This week's Training Tuesday takes us back to Democracy for America's Campaign Academy in Gettysburg, PA 2009. For the last couple weeks we brought you lessons from the Organizing 2.0 conference, and we still have plenty more to come.
Anyways, first things first, a little history on the DFA campaign academy:
Bring a child to watch you vote.
Bring a friend and double your vote.
Bring an umbrella, a book, a sound system -- make it a party, as Color of Change recommended to its list, to keep people engaged, keep them entertained and (most importantly) keep them in line.
Wear a button.
Smile at people who are wearing buttons.
Start conversations about your button.
High five strangers -- it's awesome.
You've donated, you've blogged, you've swayed your friends. If you have any hours today, do more than vote -- we need you in the field or on the phone, every hour you have.
I went to the New York Board of Elections. I filed out my absentee ballot request form in person. I sat in what looked like a classroom with about 3 dozen other people at any given time. We all waited patiently. Somewhat quietly. Waiting like we were on a mission.
And we were.
It actually took over a half-hour before they called my name and handed me my ballot. By then, I was feeling a little weary from the room.
But once I filled out my ballot, and as I sealed the envelope, I couldn't repress a big smile.
Other people caught it -- they smiled too.
Then, five minutes later, I had to fight back tears.
As I exited the building onto the street, I just felt overwhelmed.
Why?
Was it a similar feeling that a friend's mother expressed to her daughter in an email yesterday:
STATE BLOGS
I voted today.
But once I filled out my ballot, and as I sealed the envelope, I couldn't repress a big smile.