A visit to a grassroots office in Portland,OR

[kerryin2004]

So here I am in the great city of Portland, offering my time and energy to help with the campaign, no matter what that includes.. I went expecting an energetic and excited force, and I have to admit I was thoroughly dissapointed.. I did learn that this office may close within the next 10 days so that may have hindered their enthusiasm but I thought I would express my frustration..

I went to the office of 1418 SW Morrison which is a small office in the downtown area.. The first thing you notice is that the asshole next to them have decided to hang a Bush sign in their window..So I go in expecting those inside to be excited and friendly, but what I first found was an empty office.. I went ahead and sat down and waited and soon a guy came in, and instead of introducing himself he handed me an application.. Once again no enthusiasm or excitement.. I asked him what their objectives were out of that particular office and he basically brushed me off.. So I went ahead and filled out the application, and we all gathered in a circle.. I mentioned that the nut Santorum was speaking tonight( For the life of me I couldnt remember whether he was a Missouri or Pennsylavania senator, I guess I got the nut from Missouri Ashcroft confused with Santorum so I referred to him as a midwestern senator) but no one seemed interested in talking about him.. So the guy that is leading the interviews gives a spill, which he basically rambles through quickly, we all introduce ourselves, and then we have one on one interviews.. As a person who wants every prospective voter meeted warmly I finally had to start introducing myself to them.. The republicans run a campaign in which Goebbels would smile upon, and I believe those even in a grassroots office have a responsibility to treat everyone not only as a potential worker, but also as a potential voter.. So I interviewed with this young lady, and she was cordial and I can't really say anything negative about her.


So I now have a dilemna.. There is a rumor that this office in
Portland will be shut down Sept. 10.. I personally have traveled from Texas to help out in any way that I possibly can, so I am in a little of a jam.. Should I continue to stay here until they shut down, should I travel to Washington and try to help out there, or should I go to California and try to help there?? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated..


BTW if you live in any of the following states count your blessings because as far as scenery and atmosphere you are as close to Heaven as I could imagine..

Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, Wyoming.. As someone born and raised in Texas I am amazed at the beauty of these states, and my first trip to the northwest has been awesome..

[utopian]

1. I've volunteered for the Kerry Campaign in Portland

And I encountered extremely friendly people and loads of enthusiasm.

I'm pretty surprised by your experience. Was this office for the Kerry campaign, or was it some other organization?

[kerryin2004]

6. grassroots for the DNC

They are located at 1418 SW Morrison. I give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe there office is going away and they are dissapointed, but as someone who has worked in fields that expected customer service skills, their lack of enthusiasm was a dissapointment..

[barbaraann]

2. The main Portland Kerry office is on E. Burnside.

Here's a link--I believe there are quite a few offices in Portland so don't give up.

http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/kerry/kerrgenor.html

[kerryin2004]

4. thanks!!

[gratuitous]

3. Did you have an appointment?

Are you looking for a paid or volunteer position? Campaigns are probably a little wary of cold call volunteers, considering the disruptive activities such as promises of housing to folks going to New York to demonstrate against the convention, only to find out they'd been fooled by someone who sounded friendly, but just wanted to mess with them.

I'll agree that it sounds disappointing, but Oregon is moving out of the "battleground state" category and into the "Kerry" column. So the office shutting down is good news in a way. There will be a lot of coordination between Kerry supporters and other campaign workers (notably the No on 36 folks), so there will be a campaign presence in the state, even if there isn't an office.

And thanks for the nice things you said about the scenery. Travelers who see and appreciate the landscapes they're traveling through have the best time!

[kerryin2004]

8. Reply

(Are you looking for a paid or volunteer position? Campaigns are probably a little wary of cold call volunteers, considering the disruptive activities such as promises of housing to folks going to New York to demonstrate against the convention, only to find out they'd been fooled by someone who sounded friendly, but just wanted to mess with them.)

I would pefer to make a little dough since I have to pay for expenses while I am here..

(I'll agree that it sounds disappointing, but Oregon is moving out of the "battleground state" category and into the "Kerry" column. So the office shutting down is good news in a way. There will be a lot of coordination between Kerry supporters and other campaign workers (notably the No on 36 folks), so there will be a campaign presence in the state, even if there isn't an office.)

I realize that, but they are supposed to be raising funds for the DNC and putting a friendly face forward even to those who are looking to work is IMO important.. After all I too am a voter and you might not switch me to Bush but what if I decide not to vote at all because of your attitude??



(And thanks for the nice things you said about the scenery. Travelers who see and appreciate the landscapes they're traveling through have the best time!)

We camped out the first few nights and thoroughly enjoyed it..This is truly a fun state to be in!!

[oregonjen]

5. Two addresses that might be helpful

Two Kerry offices for the metro area of Portland

Washington County:
14395 SW Millikan Way
Beaverton, OR 97005
[phone]

Clackamas County:
504 Main St.
Oregon City, OR 97045
[phone]

Personally went to the Oregon City office, which was very friendly and upbeat. Hope this helps.

[tigereye]

7. I remember a slightly similar reception

when I did some stuff for Jerry Brown in 92. They were much more interested in what the bodies would do for them and whether I would greet people on the street in the appropriate way ( understandably) than in my opinions of anything. I think campaigns can develop a somewhat bureaucratic vibe, at times, probably because there is so much at stake.

[kerryin2004]

9. Thanks!!

I will call them up!!