Hey Guys,
Thought I'd share some photos from the Vote for Change - Los Angeles event this morning. As usual, it was an inspired Obama event, with great celeb speakers, but most importantly hundreds of volunteers that were FIRED UP & READY TO GO!
I was surprised how many volunteers showed up at 7am on a Saturday morning to help set up for the hundreds of volunteers that came at 9. There were people of all ages and backgrounds. I think that the best part about today was seeing people renew/recharge their committment to the campaign. Voting occurred months ago in California, yet, Californians are answering Barack's call to service, and recognizing that our goals can only be achieved through everyone's collective and continuous hard work.
My two favorite things whenever I go to Obama events are the young children helping their parents in Obama gear, and the senior citizens who after all of their contributions to this country are still inspired with the process and the potential for change. It amazed me to see older men and women with canes and disabilities who were willing to go and stand up all day in front of a local grocery market, all for the sake of democracy. Those of us more able-bodied really have no excuse.
We had maps for suggested high-traffic locations in different regions for people to register voters, but I was impressed by so many volunteers who already had places in mind and wanted to take initiative for those locations they thought had a low-registered voter populations. Another inspiring thing to watch was when strangers partnered up for different locations. There's an inherently kind disposition and understanding in Obama volunteers, a willingness to connect with people and combine forces that I've never seen before. People let their guard down because they're ready to work! And that happened multiple times today in South Los Angeles.
And for kicks, here's my paparazzi skills to show off some celebs for Obama (not everyone that was there, I was supposed to be working lol):
Tatiana Ali - Fresh Prince of Belair/Recording Artist/Obama Supporter! Spoke to us about her passion for this campaign, her travels, and why our work is so important.
Jurnee Smollet (Eve's Bayou/Great Debaters) Obama Supporter, taught us the rules to registration
Jasmine Guy, Actress (Different World) Obama Supporter, she was wayyyy fired up and ready to go! (Probably got the biggest applause) She gave her multiple opinions, particularly on how ridiculous the elitist issue on the media is, given his background and that we were all in South LA to work on his/our behalf. And she reminded us to not get distracted and to keep on working!
Hill Harper, CSI, also Barack's Harvard Law classmate, National Fundraiser. He made us pledge the number of voters we'd register before November. And also recounted personal conversations he's had with Barack about us all using our telephone and becoming our very own campaign managers with the contacts in our phone.
And last but not least, Ms. Kerry Washington, actress. Who also was one of the national co-chairs to organize Vote for Change. She gave a candid talk about her initial conflict in choosing a candidate and gave her inspired journey to how she landed in support of Obama.
Hopefully I'll have some update on official numbers by the end of the day. Everyone's out registering right now. It's not too late if you want to head out today and be a part of this! Particularly in LA, people will be returning at 3pm to celebrate the hard work. Sadly, like a total loser I got sick twice (total t.m.i., I know) during the event and had to leave before I embarrassed myself in the parking lot for the 3rd time. But thought I'd share what I experienced prior to when I was taken over by either last night's sushi or this morning's donut...:/
I hope everyone in all the other cities had the same success we did here in LA. Go team!
(also, I'd love to hear anyone else's experience from today. And thanks to Kid Oakland and Kath25 for great diaries about Vote for Change this week!)