So I began to wonder about where was all of the “change [I] can believe in”? Allow an email from David Plouffe, received circa 6:30 PM yesterday evening, to explain:
Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change.
Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities.
On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead.
This is what I love about Barack. This is why he won’t just be a good president, but a great and truly revolutionary one. Change is more than policy, it’s about transforming the collective thought of the nation. When I voted for Obama, it was because I care about this nation more than on the second Tuesday of every November. I believe in civic involvement and community service, and President-Elect Obama clearly understands his unique position to capitalize on the dormant social and political capital that lies untapped in this nation.
Barring some of his cabinet nominations, I don’t think anything has excited me more from the Obama camp post-election than this, and its clear that I am not alone. I tried to register for a party being hosted in Blacksburg, but by 10 PM it was already filled up. Realizing that I’d be back in Charlottesville next weekend, I decided to check out some parties being hosted in the C-vile area. By midnight, five people had already offered up parties within 10 miles. One of these had already booked up, and today, the one I’m attending filled up.
So what does this mean?
People aren’t just hungry for change in government…they are ready and willing to use themselves to better their own country. Citizens are letting random strangers into their homes, all for the purpose of becoming more involved in what Washington does and—more importantly in my opinion—“make a difference in the community.”
Just at Tom Perriello in the fifth district tapped into the power of his volunteers by tithing 10% of all hours to community service (1152 hours, last count), Barack Obama could lay out a similar plan. Why not have these sponsored get-togethers once every season, where anyone who is interested can host or join an event to help out charitably in ones’ local community? Imagine the impact if half of the email list (~6 million) showed up every three months just to build houses, serve in food kitchens, or clean up parks? These events would be so much more than a day of service every few months; it would spark new ties and relationships in neighborhoods and cities, bind communities closer together and undoubtedly inspire many to do charity and get together more frequently.
The grassroots potential is immense, and creating a nation more civically oriented has no downside. I personally can’t wait to see who will be at the meeting I am attending Saturday afternoon, and I can only hope it’s as diverse a group of people as the near seventy million who voted for Barack. There’s no excuse to not show up. At worst, it will be an awkward hour of my life, and at best, I could meet people whose ideas could help change the world If we want to make this nation better, it’s the people who are going to bring that about. And that’s change that I can believe in.
Oh and if you are interested in hosting or attending a party, just go to http://my.barackobama.com/changeiscoming.
Crossposted to www.bluecommonwealth.com
1 comment:
Exactly. "I propose a toast," *raises imaginary glass* I would say more or at least something wiser but I don't think this is a situation where I can steal quotes from Yoda, and I haven't slept for almost a full 24 hours and I am exhausted. Having nothing to say defeats the purpose of commenting, right? Wrong! I like to be spontaneous and if I comment tomorrow morning the grand vibe of it (As well as the spontaneity) will be gone. Anyways... miraculous post, couldn't have said it better myself.
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