I know... I know...

It has been awhile since my last post; so here's what's up:

I have left the Obama Campaign and helped to start a grassroots organization here in Cincinnati - our focus is on getting people out to the polls to take part in the early voting opportunities here in Ohio.

We have been running a shuttle to the early voting location from the University of Cincinnati Campus, Avondale and Over The Rhine. Over the Rhine and Avondale are two lower income neighborhoods that are really excited about voting and respectful of our efforts...

We have found and trained team leaders and helped them to build their teams - It has been really rewarding to see these experienced people grow (one is a UC grad and the VP of Hip Hop Congress - though busting open the Avondale shuttle market has been a stretch for her).

I hope this made sense - The jist of it was;
I left the Obama campaign
We are running a shuttle to help people vote early
Grassroots organizing is fun
Grassroots organizing is a lot of work
I'm going to bed
Goodnight;)

And then... The Obama Office

It was a little scary making the walk to the Obama office on Tuesday, Oct. 7, I could not imagine anything that could top the previous weekend and I have to admit I was a little frightened of the unknown experiences soon to unravel.

As usually the fear was all for not - it is a good thing I never try to spend too much time worrying.

The first couple of days were a little slow - I spend most of my time researching the issues (and Obama's stance/message), making phone calls and canvassing door to door. I had a few off remarks that con not be repeated here in good taste and a few phones/doors slammed in my face - all experiences that helped to grow my confidence and approach the next interaction with more experience under my belt!!

Thursday brought the man himself, Senator Obama, into town and there was a rally in Ault Park. There is a lead team that organizes these events all over the country and my role was definitely small but crowd control for 10,000+ people was an experience - especially since this crowd was so well behaved!! - Everyone was tired from the miles walked to reach the park gates, frustrated with the lack of communication regarding what was allowed inside the event (no detachable lens cameras) and everyone still found the energy to be polite, courteous and happy.

It is amazing how much this campaign feels as though this is a proactive political movement which is very interesting to be involved with.

Picture: The podium on the morning of the event - the fog would burn off making for a beautiful afternoon speech

Another Crazy Week

My time in Cincinnati started with another wirlwind of activity the first five days were spent providing a shuttle to take students to go and vote. I was fortunate enough to join a team of amazing people and we built on each others energy to get us through the 14 hour days of promotion, organization and opertation. We even planned and marketed a "Get out the vote" party for the Friday (Oct. 4) night.

I just wanted to say tank you for having the oppurtunity to be a part of something so special - our team was full of truly amazing people:)

In the Picture: Kate, Me, Becky and Erik

Diving Right In.

Okay first off I would like to say that the family I am staying with is wonderful - they have been extremely welcoming (even allowing me to borrow their car to get groceries minutes after meeting them!) And the house that I am staying in is on the ridiculous side of big... I will post pictures in a little while.

My first few days in Cincinnati have been a whirlwind of activity working 14-15hr days and not spending enough time getting my bearings but it's all good! I mean the work is basically talking to people and encouraging them to vote - how hard can that be? On Saturday we were at this amazing farmers market downtown (only slightly larger than the Old Scona one) and today I attended service at an African Methodist church - the energy was incredible - we all spoke to the congregation to promote early voting awareness.

Still finding time to take it all in,

James