My 1000th post. Convince me to go to Ohio and who I should volunteer with

[HuskerDem]

OK now, a little 'bout me:

I'm a 37 year old wife and mother of 1 precious 16 year old in Kearney, Nebraska. I currently work from home on eBay selling the hell out of some Kerry and Anti-Bush/Anti-war buttons among others so I can come and go as I please. This means I have the time to go and volunteer in Ohio. I have picked Ohio because it seems to me like things have the most potential to get WAY funky there if we don't have enough boots and eyes on the ground. I am most interested in poll watching but could take off on Friday morning and work this weekend too.

We are CASH POOR due to the fact that we have college coming up on us VERY soon and have to put away most every extra penny we have to make sure our daughter doesn't have to slog through the CRAP we've had to put up with. This makes flying out of the question. I will have to drive, hope no breakdowns occur and I will need some kind of lodging when I arrive. I'm not picky about the lodging at all. A piece of floor works fine for me.

I am feeling apprehensive about leaving my family. I spend alot of time caring for my elderly mother and my hubby and kid are terrible cooks. We are also a VERY, VERY close family. At sixteen my daughter is perfectly happy to hold my hand at the mall in front of all of her friends and everything. My husband and I have spent less than 6 nights apart since out wedding well over 14 years ago. What if this whole thing erupts and I'm needed for weeks? Can I leave?

On the other hand, I feel this election is going to be truly monumental and in fact a turning point in history. I want to do my part, even though I may be a little scared right now, I know myself. Once I commit the fear vanishes. I would be good at this.

I"M JUST REALLY TORN RIGHT NOW. AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGHHHHHHH.

[Hawkeye-X]

1. Go to Canton, OH

and volunteer to work for Jeff Seemann - he's one of our former DU'ers that is running (and doing well) against Ralph Regula. If Jeff wins, it'll kick SO much ass!

Hawkeye-X

[HuskerDem]

4. That's a nice suggestion but I really want to work for Kerry and

probably need to join something with a more extensive structure? There's the whole needing a crash spot and all. Will be more than happy to keep him in mind and push for the man while I am there though.

[SW FL Dem]

2. Go - You won't regret it. If you don't go, you might

Contact the Kerry campaign, they may be able to provide housing and will let you know where they need you most. I know there are Dems in FL that are opening their homes to out of state volunteers.

[JuniorPlankton]

3. If it makes a big difference in terms of your decision

I am willing to "subsidize" your trip to Ohio.
(I can't go to Ohio myself, but would like to help others)

May be there are others like me.


Let me know
:kick:

[HuskerDem]

6. I appreciate that. WAY more than you know

and since currently my bank balance amounts to $117.83 I might take you up on just a little help. Perhaps a 1/2 tank of gas? I hate feeling like a beggar, but I also hate being stuck in Nebraska when I know I could be working, helping and MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

There's also some savings I can dip into and hopefully repay with a possible income tax return.

I'll PM you when I have a better handle on things.

[JuniorPlankton]

10. I am really happy to help

Don't sweat it.

You are doing more good than I can!

:kick:

[deadmessengers]

5. Just go

You might want to contact MoveOn.org - they're doing some very good work co-ordinating the volunteer effort.

Here's my attempt to convince you how important this is and to go: You mentioned that you're 'cash poor' right now. I can certainly empathize - a lot of us are cash poor these days, thanks to 4 years of declining payroll numbers. Think of this as your opportunity to do 2 things about that: First, by volunteering, you'll be working to prevent 4 more years of arithmetic-defying economic policy, thereby making it more likely for all of us that we'll continue to keep our good-paying jobs and get back some of the ones we've lost under Shrub. Second, you'll be preventing the tax burden of this nation from being shifted from the wealthiest 1 percent onto your daughter, when she gets stuck footing the bill for the Bush spending spree.

[demokatgurrl]

7. For Kerry. If you go with ACT they will pay your way

if you are interested go here:


http://acthere.com/

[HuskerDem]

16. Thanks. I am like ................ this close to going with ACT

I've been HUGELY impressed by their efforts and what they have accomplished.

[olddem43]

8. If you want to come to Cincinnati, you can stay at my house.

I have a couple of extra rooms and can supply any necessities. I will be working on Nov. 2 and also this weekend.

[HuskerDem]

11. Thanks! If I sign up and pick Cincinnati or get sent there

I'll tell them I've got a place. Meeting other DU'ers would be FANTASTIC. Plus you can keep me knformed. I've not found any better source of information in the world than this place.

[Lefta Dissenter]

9. What better lesson to teach your sixteen-year-old

than to show her that you're willing to fight for your country. I think it would be great for you to go!

If you need a place to sleep a few hours here in Wisconsin on your way, PM me. We're in Madison.

If it erupts, so to speak, and you're needed for weeks - well then you'll know that you are helping to change the course of our country's history, and I'm sure your family will support you in any way they can. They'll be proud of you!

I've been working almost full-time one way or another for the campaign, and will be working every day through election day. When I'm not working for the Kerry campaign, I'll be working for ACT, and then working at our polling place all day on Tuesday.

We have to go outside our comfort zones and do whatever we can to make this change happen! :hi:

Edited to add that if you leave now, you can get here tonight, and go to the Kerry rally in Madison tomorrow morning! Then on your way to Ohio for the rest of the time! That would split up your drive, and the rally in Madison will certainly be a great way to get people fired up for the work ahead! :D

[HuskerDem]

12. Outside our comfort zones.

Yeah. This will be big time outside of mine, but I'm really feeling like I have to.

Definately leaning towards the go.

[liberal N proud]

13. The Cleveland area is going to be the hot bed this election

NE Ohio heavily Democratic and they will try to intimidate voters.
The Get Out the Vote campaing (Kerry campaign) need 100's of people still.

[HuskerDem]

14. Who is more active there, Dem party, Kerry or ACT

And do you know which ones could put me up?

[liberal N proud]

15. Everybody is working hard, but I think the Kerry campaing is the biggest

Most offices in area and largest mobilization effort.
Most visible that I can see.
But I am working with the Kerry campaign, nights and weekends.

Call Kerry HQ in Elyria, OH 440-323-2004

[HuskerDem]

17. Update Kick: Kerry Campaign called me just now

Asking me to volunteer, WHAT A COINCIDENCE!!!!!!!!!!!

So anyway I'm going but still need more input from anyone who is on the ground or has knowledge.

Still need to decide exactly where (edit) to go in OH and how I can get the most help getting there.

GETTING VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS !!!!!!!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

18. Hey

I am getting in late on this, but I live in TX and last year, when we were helping Dean with his campaign, we actually went to Iowa in Sept. 2003 to knock on doors for a weekend. It was AMAZING and something I will never forget, as long as I live.

You will not regret it, no matter what. I sincerely hope you go. Your husband and daughter will be fine, we have a strong, close family too (me, husband and daughter). Absence of a few days only brings you closer!

[HuskerDem]

19. I'm looking forward to it too. Being a part of history

I think things may get ugly before this is over and I don't want to be home yelling at the telivision when I could be helping.