I saw the future of our party today, several can't vote but donated their time

[Omaha Steve]

I was a little late for the opening of the phone banks at 9 A.M.. I was seated at an 8 ft table in a small room. I was amazed at what I saw and heard over the next several hours. I was the only person over the age of 18 in the room at that time calling people asking them to be sure to caucus tonight for Edwards. My table had Marcie (18), Stephanie(18), Ethan(17), Sam(17), & Philip(18). These young adults gave up their Christmas vacation time and came up from a small town outside KC Missouri. One other youth at the table was from N. Carolina(15) I didn't get his name. These leaders of tomorrow worked the lines like pros. I have two years outbound telemarketing experience, and these volunteers were all my equal or better.



Upper left photo is Marcie in the center and Stephanie to the right. On the left is the youth from N.C.


We took a break after after lunch. We had been so busy Marcie didn't know until then her picture made the front page of today's Nonpareil (Council Bluffs) newspaper. You should have been in the room at that moment. It was electric for all these young Democrats. About that time Mary Jean (Omaha), Kelsi (Bay area), and Paula (LA) joined us. In all over 3,000 people were called in person or left messages on machines across Western Iowa from our table. Between calls we made out envelopes for the door to door people. They were handing out letters from Council Bluffs Mayor supporting Edwards.

When it was winding down we talked about the events of the day. We all agreed how no matter who would win the eventual nomination, we would be working just as hard for the party this fall.

The phones were provided by the United Steel Workers.

I don't have enough time to go into more details until late tomorrow. I'm driving a lady to her caucus. I'm staying there to see how it works. I need the experience for Nebraska's first ever caucus next month. Then I'm taking her home.

I'm running late. Please excuse typos etc... More tomorrow.

OS

[fudge stripe cookays]

1. That is so fantastic!

Congrats on having such enthusiastic co-workers!

I was volunteering for Dean in Des Moines during the last presidential primary, and it was one of the most exciting times in my life ("scream" several nights later notwithstanding).

I wish that my parents had expressed to me when I was younger not only how important it was, but how fun it could be. But they didn't know about this stuff either.

If anyone had told me when I was in high school that the biggest social opportunities in the world were volunteering in politics, I would have taken an interest in it a long time ago!

These kids are our best hope. Let's hope they hold onto their youthful idealism for awhile; in this current climate, it's getting harder and harder.

[babylonsister]

5. Hey, you!

Long time, no see! How are you doing in your new digs? I hope you and your other half are both well! :hug:

[fudge stripe cookays]

6. Hey!

I've been around, mostly in the Lounge. :-)

With the house sold, and 1 week of his 2 week notice out of the way, reprehensor will be heading north NEXT THURSDAY! The separation is ALMOST OVER!!

So I'm doing pretty good. As long as I don't get sent on another consult at a crappy client, I'll be fine.

[babylonsister]

7. Stay warm in the tundra

;) and my best to you and reprehensor!

[flying rabbit]

2. K n R

[smokey nj]

3. K&R!

Omaha Steve, :yourock:

[Flabbergasted]

4. Wow!

[Little Star]

8. Thanks for that post.

[Yael]

9. w00t!!! Thanks for the update, Steve.

Can't wait to hear more.

I love hearing about the kids this age taking this seriously and being so involved. :bounce: