that by helping others, we are also helping ourselves. Hopefully more will come to see this Holistic Vision, and join in the movement to realise it.

Thank you

Wesley Suton

OFA Canvass in West Chester, PA

Bill of Downingtown — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:16:32 EDT

This Sunday, July 26, OFA will canvass for the President's three health care reform principles from 12:30 to 3:30 in West Chester, PA.Volunteers should sign up at

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/healthcarecanvass/gpfh3v

How many times have you asked yourself, “What can I, as one person, do to influence the national health care debate?” This is the answer. The personal meetings of a canvass in a town or neighborhood really do make a difference. We will gather declarations of support for the President’s principles of health care reform and send the declarations to the members of Congress for each signer.

And here’s the best part:

OFA at Turks Head Festival in West Chester, PA

Bill of Downingtown — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:55:16 EDT

On Sunday, July 19, OFA had a table at the Turks Head Festival in West Chester, the county seat of Chester County, PA.

We had anticipated doing a canvass in parts of the town that day, but given the number of volunteers and the expected size of the crowd at the festival, we decided to table instead. So we had to postpone our canvass volunteer training using Hassle Lines (see the July 17 entry in this blog). Flexibility!

We had two volunteers initially: one remained at the table to engage passers-by and the other walked through the festival grounds clipboard in hand for the same purpose.

It would be interesting to research which way is the more effective at 1) gaining declarations of support for the President’s three principles, and 2) the next step, signing up volunteers for the OFA effort.

What is your organization’s experience with this? Please leave a comment.

President Obama still needs us

George A Sanders — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:30:13 EDT

Have you heard the health care reform bill is coming together? It is by no means a done deal. President Obama needs us to lobby for his 3 principles of reform. We can not control every detail in the plan (and this wouldn't be much of a democracy if we could), but we can help keep it on the track the President laid out. The three principles:

1) REDUCE COSTS

2) GUARANTEE CHOICE (including a public plan option)

3) ENSURE AFFORABLE CARE FOR ALL

Many of us are not as intimately familiar with the legislative process as a lobbyist but the next couple weeks will be critical. To make our impact we need everyone's help. There are 1500 past volunteers in our area that we need to contact next week. Yes, it needs to be next week. Organizing For America wants each of them (and us) to contact all of their congressman to request that they support the health care bill and the reform principles. While lobbyists have made this kind of effort for years, a grassroots organization directed by the President's goals has not. Let's make history together again! We need to fill up our congressmans' voice mail with messages of support for the President's health care reform principles. If you want health care reform. Next week will be the chance to keep it on track and influence the legislation.

"There's going to be a major debate over the next three weeks, and don't be fooled by folks trying to scare you saying we can't change the health care system. We have no choice but to change the health care system because right now it's broken for too many Americans." - Barack Obama

When can you make time in your schedule to help?

Farmers R Us!

Eleanor — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:20:22 EDT

The Farmers' Market at Five Corners is the 'place to be' on a Sunday morning in Fremont's Irvington District! Everybody comes down to get the fixin's for salsa, the best grapes, the prettiest eggs--and healthcare reform info!

It was a major blast! Among the many languages and cultures of our beloved Fremont, I was able to gain concurrence on Obama's Three Principles and hand out dozens of congressional contact cards and declaration forms. Even collected a few stories!

We're on to the Thursday BBQ as the next step in the process!

The President's Budget Pledge

Hallandale Beach for Obama — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:01:27 EDT

President Obama has asked supporters to canvass their neighborhoods and encourage citizens to pledge to support the new Budget.

Let's think about how, when and where we can get out there in Hallandale Beach and help out with the President's plan!

Many Americans, including ordinary citizens as well as pundits on TV and radio are complaining that the new budget proposed is much too large... but remember... we have had a tremendous amount of neglect of education, healthcare, the environment and our nation's infastructure over the last eight years. Now we have to spend a great deal to catch up to where we should have been had Democrats been in the lead!

Our nation is really, truely desperate for change, and much have that change will need to be bought with massive expeditures. That is why the President is asking us to help him to promote his budget.

Think.. talk... and join in. Let's plan together to get together and promote this budget!

notes from Florida part 1, Oct. 22, 2008

T. ODonnell — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:32:07 EST

I've been canvassing since the very first day I arrived here -- on about 3 hours sleep that evening after driving [and getting lost in NE Miami for an hour as well], just going door to door, and the results have been substantial. Even in a small middle-class Cuban neighborhood we came out about even with McCain, something unthinkable for a democrat just a few years ago.

Most of my days are spent walking down Miami neighborhoods knocking on the doors of registered voters, giving out early voting materials and helping to get the word out. The response has been fascinating. Almost without exception, when I encounter McCain backers they all seem to be short-tempered, irritable, even angry or sometimes all three of the above. Obama supporters on the other hand are more easy going, tend to be optimistic (no matter how concerned they are over issues at present), and generally just seem like happier people. As much as I've almost TRIED to find a "grumpy" Obama supporter, I haven't run into one yet -- and I've been knocking on about 100 doors a day for 9 days now, so if they existed, then I should have run into at least one.

Canvassing on Election Day in Marietta, Ohio

Llysse Smith Wylle — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:04:25 EST

I canvassed in Marietta, Ohio on Election Day, having voted a couple weeks ago. I somehow doubt I was the most effective of volunteers. I was on foot, so I walked and knocked. I'd never done this before, and seeing as how I hate to be bothered by this sort of thing myself, it made me rather uncomfortable to do it to someone else. However, I did look carefully for no trespassing or no soliciting signs, and I didn't find any at my assigned houses. I left at 10 am and only returned to headquarters by a little after 2.

I was not really surprised by the amount of activity that was going on in the field office. Apparently, that amazing energy is endemic to Obama campaign offices. As I recall, the total number of volunteers I saw posted "on the big board" later in the day was 64. That's rather a lot for a small town like Marietta. The amount of food donated to and by the volunteers was staggering, and it occurred to me that in some ways the funds raised for the campaign were probably higher if you were to factor in all the quiches and ham sandwiches and hummus and pizza and fruit and everything else that must have been donated to all the folks working such long hours to get Obama elected.

Luckily, it was a beautiful day in Southeastern Ohio on November 4, and that heartened me... not just because I was myself outside working, but because I was given to understand that good weather favors democratic turnout, and Ohio was important. I had logged in to the Obama-Biden website to see if there was anything local in West Virginia to volunteer for, but the closest thing I could find was in Ravenswood--too, too far. Plus, I knew Ohio to be one of the most important states. McCain was focusing on Pennsylvania, but he really had little chance of winning it. According to Nate Silver of 538, if McCain lost Ohio, the model showed a 0% chance of his pulling off a win.

With that in mind, I couldn't bear the idea of sitting at home on election day only to hear later that Obama lost by only a few votes if I could have made a difference. (As it turned out, of course, the vote was close in Ohio, but not THAT close.)

At any rate, I rode into town with my husband (who works in Marietta), and presented myself at the field office. There was a short training session, and we were out the door with a list of registered democrats we were to encourage to get out to vote. We should make certain they knew where their polling place was, as apparently these had changed, although how recently I don't know. I get the impression it wasn't too recently, but if these are voters that don't get out to vote too often, I suppose they could be confused. We even had a hotline number to call if they needed a ride to the polls. The lines in our area seemed to be short.

I started my "turf" near the downtown along the river. The neighborhood was a poor one, but pretty in the way things can be in a river city like Marietta. Not long ago the whole area was flooded. Was that three years ago? Most of downtown was under water, so this area would have been, too. There were quite a few empty lots, and I wondered if there had previously been houses there that had been taken down.

In the distance, dogs barked, and I was occasionally showered with the leaves of sugar or silver maples. I couldn't locate the first address; many of the houses here had no numbers. I guessed and knocked several times, but there was no answer. I left the hanger on the door. It showed the polling times and the democratic slate of candidates. Several dogs peered at me warily through curtains.

The next place was a townhouse; an older gentleman politely informed me he had already voted for McCain. I was here to speak with his wife. "She's not well enough to vote," he said.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I responded, and left, wishing him a good day. I marked the conversation down on my slip of paper.

I was wearing on Obama shirt with a button of my own I had purchased in Chillicothe at the rally; they'd also given me a "Canvasser" button with the O logo. I had a clipboard and a manila envelope full of collaterals, as well as a little map of the territory, and my script. I suppose I was as official looking as one could get.

The next stop was a garage apartment, decked out for halloween. I knocked the door, and an old man with rheumy eyes opened the door. He wore an oxygen mask, and generally looked to be in poor health.

"Are you the nurse?" he asked in a weak voice.

"No," I said. I gave him my name and explained I was volunteering with the Obama Campaign for Change in Marietta, according to the script. He was not the person I was there to see; I was looking for a woman of approximately my age. I explained who I was there to see and asked if she was available.

"Yes," he said, and asked me in, ushering me past several tiny barking dogs into a tiny room. I carefully stepped over the tubes that hooked him to his oxygen, although it seemed to me the dogs just barrelled across. There were two worn and lopsided armchairs, and he motioned me into one.

"Im waiting for the nurse," he repeated in a shaky, friendly voice. I had rather expected him to call for his daughter--I presumed it was likely his daughter's name I had. However, he seemed a little confused. Poor old guy.

The smell of the house was reminiscent of the my Grandpa Shock's house, when he was ill with parkinson's disease. A WWII hero, he'd lived alone in his little house in Webster Springs for years, visited quite loyally by his sister Columbia. Occasionally, the family would hire people to come in and help him, but this always turned out badly. He had things stolen many times, unable to even get out of his wheelchair on bad days. Grandpa Shock.

I looked into the eyes of the old man in front of me, and he reminded me of my grandpa in some indefinable way. His skin was greyish, and I glanced at his nails, but I couldn't see how cyantotic they might be. I hoped the nurse would come.

I smiled encouragingly. "Do you have a way to get to the polls and vote?" I asked.

He did, he said. He rattled off a rambling list of all the things that would be happening today. He mentioned the nurse again, twice more.

"Oh, my! Sounds like you have a full day!" I remarked. I felt awkward. Maybe I should ask if his daughter was available again.

From the room behind me, the refrigerator kicked on, loudly. I looked back, and there was a woman at a little table pushed up against a wall, sitting at a computer. I raised my voice to ask if she was the person I was looking for, and she said she was.

I smiled again and stood, repeating the introductory remarks of my script in a casual way.

"I can tell you now you're in the wrong house," she said with an edge to her voice. "I'll never vote for a nigger." She pronouced it "nagger," and stood looking at me with crossed arms and challenge on her face.

As I said, she was approximately my age. White, as you may have guessed. She was overweight, and her long, fine hair was straight and dirty blonde, pulled casually back from her face with some plastic contraption that its silkiness would doubtless always have it slipping out of, as it was now. My hair is the same way. Her shirt had a hole in the shoulder; many of mine have holes. There are just other things to spend money on when the holes are small enough.

I was surprised by my lack of reaction, to be honest. Normally such things would have me fuming with outrage, but instead I was just instantly sorry for her. I instantly felt TRUE and DEEP pity. I'm sure it must have shown on my face, and it wasn't what she was expecting either, because her confident, belligerent stance faltered.

"I'm sorry," I said honestly.

She tossed her head, not meeting my eyes, and a lank piece of hair escaped its clasp. "I'm not voting for McCain either. I've been a democrat all my life. I don't have no one to vote for this year. I'm not voting," she asserted.

"It's all right," I said. Her father said he had a little oxygen tank he could take with him in the car.

I cleared my throat. "If you change your mind and decide to vote, the polls close at 7:30, and if you're in line by then, they have to let you." I made sure she knew where her polling place was, and wished her well.

The old man rose to let me out, and his jumble of tubes jumbled, and the dogs all jumped and barked, and the television in the little room blathered on with some sort of talk show. One dog got stepped on as the woman tried to step aside and it yelped and ran in a circle, upsetting some papers. I gave it a pat, wished them a good day, again, and left.

It was sunny outside, but I had the illusion of clouds. She had no intention of voting for Obama, even to help her poor, ailing father, whose greatest concern was apparently when his nurse would come.

Well, I think [health care] should be a right for every American. In a country as wealthy as ours, for us to have people who are going bankrupt because they can't pay their medical bills -- for my mother to die of cancer at the age of 53 and have to spend the last months of her life in the hospital room arguing with insurance companies because they're saying that this may be a pre-existing condition and they don't have to pay her treatment--there's something fundamentally wrong about that.

Perhaps I should have argued with her, or pointed out that the healthcare plan could help them. However, I don't think so. My job was to get people who were voting for Obama to the polls, not to try to convince non-supporters. However, it made me sad.

On Greene Street, perhaps an hour or so later, some random hater threw a stone at me from a car. A few minutes beforehand, someone had driven by, screaming "McCain!" I have to think the same vehicle circled back to throw the stone, although I didn't really see it either time. With the screaming, it wasn't really worth my while. With the stone, I have to say I was just a bit stunned, and it took me thrity seconds or so to realize what had happened. That doesn't really sound like a long time, but really it's long enough to drive away and lose yourself in traffic seeing as how I wasn't on the ball enough to be paying attention.

I am presuming the stone came from the same car that screamed at me. They were so close together. And after all, not many people drive along with stones in their cars, so it would have to be sort of premeditated. I would guess they drove off to an alley or whatever and came back to throw it. It seems like it was only a few minutes apart.

In any case, they didn't come close to hitting me, and frankly I wasn't so much scared as flabbergasted. It landed in front of me, and I thought, "Where did that fall from?" not connecting it with the screeching tires and laughter from the passing car. By the time I realized what had happened and thought to look for the car, it was either gone or I just didn't know which one it was amonst the various cars that had passed. (In fact it rather reminded me of the episode of The Andy Griffith Show called "Opie and the Spoiled Kid," in which Barnie is berating a "civilian" for not being able to identify which little kid it was that knocked her off her feet riding his bike on the sidewalk when he himself is knocked down by the same kid. All Barnie can exclaim is "Garsh, it happened so fast!")

I had to walk by McCain headquarters twice--it's located not far from Obama headquarters in the downtown. The forst time was 10-ish when I left, and there didn't seem to be anyone there, although the door was open. (I am presuming there were people working inside.) The second time, there were two old guys standing outside, and they smiled kindly at me. I smiled back.

There was a McCain standee. Strangely, the photo used for this life-sized prop wasn't very flattering. He looked like a sort of hunched up old guy with a vague-ish smile on his face. I've seen heroic-looking photos of JM before. What was with that? It looked to be "official" campaign stuff. Whose fault was that photo? I don't get it. I don't think the collaterals were managed very well.

I had lunch at the field office, and went back out after, this time with a driver, as I was going further afield. My legs ached. I never ran into another racist, or another stone-throwing McCain supporter. Of course, it helps to be with someone, too. And in a car.

I did speak to several other people who were enthusiastic in their support, and received for the most part lots of smiles and waves and beeps of (what I presumed to be) appreciation. I take short beeps to be appreciative. They seem more polite than laying on the horn. Mostly I got smiles and waves and thumbs up.

At one McMansion, however, there were three laborers outside roofing the house. The yard had an Obama sign in it, but the residents were out. Perhaps they were voting, or they could have been at work. There was still literature on the door from the first pass at the house (we were making three passes at each house until we got an "I voted" or an "I'm not a supporter" or a "Moved," for example).

As we were leaving to go to our next area, I smiled at the folks working there and made some comment to the effect that it was a nice day for working outside.

"We're not from around here," one guy said forcefully, giving his pants a yank up, "but we're planning on voting several times on the way home since we registered through ACORN."

"Gosh, you have a fake passport or fake drivers licenses that will pass muster with ALL those election officials for THAT many identities?" I asked pleasantly, and he looked confused. He didn't say anything else. Evidently he was a low information voter.

At the end of the day, I was exhausted, and my husband actually treated me to Las Trancas on the way home. I love Mexican food. When we got home that evening it was already dark. I felt sorry for the chickens, who had spent the entire day locked in the coop. It was for a good cause, ladies. Also, I suspect Robin has been hiding her eggs somewhere, so I don't suppose it will hurt to try keeping her in the coop one day to encourage her to use the nests again.

We tuned in the TV that night, since the I-net has been frustratingly out. NEVER GET WILD BLUE. It was staticky, but as I have mentioned before, we should be able to get a channel (weakly) until February.

Then we watched as the electoral votes rolled in for Obama.

I loved when Ohio was called. I screamed. I squeezed Alan's hand too hard. He gave me a dirty look, and I didn't care. Matt called. I screamed, "I know I justsaw canyoubelieveitohmygodsIwishI couldcheck538!"

I didn't understand why they didn't call it then. I understand that on Fox news, Karl Rove was in the middle of explaining how McCain would have to win Ohio, and was interrupted with the information that Ohio had gone to Obama. Rove, Buch, McCain, Palin: that moment is courtesy of all of those people you don't care about--all those people whose civil liberties you were so anxious to take away. Did you feel your heart drop? That wasn't our aim, I assure you. We were trying to get Senator Obama elected. However, please do think of us in the future, as it may save you further heartache.

And please think of that poor, sick old man on the oxygen tanks in that little garage apartment near the Ohio River. Even if his daughter didn't vote for President-Elect Obama, I hope they still benefit by what he brings to this country... and I hope that in four years she can see that she has someone to vote for after all.

It occurred to me that I encountered the McCain campaign in its fullness in just that one day in Ohio, in microcosm. I encountered the racism your campaign was drumming up, the crazy ACORN charges, the terrorism fears and violence (which I associate with the stone throwing)--it ran the gamut. I also encountered Obama supporters who were excited, who talked about change, who ranged in age from just 18 to retired and poor to rich. Most of the people I spoke to had already voted, but I hope I was able to help remind some to vote that perhaps would not otherwise have bothered.

One lady was so excited nabout voting for Obama that she even took me next door to show me the homemade sign her neighbor had made and put in his yard.

"It's so pretty," she said. And it was. It simply said "Barack Obama." The letters were simple and black, but the background was all the colors of the rainbow.

"He did that himself," she said.

We all did. Yes, we did.

http://www.youtube.com/v/jxmw7-8F1QQ&hl

Final Push in Washoe County

Tim — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:59:53 EST

We're down to the last 48 hours. It's coming down to the wire and we're going to be busy. We're getting another huge list tomorrow which should bring us through the election

We were pretty busy yesterday. We canvassed with Ellen and Susan which brought our total to over 175 contacts. Our field office at Liz's canvassed over 1,300 houses total!

Canvass, call, get out the vote. It's not hard, and it helps.

LynnW — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:42:00 EDT

Just got back from walking the suburbs and downtown Livingston and I have to say I am glad I did it. I am shy about these things, but I did it because I believe that in doing it I am helping to preserve our democracy.

It is way beyond party lines, or "I hope my candidate wins". We are fighting to keep our country alive.

Wherever you are in America, take it from me, it is worthwhile (and not that hard) to do something to help get out the vote for Obama-Biden. A few hours do help, and you will find if you visit your local campaign office you will get tons of support and knowledge from the campaign workers and your neighbors–millions of ordinary citizens of all ages and walks of life–who are giving up hours and days to do this wonderful and rewarding work.

I've also changed my answering machine message to a voting and volunteering reminder and I am stopping to chat with everyone I se, be it a neighbor, acquantance, or friend, to be sure that they keep the spirit of Change We Need alive, right up until the polls close. I also just dug deep to make another modest donation to Obama-Biden.

And a special shout out to my sister in Pennsylvania who has been so generous with her time and money in this campaign to save our country.

Byrd Park Canvasses for Change events this weekend are cancelled

Christopher Martin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:36:34 EDT

When I checked Friday evening, my.BarackObama.com had pulled the plug on the Neighbor to Neighbor feature that printed walk lists. Without walk lists, we would be pretty much flying blind. Sorry for the short notice, but I had hoped the feature might be available again Saturday morning but it's not.

I wanted to provide a nearby event in the neighborhood this weekend people could go to. As it is, the closest canvass staging area at this point is 222 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA where shifts will be running all day Saturday and Sunday. Call the Richmond Obama HQ for more details. You can also find plenty of things to do in the closing days of the campaign at my.BarackObama.com/actioncenter.

Thanks to all the volunteers who participated in the Byrd Park Canvass for Change. Since it began as a weekly event in August, we've knocked on hundreds of doors and covered much of the area. Sorry we're ending, not with a bang, but a whimper, but thanks for your support.

Last Day of Early Voting

Tim — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:14:43 EDT

Today is the last day of early voting here in Reno. Our effort today was mainly to find folks that hadn't yet voted early and try to get them to head out before the deadline.

Thousands of people have voted early here in Washoe County. The Reno Gazette-Journal is reporting that, "As of Wednesday night, 78,403 voters had cast ballots in Washoe County — including 35,051 Democrats and 26,913 Republicans."

I'd like to think that we had some effect on those numbers over the past week. There is actually evidence that canvassing does get people to the polls. I've seen the numbers from Sparks and they're very encouraging. Particularly when we're calling on empty houses -- or worse yet, the ones where people are home but don't answer (I can see you! Just answer the door!).

Moms for Obama 10/27 Update

Mid America Mom — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:24:42 EDT

"...We need your service, right now, in this moment - our moment - in history. I'm not going to tell you what your role should be; that's for you to discover. But I am going to ask you to play your part; ask you to stand up; ask you to put your foot firmly into the current of history. I am asking you to change history's course. And if I have the fortune to be your President, decades from now - when the memory of this or that policy has faded, and when the words that we will speak in the next few years are long forgotten - I hope you remember this as a moment when your own story and the American story came together, and history bent once more in the direction of justice..." Senator Barack Obama "A Call to Serve" Iowa 12/07

Change can only happen when we make it so. During this last week we hope to give you inspiration, a place to share, and ideas to make your mark on history.

********
We issued a challenge last week- to make it to 115,000 calls as a group. We knew it would require a commitment and wondered if that was too much to ask.

And as of this Monday morning - Moms we made 6161 calls in one week bringing us to.... 115,369!!! When did anyone think that talking on the phone would payoff ;) ?? But why stop now? So lets commit to making it to 118,000 by the end of Wednesday night! I am committing to 25 tonight after the kids are in bed.

Need some tips? They have everything you need online.

*******
9 ways to make a difference in 9 days

1. Donate

2. Call

3. Knock on doors (even if with little ones!. see From the Roots below)

4. Travel to another state to help

5. Wear your OBAMA gear

6. Watch someone's kids while they vote

At a local office:
7. Volunteer
8. Give (PAPER and FOOD!)

9. And join a moms for obama rally near you on Saturday! List of locations: http://www.obama-mamas.com/rally.html AND http://www.obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=93

*****
Did you know?

Remember the 9 year old we told you about in Georgia that is going as a Ballot Box for Halloween? This kid does have an ear to the ground after all. GEORGIA, according to a recent poll, is a Toss Up! So if you live there (vote early!!!) or near please consider helping out. You can read an article about it here- http://www.ajc.com/services/content/news/stories/2008/10/25/gapres.html

Clear your schedule for a half hour on Wednesday evening at 8 ET (not sure about other time zones). Our campaign will be on TV...CBS and NBC and Fox! We have no clue what they are doing with the time but maybe they will model it after Hillary's townhall meeting on the Hallmark Channel?

*******
From the Roots

*Jenny in Ohio responded to our last email with this:

Along the Halloween theme. Two other moms and I hosted a pumpkin carving for Obama...entitled Carve a pumpkin, change our country. We invited friends and neighbors, had a fabulous time and raised, through small donations, over $1400.00! Even the ordinary can be extraordinary when we put our minds to it.

*Kids and Canvassing CAN go together. From member Anne -http://my.barackobama.com/page/dashboard/public/xqfMHXK

Got a little one at home?

Please canvass together in the remaining days. It can seem weird to ponder going door-to-door with a little one, but it can be REALLY effective. The following sums up the great experience I had this evening in my home state - the battleground of Virginia.
The campaign is focusing on the 5-7 pm time slot in many areas - so I decided Sunday at 5pm was it.

I took my 1 year old son with me to a canvassing event - just the two of us. I said I wanted to go out with another volunteer (it's more fun and safer in pairs). The person I got paired up with had been canvassing four times already. After knocking on twenty doors - with a whopping 14 or so answered, the other volunteer said that people were far more friendly and open due to seeing a little one than any of his other volunteer experiences. A few even asked if we'd bring my son back to trick-or-treat!

It didn't hurt that I made sure he was visible. He was in my backpack carrier, just the right height to peer into those tall thin windows that often flank a front door and, well, be seen. We joked about how people think when their doorbell rings. One person = "selling something." Two people might = "selling religion." An older kid = "selling something for school." But a mom and child, or two parents and strollers? Well, it just disarms people, so they open the door wondering what to expect. And that's a great thing when your on the campaign trail.

Having my son with me was a real plus. And he enjoyed seeing people and their Halloween decorations on a beautiful, crisp fall evening. I just showed up at the closest campaign office and they sent me to a private home "staging location" a few minutes away and not all that far from home.

Juggle young kids & campaign?
YES WE CAN!

*Reach out to people about early voting the EASY way.

On the headquarters blog - http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hqblog , last night two community members shared ideas on how to get the word out on EARLY Voting.

We love this one from fellow Mom Dkbella - http://my.barackobama.com/page/dashboard/view/public/g4ycS
I went online and found all the early vote info for the county where my office is as well as for all the counties in the metro area (Atlanta). I listed the locations/dates and also put links to each counties' elections website. I sent this info in an email to our HR guy and suggested that he send it out office-wide--to help our employees (over 500) and the company--by not having EVERYONE out on the 4th, and by saving folks time from standing in line less hours by early voting than waiting until the 4th. He sent it out with an intro about "Due to the overwhelming interest in this year's election . . ." !!! I was so proud!!!

Obamakim - I Voted Early shared: When I was at the campaign office today I asked if it would be OK if I went off of regular canvassing and put an info sheet on our early voting here in Franklin County (Columbus, OH) on everyone's car in the huge apartment complex near me. They said that sounded like a great idea and they gave me a flier with all of the info for me to copy!

*********
More

Did you notice that we feature a song on the group profile page? (We just took down this one- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJW67YfLWgs). Some of that music came our way by a fellow Mom! You will hear more about her in a series of blogs we have for you this week called "Lost in the economy noise". The first installment is here - here

Are you counting the time until a new President takes office? We are! You can do it literally with this clock widget - http://amyloo.com/obamacount/obamawidget.htm

*****
No matter who you are

or

where you are

You can be the Change

Mid America Mom
and the Moms for Obama

A Personal Plea to Canvass

Anne Marie @ NH HQ — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:51:10 EDT

This blog was written by Greg, a volunteer in Vermont.

Let's make history together. Can you imagine seeing McCain-Palin winning when you knew you could have done something about it? What's a day off work or an evening compared to THAT???

The single most important way to impact that is to meet face to face with people. Canvassing is the number one way to accomplish that. The campaign has said that collectively over 2,000 folks this past weekend went to New Hampshire. Studies have shown that for every 12 doors you simply knock on is one vote for your candidate. It's easy; just ask them what's important to them and it goes from there! A few minutes with an undecided voter makes all the difference in the world Here's the most important fact.

The last election in New Hampshire was decided by less than 3,000 votes. You may only end up speaking to 2 undecided voters. Even if you can impact just one person; collectively that comes to over 3,000 voters. That can make the difference in us winning New Hampshire.

The next biggest reason to canvass and make phone calls is to support Jeanne Shaheen for US Senate. This is the closet Senate election in the country. The Democrats are close to getting 60 Senate seats. That's why doing all we can to get Shaheen elected is SO VITAL! If you are passionate about OBAMA then he will need every single Senator on his side. That's why we need every single person.

If you want to make sure Obama-Biden is elected, then the biggest way you can affect the vote is to volunteer, doing a variety of tasks. I'm going ALL OUT for the Obama Get Out the Vote. It is so amazing to see so many folks from all over New England Canvassing! I am especially proud of all the Vermonters. Even the candidates from VT and NH and many of the staff get out to bang on doors.

Let's get ALL FIRED UP!!!

Are you fired up? Join Greg in New Hampshire for Get Out The Vote. Go all out and fight for every vote in New Hampshire.

Baracking the vote one voter at a time...

Amy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:43:26 EDT

I was so excited to canvass for Barack today--in my neighborhood! Thanks to fellow canvasser Barry, we knocked on over 80 doors and we made a huge difference--I know we did! Most people we talked to either already voted--or were going to vote--for Barack. There were only two people whe weren't very nice, but, what can you do? All in all, we had a great time canvassing together, and it felt good getting out the vote!

Tomorrow, Dan and I are going to the Biden rally in Jupiter. We'll have to get there early, as a lot of people are expected to be there. And Dan, Barry, and I were told that we'll get a good spot behind Joe Biden at the podium. I'm so excited! :)

Fingers crossed these last few days--and hopefully we can win Florida! Yay!

Six Days Two Hours Thirteen Minutes

Tim — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:14:46 EDT

As I write this there are 6 days, 2 hours and 13 minutes remaining until election day. Things are starting to heat up here in Reno (literally and metaphorically). My mother and I have been canvassing various areas around Reno for the past four days and will continue through the election.

We had a full afternoon of canvassing up in Sun Valley. Very rewarding today. We started off at the Victorian Station field office again. This time we arrived just in time for the briefing. We were told that Sun Valley might have some stray dogs roaming around and learned how to use the clip board as a defense mechanism (email me and I'll fill you in).

Probably the most interesting part of canvassing today was the fact that we ran into three guys doing the same thing for McCain and some local Republicans. We literally crossed paths with them at one point with them waiting for us to leave one house so they could go up after us. I tried to keep it positive (some brotherhood in canvassing maybe?) and commented on what a nice day we were having. They seemed mildly annoyed and went about their business.

One very odd thing though, they had Alberta plates on the GIANT SUV they were driving. I didn't think much of it then but I've subsequently heard that there was another Canadians for McCain sighting earlier in the week. Maybe John McCain can't inspire Americans but he's got the secret sauce for the Canadians? Strange indeed.

Thoughts on Canvassing

Benjamin Gorman — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:39:35 EDT

Today I went canvassing for Obama/Biden. Noah came with me for the first few houses, then got tired of it.

<a href="http://share.ovi.com/media/wrightword.public/wrightword.10201"><img src="http://media.share.ovi.com/m1/medium/0445/63607a8522f94ea6a2520c95513390af.jpg" border="0" title="Canvassing for Obama - Share on Ovi" alt="Canvassing for Obama - Share on Ovi" width="192" height="256" /></a>

You'll note that my Obama tee hasn't arrived, so I made my own.

I knocked on 64 doors in my neighborhood. These were voters identified by the party as independents, unreliable voters, or new voters. Of those, 29 were strong Obama supporters who said they would be voting, and only 7 told me they were voting for McCain. That's heartening in itself, but I also found that here in the purple-ish, blue-ish state of Oregon, in a small town (would Palin still consider that "real America"?) the Obama supporters seemed a lot more fired up. Sure, I was wearing an Obama/Biden bumper sticker on my chest, but the difference still exceeded what you'd expect. I'm feeling hopeful.

Another observation: I talked with a union guy who was particularly excited. He made a point to show off the Obama/Biden poster he'd received from his electrical workers union. I'm always glad to meet another union member, but as a member of the teacher's union I couldn't help but think his union is better than mine. First of all, if he's representative of his fellow electrical workers (and he may be an outlier, like me) then they are more excited and supportive than we are. Teachers I know tend to be inexplicably split. Also, the house this electrical worker owns is a lot nicer than the house this teacher rents. Yep, his union is better.

Lastly, when I went back to the Independence office of the Polk County Democrats, a guy came in to share that he not only had his Obama sign stolen out of his yard, as did many other people in the community, but he got the punks' license plate number and the police caught the thieves. So, way to go Mr. Ledesma!

Tonight I'm off to a pumpkin carving party where the parents are evenly split, Democrats and Republicans. I made sure to pick up enough Obama stickers to put one on each of the kids.

-Ben Gorman

http://unapologetic-conjecture.blogspot.com/

Who's been volunteering for Obama in Florida?

Destiny's Child — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:33:38 EDT

I have a writing assignment and I need to interview someone who has been volunteering in Florida for this election.

Canvassing Saturday 10/25/08!

Lisa Caid — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 23:09:32 EDT

Turning Texas Blue...it's up to you!

We will be gathering together again on Saturday, October 25, to canvass neighborhoods around Amarillo for Obama! We need to get the word out about early voting and remind people how important it is to vote.

If you are serious about getting Obama elected and can talk (or just walk with a group!), this is your chance to make a difference and help Turn Texas Blue!

I know some of you are scared to canvass and think you can't do it, but hasn't Obama showed us all that anything is possible if we just do it? Volunteers across the country, and especially across Texas, are out there canvassing neighborhoods for Obama. Amarillo is no different than the rest of the country in that we too want change!

This is our chance to show Amarillo that we are here and actually working for change! Please be assured that no one will be out there by themselves as we will canvass in groups in targeted neighborhoods. We will have informational packets put together to hand out to folks also (and a lot more this time!).

We will meet up at the Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office Saturday morning around 11:00 a.m. to distribute packets and form groups before heading out. And yes, once again we will have donuts, and even coffee this time!!

Please RSVP to tnjraphael@suddenlink.net so that we know how many volunteers are willing to canvass so we can plan accordingly. Remember, we can't canvass if we don't have volunteers and change won't happen from our living rooms or on our couches! Any amount of time that you can help out on Saturday would be greatly appreciated!

Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office address is:
6141 Amarillo Boulevard West
Phone number is 331 - 6299

The office is just southwest of the Veterans Hospital a few blocks and across the street from the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. There is a large red, black, and white for sale sign on the street, and Obama signs to mark the spot!

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=6141+amarillo+blvd+w+amarillo+tx+&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=52.020054,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=35.200841,-101.907152&spn=0.006619,0.009613&t=h&z=17

If you've received this email and no longer wish to be included, please email us at tnjraphael@suddenlink.net to be promptly removed from future emails.

Thanks for all your support,

Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office

If you need more info, please call the office at 331-6299 or Tony & Jane Raphael at 373 - 7884 .

Obama/Biden '08
Change We Can Believe In

Let's Go Canvassing This Week-End!

weebug — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:33:16 EDT

We've got twelve more days until the election, that leaves only two more week-ends to go out there and keep the momentum up. Face to face canvassing is the most effective way of convincing undecided voters that Obama is the right man for President and the most effective way to make sure all those Obama supporters actually go to the polls and vote!

Canvassing door-to-door is also fun! I talk to about 150 people every week-end. The majority of those people are good kind folk who are interested in the issues and who love our nation enough to make intelligent and informed decisions. Sometimes folks get a little complacent though and need a gentle reminder that "Yes, your vote really DOES count".

Come on out and canvass with us these last two week-ends. Throw your enthusiasm out there and let's make a difference! Contact the Suffolk Campaign for Change office and become part of history. You might even get a piece of Sweet Potato Pie!

Suffolk Campaign for Change
140 W. Washington Street Suite 103
Suffolk, Virginia
(757) 934-0856

And don't forget:

Helpful tool for canvassers!

John Elsbree (PCO BEL 48-0226) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:13:55 EDT

Have you ever been out canvassing and couldn’t quite figure out where a particular address was? Frustrated by the approximate locations given by Google maps that are never accurate enough? Had to backtrack several times to locate a tricky address?

King County to the rescue! There’s a free online map database that provides the perfect solution to this problem.

NOW OR NEVER

eric HUSSEIN graff — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:43:20 EDT

Do or die, now or never, don't leave anything on the field, sprint to the finish, follow through, keep up the pressure, pound them with the ground game, making history, being part of history, ground zero, NORTH EAST PENNSYLVANIA, Hazleton PA, we need your help, walk for change CALL DAVE 570-951-9266 nuff said? eric HUSEIN graff

Obama Graphics On Tee-Shirts

weebug — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:53:52 EDT

Now that my husband showed me how to post images on this blog, I thought I'd post a couple of graphics I made to print on our own personal tee-shirts. It is easy to print them on iron-on transfer sheets, iron them on and wear! They are simple, but they actually look great on the shirts! Obama is such a positive force that artist of all genre have been creating works for, of and about him and his vision.

How awesome is that?! A political leader who inspires people to be creative and to be polite and respectful.

My step-daughter and I wear the tee-shirts while cavassing. I like that they convey powerful singular words that describe Barack Obama.

This next one I didn't design, it was designed by Shepard Fairey, but I printed a copy of it on a teeshirt because it is my favorite graphic of Obama so far.

Door-to-door in Cleveland

Catherine from Buffalo, NY — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:49:01 EDT

Well, I've jumped into this game pretty late! But I am excited to tell you that I will be in Parma, Ohio, (my hometown!) Nov 1st through election day. If anyone actually reads these blogs, and has an inclination to cruise to Ohio to make sure everyone votes, you're welcome to tag along!

Countdown to Victory

Ron — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:27:40 EDT

There was a great GOTV training yesterday in Columbia. We are in need of volunteers for the next 16 days and especially on Election day. There will be a 'Get out the Vote' campaign in Saline County (and the rest of the country) that is unprecidented in history. We are asking you to be part of this effort and to stake a clain to this historic election. Contact your local office to see how you can be involved.
We will be having volunteer training & GOTV training on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd at Saline County Democrat HQ. Volunteer training will begin @ 5:00pm & GOTV Team training @ 6:00pm. We will be in need of many volunteers on election day and would ask anyone that can spare a day or a few hours to help us in this effort. We are in need of volunteers for phone banking, drivers (to take folks to the polls), canvassing, 'turnout reporters' and comfort/hospitality volunteers (help provide food/drink to volunteers & voters). The polls show the race neck & neck in MO and the difference could very well come down to rural areas of the state.
Join us at HQ or call: 660-529-3447 or 660-631-2929 for complete details. Thank you for all you have done and are doing for the campaign. Together we can change America!

Porta a porta, oggi !!

simonebars — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 21:57:07 EDT

Cari amici di Obama,

durante il fine settimana il nostro HQ organizza il 'canvass door to door' (promozione elettorale porta a porta).

Oggi, con Julma (la mia sorella maggiore americana) abbiamo percorso esattamente 10,4 km....a piedi ! Abbiamo bussato 143 porte (il numero è preciso, in quanto dobbiamo presentare un 'canvass report' alla fine) e siamo venuti in contatto con numerosissime persone, in maggioranza afro-americani, che sono stati entusiasti di vederci...e di conoscermi, vista la mia provenienza oltreoceano.

Questo per promuovere il voto anticipato (in Georgia si può già votare, per evitare lunghe file il 4 Novembre, giorno ufficiale delle Elezioni).

Domani sarà un'altra giornata di canvass...poi avremmo tempo nei giorni prossimi di inserire tutti i dati nel data base dello Stato della Georgia.

What do you think....President Obama...sounds good ??? Yes, we can !

Simone

Keep Up the Momentum

weebug — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 08:43:33 EDT

Last night we had a meeting with some of the more enthusiastic and dedicated canvassers from the Suffolk Campaign for Change office. We are set now to continue canvassing southern Suffolk to make sure everybody who is interested in restoring faith and pride in America gets out to the polls on November 4th and votes for Barack Obama! We will be heading out today with our teams from several Suffolk locations all week-end long and every week-end and the Monday and Tuesday of the election. Our Suffolk office Campaign manager for the south-side, Justin Baker, gave us an inspiring speech to keep us motivated and ever more dedicated. I can't wait to knock on more doors today! I LOVE canvassing for Barack Obama!

I tried to make some home made sweet potato pies to bring to the office this morning, but darn! Those sweet potaoes take forever to pre-cook! It was nearly 10 p.m. before they were done and they needed to cool down before I could make pie out of them. Sorry Justin and Tony - the pies will not make it to the office until Sunday.

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.

Final Quarter

Brian Rendel — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:26:57 EDT

It's like a football game and we're in the last quarter of play. Obama is in the lead but anything can happen. Don't trust the polls. This is a close race and nothing counts until the voters actually vote. We need your help to get people to vote for Obama. Saying they'll vote for Obama isn't enough. We need to do everything possible to get them to follow through.

We have been very busy at the local Houghton County Campaign for Change headquarters. Some folks are using the neighborhood tools here on barackobama.com. If you choose to do this on your own, please imput your canvassing data and telephone contact data as soon as possible so we can focus our resources on contacting voters who have not been contacted yet. Data is updated constantly.

If you would like to help us staff the campaign office, make phone calls, canvass door-to-door please stop by the office in Houghton and sign up. It's relatively painless to volunteer and you get to feel good about making this election turn out well. Plus, you get to meet new friends!

See you there.

Brian

Make a difference in New Hampshire!

Brian - NH HQ — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:05:32 EDT

Barack is up in the polls right now, but a lot can happen in the next three weeks.

In October of 2000, Al Gore was up by double digits -- and it all came down to a handful of votes in a single state.

This year, that state could be New Hampshire -- and you have a unique opportunity to make the difference for Barack.

There's an Obama field office right near you. Join your fellow supporters for a volunteer orientation session Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

RSVP now to get involved in your community. Here are the details:

       Obama-Biden Campaign for Change Headquarters
       359 Elm Street
       Manchester, NH

       Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

You can play an important role in a key battleground state.

Supporters taking action in their communities -- making calls, knocking on doors, talking to friends and neighbors -- is how we'll win this election.

I hope you'll join your fellow supporters and be part of this unprecedented grassroots movement.

Thank you for your support,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

99 ways to make a difference for Barack

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:44:53 EDT

Jackie Norris, the Iowa State Director, just sent out this email encouraging everyone to attend a weekend canvass-- we'll be in all 99 counties talking about Barack and the change we need! The focus of the canvassing this weekend will be to encourage our supporters to vote early-- so if you still haven't voted for Barack yet, click here to find an early voting location near you.

Dear Zachary,

When supporters get together to talk with their neighbors, powerful things happen.

We've seen the success of this grassroots strategy during the caucuses, and it's helped to grow our organization into every corner of the state. From Allamakee County to Greene County, from Osceola County to Jefferson County, we've seen neighbors coming together to bring the change we need.

But now that we are in the final push to Election Day, we need to double our organizing effort.

Will you join our 99 County Canvass this weekend and help put Barack over the top?

Thousands of voters across the state still need to hear Barack's message of change and find out about Early Voting.

That's why this weekend supporters are coming together to go door-to-door in each of Iowa's 99 counties and talk to voters about the importance of Early Voting.

And with the narrow Early Voting window already open in Iowa, this is the crucial moment to get involved for the first time or step up again.

Right now people are paying more attention than ever before, and every person who votes early is someone who can tell their friends they voted for Barack and the change we need.

Early Voting also frees up key resources for our Get Out The Vote program and helps us reach out to more people on Election Day.

Come together with fellow supporters in your county this weekend and reach out face-to-face with your neighbors:

http://ia.barackobama.com/99iowacounties

We need to make sure every Iowan knows about this opportunity to vote early, and with your help, we can finish this race right where it began.

Thanks for your support,

Jackie

Jackie Norris
Iowa State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Early Voting is one of the most important ways to show your support for Barack and build momentum for this movement. Find your Early Vote location now and cast your ballot for change:

http://www.voteforchange.com

Standing Room Only for Change!

Jill — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:22:04 EDT

For several days in Pasco County, hardworking volunteers worked the phones contacting local Obama supporters who might want to help out in the final push to turn Florida a beautiful, deep Blue. I was one of those doing the Octoberfest phone banking; and had high hopes for our Saturday morning meeting turnout.

Being a Democrat in Land O’Lakes has not always been easy; my county has trended red for several election cycles now. But I always knew my area in the exurbs of Tampa was full of good people, they just didn’t always vote in their best interest, I’ll admit, it frustrated me, but I’m not the kind to give up in the face of opposition. So I kept at it during the primaries, calling voters in other states and writing out postcards to undecided women as their primaries approached. The country was paying more attention to the results of fear-based balloting, and they didn’t like the result.

23 days left - get involved today!

Josh In Michigan — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:51:30 EDT

With 23 days left until Election Day, there’s no better time than now to get involved in the most important election of our lifetimes! With over fifty offices open across Michigan, from Sault Ste. Marie to Monroe, there’s a Campaign for Change office near you to get involved. From phone banking to canvassing, if every Michigander steps up for Barack, we can ensure that Barack and Democrats up and down the ticket win.

Contact your local Obama office today to learn more about how you can get involved in your neighborhood. As Barack says, “This election is not about me… it’s about you.” So, get involved today!

You can:

Volunteer in Your Neighborhood - Talk to undecided voters, help out in our offices and more.

Become a Neighborhood Team Leader - Take a leadership role in the campaign in your neighborhood.

Raise Money - Help fund our Campaign for Change

Intern with The Campaign - Join one of our campaign's departments and get school credit and great experience

Join a Policy Advisory Committee - Help guide the campaign's message of change on critical issues in Michigan

Report a Smear - Get the facts, and report any smears

Carole King campaigning in Michigan tomorrow

Josh In Michigan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:23:53 EDT

Four time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Carole King will campaign for Barack in Sault Ste. Marie, Cheboygan, Alpena, Bay City, and Midland tomorrow. King says she is endorsing Barack because “Government, when you think about it, is neighbors helping neighbors. I love that Barack Obama is inspiring our children to think like that.” Join Carole as she tours Northern and Mid-Michigan for Barack tomorrow!

Saturday, October 11

Sault Ste. Marie Canvass Kickoff
10:00 a.m.
Sault Ste. Marie Campaign for Change Office
110 Ridge St.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Cheboygan County Democratic Party Office Visit
11:00 a.m.
10952 North Straits Hwy
Cheboygan, MI 49721

Alpena Canvass Kickoff
2:00 p.m.
212 N. 2nd Ave.
Alpena, MI 49707

Bay City Canvass Kickoff
5:00 p.m.
260 Washington Ave.
Bay City, MI 48708

Midland “Women for Obama” Meeting
6:30 p.m.
USWA Union Hall
3510 James Savage Rd.
Midland, MI 48642

Field Blog #7: Jovanna from Keene

Colin@NH HQ — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:35:49 EDT

It is not about how much time one gives to a cause; it is how they use that time. This rings especially true for Jovanna from Keene. Jovanna is a self-proclaimed townie. She grew up in the heart of Cheshire County with her parents, younger sister and grandparents—her grandfather came from Italy in the early 1900s and got his citizenship when he enlisted during WWI. Jovanna says that her parents are the reason she is a liberal Democrat, but not for the reasons one would think. Her father vigorously guards his right to remain an independent voter, but tends to lean towards the right. (In a recent email, however, he told Jovanna not to assume he was voting for McCain. “He always votes for the best… so that means Obama, right?”) Jovanna’s parents and grandparents instilled the values that make her who she is today: the world should be fair and just, and one must look upon another for who they are, not what they are or where they are from.

Jovanna belongs to the Keene State class of 1988, where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. In her final year, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Jovanna was sick for a very long time and has had complications from the disease that have hindered her eyesight and given her some significant foot problems. She is completely dependent on insulin injections. For a long time Jovanna had to use needles, which are very painful, inconsistent and, frankly, annoying. She now has an insulin pump which makes the process more exact and less time consuming, but she says she is extremely lucky to have Medicare to pay for it. Others, she says, are not as lucky and their health is suffering for it.

Jovanna is now back at Keene State getting her Masters degree in Health Science, Nutrition Option. She wants to be a dietitian. In addition to her classes, she holds a job at a local limousine company and volunteers for the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention. The center tries to empower women that need support and a life of their own without violence and fear. Somewhere, somehow, Jovanna finds the time to come in to our office every Thursday night for three hours to make calls for us. She is an all-star. Her good-heartedness and bubbly personality effectively resonate with the people she talks to, even over the phone.

At eight o’clock—on the dot—every Thursday evening, Jovanna’s boyfriend picks her up outside our office. Troy is not the most politically active person, but he loves the fact that Jovanna is. Even after a long day of work, he stays up with Jovanna to watch the conventions, debates and an episode or two of Saturday Night Live. Jovanna has voted in five presidential elections in her life. This is the first one with which she has been involved. This is the first one with a candidate that she truly believes can make an astonishing difference in our country’s path and stature in the world.

I urge everyone to find your Local Field Office, if you haven’t already, and see what you can get involved. You do not need a great deal of time, just an hour or two once a week helps. Come in, meet our staff and core of volunteers, and get involved—make some calls, enter some data or just feed us. This campaign, more than any other, believes that it is every one of you who is going to get the Senator from Illinois elected and make the change we need.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - Barack Obama

This guest Field blog was written by Gabe Cohen, Field Organizer in Keene.

Come visit Jovanna and Gabe at the Keene office:

Keene
305 Park Ave.
Keene, NH 03431
(603) 352-2836
If you have any questions, email NH@BarackObama.com.

Canvassing Lessons Learned

Brian — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:18:55 EDT

I’ve been canvassing door-to-door for 4 weeks now (evenings and weekends) and I thought I would share some of the techniques that I think have worked.

Tax Policy Center Handout

Brian — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:43:48 EDT

This is very important to all canvassing activity... take a look at the indepentent tax plan flyer at link provided... 2 flyers per sheet of paper when duplex printed

Good Hunting. Fight the good fight (with facts)

Hittin' The Streets

Tyler R. — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:37:00 EDT

So, I have recently gotten involved with the Obama campaign here in Bates County. I have even accepted a Neighborhood Team Leader position. I've been out volunteering for Senator Obama's campaign canvassing, and phone banking. It has been a lot of fun going around talking to voters, hearing their situations, and telling them how Barack Obama can help them. We have a big need for volunteers here in Bates County, but we are not discouraged. We know that every door we knock on and every person we call has an impact in some way. For some, a call or door visit may be enough to get them to vote for Obama. They see that we, dedicated volunteers, are out working for a man we believe in, and understand that his campaign is not about more of the same. They understand that we are working for change in a grassroots movement. Like Senator Obama, I believe that change has to start from the ground up. We are on the ground, we are changing the country!

IT'S NO TIME TO STOP

BRGHTSD1 HOPE & COURAGE — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:35:53 EDT

Good Evening,

I was making volunteer calls tonight and found myself wondering if people thought that Obama-Biden had announced that they were leaving the state and callingn it won. When I'd ask, people explained that school had started, that the football season had started, that their lives got busier with the seasonal change. They explained that they couldn't really spare time as they had. None seemed to wish the candidate anything less than victory, but somehow despite the dire situation that the country remains in. Despite the continued efforts by the McCain/Palin ticket, the RNC and the 527 groups (not to mention the FAKE Authors and FAKE charity organizations) supporters, who had volunteered before are in a position of false security. BECAUSE OF POLLS? BECAUSE OF AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A MAN WHO HAS MADE LYING HIS PRIMARY STRATEGY?

Anyone who knows my "handle" here and has read blogs I've written in the past, knows that I try to maintain a positive outlook....so please don't take this as a jab...but for those of you who have lost your desire to give of your time; effort..."WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU THINKIN"? "IS YOUR MEMORY SO SHORT?" "DOES THE NAME JOHN KERRY RING A BELL?" "DID YOU EVER HEAR OF A GUY NAMED AL GORE?"

Barack Obama is a once in a lifetime candidate...this may be our countries last chance...there's no football game, no television premier, no "activity" short of that which would save your family immediate harm that is more important than this.

MAKE PHONE CALLS, KNOCK DOORS, VOLUNTEER AT AN HQ...there's less than a month...we not only can...WE MUST! GOTV!!!!!

I feel so much better...THANKS!

Dwayne Marshall our Captain !

simonebars — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:32:29 EDT

Dear Friends,

we are ready to depart, right now, to start the Voter Registration Drive !

Our 'captain', Dwayne, is teaching all necessary tips for a fast start!

We all are firing, now!

Go on, GO OBAMA !

Your italian friend, in Atlanta

Simone

Field Blog #2: Carol from Wolfeboro

Colin@NH HQ — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:37:14 EDT

Carol of Wolfeboro has been volunteering with the Obama campaign since last fall. Carol first heard Senator Obama speak at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and was inspired by his politics of hope. When asked why she supports Senator Obama, Carol said:

I feel that he has the ability to bring people together to work for the common good of everyone in the country, limit the influence of special interests in Washington and put the interests of the American people first.

Carol is making a difference in this campaign by making time every weekend to go door-to-door for Senators Obama and Biden. Rain or shine, sun or snow, you will find Carol talking to her neighbors in Southern Carroll County. When Carol is not knocking on doors, you can be sure to find her at a Wolfeboro phone-bank during the week.

Join Carol this weekend at one of our Southern Carroll County canvasses! To find the Wolfeboro office or the Local Field Office near you click HERE. Or to make calls, talk to your undecided neighbors, or find unregistered supporters use our online tool called Neighbor to Neighbor.

This guest Field blog was written by Ashley Thompson, Field Organizer for Southern Carroll County.

Come visit Ashley at the Conway office:
Conway
85 Main St.
Conway, NH 03818
(603) 447-3330

Please call or if you have any questions, email NH@BarackObama.com.

Last chance to grow this movement

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:57:27 EDT

Brent Messenger, the New Mexico Field Director sent this email out today:

Dear Shayne,
Saturday marks exactly one month until Election Day. And with so little time remaining, we need your help more than ever.
This is the last weekend before New Mexico's voter registration deadline on Tuesday, October 7th.
That's why we're counting on supporters like you to help bring more people into the political process before it's too late.
We've set a goal of 4,000 Obama supporters joining a canvass this weekend to do the kind of work that wins elections -- talking to neighbors, registering people to vote, and growing this movement for change.
Sign up to join a canvass near you and start making a difference this weekend.
34 days is all the time we have left to help Barack win New Mexico. But poll after poll shows a very close race -- we can't stop now.
Our state is a crucial general election battleground, and we need to win here.
Invite a friend to join you at a weekend canvass to bring us closer to our 4,000-person goal, and closer to victory in November:
http://nm.barackobama.com/NMregions
We can't do this without you.
Thanks,

Brent
Brent Messenger
Field Director
New Mexico Campaign for Change
P.S. -- If you can't make it to a canvass this weekend, take a moment to share with your neighbors how you feel about Barack's plan to fix our economy and strengthen the middle class. Our online letter-to-the-editor tool makes it easier than ever to make your voice heard, so get started today:
http://nm.barackobama.com/NMyourvoiceEcon

A message from Governor Lynch

Colin@NH HQ — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:58:07 EDT

Here in New Hampshire, the race for the White House is incredibly close. Every poll shows that this race is neck-and-neck. With less than five weeks left until Election Day, we need to double our efforts.

To put Barack Obama over the top in the Granite State, and build upon the progress we've made here in New Hampshire since 2006, we need supporters like you to step up in your communities -- since you know your communities better than anyone.

That's why I'm asking you to join your local New Hampshire Neighborhood Team and be the face of this campaign for change.

Sign up now to get involved and join your Neighborhood Team today.

In this election, every single vote will matter -- and New Hampshire could be the state that decides this race for the Presidency.

In 2000, George W. Bush won our state by just one percent of the votes cast. In 2004, he lost it by just one percent.

This year, New Hampshire is once again a crucial general election battleground, and it's going to take all of us working together to help elect Barack Obama and Jeanne Shaheen, to re-elect our two members of Congress, and to keep the majorities in the New Hampshire House, Senate, and Executive Council.

Thousands of volunteers like you have already joined Neighborhood Teams and are out doing the kind of work that wins elections -- knocking on doors, talking to undecided voters, and growing this movement for change.

As we get closer to Election Day on November 4th, a strong Get Out The Vote effort will be the key to victory. That's why we need the help of supporters like you.

Whatever your skills or whatever time you can contribute -- even an hour or two -- there's a way to get involved. Learn more and join your Neighborhood Team today:

http://nh.barackobama.com/NHteams

We've only got 33 days left, so let's get out and make a difference!

Thank you,

John Lynch

Game Time

Mike from Concord, MA — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:35:21 EDT

It's game time. On the heels of Friday's debate, I headed up to New Hampshire for my first stumping of the general election.

Our enthusiastic group left for our "sister" city of Concord, NH. We were assigned to a new staging area just across the street from Concord Airport (who knew Concord had an airport, with Manchester Airport just down the highway). It was organized chaos.

The lot was already full of volunteer cars. We were warned by a volunteer that it was a bit of a zoo inside, but that wasn't the case. A clear check-in process yielded my first list of doors to hit. There was a treasure trove of donated food, including brown bag lunches.

The staff was awesome. Always asking if they could help, quickly giving me a new list when I volunteered for a bigger one, loudly and clearly giving instructions to newbies. Had a great chat with a staffer who had just been re-assigned to NH from Alaska--as he said, Alaska's not really in play anymore . :)

Partnered with a great woman who is very politically astute and a long-time organizer, we quickly got to our neighborhood and fanned out. This general election canvass felt very different than the primary. People were much more engaged, some almost anxious to speak about issues. I even had a few detailed policy discussions (something that never happened in the primary), spending most of my efforts leading discussions back to the economy.

Our turf was firmly middle-class. People are genuinely concerned about how they'll pay for fuel this winter, cleaning up the mess on Wall Street and how they can afford spiraling medical costs. Obama needs to win these sorts of neighborhoods to win New Hampshire.

In our turf of 100 houses, there's a large number of undecideds. It's critical that informed, polite volunteers speak to these voters and help swing them to Obama.

The disinformation campaigns we read about are real. I had two voters (after ten minutes or so of conversation) ask me point blank if Obama is Muslim. I was gratified that they felt comfortable enough to ask me the question--I suspect in their circles of daily conversations it is taken as fact that Obama is not Christian.

Obama supporters have to get out there and help take these false arguments off the table--as I said to numerous voters, voters should make their decisions on what's best for our country and related policies, not based on distractions and falsehoods.

What a Week!

Karen D. — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:38:15 EDT

Joined hundreds of folks from the Bay Area and canvassed in Reno, NV last weekend.

It is so affirming to speak to others about this campaign. Most everyone was very positive about Obama and those that were undecided were respectful and vice versa. I registered two new voters and one had never voted before. They were both voting for Obama. Only three folks refused to talk out of 200 doors that I knocked on last weekend. (Altitude and hills were tough so thank goodness for my training!) I hope to go back for the pre-election weekend and help wrap this up. thanks to the Coopers for letting me stay at their lovely home and hooray to all the other North Bay folks who made it to Reno last weekend... keep going back! Its working! Thanks Deb and Amber and Bree for all you do.

And Barack so prevailed this week: the whole "mercurial" activity of the opposing candidate made Barack look so steady and presidential. *Well, Barack does that anyhow regardless of the opposition. *So many of the MSM said the Barack won the debate, and that was heartening because it is so hard for me to be objective. What a weak debate tactic to say over and over that "you don't understand." Clearly Barack's responses showed that not only does he understand... he has a plan that is coherant and reasoned.

Lastly, I gather that my letter to the editor -- one of the action items found on *this* website -- made it to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat editorial pages (I have yet to see it) I am surprised but so glad I decided to do the letter while watching MsnbC and getting mad.

So glad for the great organization of this campaign to allow us all to do our part. All the groups that I belong to, with a special shout-out to the Trichicks for Obama group, are doing great. Keep up all your good work!

Karen D'Or, Santa Rosa, CA

Canvassing is fun!

Amy — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:09:56 EDT

Just a shout out to Steve Ralph and Hunter Hektner, to say thank you for canvassing with me! I am so happy I went out and canvassed today. I think we may have swayed a couple of people that were on the fence, which is great!

I can't wait to go out and do it again!

HELP! Planned or planned on going to a debate party?

Mid America Mom — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:02:42 EDT

Having or attending a debate party? What if McCain no shows? Make this night-the night that made a difference and turned the election around ...by attending and doing work instead.

What can you do? Oh let me count the ways!

Make phone calls for the campaign by printing off your Neighbor to Neighbor list located in the “my home” tab of mybarackobama.com. There even is a script! You can share the list with others by assigning calls. Then use your cell phones to call. In the east? Sign up for a list in another timezone.

Have everyone come in OBAMA gear to another location such as a movie, bar, restaurant or local festival. Show your support out there in the community.

Bring a pack of notecards and have people fill a few out with why they are voting for Obama/Biden. Then stamp and mail them to a group that will address them to a swing state (details here)

Take some chalk and chalk up public sidewalks in town with OBAMA 08 or other slogans for CHANGE.

Live out west? With this economy and job market and housing crisis there are many in need. Do a canned good canvass. Print off campaign flyers (see the ACTION Center or make one), get a kids stroller or wagon or a few bags, knock on the doors in the neighborhood collecting food for a local pantry and leave the flyer behind. Or you can do a normal canvass using neighbor to neighbor!

Get out the street and do a HONK for Obama event…make a few signs and get out to a nice intersection. Live in a busy city? If you are comfortable do a HUGS for Barack instead.

Live near an Obama office and not yet donated the max? Ask everyone to bring some paper products (be it computer, toilet, or towel), or bottled water, or snack food. Drop it off later.

Take the time to plan ONE event before the election with the group….

Make plans to register people at a local place.
Plan a phonebank party.
Schedule a book discussion night and commit to bringing one friend.
Plan to work a shift as a group at a local office.
Agree to carpool to a swing state for a day.
Plan another party for the VP debate.

And what else can you think of?

No matter who you are

where you are

you can be the change

Mid America Mom

Moms for Obama

Tailor your outreach efforts to your neighborhood

Beth from ColoradObama — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:37:35 EDT

I've had little success with phone calls, and I've had better success with canvassing, but my neighborhood is tricky (I know, they all are). I decided to try another approach using the neighbor to neighbor tool.

Almost EVERYONE I've spoken to resents getting campaign phone calls or campaign volunteers knocking on their doors, especially in the evening. A few people have been receptive, but mostly not. I've also done some research on how and why people vote the way they do. My conversations and research have revealed a few things: 1) the hesitancy to take a call or talk to a stranger at their doorstep isn't specific to Senator Obama; 2) people are already sick and tired of this election cycle, especially the ads on TV, and they don't want to be bothered by it; 3) they want to vote for someone who is like them or something that is familiar to them; 4) they don't want to be pursued aggressively by campaign staff, regardless of what or who they support; 5) they are fed up with negativity, regardless of who or what they support.

So...I decided to try a different outreach effort. I typed up a flier to distribute to all of my neighbors (see below), attached an Obama/Biden lapel sticker to each flier with a paperclip, then rolled up the flier, and stuffed each flier into a screen door or under a doormat (with most of it visible, of course). This necessitated some in-kind donations from me to the campaign in terms of purchasing the stickers and printing the fliers in color, but it was well worth it.

Several people told me (while I was still walking the neighborhood) they appreciated my friendly and non-judgmental/confrontational/aggressive approach, and respect for their privacy and family time. Some told me they appreciated not having to use cell phone minutes for a campaign call. Most who took the time and effort to talk to me appreciated the sticker, and they said they were impressed with the family story I provided.

I distributed seven voter registration forms and offered to mail them in myself, although everyone told me they felt more comfortable mailing in the forms themselves. Eight people went out of their way to tell me they were already registered to vote and supported Senator Obama. Three people told me they were already registered and were supporting McCain and returned the flier to me. :>) Lastly, I've had a couple of people call me to ask questions about Senator Obama.

This is just another way to approach outreach. I honestly think you get more bang for you buck if you come in the back door with most people and do the soft sell. I've done the same thing in my parents' neighborhood, and some of their neighbors (two oldtimers who have been there forever like my folks) said they were influenced by my parents' choice! They also pledged to keep an eye out to protect my folks' two Obama-Biden yard signs.

Take a look at the flier I distributed. My goal was to give my neighbors privacy while letting them know where to find information about the general election and Senator Obama.

Northern New Jersey Volunteers Needed

Richie Chevat — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:32:44 EDT

BluewaveNJ, a grassroots organization is launching several projects to help elect Obama and progressive candidates in New Jersey. You can find the complete list of activities at bluewavenj.org.

We are sending buses to canvass in Pennsylvania every Saturday, beginning Sat. Sept 27. The buses leave at 7:30 AM from Montclair, NJ and will return by 6 PM.For more info, contactcaryc@bluewavenj.org

Beginning Tuesday, October 1, we will have phone banjking every evening from 7 to 9 PM. For more information, contact marciam@bluewavenj.org

We are also organizing volunteers for two important Gongressional races in New Jersey, supporting Dennis Shulman and Linda Stender. For info on how to help, contact marciam@bluewavenj.org

Family Working for Change

Mid America Mom — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:08:59 EDT

Saturday I visited the KEYSTONE state... an electoral key to CHANGE. Loaded up the two kids and my husband in the car and drove. It was our first major trip since the BIG MOVE and here we were going back to the states! So what did we do? Canvass for this campaign.

For us this campaign is a family affair. My husband is also a supporter and though my girls are 2 and 4- they are campaign veterans. They have been to a caucus, kids for obama playdates, parade going... canvassing. When we got in the car this time they wished we were going to a parade but they were pleased we went canvassing. So 4 hours and a border crossing later we were in Erie- that place on the lake in upstate Western PA.

Great office. A former restaurant. It had plenty of decorated windows and light.

Outdoor music! They did an Obama mix on those speakers. Even some Obama inspired music-- A Reggae song from Coco Tea played. Inside I found plenty of space and well organized. And it was packed when we got there. We came to a Women for Obama rally! I estimate around 100- mainly women (many Moms!) were there.

Also a the local CBS TV station was taking footage. We listened to uplifting speeches and met some of the local leaders, and heard from those running for office. Included was a prep on how engage in conversation at someone's door.

Afterwards many stayed to work. Some went to the computers, others called people, and then yes some took packets to knock on doors, in pairs. I was interviewed by the tv crew -- here is the coverage (I am the one with bad hair at the end) LINK . I made my way to getting a walk list via a line! We were given a packet that seemed light at 36 doors. But it was just right for the kids.

Getting to the route is always a challenge but armed with a GPS and sent to an older part of town it was no issue. This area has seen better days. This working class neighborhood had some homes boarded up or vacant, few needed major repairs to the roof or siding, and the sidewalks were uneven and hard to walk on at times. It was hard pushing a stroller.

My two would help ring and knock. They also would place literature underneath front door mats.

This list was people who we did not yet know who they were voting for. And the response was great. Of who shared- 3 committed to Obama, 2 leaning, and 3 undecided. NONE leaned elsewhere. The best conversation was toward the end. We met a kid on their way out a door and their mother came out. She sat down on the porch while my kids picked her dandelions and my husband and I spoke to her. This stay at home soon to be grandma, Navy Veteran, was OBAMA all the way. Though we did not get her pinned down to a volunteer shift she did know where to go and knew someone that was. I left hopeful that she would.

What am I hearing? People have had ENOUGH. They want to trust in the promise of a better future and want something better than what we've got.

So was the 7 hour round trip to work for CHANGE worth it? My husband enjoyed the conversations and our girls had a nice time outside and loved working with the literature. We talked to 8 people that had not talked to our campaign before. Based on that one conversation with the Veteran I say YES.

And if you want to see just how much America needs CHANGE just knock on some doors! Change comes from the roots and it only happens when we rise up to the challenge.

Art on the wall of ERIE PA Obama office

No matter who you are

where you are

you can be the change.

Mid America Mom

Moms for Obama

Canvass in Grosse Pointe this weekend!

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:50:58 EDT

Hello Grosse Pointers for Obama!

We're holding three different canvass shifts in the GP this weekend and we need YOU! Come out, knock some doors, ID some voters and bank some absentee votes early for Barack! This is our moment! This is our weekend! Let's get it done together.

Canvass the FARMS, CITY or PARK! We'll being doing these walks every weekend (soon every day) now until the election. Call me anytime! 313-574-9531. jraders@michiganforchange.com

Let's get you plugged into your local team and connected with your like-minded community volunteers!

Best,

Jackson

Canvassing

Aydrian — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:23:25 EDT

This weekend I had the opportunity to canvass for the first time. On Saturday my field organizer from Golden, Rory, took me out and showed me the ropes. We had a great time, and by Sunday I was comfortable enough to go out on my own.

For those of you that don't know me, I am a prime example for everything Barack Obama stands for. I'm gay, live with my partner of two years, am not recognized under his health insurance, and therefore am severely underinsured. I've had four surgeries this year, and am tens of thousands of dollars in debt to the medical industry and pay week-to-week for my medications because they're too expensive to pay for a months supply at one time. I'm a server, and over the past three years the industry has crashed, to where I'm making 1/3 of what I was four years ago. I badly need to finish my college education, but since the economy has tanked, no one will loan me, or my partner, money for tuition.

While walking this weekend, I learned that my story is not the only one. Of the several people I talked to, four did not have health insurance, either for themself, their family, or their children. How sad is it that there are six year old's living in the richest nation in the world without health care. I spoke with three men, all of whom are/were construction workers. Needless to say, none of them have a job. One of these men broke his foot and in the past year has racked up tens of thousands of medical bills due to complications from surgeries. A couple of families were stressed and in jeopardy of losing their homes. I spoke with four teachers in one day that were experiencing first hand the horrors of "No Child Left Behind".

This weekend's canvassing opened my eyes and my heart to the troubles American families are struggling with. For several months I was so focused on myself and the issues affecting my life, while not really noticing what my neighbors were dealing with. Seeing it on TV is one thing, but speaking with my neighbors, sitting down with strangers and learning what they're dealing with, has encouraged me to pledge to work harder to elect Obama and local Democrats. I'm not alone in the struggle to survive.

I ask everyone to speak to at least one person every day and find what is affecting their life. You'll learn that we're not alone. You'll also see why sitting on the fence until November 4 is not the answer to rectifying the crisis America is in. I urge everyone to contact your local Barack Obama Campaign for Change office and get involved. Open your hearts and learn of others' struggles and do your part to bring the change we so desperately need.

With hope,

Aydrian

Canvassed in Holland, MI on Saturday

Ryan Dolan — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:20:50 EDT

It seemed like several hundred volunteers from Chicago drove into Holland to canvass on Saturday. I got into a car with four strangers and drove to Holland, Michigan. We arrived at the local democratic office. They gave us some packets with names, addresses and maps of people to talk to. We did a little bit of training and about 80 of us hit the streets.

We broke off into pairs and we covered about a three block area. We registered a mother to vote at the very first house. Her daughters were huge fans of Obama, and we gave them our Obama buttons. 99% of the people we talked to, and you only go to targeted houses, were very nice...even the McCain supporters. We talked to a lot of undecided voters, especially middle-aged women who tended to be more socially conservative but were thinking about voting for Obama., and were able to better explain Obama's policies to them a little bit.

We definitely made a difference. I'm going back to Michigan or Indiana in a couple of weeks when my schedule allows. I definitely recommend taking a day or weekend and doing it yourself. It felt great to talk to people one and one, and feel like you were giving a human side to the Obama campaign.

My husband and I registered 11 voters!

Amy — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:11:10 EDT

I am so excited! My husband and I registered 11 voters yesterday and are going to register more (we picked up a bunch more at our local Democratic Party office (Palm Beach, baby!). I encourage all Floridians to help register people to vote! It's so vital!

-Amy

p.s. I'm looking to canvass with someone in the Palm Beach Gardens area. Anyone interested?

Women's Week: Keene Canvass Kick-off with Jan Schakowsky and Nancy Keenan

Brian - NH HQ — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:10:14 EDT

Saturday, Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and NARAL President Nancy Keenan kicked off a canvass at our Campaign For Change office in Keene. Over 100 people showed up to help spread Barack’s message and to hear Congresswoman Schakowsky and Nancy Keenan discuss why Barack Obama is the best choice for women in this election. Both speakers stressed the fact that Obama is a strong advocate for issues like pay equity, reproductive rights, and expanding access to health care.

After kicking off the canvass, Schakowsky and Keenan headed to Keene State College on the other side of town. They walked around campus and talked to students, faculty and other members of the Keene State College community about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s commitment to protecting the rights of women.

Following the Keene State College visit, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Nancy Keenan traveled to the town of Peterborough where they held a discussion on women’s issues at the Toadstool Bookstore in town. Several dozen men and women attended the event where the two speakers addressed what was at stake for women in this election.

To cap off this weekend’s events, we’re asking you to join New Hampshire Women for Obama. As members, you can receive updates on upcoming events, host and attend house parties in your community, meet other Women for Obama members, and sign up to volunteer for the campaign.

In Barack’s words, Women have always made the difference in every election, and this year, your voice, your hope will be the deciding factors in forging a new future for America. Help us forge that future. Join today to help keep New Hampshire blue in 2008. Join New Hampshire Women for Obama. Thank you everyone who attended.

This guest blog was written by our own New Hampshire Press Assistant Colin Milligan. He even snapped these wonderful photos. Thanks Colin!

Volunteering - It gets easier

Suzan — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:33:13 EDT

Honestly, it can take a little bravery for some of us to leave our comfort zone and go into an unknown situation, even if you know you'll probably be among like-minded people. The first time I stood outside Kroger and registered voters, I felt a little awkward for the first half hour. The first time I met a "strange guy" in a parking lot so we could go canvassing door-to-door together, I was just a tiny bit apprehensive. (He wasn't "strange" - he was a kind, quiet gentleman - an accountant by profession).

Now, I'm a veteran. I not only register new voters, but I can answer all kinds of voting questions. I no longer fear that I might meet someone hostile when I'm canvassing. It's never happened. And while everyone may not agree with my point of view (and some may even be voting for McCain, and not overly friendly), if I had never volunteered, I never would've met a lot of cool, smart people in my community. If I had never volunteered, I wouldn't have talked with all those people who were so excited about voting for the first time. I never would've met so many passionate Obama/Biden supporters who wanted to share their hopes and fears.

I don't even care if I meet up with a hostile McCain supporter any more. It couldn't begin to put a damper on the uplifting experiences I've had volunterring for this campaign. I've gotten way more than I've given.

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!

We need you this weekend

Chris 11 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:23:25 EDT

Hartford group members,

Please take a moment to read this full posting and help elect Barack Obama.

When is the next Marysville neighborhood canvassing event?

Jennifer Smolen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:07:54 EDT

Hi neighbors. I know everyone has been busy, and for that reason I haven't organized any doorbelling or canvassing events here in town. There are opportunities through the Obama campaign Field Organizers in Everett every weekend, but none surrently scheduled in Marysville.

If I can get an idea of how many of you would be interested in Marysville canvassing, we could schedule something over the next couple weeks. Let me know! If there are interested volunteers, I want to get something arranged for you ASAP!

Thanks for all you're doing on the campaign trail.

Jennifer

Bring In The VOTE for Obama, Tonight 7PM

BikerBamaMike — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:35:05 EDT

We will discuss specific Actions to Bring in the Vote for Obama including house Meet Ups, Neighbor to Neighbor canvassing, letter writing and other results driven strategies. In addition, everyone will go home with Washington County Dems Slate Cards to pass out to follow Democratic Voters with all the "down ticket" candidates including Jeff Merkley for U.S. Congress, Oregon Legislative representatives and ballot measures.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpgp4r. Contact Phone: 503-807-7640

Joe Santana's house (Portland, OR) 14656 SW Rask Terrace
SW Rask Terrace & Bull Mountain Road
Portland, OR 97224 DIRECTIONS:14656 SW Rask Terrace, & Bull Mountain Road Tigard, OR 97224 Look for the American flag in front of the house. Mapquest Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Tigard&state=OR&address=14656+SW+Rask+Ter&zipcode=97224We Are the Winds of Change and the Movement that Drives this Campaign!

9/16 for Obama in Cottage Grove

Wayne C. — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:17:51 EDT

Had a great day in Cottage Grove for Obama today. Had a total of 3 people doing voter registration (Kathy, Peg and myself) at the local WalMart (non-partisan) over two shifts, 5 people go out canvassing with Leslie (Dave, Steve, Ort, Claire and Romeny) after meeting up at 4PM and another 3 people getting phone lists (Anna, Desiree and Romney) to make calls.

Today included 3 new people to volunteering (hi Peg, Anna and Ort), including one reached through our own online group (thanks Anna! Good Luck!). Anyway after such a great day 23 new people were registered (majority democratic, though again non-partisan so that was not our goal, but nice to get anyway!) and over 3 turfs were covered by our canvassers!

Here is to seeing more of you out there. Again canvassing is the main goal now, with proven results to swing voters and to get people out to vote, but with such good voter registration going we plan on keeping that going too! Voter registration ends 10/14 and ballots go out 10/17 so time is running short!

Thanks,

Wayne

10th Ward - We need YOU!!!

Beth — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:15:59 EDT

Three more weeks to canvass for voter registrations, and our ward really needs some volunteers

The 10th ward is the Hill, part of SW Gardens, part of North Hampton, the NW part of Tower Grove South.

New Hampshire: Politics is Personal

FlyingSinger — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:25:01 EDT

I had a great day in New Hampshire yesterday (I drove up from Massachusetts). First I joined a large and enthusiastic crowd in Manchester to hear Barack Obama speak. In the afternoon, I drove over to Keene, NH to help out with canvassing. It was an invigorating experience!

Our Day In New Hampshire

Scott A. Giordano — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:10:40 EDT

With Barack in Manchester, and then on to Nashua ...

Stormy Weather

Captain in Chicago — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:24:57 EDT

I signed up to take the train to Gary, IN later today to canvass and register new voters. Now that I've looked at the weather forecast, I'm going find somewhere indoors and closer to home to volunteer. It sounds like an exaggeration, but Accuweather.com is literally predicting thunderstorms from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. A little rain is one thing; an 11-hour downpour with thunder and lightning is something else altogether.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/2852041421_0743385fcf_o.gif

Join us this weekend and Walk for Change

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:15:48 EDT

We're entering a crucial time in the campaign --- there are just over 50 days left until November 4th and every day counts. Every day that goes by is a day that we can't get back, so we need to work hard every day.

Join us this weekend for our Walk for Change throughout the whole state. This is an opportunity for you to make a big impact because this is the best thing that you can do for the campaign and for Barack.

Every voter that we talk to is important, and the more volunteers that we have out canvassing means that we talk to more voters.

Please spend part of your weekend with us.

Find a canvass near you.

We'll see you this weekend!

Medford Weekend Canvass-Come On Down!

Denise from Medford — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:43:17 EDT

Happy Friday! Well, we made it through another week! How about coming on down to the Medford Obama office this weekend and helping get the word out about Senator Obama? We only have 8 more weekends to make a difference-it's time to get fired up and ready to go!!! Bring a buddy and you guys can go out together! Canvassing is simply going door to door and talking to folks about the Senator and finding out what's on their mind! It's easy and truly makes a difference. On Saturday, there will be two shifts going out: one at 10 and one at 2. Please follow this link and click to attend:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/canvass/gs74gg

Call Joss Whittaker if you have any questions or if you have other times to volunteer:

(541)227-5107

Thanks! See you Saturday! Denise

Register for Change Canvass this weekend

Andrew Hammett — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:50:24 EDT

This weekend in Anderson, we will be having a huge registration canvass in Homeland Park and South Anderson.

We only have 3 more weeks to register voters and it's important that we focus on this.

Please join us this Saturday at the Anderson County Democratic Party Headquarters (115 N Main St, Anderson) at 10 am. Late arrivals will also have plenty to do, but please come as early as possible.

Please signup so we have an idea of how many are coming:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs74py

Andrew Hammett, Regional Field Director
Barack Obama's Campaign for Change

864-314-6615
andrew.hammett@gmail.com

Congratulations Kurt and Volunteers!

ObamaBob NSB — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:59:26 EDT

Kurt and the army of Obama Volunteers got it done last weekend! Here's Kurt's note:

Dear SE Volusia Obama/Biden Volunteers,

We had a fabulous weekend in New Smyrna & Edgewater this weekend!

16,000+ doors were knocked on this weekend in Central Florida for Obama/Biden !

Our volunteers knocked on over 250 doors this weekend on the Westside of New Smyrna!
Gerrit, our canvass capt. trained eight new volunteers this weekend how to canvass and they loved it! 20 year old Ahman Washington in New Smyrna Beach, who serves in the Army, peeked out his front window and saw an Obama button. He quickly opened up his door and wanted to know what we were doing in his neighboorhood and quickly stated "are you really with the Obama Campaign? Ahman expressed his strong disillusionment with what has happened in the last few years as he kept his glazed eyes focused on the Obama button. As our volunteer walked away, he yelled, "hey, I want to vote for my first time, how do I do that". He is now registered to vote and assured that he would get his grandmother and other familiy members out to vote for the next President of the United States!

We registered over 30 new voters this weekend at the Green Fest & Ritters Ice Cream !
While registering voters Friday, Sue Jones helped two life long Republicans switch their party to Democrat! While...Trudy Duffy and her voter registration team ensured that everyone at the Green Fest saw Obama buttons and were asked to register to vote...at least two or three times! They were able to bring in over 16 registrations. Lynne Finnelli in Edgewater ensured that we were a presence at the grand opening of Ritters Ice Cream and reminded voters this is the one time in our history that we all need to vote!

Over 18 volunteers from the area contributed their efforts this weekend! We could double our efforts if you joined our team today!

On Tuesday, at our first formal phone bank, Pat Wilson and her phone bank team broke the record by making over 550 phone calls to SE Volusia voters!
Kara Walker, an intern from New Smyrna Beach High-school expressed how she loves to make phone calls and told us about several phone calls where voters expressed that having an office in New Smyrna Beach makes them feel just an arms lenght away from Obama! Meanwhile, Marcia Hudgins used her great communications skills to make over 112 phone calls and persuade a couple of Repubicans to go ahead and switch their parties-

56 Days Until Election Day!

Thanks to our volunteer captains for organizing a fantastic weekend!

Trudy Duffy- Voter Registration Capt. (NSB)
Gerrit Hamre- Canvass Capt. (NSB)
Eileen Taft-Data Capt. (NSB)
Pat Wilson- Phone Bank Capt. (NSB)
Mary Lou Schropp- Phone Bank Capt. (NSB)
Jennifer Booth-Shells- Resource Capt. (NSB)
Kelly Bradford- Data Capt. (Edgewater)
Lynne Fynnelli- Voter Registration Capt. (Edgewater)

** Interested in applying to be a captain? Call me: 352-256-0823

If you have not formally joined our volunteer team, wait no longer! Get on our schedule today once or twice a week!

Barack Obama is not just going to step into the White House by making great speeches every day...it is going to be volunteers like you in neighboorhoods persuading voters that THEY MUST NOT FALL FOR ANOTHER LIE from our opponents.

Our values and ethics are our strenght and we must not allow ourselves to drown in quicksand when our opponents attempt to intimidate, get agressive, and lie !

Let's move forward, be resilient, and have no doubt that you are going to sacrfice a few hours of your time for the next President of the United States!

FIRED UP! READY TO GO!

We have several events and activities coming up so contact me a.s.a.p. to become part of our formal Obama/Biden team!

South Daytona State Campus Voter Registration tomorrow at 11:00AM
Oak Hill Fle Market Voter Registration this Sunday
Canvassing this Saturday & Sunday in targeted areas of SE Volusia
Phone banking every day!

Kurt Sackerman
Obama Campaign for Change
Volusia County, FL
352-256-0823
ksackerman@floridaforchange.com
New Smyrna Beach / Edgewater / Oak Hill

YES WE WILL !

Good idea from G'Town + one from Hartford

Chris 11 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:23:39 EDT

Clay, our Washington County Field Organizer, told our organizing team last night that the canvassers in Germantown came up with a really good refinement to the canvassing process. I haven't noticed it discussed here, but it seemed like a terrific idea. If other teams have already been doing this, please let us know about it and pass along your tips.

What they are doing, as I understand it, is noting carefully any specific issues identified by leaners or undecideds that they needed more information about regarding candidates' positions. An example would be: "I like some of what Obama says, but I worry that he'll raise my taxes." Then at debriefing after the canvass, team members print out one-page information sheets from the campaign website and mail them to the voter with a brief cover letter along the lines of: "Thank you for taking the time to talk about important issues concerning the November 4th election. I have enclosed some information about the [in this case "tax"] issues you wondered about. I hope this information from [the Barack Obama website or Factcheck.org or Project Vote Smart, or other reliable source] is helpful. Then close with the appropriate followup contact information, which could be the canvasser's or team leader's phone number or the campaign website address.

One of our own Hartford volunteers, Lee, actually took it upon himself to get the material in question and deliver it personally to the voter later the same day! (And that was just his own idea, though I expect some of the rest of you have done similar things.

Our canvass coordinator for Hartford, Steve, has created for himself and is now creating for the rest of our organizing team contact cards (like business cards) with the campaign logo and web address, our own personal contact information and team position title (Data Coordinator, Canvass Coordinator, etc.) I have torn off slips of paper to give people my phone number in the past, but that's not very slick!

Hey, Germantown folks: Thanks for this good idea. Let me know if I understood what you're doing correctly. I hope you'll get on this site and share some more of your good canvassing ideas.

Staci, thanks again for coming up with this page.

Cottage Grove, OR gets moving after the convention!

Wayne C. — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:31:05 EDT

Our group here in Cottage Grove (CG) is beginning to roll. We are getting organized and have over 18 actively volunteering members, with numerous more just being signed up. This week in CG we had or will have 2 canvass events, 1 phone banking event and a voter registration event. Looking to duplicate that this week and improve in the weeks to come. Just as an example today the canvassing of 4 people during 2 shifts led to over 100 doors knocked and 60 people idenitified. The vast majority strong or leaning Obama! Not to mention getting yet another volunteer and 2 voters registered. On Tuesday during a voter registration drive at a local store over 20 people registered, including my favorites of a 1st time able to vote 18 year old and a 1st time voting 21 year old Iraq War Vet! The phone banking event reached so many people I can not even begin to mention numbers.

These numbers do make a difference and I think we are turning CG into Obama country. It is hard being more rural and conservative, but their is a lot of interest and momentum. Here is to everyone out their working hard for the next 60 days to make it President Elect Obama come Nov. 4. For those in OR, do not forget that registration ends 10/14 and ballots are mailed 10/17 so our time is short to reach voters.

Wayne

"We are the change, We have been waiting for" Obama '08

I went canvassing today for Obama

Joel from Ypsilanti, MI — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:38:37 EDT

Today I went canvassing for Obama in the 3rd ward in Grand Rapids. It was amazing. I knocked on 50 doors and met 14 people. 13 of them said they are definitely voting for Barack Obama. I helped 4 people register to vote.

One person said he usually doesn't vote, even though he is registered. He said he wasn't sure about the issues and really tries to stay out politics

I told him that the reason I am volunteering on a Saturday to talk with people about this election is because I have two kids in the city's public schools, and I am tired of the cuts to public education, school closures, and program cuts. I told him I am tired of high gas prices and bad economy. I said that I think Barack Obama shares our values, and that he helped working-class families like mine when he served as a community organizer in Chicago, as an Illinois state legislator, and as a US Senator to fund public education and to turn the economy around.

The man nodded when I said I think Barack Obama will work hard for working people and our city when he becomes our president. He agreed to let the campaign send him more information about the issues.

I really feel like I helped play a part, maybe a small part, in making some change.

John McCain and Sarah Palin can mock that all they want. But I think it is real and serious and this is what democracy looks and feels like.

Nervousness

Veronica — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:45:48 EDT

I'm so bad at going to people I don't know and talking to them about anything. Yet here I sit, determined to talk to these 25 neighbors on my Walk List because this is something I really believe in. I want to wake up on the morning after the election knowing that I did everything I could to make sure Barack Obama is headed to the White House. I'm not sure where I'll find the guts to talk to these folks, but find them I will.

National record

Kamilla from Champaign, IL — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:21:31 EDT

Last weekend, Fairfax County broke a national record when its canvassers knocked on 25,000 doors for the Obama campaign. I was both surprised and impressed to hear the news. Perhaps that says something about the state as a whole.

After the Game: Canvass in the Park for Barack and Joe

Chuck Lippstreu — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:31:35 EDT

Last week, hundreds of you joined the campaign at Kountze Park, 20th and Pinkney, for a rally featuring the DNC's "Register for Change" tour.

Dozens of volunteers pledged to do everything they could to get out the vote for Barack and Joe over the next nine weeks -- and now the work begins.

At 4 p.m. this Saturday, right after the football game, field organizers for Barack will hold a kick-off canvass effort at Kountze Park. They'll spread out across the neighborhood to talk about the change Barack Obama can deliver, and the importance of Omaha to that effort.

They need your help! Give a couple of hours of your time this Saturday, bring friends and neighbors, and help spread the word!

Wow! My Own Blog!!!

Lauren — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:26:26 EDT

Hi, I'm Lauren, a.k.a the Button Lady. I started selling Obama campaign buttons in mid-july, in Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and PG Counties, because I couldn't find any at the campaign offices... and the ones on line are soooooooo cool! So, now I buy them on-line in bulk and sell them at events. If you want to see them, or have me come to an event, please just ask. I've even designed some myself. www.zazzle.com/qwlauren35aol

But actually, I want to talk about something more important. Grassroots campaigning. If you've never participated in a presidential campaign, then welcome. We were all new at some point. If you're an old hand, PLEASE share your knowledge. The thing is: all of us, as different as we are, are needed in order to reach enough voters to enable us to win the election. I think everyone knows that unless it's a 60-40 split, it will be manipulated out from under us. It cannot be close. And that's going to take work.

PLEASE. Be as visible in your support as you COMFORTABLY can. Buttons, shirts, car stickers, etc. Now, don't feel bad if "visibility" isn't you. Working behind the scenes is also important. Registering voters is important, and doesn't require that you proclaim your candidate from the rooftops. And making calls can be relatively anonymous.

In the end, though, whether we win or lose depends on how much ground each of us will break and how far out of our comfort zones we will go to get Obama elected. The biggest thing we need is for people to be able to talk about the aspects of Obama and his campaign that have the most meaning to them. When we have those one-on-one conversations, it's more powerful than any ad the McCain campaign can throw at us. If we do NOT have those conversations with people on the fence, as many as we can, then McCain will win, and no number of great speeches will make a difference.

I know why I'm supporting Obama. For me, it's 3 big things.

Faith Based Initiatives - as someone who has done a LOT of volunteer work, I truly know that we'd (the US) be dead in the water if it weren't for churches and other religious organizations around the country that open their doors to the homeless, the hungry, to Scout groups, to Alcoholics Anonymous, and so many other NON-SECTARIAN groups who need the space and/or the charity of these religious organizations. I support giving them grants, and hope that many will rethink the possibilities of the Faith Based Intiatives program when done with proper oversight.
Next, I ***LOVE*** Obama's position on service. PeaceCorps, AmeriCorps, YouthBuild, Foreign Service... he has thought through so many avenues and recognized that we simply need to let the American people know how they can serve, and many who did not know will step forward to make a difference in this country. And not just for the $4000 college tuition tax credit! I really want to see this mushroom.
And last, (not because Iraq, abortion, women's rights, civil rights, healthcare etc. aren't important, but to me, this last one is part of what defines him), I value Obama's commitment to alternative energy and how he plans to integrate it into revitalizing the nation's economy. So much of the technology for alternative energy exists on a small scale, but simply needs to become factory scale. And the factories have to be run by SOMEBODY! Why not us! And then, if we're going to use these goods and services, why not make them in the US???This is Obama's plan, and I think it's a darned good one.

So, those are my reasons. And I can talk about them 24/7. Please have your reasons for supporting Obama handy at all times. It's not just because he is a great speaker, has a great smile, a nice family, an honest face, a fascinating personal history... hopefully it's not JUST because he's black (hint, Clarence Thomas is black...). There's got to be something about him, his message and his candidacy that's driving you. Please don't be afraid to let it show.

I've created a yahoo group where I can store a Maryland based flyer for canvassing. It's a double-sided tri-fold pamphlet with information about Obama, his stance on issues, how to get involved, and how to contact the local MD offices. The file is at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mforo/files/ (you have to register w/Yahoo, but it's otherwise pretty painless.) I hope anyone who would like to distribute the flyers will download it.

It's late (12am), it's time for me to tuck in for the night. Tomorrow, I'll be back at work, earning a salary so that I can donate part of it to the campaign!!!! And in my spare time, I'll be thinking of ways to help this visionary man win the Presidential Election.

Fired up; ready to go.

Lauren F. Brooklyn, MD - qwlauren35@aol.com

Getting involved & Volunteering

Student for Obama — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:40:18 EDT

For starters - this is the first campaign I've ever helped. I was never really interested in politics before I was inspired by Senator Obama. Up until December 2007, I would usually just gripe about George W. Bush. I had become so angry with President Bush's mistakes. I was - and still am angry about Bush's invasion of Iraq - because I have friends serving over there in Iraq. I want my friends to come home. This war was based on faulty information. Bush is simply wrong. In contrast, Senator Obama brought a new hope to the country. He has better plans for the USA - and his judgment is more solid than McCain's. That's why I'm volunteering for Senator Obama. I urge you all to volunteer or get involved because we can each make an impact in small and big ways.

When I first started volunteering, I wasn't sure I could do it - because it meant stepping outside my comfort zone. But, I realized - that I had to act. I had to do something because I couldn't let John McCain continue Bush's failed policies. I knew we needed new leadership in the White House, and that's why I took that first step - and Volunteered for the Obama campaign. I found that volunteering CAN make an impact. There are lots of things you can do - and I've written some of them out below. Today, I am asking you to take a stand with me. I encourage you to find something you're comfortable with - and put in 110%. If we all STAND-UP and help - then our campaign will WIN. But we have to fight for our campaign. We all want to win - but we have to fight to help Senator Obama. We have to put our energy and ethusiasm TO USE - by becoming hopeful of a better future. Please join me in volunteering. Consider some of the options below, or suggest some!

Volunteering for the Obama Campaign: Here are some ways you can help the campaign

1. Phonebanking: You can help the campaign by making calls. You can make calls to find new volunteers, or you can make calls to find out about the level of interest. The Obama campaign has a good script for these calls and they're easy. I've had lots of good experiences with this.

2. Door-Knocking: We can help register new voters and learn about people's interests by knocking on doors. This part of the campaign is so important - because it helps us to increase our voter numbers. It's easy, and the campaign has a helpful script for this project.

3. Voter Registration: Senator Obama's campaign is having a nation-wide voter registration drive in every state. Please help the campaign - by stopping by and picking up the materials. They can train you on this - and it's very useful. You can help register voters in numerous locations.

4. Visibility and Community: You can help grow this movement by putting up a sign in your window, or a yardside in your yard. Or you can show your support by putting a bumper sticker on your car. These simple acts - can show a common purpose. They help to show a community's purpose to elect better leaders. They help to show that our community wants real change this fall.

5. Support Your Obama Office: Our offices are largely the products of donations. Many people have donated the furniture, the tables, the signs and more. I urge you to stop by your Obama office - and ask what you can donate. They need lots of things. See what you can do. For example, you can make a casserole - to keep the volunteers energized. This helps to keep us going!

6. Data-Entry: Our office needs volunteers to help enter new information into the databases. This is an easy way to help - and there's lots of work to do. Just stop by and ask to use a computer. They can quickly set you up and train you on what to do. This is a great way to volunteer.

7. Beds for Volunteers: Our campaign consists of thousands of out-of-state volunteers who help in the swing-states. For all these volunteers - we need beds. Contact the campaign - and mention that you're interested in housing a volunteer. This helps so much to keep the campaign going.

8. Letter Writing: You can change the tone of the campaign by writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper. These letters can express why you're supporting Barack Obama. They can explain why we need Change in this country. It's simple, and easy. Or, you can help write postcards to local voters - telling them why you're passionate for Senator Obama's candidacy.

9. If you don't have time to volunteer, you can always make a donation to the campaign. Even $10 can help the campaign. We need to keep Senator Obama's campaign running - and we're the spirit of the campaign. Our small-dollar donations add up, so let's help him win the White House!

10. Talk to Friends and Neighbors: Tell them why you're passionate for Senator Obama's candidacy. We need to help our families understand why Senator Obama is the best candidate for November's election. We also need to help our families to register to vote. We can reach a lot of people by talking with our circle of friends. Have an Obama house party and invite them over!

Great Day Canvassing Cottage Grove, OR

Wayne C. — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:39:19 EDT

I just had to post about my experience today canvassing in Cottage Grove, OR. I knocked on 33 doors and got to talk to 18 people (many "no one home" places). Out of this 9 were strong Obama supporters (including 3 volunteers signed up), 4 were leaning Obama and 5 were undecided. Now I know the lists tend to be designed to get the undecided vote at least somewhat inclined to Obama/Democrat, so it is not scentific, but not a SINGLE McCain person. Even the 5 undecided voters were very eager to talk about Obama and seemed inclined to his message. (note last week, did same thing with a few McCain and 3rd party folks, but still more Obama and "listening" undecided's)

Anyway, just had to share and encourage everyone out there to get involved on the local level. Whether it is volunteering at an office, making calls, attending an event, registering voters or hitting the pavement for face to face with voters, please do so. Studies show that face to face contact with voters is the best way to get them to the polls for your candidate. Even just an hour a week from each of us can win this thing big.

"We are the change, we have been waiting for"

Knocking for Obama/Biden in America's Biggest Battleground

Greg Hauenstein — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:50:00 EDT

Last week we brought you Kitty and Dan, a wife and husband who spent their anniversary canvassing for Barack in their neighborhood. Today wasn't Ginger and John's anniversary, but with the announcement of Joe Biden as Barack's running mate and the sun shining on a gorgeous summer day, it was enough of an occasion to pound the pavement for change.

Last Tuesday, USA Today put Arapahoe County at the top of their "swing county" list, meaning it is the most closely contested county in the twelve battleground states. Knowing this, Ginger and John just couldn't sit idly by. They arrived at our Arapahoe County office early this morning, got fired up with fellow supporters from their town and took to the streets asking people who they were supporting and making sure their voter registration was up to date.

We followed them around their neighborhood today as they engaged the people they knew and those they hadn't met yet. Here's a video:

Tell us your best canvassing story in the comments section below!

Illinois folk, you will get lunch or dinner

Amy White — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 21:50:00 EDT

Missouri needs your help, Illinois! Any Illinoisian who can canvass in St. Charles, MO from now til October 6 gets a free meal from an enjoyable restaurant.

Call me! Amy, 636-922-8535 weekdays.

Thanks, and I hope to hear from you!

2539 New Hampshire Doors Down and 78 Days to Go - Join the NH Weekend Canvass!

Nicole LaChapelle — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:44:03 EDT

As summer winds down, the excitement of Obama Campaign for Change is firing up for the last 78 days of campaigning! Last Saturday, our dedicated Massachusetts volunteer crew knocked on 262 doors, made 175 contacts and identified 87 Obama supporters.
WMASS for Obama six weeks canvassing totals are:

2,539 doors knocked on
1,096 contacts made
720 Obama supporters identified

THANK YOU!!! GREAT EFFORT WMASS for OBAMA - WE CAN TOGETHER BUILD ON THIS SUCCESS BY:

Joining WMASS for Obama in New Hampshire to assure an Obama victory by canvassing in New Hampshire. Every Saturday carpools leave for the Keene, NH Obama Office located at 305 Park Avenue, Keene, NH; office phone 603-438-4796 from the locations below:

8:00 AM: West Springfield: Raymour & Flanigan Furniture Parking Lot, near Kohl's, 895 Riverdale Street.

Contact: Corinne Wingard at corinne01001@gmail.com

8:30 AM: Northampton: Sheldon Field, Old Ferry Road, off Route 5

Contact: Nicole LaChapelle at nicollemarie@gmail.com

9:00 AM: Greenfield: Big Y Supermarket Parking Lot, Mohawk Trail, Route 2

Contact: Oscar Arce at oscarma01301@gmail.com

If you do not hear from one location contact person, PLEASE contact another person or all contacts listed and we will help you get connected!

First General Election Canvass

Andy Miller — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:58:38 EDT

Today, State Rep. Jeb Bardon and I canvassed our neighborhood on the near northwest side of Indianapolis. On the whole we were well received but we were in some pretty friendly territory. The interesting thing was that even though we were campaigning for a presidential candidate voters wanted to discuss local issues. Maybe it is because Jeb is a State Representative but people wanted to talk about the need for a sidewalk on 30th Street or other neighborhood improvements. Once again, Tip O’Neil is proven right in that, “all politics are local”. It was a good walk and I am looking forward to a well organized capaign on the westside of Indy.

The Book of Revelations

June and Carl — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:21:44 EDT

I can hardly believe the email I got today. Barack is the anti-christ !!! Needless to say I sent a full and detailed response to all the poor people on that email. Hopefully they were all smart enough to see through this kind of thing, but it is scary that there are people out there that really believe this stuff.

On a more positive note - June and I have tried to do our first event. We are trying to have a canvassing party on Sep 20. I'd love to be able to contact a lot of people in one weekend, but then wouldn't everyone. If it doesn't work I'll burn up somemore shoe leather on my own lol.

WMASS for Obama Canvassing Impact in NH as of August 2, 2008

Nicole LaChapelle — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:47:00 EDT

Western Massachusetts Obama volunteers started going to New Hampshire on July 12th and returned in varying numbers each Saturday. Some Saturdays, our group was 9, another time over 20. Regardless of the size, the spirit and commitment is strong to get to as many doors as possible to identify supporters and potential volunteers. Upto August 2nd, Western Massachusetts Obama volunteers out of the Keene, NH office have:

Knocked on 1,990 doors
Made 817 contacts with NH voters
Identified 570 Obama supporters

Additionally, in the first joint canvass of Democratic candidates Obama, Shaheen and Kelly, Western Massachusetts volunteers assisted in identifying:

73 Shaheen for US Senate supporters
77 Kelly for NH Senate supporters

Thank you to everyone giving time and effort - and PLEASE join us in pushing IDENTIFIED the Obama supporter number over 1000 in the greater Keene area! Carpool sites are listed under my events for every Saturday morning from now until the general election.

See you in the Granite State!

150 doors in

Jeannie Biniek — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:52:40 EDT

Over the past three weekends I've knocked on about 150 doors. I've been searching for unregistered voters and working to persuade sporadic voters to come out in November for Barack. With each conversation, I become more convinced that we can turn Virginia blue this year. The people I've met have been eager to engage in a conversation. Not about the frivilous topics you see on tv, but about health care, trade, the economy, and education. They care about the war, America's image abroad, and and how their taxes are spent. They are ready for change.

Many of these people, however, are undecided. They're skeptical that the change they seek is possible. Cynical that our system includes ordinary folks only during elections. Even through this skepticism and cynicism, however, they are willing, even eager, to listen and to talk. So, I'll be out there again this Saturday talking to my neighbors. I believe that through these conversations we can build the bridges we need to create the change we all seek. And in November Virginia will be blue for the first time in 44 years.

Canvassing and Cake in Colorado Springs

Greg Hauenstein — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:25:50 EDT

On August 4th, 1961 Barack Obama was born. 47 years later he has millions of people across the country working their hearts out to make him the next President of the United States.

In Colorado Springs, volunteers gave the gift of canvassing. People were in and out of the office all afternoon and into the evening getting their assignments and taking the campaign's message to their neighbors.

We followed two volunteers, Alex and Robert, as they traversed the trail.

Both live in Colorado Springs and they know the reputation their city has for being a Republican stronghold. Things are changing this year and Robert sees it:

"Colorado Springs is a beautiful place to live. This year it's a battleground for Mr. Obama. I remember watching the '92 election, the '96 election, the 2000 and 2004 elections, and now this one. I'm basically following in my parents' footsteps by campaigning. They campaigned hard for Clinton twice, and they did what they could for Gore and Kerry. This election means more to me than any of the other campaigns I've been a part of."

It's the drive and passion that makes this campaign different from the past. That spirit, that fire in the belly of the American people has been stoked and we owe to the man whose birthday we celebrated on Monday: Barack Obama.

Here's a video of Alex and Robert canvassing and the celebration at the office afterwards:

You can check out more pictures from the canvass and the party on our Flickr page. Did you do anything special for Barack's birthday? Tell us in the comments!

Walking the Walk - at home & in Davenport

Katra — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:58:49 EDT

It's been a great week on the streets. This week I had the pleasure of walking with our State Senator, Linda Holmes, who is up for re-election this fall. In addition, I took a drive to Davenport, IA with a few other supporters to Canvas for the Obama Campaign.

First - my local walk. We spent a very hot, but great day walking Oswego Precinct #30 (neighboring my precinct). Many people not at home, which is expected, but those that were - the overall response was fantastic. Many agreeing to support our Senator this fall, and some requesting yard signs along the way. And of course we spotted a few Obama Yard signs - which is great, given that we're really not supposed to have them out until we're within the 45 day voting window. Of course after seeing theirs, I had to go ahead and put mine out (close to the house though).

Next up... I spent yesterday (Saturday) in Davenport, IA. Three people from my area rode along, and we spent the entire trip up and down discussing and debating politics. First and foremost, what a refreshing time that was. It's so rare to discuss politics with friends - at least this in depth. I loved sharing my views, and learning a thing or two as well. And I LOVED seeing all the Obama stickers on cars as we drove along the highway (fairly rural stretch of I-88).

Once we arrived to the campaign center, we were greeted by the thankful (and very welcoming) staff & volunteers. They were running back to back training for the various groups coming in. At least 3 full sessions that I noted. I'm still waiting to find out how many people were there, but I would guess over 100 - many of which took the drive from IL to help out for the day.

As soon as we finished our training, the staff handed us individual folders with our info. We hopped in the car, and hit our neighborhood. I can't remember the precinct, but it was coded B22-1&2 and had over 240 potential voters. The neighborhood boardered Spruce Hills & Tanglefoot, just south of Kiwannis Park.

We met several undecided voters, a few McCain supporters, and quite a few Obama Supporters. We had the chance to relate to and discuss issues important to the people there. The one person that stands out most in my mind is this elderly gentleman, 61 years old - and how much he reminded me of my own grandfather when he was that age - before he got sick. The man was a long haul truck driver, and enjoyed traveling with his wife, camping when they could. Like my grandfather around that age - he had recently been diagnosed with Emphysema. An unfortunate but common condition with people that have a long history of smoking, particularly in tight quarters (like a truckdriver would face). He was still doing relatively well, but expressed his concern that he hoped he could keep driving until he's 65, so that he could retire with his full pension. My grandfather faced similar concerns, and just barely made it.

Today my grandfather is 80 years old, and his health is slipping away. When he was originally diagnosed, he was told he only had 5 years to live, but he's still holding on. Talking to this man was like turning back the hands of time. He had young grandchildren, and spoke with such pride about them. I have no doubt this man had a hard life, but he stood there and happily his life with me. I tried to give him a little hope for the future, and before I left I gave him a hug goodbye - telling him that I'd keep him in my thoughts. And if I didn't mention it above, this man had voted Republican since Reagan. He told me that this year he's "voting for that Obama guy".

It was a great trip, and one I look forward to making again.

Best Friends Forever

Eddie Lee, Obama Staff — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:16:44 EDT

Jeanne and Sumi were meant to be friends. They lived next door to each other for fifty years. They were teachers at the same high school. And they even took their grandchildren out for strolls together. “We’ve always been best friends. We do everything together,” Jeanne told me.

As the general election nears, this common bond manifests itself in their common support for Barack Obama. At the opening of the Campaign for Change’s Seattle office last Saturday, Jeanne and Sumi were among the first supporters to line up for the event. Sporting the newest Obama shirts, the two sat in the front row eagerly waiting for the celebration to begin.

“I’ve never been so excited about a candidate since ol’ Jack in 1960,” said Jeanne. “I volunteer for Obama because he brings hope for the future – for my grandchildren.” Sumi pointedly adds, “I believe him to be sincere. I’ve seen many presidents in my time, and I’m a good judge of character.”

As supporters signed up for volunteer shifts, Sumi and Jeanne coordinated their schedules to ensure that they could come out together between their morning aerobic workouts and occasional visits to the park. “I can’t do much with canvassing, but I’m a veteran at licking envelopes,” Jeanne says with a smile.

Before they leave, I asked them whether I could take their picture. “Make us look young!” Jeanne exclaims. Sumi adds, “But don’t ask us for our age – all I know is that I am six months younger than Jeanne.”

If you are interested in helping the Campaign like Sumi and Jeanne click here. WA Obama events can be found here.

Hillary Supporters --- What I Say

Kymberli — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:21:37 EDT

In my recent door-to-door experiences, I am running into a lot of Hillary supporters who are still very adamant about not feeling comfortable supporting Barack. Although I am personally baffled by this opinion, I have come up with some talking points as food for thought when engaging Hillary supporters on their doorsteps.

First, I ask them WHY they supported Hillary? Did they support her because of her Ideals, Goals and Objectives, for what she wanted this country to become?

If they say, "Yes" - but they are considering voting for McCain,

   1. I encourage them to think about the fact that Hillary's ideals, goals and objectives will NEVER come to pass under a McCain presidency. We won't even begin to move in that direction. Can we afford that in this moment? I encourage them to give that some deep thought.
   2. If they TRULY supported Hillary and her ideals, goals and objectives -- are they not betraying her and themselves -- by voting for McCain.

If they say are simply "NOT going to vote".

   1. I try to encourage them to remember that not making a choice is still making a choice. By not voting, they are essentially willing to GAMBLE with the future of our country.
   2. Again -- a non-vote does not secure the advance Hillary's Ideals, Goals and Objectives. Maybe they will happen, maybe they won't.
   3. Then, I bring up the Supreme Court. A non-vote gambles the future of a balanced Supreme Court -- and the future Supreme Court will have much longer lasting effects on our nation than any single presidency ever will.
   4. Additionally - if you are unwilling to take advantage of your hard-won right to vote, then in my opinion, you also give up your right to complain in future...

I let them know - that in my opinion, a VOTE FOR BARACK:

   1. ENSURES that Hillary's Ideals, Goals and Objectives will have a chance to move forward. Though Barack and Hillary may have different approaches on how to achieve them -- their baseline Ideals, Goals and Objectives - their MUTUAL vision of what our country CAN be -- are VERY SIMILAR.
   2. It positions Hillary better for her future success to have a Democrat in the White House and I truly believe she has a HUGE role to play in the future of our country. I want her to have the chance to implement her Ideals, Goals and Objectives and those opportunities will be improved 100-fold with a Democratic president.

In closing, I remind them that we have A LOT to get done. And it is going to require every one of us -- not just Hillary and Barack. But me, and you too. The first step we have to take is getting someone in the White House who CARES about OUR Ideals, Goals and Objectives, OUR Dreams, OUR Needs, OUR Concerns, so we together can move our country forward.

Some Hillary supporters say --"He doesn't need my vote, he's going to win anyway."

   1. I let them know, while I hope this is true, in my opinion it is NOT a foregone conclusion. If it was a 'done deal', I would not be standing on their front porch at 7pm on a Tuesday night after working all day long asking them for their support. I would home on my couch relaxing.

If they ask me, "Do you think he can really win?"

   1. I respond, "not without your vote." The polls are where the rubber meets the road, and we need EVERYONE who is interested in moving America forward to be sure they vote for Obama.

If they raise the question "Do you think he will choose Hillary as the VP?"

   1. I remind them this is only my opinion. That I trust that Senator Obama will make the best choice he can as he sees it,
   2. BUT, we only have a ONE vote lead in the Senate. Hillary's seat is secure at this moment (just as Barack's seat would have been secure had Hillary been the nominee). I think we need her power in the Senate in order to move forward on the Ideals, Goals and Objectives that we share.
   3. I share that one of the things I have personally experienced during the Obama campaign is that we are encouraged to put aside our egos, to find our passion and to help each other achieve those passions. I don't think Hillary is passionate about being VP, but I DO think that she is passionate about Health Care, about Education. I think her passion will be INVALUABLE to achieving these goals as we move forward. And I think one of the best traits Obama has -- is letting people work on their passion and trying to give them the tools to be successful.

Well-- long winded it is -- but there's my TWO CENTS.

Get out there and talk to your friends, neighbors and communities -- Change can't happen without you!

Bake Sale and Canvassing

Dave from Springvale — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:22:09 EDT

Well I took the plunge and am going to have an event. I have posted a bake sale to be had at my house on the 2nd of August. I live right on Main Street so I am hoping to get some traffic, but mostly it is about meeting some people. I put it under 'meeting' (as opposed to 'fundraiser') so it would not look like strictly a fundraiser, but I do not know if it helped. If you got the email would you let me know.

I am also scheduled to canvass with the Sanford Democrats on Saturday morning. Maybe I will see some of you.

Events this week

Anne — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:48:28 EDT

Please join us at any or all of the following events. Election day is less than 15 weeks away. Early voting and mail-in ballots begin in less than 12 weeks.
There are also numerous Unite for Change house parties and Listening to America House meetings, as well as voter registration drives.
Find more local events here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple

Canvassing for Barack

Jake — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:53:44 EDT

Yesterday, I took an opportunity to knock on some doors for Senator Obama. We were going out to identify how likely residents are to vote for Obama. I am always nervous before I canvass - I went out during the primaries, too - but I am always amazed at how painless the experience is. I'm ot saying that everyone was an Obama supporter - or even that they were all polite - but the vast majority of residents were kind, even when they informed me that they will definitely vote for the other guy. Many residents were happy to talk about the Senator, but no one quizzed me or put me on the spot to account for remarks Senator Obama or positions that Senator Obama has taken.

I encourage all of you to canvass once or phone bank once. You will not believe how exciting and rewarding the experience is - not to mention how much you will be doing to help Barack!

Feeling the Change during Canvasses ...

Roz — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:23:58 EDT

This morning, at 9:00 a.m., seven of us (and my three little Moffetts) headed out from Dunkin' Donuts on MLK to get the word out about Obama and our local candidates.

What a difference in the canvassing this year! People are enthusiastic - when you get a hold of them - and the passions are strong! For the first time, ever, I met someone who not only said they were definitely going to vote, they also wanted to know how they could get involved to help! And the questions - whew. About everything from the Obama campaign to our local judicial races! This year, the voters are going to keep us on our toes!

I look forward to continuing to get out there ... to get some exercise ... firing up the Dems out East! Before you know it, our ranks will be filled with new volunteers who realize their contribution, joined with all of ours, makes the biggest differences!

See you all next Saturday and we walk Plant City!

South Carolina is Gearing Up

Joyce R-H — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:12:37 EDT

South Carolina is gearing up to start phone banking and canvassing throught the state Democratic Party. Be on the look out for more detailed information.

Got Travel Plans for Obama?

Kenya Wheeler — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:24:31 EDT

I am the San Francisco for Obama Northern California | Nevada coordinator. My role is coordinating trips for San Francisco volunteers who are interested in traveling to the Central Valley and Nevada to support the Obama campaign. If you are interested please contact me. Also, if you are interested in traveling to other swing states, let me know and I will connect you with Jay Cash, Out of State Travel Coordinator.

Kenya Wheeler
kenyaw@gmail.com

Voter Registration Drive

DMC — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:16:19 EDT

We have a little over four months left before election day and we have a lot of work to do to turn this state blue or purple. One of the ways we can make a difference is to get as many people as possible to register to vote. It is not enough that we canvass registered voters, we need to turn out new voters to the polls from every political group. If this is a change election and we believe what we say then we have to think outside of the box about politics and democracy. Democracy happens when every single American is engaged and participating in their own future. And the only way to get the country engaged is to see us out there day after day pushing for their involvement.

I've been catching up on my 60 minutes recordings and I watched a segment on a particular battle in Afghanistan where a small military force was ambushed by the Taliban. I listened to a soilder talk about the heroics of one of the men in the team in trying to save the lives of two of their wounded men and how his efforts caused the entire team to step up and be extraordinary. This is how we engage people to get involve and participate in this election. By seeing the efforts we go through to engage each of them to register to vote. If we are everyone in their schools, churches, malls, libraries, etc.. then just maybe one of these locations will make all the difference in them deciding to register to vote this year.

A day canvassing in beautiful Montana

Amylouise in idaho — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:58:57 EDT

I found a great way to keep my mind off the WV primary yesterday; I drove to beautiful Montana and canvassed for the one and only Barack Obama with three wonderful Obamericans. The trip was organized by the ever-positive Susan in Spokane. Nedra, Hope and I all carpooled to Missoula for a day trip. The lovely ladies from Spokane had a 45 minute trek just to get here to my car and then we had a 3 hour drive. We had a great chance to meet and listen to Barack speeches on my ipod (I know, so elitist) through the car speakers and discuss our favorite policy points and what we just love about our candidate and our campaign.

The Montana office is AWESOME! The volunteers are friendly, fun and were super appreciative of our coming to canvass. The office was FULL of volunteers making calls and working and we got to meet Pat from the national campaign who is stationed in Missoula from Chicago. They even had t-shirts to buy on the spot (no back order!!!)

We arrived in the morning and got our clipboards and maps and set out. A few blocks away we drove right past the Hillary office and it was nearly deserted. We got lost and ended up in a ritzy neighborhood and saw an Obama yard sign so we knocked on the door to get help with the directions. The homeowner was a lifelong Republican with 3 business sites in Mexico. He said it was time to stop voting by party and to start voting by candidate and he loves that Barack Obama brings people together and has a strong and positive vision of America. And he gave us directions, so we were on our way.

Our neighborhood was lovely. I had never canvassed before so I was glad to be paired with Nedra who is a pro. The campaign has gorgeous and informative brochures just for Montana, a really elegant brochure with the full text of "A More Perfect Union" speech, and I took my copy of the Blueprint to thumb through.

Who we met: A lot of folks were not home (it was a workday) but several were. We met all types: Republicans, folks who already voted absentee and "don't give out that information," one lady who thought our candidate was a socialist (?) and one who thought Wright was a hateful man (I gently mentioned that Rev Wright brought Obama to Christ, but she was focused on hate so we thanked her and left), some genuine undecideds who were interested in talking and finding out more, and quite a lot of enthusiastic Obama supporters! One lady opened the door and said "Oh no, not for Obama, he would be great for the NBA." I agreed that he is very talented in a lot of areas, including the 11 years experience as an elected official. After a few minutes, she wanted to see more of the Blueprint and she shared her disappointment of McCain, who her Arizona sister warned her against. She ended saying she was impressed that Obama sent us to see her and she was going to "keep an open mind." Yay! What else can we ask for? Barack will be an obvious choice for anyone with an open mind. One gentlemen pointed to his Hillary yard sign (we hadn't seen it until we were at his gate) but as we thanked him and were walking away he motioned for us to come back. He said he would vote for Obama if he is the nominee and that "Obama is looking better every day." I agree! We covered nearly every house on our map and I think we made a real difference.

At the end of a long day we went back to the Obama office and it was still full, with all different volunteers! They are really working for Obama there. The Hillary office was on our way out of town and when we looked in, there was only 2 people in there. Be sure that the Obama Montana team is doing a great job, and is very appreciative of all help - so drive there or make some calls. I am really glad to have been allowed the chance to participate.

Yes We Can in Montana!

Help me help Obama, the candidate that inspires millions of us to step out of our comfort zones to make a difference: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/FirstTime

-Lou in Idaho

West Whiteland for Obama

Bill - WW4 — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:18:16 EDT

Who wants to canvass for Obama in West Whiteland, PA? Join our group - West Whiteland PA for Obama.