Friday, October 3, 2008

Volunteering

Obama for Office in Washington, D.C.

Last night, the nominees for vice president of the United States held their only debate of this election season. There are only 32 days until the presidential election and there are still no clear winners. Having said that, today's pictures feature a group of folks I met the other day while spending a few hours volunteering in the office of Obama for America.

Mona and Eve call Obama supporters to enlist volunteers
for canvassing in Virginia this weekend.


Located at 803 Florida Avenue NW near Howard University and within walking distance of U Street, the office was teeming with men and women reaching out to Obama supporters in an effort to enlist volunteers to canvass in Virginia this weekend, and every weekend in October until the election. I met a group of women who have been politically engaged for years and who believe in the power of average, hardworking people of all demographics to make a difference.

Shelley, Helena, Charles, and Jean--just a few of the hundreds of
volunteers supporting the efforts of Senator Obama and Senator Biden.


In the midst of all the ugly rhetoric that gets flung around in these campaigns, it was a pleasure to spend time with people who are hopeful, engaged, and ready for change. If you live in Washington, D.C., and you've got a few hours, consider giving some time to the efforts of your candidate. In keeping with the non-partisan nature of this blog, I won't tell you who I think you should volunteer for, only that I encourage you to be engaged in the political process.

Just a reminder: if you haven't registered to vote, Monday, October 6 is the last day to register. Make your voice heard.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/08

16 comments:

Virginia said...

Bravo to those folks who walk the walk and back up their rhetoric with action.

Jane Hards Photography said...

If I could vote I would, and yes it would be for Obama. Not just for Amearica, but the world. What a terrific post and some wonderful people.

Maya said...

I find it interesting that most of the volunteers in your photos are women. Is it just that they are more likely to volunteer in general?

Janet Kincaid said...

Virginia: Hear! Hear!


Babooshka: I think there are many people in the world who share your sentiment. What I wish is that higher percentages of eligible voters in the U.S. would vote. When it comes down to the election less than 40% of us vote. To me, that's shameful.


Maya: Could be. I don't know. In addition to Charles there were a couple of other guys at the office that day. But I'd say they were outnumbered by women of all ages by 3:1.

Clueless in Boston said...

I always remember what Tip O'Neil said about how all politics is local; and volunteers calling for support is about as local as you can get.

I hope Obama wins and Palin can go back to keeping an eye on the Russians from her backyard.

b.c. said...

love this post, absolutely

Janet Kincaid said...

Clueless: Did you see the cover of the New Yorker last week? A friend of mine featured it on her blog. Check it out here, if you missed it.


B.C.: Thanks! As the man says, "Yes we can!"

marley said...

I think its brilliant that so many people get actively involved in politics in the USA. I wish it would happen here!

Jim Klenke said...

Thats my choice too, in RED RED Texas.

Janet Kincaid said...

Marley: There's too much at stake not to. As Lincoln sagely said at Gettysburg, "...government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish..." so long as we engage in the civic process. Once we stop doing, we're done.


Jim: Yes, sir! That's what I'm talking about! :-)

Arlene said...

Do I dare say what state I live in for all your bloggers to see? Obama yard signs are being stolen out of yards around here. Can you believe it? (I'm not sure if I'm asking "can you believe there are Obama signs around here" or "can you believe they get stolen").

Janet Kincaid said...

Arlene: Your secret is safe with me, if you'd like! ;-) Too bad people are stealing signs out of other people's yards. (It's been known to happen here, too, so it isn't just your state.) It's one thing to not like one candidate or the other, but to steal signs is disrespectful. And, incidentally, it's also a crime. It's a misdemeanor!

By the way, this might interest you: some guy in Grantsville spent six months in jail last year for sign stealing! Read about it here.

Arlene said...

Interesting article. I would think people who are actually well educated enough to follow politics would be more cultured than to steal :)

Janet Kincaid said...

Arlene: Isn't it, though? And maybe I'm just getting old and cranky, but I'm discovering that being educated doesn't equal being cultured and respectful. I think it once did, but lately I've met some real idiots and schlubs out there who have lots of letters behind their names who do really stupid stuff.

Arlene said...

You are the best Janet - I love ya to pieces! You have an amazing blog & I'm happy to keep in touch with you because of it!

Janet Kincaid said...

Arlene: Thanks! I have fun with this blog and am glad people enjoy it! I love visiting your blog and catching up on everything you and your adorable family are up to. Katie and Abby are growing up too darn fast! Can't wait to see you guys next spring!