This weekend I volunteered my time for the Obama campaign and went to a Obama calling party.  (Along with a fellow Green Daddy I might add!)  The last time I did anything slightly political (other than voting of course) was when I was taking a political science class in college and needed extra credit, so I stood in front of a store getting signitures on some petitions.  Oh, and a few months back I gatherd all of two signitures and sent them in for the Animal Rights Bill.  

I found out about the volunteer opportunity from an email i recieved from MoveOn.org.  Ok, actually I did not take any action on that email until Emily sent me a follow-up email suggesting that her husband and I go to the event! :)  I'm so glad she gave me the nudge, because honistly I don't think I would have actually made it to the calling party totally on my own.  

I was very nervous.  I was pretty sure that Move On would provide good training, and they did.  I was pretty sure they would provide a phone script, and they did.  But I think it was that idea of putting my beliefs out there feeling a little vulnerable.  I'm a pretty tollerant person.  I know what I believe, but I don't tell others what to think and I don't like others telling me what to think.  So making these phone calls was stepping out of my comfprt zone, big time.  

I'm so glad I did it.  We were calling progressives in Washington state, to help get people in place to help with a major campaign effort there.   Following is an excerpt from the email I received from the coordinator after the calling party.

Hi Everybody,
 
Thank you for coming yesterday.  We made over 170 calls and recruited a dozen volunteers.  That means we started with  6 active volunteers and now we have 18!  Really good work.  I hope to see you all again soon.
 
Mary
A proud MoveOn.org volunteer

Getting Obama in the White House is an important issue to me.  I have spoken with my dollars and now I can say that I have spoken with my voice too.  After a well deserved glass of wine to sooth my nerves, I said I'd gladly do it again.

This may or may not be an issue that is near and dear to you.  But I urge you, to consider becoming politically active in a way that works for you.