Continuing our tour of our offices in New Mexico, today we're spotlighting our office in Alamogordo.Faina, our local organizer in Alamogordo, explains what inspired her to become involved in the campaign:
I always prided myself on being apathetic when it came to politics. I felt very detached from our government and never bothered to find out exactly how politics affects our lives on a daily basis. To me, our government was always the entity that dealt with matters that I could not relate to, such as foreign policy and trade. I never deeply cared for the rest of the world, I was more concerned with things that I thought directly affected me. I began slowly growing out of that mindset when a friend opened my eyes to the importance of bettering the world around you through bettering yourself. I began seeing the importance of political activism, and became interested in the presidential races that were coming up.I read The Audacity of Hope after the same friend told me about Barack Obama’s speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. The book really impressed me in how easy it was to read and understand, especially for somebody like me. I started getting very excited about Barack’s candidacy, and was even toying with the idea of getting involved with the campaign. I decided to attend a rally in Washington Square Park in September, and it blew me away. It was attended by over 24,000 New Yorkers, of every color and background, and what amazed me the most, was that all these people were coming together for a cause. I realized the concrete possibility of bettering our world, not just through Barack’s proposals, but through ourselves. Barack’s ability to bring people together is what inspired and motivated me to volunteer.I walked into a local office in October, and have not been able to walk out. We registered voters in New York City, braved the snow and the freezing weather in Iowa and New Hampshire, and knocked on doors in sunny Texas. Our grassroots efforts continued through June, and we followed each primary election with bated breath, and it never ceased to amaze us at how many people were watching as intently as we were.Now I am organizing in Alamogordo, New Mexico and it has been an honor to meet and work with a group that has been organizing here for years. I have gotten a chance to talk to Democrats, Republicans and Independents, all of whom are yearning for the change that this country so desperately needs. The volunteers in Otero County have been working nonstop, making phone calls, knocking on doors, writing letters, and talking to everyone they know about why they support Barack Obama. This county has not voted for a Democrat decades, but we know that now, more than ever, is the time to turn New Mexico blue.
Find your local office and stop by to see how you can become involved in your community today!
ALBUQUERQUE -- Teresa Brito-Asenap was New Mexico’s surprise motivational speaker in the final minutes leading up to Barack Obama’s acceptance speech last Thursday night.But lost in much of the coverage of the speech by the newly minted Democratic presidential nominee -- before a crowd of about 84,000 in person and some 38 million more watching on TV -- was a telling bit of campaign strategy.The historic event was also a historic organizing opportunity. That wasn’t lost on Brito-Asenap, a long-time educator and South Valley native who’s currently the director of the Albuquerque Public Schools Center for Extended Learning. That’s because she also happened to serve as a leader with Albuquerque Interfaith, perhaps New Mexico’s most effective community organizing outfit, for over a dozen years.“When I got involved with the campaign several weeks ago, I started doing the things I know best: organizing people and listening to their stories,” Brito-Asenap told the Independent in an interview on her way back to Albuquerque. In her two minute, fifteen second speech, she emphasized her own story as a way to highlight two of Obama’s education initiatives – and to organize support for them.Read the full article.
ALBUQUERQUE -- Teresa Brito-Asenap was New Mexico’s surprise motivational speaker in the final minutes leading up to Barack Obama’s acceptance speech last Thursday night.
But lost in much of the coverage of the speech by the newly minted Democratic presidential nominee -- before a crowd of about 84,000 in person and some 38 million more watching on TV -- was a telling bit of campaign strategy.
The historic event was also a historic organizing opportunity. That wasn’t lost on Brito-Asenap, a long-time educator and South Valley native who’s currently the director of the Albuquerque Public Schools Center for Extended Learning. That’s because she also happened to serve as a leader with Albuquerque Interfaith, perhaps New Mexico’s most effective community organizing outfit, for over a dozen years.
“When I got involved with the campaign several weeks ago, I started doing the things I know best: organizing people and listening to their stories,” Brito-Asenap told the Independent in an interview on her way back to Albuquerque. In her two minute, fifteen second speech, she emphasized her own story as a way to highlight two of Obama’s education initiatives – and to organize support for them.
Read the full article.
I was a disciple of super conservative Barry Goldwater; however, the failed presidency of Bush and the disgusting "Swift Boating" negative attacks in the 2004 election created my passion for a "change" in Washington. While visiting Borders bookstore in Albuquerque, I read a book entitled "Meet the Candidates" about the primary contenders. A mini-bio of Barack Obama stated there was no one in the U.S. Senate that could express himself as well as Barack. Impressed, I read his first book, "Dreams From My Father." Further impressed, I read his second book, "The Audacity of Hope". I have to admit that Barack's election as President of Harvard Law's Law Review by itself is remarkable. That achievement is esoteric -- only an active or former law student can appreciate its significance. I went to the Internet to inquire about Barack -- then it happened. A group of dedicated field organizers introduced me to New Mexico's importance as a swing state. I was called so many times that I became embarrassed that I was not in Barack's campaign office making phone calls or knocking on doors to accomplish something I WANTED. I joined -- I was trained -- I continue to train -- my enthusiasm has accelerated. I badger them for perfection (upon reflection - I guess I have a runaway enthusiasm for change). I continue to train, phone bank, and knock on doors. The energy of the office is intoxicating. Volunteers, like me, make calls, prepare packets for weekend canvasses, and enter data, transforming an old blues joint into a buzzing center of hope. I feel good at the end of each day of vote getting. If we accomplish a real change I know it will be party because of my work. Every day I spend with my field organizer, André, I know we have made a difference. At my neighborhood training, I was taught techniques to accomplish my goal of electing Barack Obama to the White House. The staff is also well trained, but they are also moral. Unlike "Swift Boating," the field organizers insist on simple, accurate, logic, not negative tactics. I am glad I work with these advocates for a sensible government.
Thank you so much. You ROCK. I’ll be the 65 year old Grandma for OBAMA. You have made my day.-Marjorie
It is the dream of a lifetime to be there when someone like Barack Obama will be nominated. I have witnessed lynchings in my lifetime. Thank God we have been given this chance to restore the opportunity to your generation we have so foolishly squandered for so long. A chance to see the bond between the veteran and his leader restored.Thanks for everything. I will be at Invesco Field, wild horses couldn't keep me away. -Mark
We are very grateful for the opportunity to see the speech and I am especially grateful for my daughter's sake because this is something she will remember for the rest of her life. This is history in the making and so exciting. We will take plenty of pictures everywhere and we will send them to you when we get back. Thank you so much.-Lynn
Just because you're not in Denver, doesn't mean you can't join in this historic moment. Supporters from all over New Mexico have opened their homes to share tonight's historic speech with fellow supporters in their communities.
Find a Convention Watch Party near you and join your neighbors in watching Barack accept the nomination.
Be sure to send photos from your watch party to newmexico@barackobama.com!
On Monday, we began a series of blog posts that will highlight each of our offices in New Mexico. Today, we're highlighting our office in Santa Fe.
Here is an account of working in the Santa Fe office from local Field Organizer Zoe:
As I write, there are about 30 people in our office on the phones, recruiting for our statewide canvass this weekend. What is so impressive is that the people in this office represent the many sides of Santa Fe. In our office now, I see my volunteer, Cathi, who lives in the mountains outside of Santa Fe. Cathi is over 60 years old and is soft spoken and shy. She is phone banking because, for the first time, she is inspired to become politically active. Barack Obama has inspired her. Sitting next to her is Willy, her neighbor who she met at a house meeting a month ago in their neighborhood. Sabina is sitting at the table next to them. She is a 17 year old volunteer who, although she isn’t old enough to vote yet, is in the office every day after school volunteering. Emilia, also a local Field Organizer, is sitting with one of her neighborhood team members, making calls with them. This happens every day here -- volunteers come in and interact with this office’s strong community. Virginia owns a hair salon two doors down, and her daughters come in every day to help organize youth meetings and enter data. Virginia will be chopping all my hair off tomorrow! Ken and his wife are retired; they canvass for us every weekend and always come back with a full report on how the day went. My cousin Louis is training a woman right now on Virtual Phonebank. He was always a really shy guy, who has been transformed as he has taken ownership of his contribution to the campaign. This office is a community. People walk in off the street, never having stepped foot in our office before, and they are welcomed warmly. These are the people who keep coming back to volunteer, because they feel that they are a part of this movement. That is how Kai became part of our team, and now she is a Field Organizer! This campaign is about organizing communities, empowering and including people in the political process that have never been involved before. It is about respecting all the differences that characterize Americans, and embracing those differences. Our office embodies these ideals. I am honored to be organizing in my hometown, and I am lucky to be working in such a motivated office with such wonderful people all united in one common cause -- electing Barack Obama. Everyone here has a different story, but we are together because we are moved by a common urgency to change this country.
As I write, there are about 30 people in our office on the phones, recruiting for our statewide canvass this weekend. What is so impressive is that the people in this office represent the many sides of Santa Fe. In our office now, I see my volunteer, Cathi, who lives in the mountains outside of Santa Fe. Cathi is over 60 years old and is soft spoken and shy. She is phone banking because, for the first time, she is inspired to become politically active. Barack Obama has inspired her. Sitting next to her is Willy, her neighbor who she met at a house meeting a month ago in their neighborhood.
Sabina is sitting at the table next to them. She is a 17 year old volunteer who, although she isn’t old enough to vote yet, is in the office every day after school volunteering. Emilia, also a local Field Organizer, is sitting with one of her neighborhood team members, making calls with them. This happens every day here -- volunteers come in and interact with this office’s strong community. Virginia owns a hair salon two doors down, and her daughters come in every day to help organize youth meetings and enter data. Virginia will be chopping all my hair off tomorrow! Ken and his wife are retired; they canvass for us every weekend and always come back with a full report on how the day went. My cousin Louis is training a woman right now on Virtual Phonebank. He was always a really shy guy, who has been transformed as he has taken ownership of his contribution to the campaign.
This office is a community. People walk in off the street, never having stepped foot in our office before, and they are welcomed warmly. These are the people who keep coming back to volunteer, because they feel that they are a part of this movement. That is how Kai became part of our team, and now she is a Field Organizer!
This campaign is about organizing communities, empowering and including people in the political process that have never been involved before. It is about respecting all the differences that characterize Americans, and embracing those differences. Our office embodies these ideals. I am honored to be organizing in my hometown, and I am lucky to be working in such a motivated office with such wonderful people all united in one common cause -- electing Barack Obama. Everyone here has a different story, but we are together because we are moved by a common urgency to change this country.
Find the office nearest you and get involved today!
Adrian Saenz, New Mexico State Director, just sent out this email:
Dear Caitlin,Join the Weekend of Action in New Mexico In just two days, Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for president before a crowd of more than 75,000 people in Denver and millions of Americans watching from home.That's why it's so important we use this moment to introduce as many people as possible to Barack -- who he is and where he stands on the issues that matter most to New Mexicans.This weekend, the New Mexico Campaign for Change will be hosting a statewide voter registration drive as part our Weekend of Action.We'll be canvassing in every corner of the state, carrying vote-by-mail applications from door to door and showing New Mexicans how easy it is to vote by mail.Turn your enthusiasm into action and help build our momentum by joining a statewide canvass near you this weekend.The last eight years have been devastating for families in New Mexico, and we can't afford four more years of Bush-McCain policies.Barack Obama and Joe Biden will bring about the change we need and transform our politics. But that requires bringing as many new voters as possible into the process -- and we need your help to do it.You can make a difference in your community by taking part in the canvass, registering people to vote and showing people how easy it is to vote by mail.No previous experience is required. Campaign for Change staff will provide you with everything you need, every step of the way.Sign up now to help New Mexicans make their voices heard:http://nm.barackobama.com/NMwoaWe can't do this without you.Thanks,AdrianAdrian SaenzNew Mexico State DirectorObama for AmericaP.S. -- Share your story of why you are supporting the Obama-Biden ticket, and the change they can bring to New Mexico, by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper.Get started with our online letter-to-the-editor tool, which makes it easier than ever to make your voice heard:http://nm.barackobama.com/NMbiden
Today, we're profiling our office in Las Cruces.
Here what one Neighborhood Team leader had to say about working in the Las Cruces office:
The Las Cruces Office is a really special place. An office filled with seven Obama staffers and constant volunteers, it offers a wonderful and welcoming feel to anyone who comes in. Students fill in every night to plan their activities for the next day, organizers line themselves along the phone banking tables every night for "Call Time" - during which bells are constantly ringing, for supporters who are found. When the bells ring, everyone cheers and the Mamas For Obama's little babies smile and laugh. Republicans, Independents, those who feel as though they have been left out of not only the political process their entire lives, but also feel as though they have never had a community to which they belong, come in everyday and are treated with the same respect as all the Obama staffers in the office. It is really a family here, we eat meals together - as people with full time jobs bring us food daily. We all jump on Regional Conference calls at the end of the night and share our "up" of the day, the moment during the day that made us smile and reminded us why we continue to do this job, day in and day out. I started off walking into a Neighborhood Team Training and basically haven't left the office since. My Field Organizer has empowered me to take on the role of Team Leader within my neighborhood Team. This past weekend, I led our team canvasses and will lead team phone banks and watch parties this upcoming week. When I began a month ago, I was worried when and how other people were going to get involved. What impresses me most is the constant retention of excitement among the volunteers and the increase in people getting involved daily. This constant energy and excitement keeps me going and anyone going on a bad day. There are thermometers on the walls, which remind us of our progress and our goals. I know we will reach them because everyday the Obama Las Cruces office reminds me of why we are doing this and how with dedication, spirit and a sense of community - we can make this state go blue.
The Las Cruces Office is a really special place. An office filled with seven Obama staffers and constant volunteers, it offers a wonderful and welcoming feel to anyone who comes in. Students fill in every night to plan their activities for the next day, organizers line themselves along the phone banking tables every night for "Call Time" - during which bells are constantly ringing, for supporters who are found.
When the bells ring, everyone cheers and the Mamas For Obama's little babies smile and laugh. Republicans, Independents, those who feel as though they have been left out of not only the political process their entire lives, but also feel as though they have never had a community to which they belong, come in everyday and are treated with the same respect as all the Obama staffers in the office. It is really a family here, we eat meals together - as people with full time jobs bring us food daily. We all jump on Regional Conference calls at the end of the night and share our "up" of the day, the moment during the day that made us smile and reminded us why we continue to do this job, day in and day out.
I started off walking into a Neighborhood Team Training and basically haven't left the office since. My Field Organizer has empowered me to take on the role of Team Leader within my neighborhood Team. This past weekend, I led our team canvasses and will lead team phone banks and watch parties this upcoming week. When I began a month ago, I was worried when and how other people were going to get involved.
What impresses me most is the constant retention of excitement among the volunteers and the increase in people getting involved daily. This constant energy and excitement keeps me going and anyone going on a bad day. There are thermometers on the walls, which remind us of our progress and our goals. I know we will reach them because everyday the Obama Las Cruces office reminds me of why we are doing this and how with dedication, spirit and a sense of community - we can make this state go blue.
We need your help -- get involved today! Find the office nearest you and stop on by!
This weekend, over 100 New Mexicans attended Camp Obama New Mexico in Albuquerque, a Hispanic community leadership training. The training was led by Marshall Ganz, professor of community organizing at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and former United Farm Workers organizer, along with national and local campaign staff.Participants each took turns telling their personal stories about what motivated them to become involved in Barack Obama's Campaign for Change. Then, organizers helped local leaders empower themselves with the skills to mobilize voters in their New Mexico communities.
Special guest Governor Bill Richardson fired up the crowd Saturday morning and spoke about the importance of getting involved in your community.
He said:
Talk to your neighbors about why you were motivated to become involved....We need to win Hispanic voters. It won't be by T.V. ads. It will be you out on the streets talking to your neighbors. You're the most important foot soldiers. ...Our task is to get Hispanics to know Obama. They will see someone like themselves.
Talk to your neighbors about why you were motivated to become involved.
...We need to win Hispanic voters. It won't be by T.V. ads. It will be you out on the streets talking to your neighbors. You're the most important foot soldiers.
...Our task is to get Hispanics to know Obama. They will see someone like themselves.
Someone asked Governor Richardson about Barack's decision to choose Joe Biden to be his running mate. Governor Richardson responded:
It shows Obama making strong decisions. There has to be a trust -- they get along really well...You need someone with experience. Joe Biden is Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. No one has more foreign policy experience than Biden.
Check out a slideshow of pictures from the weekend:It's not too late to get involved in your community! Join a Neighborhood Team!
Since the campaign announced that Joe Biden would be Barack's running mate early yesterday morning, people across New Mexico have been sharing their excitment and welcoming him to the team. Here are some of the messages that people have sent Joe:
Dear Senator Biden, Welcome to the Campaign! I am thrilled that Barack Obama has chosen you as his running mate for this most historic and exciting Presidential election!Once again, Senator Obama has proven that he not only realizes that change needs to take place; more importantly, he knows how to make that change happen. My husband and I were lifelong Republicans. The past eight years have turned us into proud Democrats. It is with enthusiasm and excitement that we look forward to November 4th and onto the next eight years. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are going to make me, my family and the rest of this wonderful country, REALLY proud to be an American once more.All the best to you and your family. I can't wait to watch you and Barack as a team this afternoon. Great good luck!
WOW! The Dream TEAM! Be well. Be strong! Thank you for being a great American.
You're the man, Joe. WAY TO GO !!!I'm the founder of Taos Grassroots for Obama and SO HAPPY today because I've admired you for many years. As I looked across the stage at the first primary debate, I made a wish. That Barack would win the nomination and choose you as his running mate. I felt very strongly about it and voiced my preference to others many times over the months. I just couldn't imagine a better pick than you.The angels must be on our side today. God bless you, your family, and our beautiful country.
I told my friends and family almost a year ago, as the debates really got going, that my dream ticket was an Obama-Biden ticket. I cannot be more thrilled to see my dream coming true, at a time when we so desperately need the vision and experience of both of these talented men. Great choice!
You can still send Joe a message welcoming him to the team!
Obama-Biden '08!
Yesterday, as part of his Register for Change voter registration drive, Democratic National Committee Chairman and former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean held events in Santa Fe, Bernalillo, and Albuquerque, where he encouraged New Mexicans to register to vote, and spoke about the importance of getting involved in the campaign on the local level.
Special guests actor Kal Penn, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Derek Fisher, and Jill Cooper Udall, wife of Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Udall, each spoke about what motivated them to become involved in the campaign, and how this year's election is too important to not become involved.
Here is a slideshow of pictures from the events:Get involved in your community today! Join a Neighborhood Team!
Details are as follows:Casa Solano Shopping Center – Parking LotAlameda St and Saint FrancisSanta Fe, NM10:15 a.m.
Sandia Library236 Sandia Day School RoadBernalillo, NM1:00 p.m.
Campaign for Change Volunteer HQ - Parking Lot3523 Central AvenueAlbuquerque, NM3:15 p.m.If you can't make it out tomorrow, find another event in your area and get involved!
Yesterday, a crowd of over 1,800 people came out to Rio Grande High School in the South Valley of Albuquerque to hear Barack speak at a town hall meeting. Barack was asked questions on a variety of issues, from the war in Iraq to Social Security.
One person asked Barack what his policies were on immigration. He said:
We are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws....We've got to have better border security. We've got to crack down on employers who are hiring undocumented workers and exploiting them....We also need a system that allows undocumented immigrants who are in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens....This country belongs to everybody. There's nobody who looks like a typical American. We are all Americans, and we've got to show each other respect.
After the event, I spoke to Peggi, a volunteer who phonebanks at our office at 6344 4th Street NW in Albuquerque.
Peggi thinks that Barack is "a remarkable person" who has "fresh ideas and knowledge." She says that he is "aware of diversity" and "makes me a more hopeful person." The economy and healthcare are important issues to Peggi, and she likes Barack's plans to address them.
Here is a slideshow of photos from the event:Get involved today! Join a Neighborhood Team in your area!
This morning, Barack held a discussion on pay equity at the Albuquerque City Government Main Library.Barack said:
I'm absolutely committed to making sure that my daughters have the same opportunities that any boy out there has. I don't want them to feel like they're disadvantaged because of their gender.We need to make this economy more fair so that our daughters and granddaughters have the kind of American dream that we all hope they will have.
How we train our youth will be vital for our economic growth and our democracy. Everybody in theory wants to do something about education, but we haven't motivated the will and had the resources....We need to invest in early childhood education. This is especially important to minority and children from low income families. We need to pay our teachers more, and give them more support.
Yesterday, over 800 people came out to Northern New Mexico College in Española to hear Senator Hillary Clinton campaign in support of Barack Obama.
She said:
I have served with Barack Obama for nearly four years in the United States Senate, campaigned with him for 16 months, and stood on stage with him for 22 debates. I've seen his passion and determination, his grace...In his life, he has lived the American Dream....We need to start valuing families again. Senator Obama will expand the Family and Medical Leave Act, the first bill my husband signed, and he will push for paid leave for millions of working Americans. Senator Obama has proposed increasing childcare tax credits and raising the minimum wage. Senator McCain has no plan to make childcare affordable and he opposes raising the minimum wage....If you care about equal rights, if you care about justice, the choice in November is clear. The only choice is Senator Barack Obama....On November 4, we will know that we have helped to change history. The entire world is watching. They want to know what direction we choose, and New Mexico will once again be a key part of this decision....If you voted for me, you have much more in common with Senator Obama than with Senator McCain. To everyone who supported me, I hope you will work as hard for Senator Obama as you worked for me. We may have started out on two separate paths, but we are on one journey now, and this journey leads straight to the White House.
Get involved with the campaign in your community today! Join a Neighborhood Team!
Friday, August 22nd, 5pm-9pm Saturday, August 23rd, 9am-9pm Free
This two-day leadership training session is designed for supporters who want a more in-depth volunteer role in the campaign. Please plan to attend for the full training.
The training is led by Marshall Ganz, professor of community organizing at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and former United Farm Workers organizer, along with national and local campaign staff. All levels of experience accepted and all meals are included.
Sign up today!
Albuquerque, N.M. – Today Sen. Obama’s Campaign for Change unveiled New Mexico Veterans for Obama with events in Albuquerque and Las Cruces. Veterans for Obama will play a key role in reaching out to New Mexico’s veterans and military families across the state.“America has a responsibility to care and support our veterans and their families. Senator Barack Obama takes this responsibility very seriously, and has made supporting our nation’s veterans a central issue in his campaign. Throughout the country veterans have expressed their support of Senator Obama, because of his strong commitment to our troops and military families,” said Major General Mel Montano, US Air National Guard, and former Adjunct General of New Mexico.As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Sen. Obama has fought in Washington on behalf of our veterans—placing veterans’ issues on the front lines.“As President, Sen. Obama will fight to make sure the more than 175,000 veterans in New Mexico have the care they’ve earned and deserve. Just this year, Sen. Obama worked with Sen. Jim Webb, a veteran himself, and other Congressional leaders to pass a 21st Century GI Bill, providing a full four years of college to our veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Jim Buhaugh, retired US Army Veteran from Cedar Crest.Sen. Obama has a veterans’ plan that will fully fund the VA; expand and strengthen Vet Centers, especially in rural areas; reduce the benefits claim backlog; and, combat the high rate of homelessness among veterans. To see his full plan, go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/vetshome.
