Volunteering at the Columbus, Ohio campaign office for Obama (vote, Democrats, party)

[minibrings]

I spent several days volunteering in Ohio at a Columbus Obama field office. There were UNPAID volunteers from everywhere - Alaska, California, Canada.. even Denmark. I was very impressed that these people paid their way (flights, driving) to get there. They were all keen to go to Ohio since it was the pivotal state in 2004.

Within 24 hours of indicating (website) I would help out I received my first phone call on a Friday. On Monday the housing coordinator called to inquire about allergies. Tuesday I get a call from the housing coordinator with my host's information. Tuesday afternoon I get a call from the field office to figure out when I would arrive/start time. Wednesday I drove to Ohio, and got a call to confirm that I was still coming. Everything about the coordination of my arrival was smooth and well run! A good indicator of how he will run his government.

I had never worked on a campaign before but I am glad I did, it was interesting to see how things worked. It was interesting to work with folks from all over (I went canvassing with a Danish guy, a NYer and a Californian) who came to Ohio. People on the street were very appreciative when they found out people came from so far away to come to Ohio.. and we had no negative experiences.

So if folks want to volunteer (regardless of party), do it...

[golfgod]

It sounds like you had a great time. Isn't Columbus a nice town? Glad to see you back posting on C-D.

golfgod

[normie]

I've noticed it too.. you can just walk into the campaign office and feel the positive energy. And you meet interesting people--it's amazing how many different kinds of people are active this year, it's a smorgasbord of democrats!

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by minibrings

I spent several days volunteering in Ohio at a Columbus Obama field office. There were UNPAID volunteers from everywhere - Alaska, California, Canada.. even Denmark. I was very impressed that these people paid their way (flights, driving) to get there. They were all keen to go to Ohio since it was the pivotal state in 2004.

Within 24 hours of indicating (website) I would help out I received my first phone call on a Friday. On Monday the housing coordinator called to inquire about allergies. Tuesday I get a call from the housing coordinator with my host's information. Tuesday afternoon I get a call from the field office to figure out when I would arrive/start time. Wednesday I drove to Ohio, and got a call to confirm that I was still coming. Everything about the coordination of my arrival was smooth and well run! A good indicator of how he will run his government.

I had never worked on a campaign before but I am glad I did, it was interesting to see how things worked. It was interesting to work with folks from all over (I went canvassing with a Danish guy, a NYer and a Californian) who came to Ohio. People on the street were very appreciative when they found out people came from so far away to come to Ohio.. and we had no negative experiences.

So if folks want to volunteer (regardless of party), do it...

minibrings,

i also had a great experience with canvassing for obama in sta fe, new mexico. i contacted "travelforchange.com". soon, coordinators were calling me from roswell, sta fe, albuquerque. i was able to lodge at the home of some obama supporters and canvass for 1 week. the Obama office had only 2 paid employees, at least 10 other permanent volunteers who came from east coast, calif, texas,one from england, as well as locals. they all worked long days from 9 in the morning to 9 at night. there is also a steady stream of volunteers who come in to canvass the neighborhoods. a little over 100 interested volunteers came on one night to see how they could turn out the vote. good luck and thank you for ALL that you do. You ARE making a difference!

[normie]

It's great to hear stories like this.