SFBO Blog

Video: Election Night Speech in Grant Park

Christopher Hass — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:06:36 EST

"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you." - Barack Obama, Election Night 2008

Read the full speech, as prepared for delivery . . .

Orlando Bloom makes calls to GOTV

Nikki Sutton — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:32:58 EST

Orlando Bloom is busy volunteering for Barack in a California office making calls to Get Out The Vote. He asks you to find your polling location at VoteForChange.com and vote right away.

After you vote, you can volunteer in your neighborhood to help get out the vote or make calls to voters in critical battleground states. Help make history today.

Your election

Bradley Portnoy — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:16:30 EST

The campaign just sent out this e-mail:

Bradley --

Students and young people have played a larger role in this campaign than in any other campaign in history.

We have just days to go, and your work is more important than ever.

We've put together a video documenting some of the work young people have done in the last 21 months as part of this movement for change.

Watch the video, then sign up to help get us over the finish line:

For too long, the power of the young people in politics has been dismissed. But this is your election.

Students have been the number one donors to this campaign, and young people are the driving force behind field and get out the vote operations.

You've already changed political campaigns. Now it's time to change the nation.

Watch the video and be part of this movement for change in the final days:

http://my.barackobama.com/SFOgetinvolved

Our future will be determined in the next few days, and you can make the crucial difference.

Thank you for all you're doing,

Students for Obama

Volunteer to get out the vote.

Students for Obama Making a Difference

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:19:32 EDT

The event has started with a performance by the Lincoln High school Marching Band. People are still lined up down the streets trying to get in, and their music is helping to keep everyone in high spirits.

Throughout this election, we’ve seen something special from young people getting involved—even if they are too young to vote. Just a few minutes ago, Secretary of State Michael A. Mauro released the results of the 2008 Iowa Student Mock Election. This year was a record breaking turnout with a total of 56,000 students taking part—and Barack Obama won the Election with 58% of the vote!

Now these Mock Election results won’t directly translate into turning Iowa blue, but we’ve seen thousands of Iowa students, in High school and College, put in tens of thousands of volunteer hours. It’s these efforts that are going to ensure our success on Election Day, and we need everyone out there signing up to get involved. Click here to help these students bring the change we need.

The event is heating up… more pictures coming soon.

Governor Howard Dean rallies students at UNH

Colin@NH HQ — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:44:35 EDT

Governor Howard Dean returned to the great state of New Hampshire today to rally students at UNH – Durham. UNH – Durham is the largest university in the state of New Hampshire, so the student population has the potential to play a deciding factor in this upcoming election. With early voting over, students in New Hampshire can still register and vote on Election Day through same day registration. Governor Dean encouraged all the students in attendance to make their voice heard by showing up and registering to vote.

Also appearing at the event were two young women who recently graduated from college themselves – Molly Shaheen (Jeanne Shaheen’s daughter) and Kathleen Shea-Porter (Carol Shea-Porter’s daughter). Governor Dean urged students to not just vote for Senator Obama, but to vote for the whole Democratic ticket, all the way down including former Governor Shaheen and Congresswoman Shea-Porter. Barack will need help as President, and we need to keep New Hampshire blue to give him the Senators and Congressmen he will need to get our country back on track.

Dean told the students assembled that they were taking part in a historic election – one that will witness a passing of the torch -

In many ways this election is similar to the 1960 election between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Kennedy was running on a promise of hope and change while Nixon was running as the status quo…and we all know what happened in that election and Kennedy’s historic inauguration.

Dean wrapped up by reminding students what a great country we live in and urging the UNH students to knock on doors and make phone calls and do everything they can to help the Democrats win. You can help too. Find your local office. Sign up to Get Out The Vote. This is OUR TIME.

47 to 1

Bradley Portnoy — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:29:55 EDT

47 to 1. That's the number of endorsements from college newspaper editorialboards across the country that have endorsed Barack Obama, and the number that have endorsed John McCain. Who's endorsing whom? Here's the list of papers that have endorsed Barack Obama.

The Arizona Daily - University of Arizona
The Daily Bruin - UCLA
The Daily Californian - UC Berkley
Central Florida Future - University of Central Florida
Stetson University
Iowa State Daily - Iowa State University
The Daily Eastern News - Eastern Illinois University
The Dialy Northwestern - Northwestern University
The Daily Illini - University of Illinois
The Northern Star - Northern Illinois University
The Indiana Daily Student - Indiana University
The Amherst Student - Amherst College
The Berkeley Beacon - Emerson College
The Tufts Daily - Tufts University
The Justice - Brandeis University
The Point News - St. Mary's College of Maryland
The Bowdoin Student - Bowdoin College
The Bates Student - Bates College
Life - Central Michigan University
The Voice - Washtenaw Community College
The Michigan Daily - University of Michigan
The Michigan University - University of Michigan Dearborn
The Minnesota Daily - University of Minnesota
The University News - St. Louis University
The Duke Chronicle - Duke University
The Lamron - SUNY Geneseo
Binghamton Prospect
BU Pipe Dream - Binghamton University
Columbia Daily Spectator - Columbia University
The Cornell Daily Sun - Cornell University
Daily Kent Stater - Kent State University
The Independent - Univeristy of Toledo
The Miami Student - Miami University
The Oklahoma Dialy - University of Oklahoma
The Rocket - Slippery Rock Uniersity
Swarthmore Phoeniz - Swarthmore College
The Pitt News - Univeristy of Pittsburgh
The College Reporter - Franklin and Marshall College
The Daily Gamecock - University of South Carolina
The Pacer - University of Tennessee Martin
The Optimist
The Daily Texan - Univeristy of Texas at Austin
The Et Cetera - Eastfield College
The Flat Hat - College of William and Mary
The Parthenon - Marshall University
The Daily Athenaeum - West Virginia University

And for John McCain?

The Daily Mississippian - University of Mississippi

With only five days left to bring the change we need to Washington, join your fellow students in getting out the vote. Visit our Action Center to find five ways you can help today.

Did we miss your school newspaper's endorsement? Send us a link in the comments.

Florida Update: Powered by Hope

Josh at BC — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:27:04 EDT

From YouTube videos to our Vote for Change posters, Obama supporters have exercized their creative talents in countless ways since this campaign started. A project by students at the University of Florida might top it all, however. I couldn't explain it if I tried. You should just check out this photo sent by UF Obama volunteer Chris Davis to Politico's Ben Smith.

Why didn't I think of that? Florida students are getting creative in the homestretch because we need all hands on deck to get out the vote in Florida and win that crucial state. From Gainesville to Tallahassee, from Miami to Ft. Myers, the Sunshine State is voting early and Obama volunteers are working overtime.

Help them get out the vote in Florida today. When it comes to door-knocking and making phonecalls, humans are still better than robots.

"Young voters could rock the polls this year"

Amanda Scott — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:42:20 EDT

Young voters are going to make or break this election on November 4. Go out and vote today.

There's always talk about the impact young voters could have in choosing the next president. But this truly could be a breakout year for them.

Among the factors: nearly 2-to-1 support for Barack Obama among 18- to 29-year-olds and a seasoned get-out-the-vote effort that has seen young voter participation steadily rising since 2000.

...When asked, "Do any of the following words describe how you feel about the upcoming presidential election?" 61 percent of the young respondents chose "interested," while 48 percent chose "hopeful."

But, able to choose more than one answer, only about a third of these likely young voters said they were "excited" about the election and 47 percent were "frustrated."

These are the sort of answers one might expect from a group of voters who've historically been pegged as Election Day wild cards, but who've also shown they can be counted on - helping get both Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton elected, for instance.

Show up big this time - and they could put Obama over the top. A lesser youth showing, however, would likely benefit McCain.

"So turnout suddenly becomes a pretty big ingredient," says Peter Levine, director of Tufts University's Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, otherwise known as CIRCLE.

That's especially true in key swing states, such as Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In North Carolina, for instance, the most recent tally available shows 579,858 new registrants who are eligible to vote this year. Many of them 20somethings, they represent about 9 percent of the state's registered voters and could be a difference-maker in a close race, particularly if they support one candidate more heavily than another.

...In that election, about 47 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds voted, up from 36 percent in 2000, according to the Census Bureau. While their impact was not felt as greatly because their vote was more evenly split between George W. Bush and John Kerry, no other age group increased its turnout by more than 5 percentage points.

And some political scientists expect those numbers to be topped yet again, especially since young voters have been a long-standing centerpiece of Obama's campaign.

...They may be considered unlikely voters by some. But political scientist Molly Andolina expects many of them will make it to the polls in November.

"This cohort has shown a lot of resilience," says Andolina, a professor at DePaul University who studies young-voter habits. "Prior to Obama's win in Iowa - when it was known that he was popular among youth - pundits declared that they'd never make it out, in the cold of January, when college and universities were still on break, to spend an hour or more caucusing ...

"But they did. And he won."

Colby College Students Cast Their Ballots

Liz -Maine HQ — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT

Barack Obama's Campaign for Change and the Campus Coalition for Change organized an Early Vote Day for Colby students, offering rides to and from the town clerk's office so students could avoid the crowds on Election Day and help Get Out The Vote.

Hundreds of students decided to show their support and cast their ballots early—so much for skipping the line!

To find your early vote location, visit voteforchange.com or call 877-2-ME-OBAMA.

If you'd like to help the Campaign for Change Get Out The Vote, CLICK HERE.

Take Time Out to Make Calls

Nikki Sutton — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:01:51 EDT

School, work, friends and family make it a challenge to fit anything else into busy schedules, but Jenn in San Antonio, Texas found the time to make calls between studying.

I strongly encourage anybody to phone bank. I just did that for the first time in my life this Saturday. I'm a medical student with barely enough time to study (or sleep!), but I live in a state that's red through and through, and I had been contemplating for a long time about what I could do for the campaign.

With just a week till the election, making calls to young people in battle ground states like Indiana and Pennsylvania will have a big impact in ensuring undecided voters have their questions answered and supporters can find their early vote location.

After logging in, we'll provide you with a simple script and targeted list of names to call. According to Jenn, before long you'll be a natural:

The first few calls were a bit intimidating, but about 10 calls later, it became second-nature...I took three hours out of my normal studying time and called 114 people in three states!

Join young people across the country who are impacting the outcome of this election by making calls today.

Zach Braff entertains early voters at CU

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:46:28 EDT

Ordinarily, you might think it would be a struggle to get students to spend an hour at a political event during the weekend, but this is not your average election and Zach Braff is not your ordinary political speaker.

That's why 1,000 students turned out at Mary Rippon Amphitheatre on Saturday. The star of 'Scrubs', as well as Ben Harper and Laura Dern, spent the sunny autumn afternoon entertaining the students and talking about the critical role they play in the election.

Zach told the crowd:

For months and months, I've been trying to get young people to vote, and my main message has been it doesn't matter who you vote for -- you get out there and vote. The most important thing is that you vote. I've been saying that for so long, and I'm tired of saying that. So I'm now going to come out and say "you've got to vote for Barack Obama."

I've been watching the news and they keep saying that Colorado is the new Florida. So I said, "get me on a plane to Colorado and tell those young people who use the interweb that they got to vote." You have to vote, you guys. You can vote early up until Halloween at the Rec Center. I love the Rec Center, it's the best. You can do a lot of things at the Rec Center, I'm sure -- I've never actually been to the Rec Center. But if I were to go to the Rec Center, I would vote.

Rebecca was at the event, proudly sporting her "I voted early for Barack Obama" button. She told me why she had voted early for Barack:

I voted because I'm tired of oil companies running our country. I want to bring to change to America. I think there are a lot of people who are suffering and it's not right.

I didn't want to wait in those lines. I would have, if I had put myself in that situation. But it's so easy to vote early. Why put yourself in that situation? It could take you a couple of hours on election day, it took me 10 minutes the other day.

Make History

Christopher Hass — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:47:01 EDT

This afternoon, National Field Director Jon Carson sent out this message to supporters:

Ask your Boss. Ask your Professor.

Take Election Day off and volunteer to make history.
Watch this video and sign up to help get out the vote on Tuesday, November 4th:
This election will be decided by what this grassroots movement can accomplish on Election Day.

We have volunteer shifts to fill throughout the day -- make calls, knock on doors, and make sure your fellow voters get to the polls.

No previous experience is required. Sign up now to take the day off and make history on November 4th.
Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

If you live in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia or Wisconsin, you can sign up now to volunteer in your community.

If you live elsewhere and are willing to travel to a neighboring battleground state to help out, you can sign up here, or you can sign up to make phone calls on Election Day to help Get Out The Vote.

College of the Atlantic Students March to the Polls

Liz -Maine HQ — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT

Early Vote is in full swing and students across the state are casting their ballot early for Obama-Biden.

College of the Atlantic students recently organized a march to the polls, rallying residents of Bar Harbor on their way.

If you're registered to vote in Maine, you can vote early too! Visit voteforchange.com or call 877-2-ME-OBAMA to find your early vote location and cast your ballot today.

Michelle on Leno and 30-Minute Special

Josh at BC — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:25:44 EDT

As the campaign comes to a close, you can expect to see a lot of Barack and Michelle Obama on television.

Michelle will make her first appearance on The Tonight Show tonight, at 11:30 ET. Make sure to tune in!

In another exciting note, the Barack Obama 30-minute special will be airing Wednesday night. Check below for airtimes.

NBC/CBS/Univision/BET:

Eastern: 8:00:00 thru 8:30:00 PM

Central: 7:00:00 thru 7:30:00 PM

Mountain: 7:00:00 thru 7:30:00 PM

Pacific: 8:00:00 thru 8:30:00 PM

FOX:

Eastern: 8:00:00 PM thru 8:30:00 PM

Central: 7:00:00 PM thru 7:30:00 PM

Mountain: 7:00:00 PM thru 7:30:00 PM or Immediately following World Series Game 6 (if necessary)

Pacific: 8:00:00 PM thru 8:30:00 PM or Immediately following World Series Game 6 (if necessary)

MSNBC/TV One:

Eastern: 8:00:00 PM thru 8:30:00 PM

Central: 7:00:00 PM thru 7:30:00 PM

Mountain: 6:00:00 PM thru 6:30:00 PM

Pacific: 5:00:00 PM thru 5:30:00 PM

Get some friends together and watch.

Chris Walla: Little Conversations

Scott Goodstein — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:11:24 EDT

With only a few critical days left in this historic campaign, we need everyone to get out and talk to undecided voters. It's the most important thing any of us can do in these final days. Recently Chris Walla (from the band Death Cab for Cutie) took time away from his current tour to volunteer for the campaign in Wisconsin:

Chris had been finding a few hours to help out, stopping by campaign offices on his days off. Chris told us:

Volunteering couldn't be much easier, and it's been lots of fun. I was a little nervous right at first, but I figured out pretty quickly that the people I've been calling and whose doors I've been knocking on are just as concerned for our country as I am, and as Barack Obama and Joe Biden are. People all over this nation are ready for a change, and sincere, little conversations with our neighbors go a long, long way toward getting Barack into the White House.

Chris also took time to make calls to voters:

Walla continued:

This historic campaign is in its final few days, and we need your help — not just someone like you, but you! Your time and enthusiasm are worth their weight in gold — but only if you're willing to share them. I've been sharing my time and energy, and I've been amazed at what I've gotten back. I think you will too... Please join me!

Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to call your friends and neighbors and let them know how important it is to go out and vote. You can get started making calls from home right now, or use the map below to find a local campaign office near you:

This weekend, we're relying on our grassroots phonebankers to help out our field organization by making 300,000 phone calls to key battleground states. No matter where you are, you can get started making calls in just a few minutes. And if you are making calls, let us know what you're hearing on the phones today.

UPDATED: As of Sunday at 5:00 PM Central, we're at 240,947 calls with a few hours left of call time tonight. If you have even a half hour to help, you can join supporters across the country by making calls now.

Ten Days Out

Christopher Hass — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:45:30 EDT

From the beginning of the general election, strategically, we tried to have as wide of a map as possible. Our belief was we wanted to, on the morning of Nov. 4th, have as many possible avenues to as many electoral votes as possible. And we think we've been able to create that dynamic and have a lot of competitive states in play here. - David Plouffe

national polling averages as of 10/25/08 via pollster.com

With only ten days left, it's become apparent just how wide the election map is. But as the number of competitive states grows larger, so to does the universe of voters that we have to identify, persuade and get to the polls. Now more than ever, we are relying on volunteers in every corner of the country to help execute the field plan we've built over the last 20 months.

Jen O'Malley Dillon, the battleground states director, explained:

We have expected all along that this race is going to tighten up, especially in the battlegrounds states. So we have spent a lot of time building our organizational strengths, building capacity and really focusing on our voter contact and our neighborhood organizations. We really feel that in a number of these states, this election is going to come down to our ground organization and what happens in the final days of the campaign.

In almost two dozen key states, the outcome is very much still up in the air. Over the next ten days, you have an unprecedented opportunity to be part of this effort and to contribute directly to the outcome of this election.

If you live in or near one of the many battleground states, you can connect with a local office and help our field operation on the ground. Face-to-face contact is the most powerful way to get out the vote or persuade undecided voters in battleground states. Sign up today -- state staff are waiting for your help.

This weekend, we're counting on our grassroots phonebankers to make an additional 300,000 calls to voters in key states. As of 7:00 PM Central tonight, you've already made 113,762 calls. Right from your own home, on your own schedule, you can do your part in just an hour or two by calling voters in one of these crucial states. We'll give you the phone numbers and the talking points. It couldn't be easier. You can get your list of targeted voters to call right now.

Finally, supporters will be coming together on Wednesday, October 29th, to watch Barack's national TV appearance and call voters in battleground states. Talking one-on-one with potential fellow voters is one of the easiest and most effective ways for you to make an impact in this election. Find a Last Call for Change house party near you or sign up to host one.

As National Field Director Jon Carson said in an email sent out to supporters tonight, each passing day is an opportunity we'll never have again to change America. You hold this election in your hands.

Polls close in 10 days.

Vote for Barack Today

Amanda Scott — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:24:11 EDT

Early voting has started in over half the states already. Barack and Michelle both held early vote rallies in Florida earlier this week. Joe held early vote rallies in Colorado, and Jill will be holding early vote rallies in Florida this weekend.

Early voting is an easy way to help the campaign. You secure your vote for Barack, you help the campaign narrow the universe of voters that we have to contact, and you free yourself up to help recruit others to vote. We will be spending a massive amount of time and money on our Get Out The Vote effort, and we need more volunteers than ever before.

Barack is in Nevada today to reminded supporters to vote early. And earlier this week he was in Indiana...

If you live in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Montana, New Mexico, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Georgia, West Virginia, Oregon, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Hawaii, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Louisiana, Kansas, New Jersey, or Idaho, early voting has begun. Vote for Barack today.

Students March for Change at Mizzou's Homecoming

John Schueler — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:41:46 EDT

Today marks the annual homecoming celebration at University of Missouri. As one might expect, the energy around the stadium is palpable. The streets of Columbia are filled with fans, and the tail gate parties are in full swing.
Still, football isn't the only thing on people's minds these days. With the general election just ten days away, and the economy struggling, many people are also eagerly awaiting a chance to turn the page and bring real change to Missouri. That desire to shift the direction of this country is what motivated a group of dedicated students to wake up early and go march in support of Barack in the annual homecoming parade. They were joined in their efforts by members of the Boone County Democrats, along with other supporters from the surrounding community. Waving their signs, passing out stickers and collecting supporter cards as they walked, they managed to sign up many new volunteers to help get out the vote in these final days and turn Mid-Missouri bright blue.
This march was just the beginning of today's activities. With the big game kicking off at 5:30 this evening, the volunteer efforts are still in full swing. As we speak, students and area supporters are canvassing the crowd gathered outside Memorial Stadium and working to fill volunteer shifts for the lead up to election day. If you're in the area, please feel free to join them, but even if you're not you can still help. In these final days, the efforts of supporters like you is more important than ever. If you haven't already, sign up to join a neighborhood team in your area, or drop by your local Campaign for Change office. No previous experience is required and every bit of effort helps push Barack closer to victory in the Show Me State -- So get involved today.

Voices for Change: Shawn in Tempe, Arizona

Molly Claflin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:27:21 EDT

Shawn in Tempe, Arizona knows firsthand the issues surrounding the Iraq War.

At age 25, Shawn has already completed five years as an active duty marine, some of that time spent fighting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Though he left the Marines, Shawn has remained connected to the military, now serving in the National Guard.

I think we need to withdraw as soon and as much as possible from Iraq. I’ve seen that it’s not a militarily winnable situation. I have not been to Afghanistan, but it’s obvious we need more troops there, and it should be the central front of the war on terror.

Shawn is very concerned with foreign policy in this election.

We need to get out of this unilateral, go-it-alone attitude.

He’s also concerned about domestic issues as well.

We should be concerned about the justices on the Supreme Court and fiscal policy. I think Barack has the right ideas on both those fronts. I’m not an economics major, but it’s pretty clear John McCain isn’t either.

Since returning from Iraq, Shawn has enrolled as a pre-med student at Arizona State University (ASU). He says the new GI Bill proposed by the Democrats was a huge reason to support Obama.

It’s pretty impossible to go to school full time and pay bills on the $1,250 per month the current GI Bill gives veterans.

Barack Obama has a plan to help every American student afford to go to college. For veterans like Shawn, Barack supported the 2008 GI Bill, which increases education benefits for our veterans. For other students, Obama’s plan will give a $4000 annual refundable tax credit to every American student, which will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. In exchange, students would be required to perform 100 hours of community service – ensuring that students are not only learning in the classroom, but are learning valuable lessons through serving their communities at the same time. Learn more: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/.

Shawn says he’s encouraged by the Obama support he sees on the ASU campus.

There’s a lot of Obama support. We’re not all awash in a sea of red.

Despite trying to make ends meet and pay for school on his veteran’s benefits, Shawn still found it in his budget to contribute to the campaign.

If the candidate I support needs by help, I feel like I need to do my part.

Join Shawn and do your part to support bringing change to Washington.

Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all different backgrounds, but they share a common goal of helping bring about fundamental change in Washington.

NC State Super Volunteers

Merici Vinton ~North Carolina HQ — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:23:17 EDT

Meet four super volunteers: Clay, Atreyu, Carolyn and Melissa. All four are students at NC State and they volunteer both on campus with NCSU Students for Barack Obama and at the Central Raleigh office.

Carolyn:

I have been involved on campaigns since high school; I have worked for Rep. Schuler and other local campaigns. I am busy in school, but did not want to pass up on this opportunity. I didn't want to take a chance on him not winning.

Clay:

This election is important to my generation because it is going to affect the rest of our lives.

Atreyu:

The first election I voted in was 2004. I did not volunteer and I felt partly responsible for the results. I am from North Carolina and I love that I can be a part of it here in my home state. It's actually a battleground state. In the primaries, I knew people who travelled to Iowa and South Carolina - and the NC primary was almost an afterthought. But it mattered - and was a part of Barack's nomination. And now North Carolina matters more than ever.

Clay, Atreyu, Carolyn and Melissa are doing what they can in between class, exams and studying to help Barack win. How much time can you give? There are only 6 days until the last day of one-stop early voting on November 1st. VOTE EARLY and then sign up to VOLUNTEER today.

Michelle in Columbus, OH: "Barack Gets It"

Josh at BC — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:04:00 EDT

There's a reason Barack Obama's message resonates with college students. Barack and Michelle Obama understand how important college affordability is in this country, because their story revolves around the opportunities they were given. Through scholarships, hard work, and financial aid, Barack was able to attend Columbia, Michelle was able to attend Princeton, and both could attend Harvard Law School. Neither came from privilege or wealth, but both were given the opportunity to attend some of the best universities in the world. They want to see that opportunity given to the next generation of Americans.

Michelle made this point today at Capital University, in Bexley, Ohio, just outside of Columbus. With millions of middle-class families struggling, it's more important than ever to elect a president who understand what they're going through:

“My husband, Barack Obama, gets it,’’ she said. “He gets it cause he’s lived it. Something happens to your perspective in life when you’re raised by a single mother….He saw her continued struggle to figure out how to support her family and get her education. He saw her sacrifice everything for him.’’
And she tried to relate to the many college students in the crowd, noting that, although she and her husband went to Harvard University, they relied on loans to do it. She promoted her husband’s proposal to help make college more affordable by linking government scholarship aid to social service.

”In this society, people can’t afford to be teachers, social workers, musicians, youth coordinators, or pastors because what happens is the salaries they earn in these jobs won’t cover the cost of the degree it took to get the jobs,’’ she said. “Don’t we deserve a president who gets it?’’

In eleven days, we can elect a president who gets it -- that we're stronger together than on our own, and that affordable and accessible college education must be the foundation of our future.

Get involved in Ohio -- or drive there to help out -- as soon as you can!

"You'd rather be on the phone talking with your friends?"

Kevin Hartnett — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:42:46 EDT

Barack's run for the presidency has energized young voters in a way we have not seen in more than a generation. Young people have been foundational in this campaign from the start, providing energy at rallies, boots on the ground in our local field offices, and multimedia creativity over the Internet. Only one question remains. Will they get out to vote?

The Youth Vote Project is a collection of high school seniors which aims to ensure that this year, the answer is yes. To that end, they put together this video:

The Talk: "If you feel as strongly as I do"

Christopher Hass — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:39:09 EDT

Recently, Natalie Portman traveled to Ohio to visit her grandmother, and to campaign for Barack Obama. While in Cincinnati, she recorded this message for supporters:

In the final days of the election, many people will decide who to vote for based not on news coverage, robocalls or television ads but on the conversations they have with the people they care for most. Elections are often a choice between the future and the past, never moreso than this one.

When it comes to your parents and grandparents, no voice is more persuasive than yours.

Stacey in Ohio:

I spoke with my parents, ages 64 and 57 a few weeks ago. My father was forced into early retirement from his airline job after 35 years with the company, while my mother was laid off from the same airline. They are now watching their retirement money diminish while the stock market dives day after day. They have never voted in their lifetimes. I was able to help convince them that their votes would count. The election was close in Ohio in 2004 and I reiterated how every single vote counts... My parents registered to vote a couple weeks ago. They are are actually excited to be casting their first votes ever for Barack Obama on November 4th!

Michelle in Florida:

My mother who is in her 50's has never voted or registered to vote. When I helped canvass for the Obama campaign, she realized how important this election was to me. I talked to her about registering and gave her the registration form. She turned it in and is now ready to vote for Obama! I am so glad to have been able to be the one, after 50+ years, to change her mind and see that her vote really does count.

Phillip in North Carolina:

As of now, my mother, brother, and a cousin are Obama supporters. They had fears based on the lies and fabrications circulating through e-mail and word of mouth. But once the facts were laid down for them, they felt more comfortable about Obama. They already did not like where eight years of Bush have gotten us, but they needed someone to make them feel comfortable about Obama. They needed a reason to trust him. I have one aunt that I am still working on, though. Most people just need information. Keep it factual, and they will listen.

Susan in North Carolina:

I have converted my 82 year old father who voted for Bush I and Bush II, twice! This is a man who would only watch Fox News, called CNN the "Clinton News Network" and could not share a political conversation with my Democratic mother... Well between mom and I, we have him convinced. He is officially an "Obamacan" and seems actually quite excited and optimistic that Barack will win in November.
We simply asked him to think about his grandchildren and future great grandchildren (one on the way this month). Think about their healthcare, education, ability to prosper and contribute to society with families of their own.

You are Barack's most effective advocate. Don't wait until the last minute -- it might take a few conversations for you to convince them. There are less than two weeks left in this election. If you haven't already talked to your family, now is the time.

GOTV: Columbia to Virginia

Josh at BC — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:44:49 EDT

Every college has famous alumni, and students feel a connection with those people. As a student at Boston College, where we will reveal a statue of football legend Doug Flutie this week, I can attest to that personally. Columbia University students have a special opportunity this year: Help an alumnus become our nation's next president.

Barack Obama graduated from Columbia in 1983. (You can see him in his college days above.) Twenty-five years later, Columbia University College Democrats are organizing a trip over their fall break (conveniently scheduled for November 1-4) to head down and campaign in Virginia's 10th Congressional District.

“Virginia has not gone blue for many years, and this campaign trip could be symbolic of the significant changes that are taking place across the electoral map,” said College Democrat member Rowland Yang, CC ’11. “The fact that a group of young people are demonstrating so much national enthusiasm will certainly resonate.”

The number of students heading to Virginia may also be indicative of what many have called a national enthusiasm. A record-breaking 132 members will make the trip, more than double the number in previous years.

“We never anticipated such interest,” said College Democrat media director Avi Edelman, CC ’11. “Being active on this election is very important—it is a historical election. By campaigning, we are giving Columbia students an opportunity to participate in grassroots campaigning.”

Even if you don't go to school in a battleground state, chances are you live near one. Columbia students are traveling hundreds of miles to help their fellow Columbia Lion get elected. Organize a trip with your friends and local chapter of Students for Obama today!

Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie Phonebanks for Barack

Nikki Sutton — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:05:24 EDT

Last week Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie stopped by Barack Obama's National Headquarters in Chicago to make calls using the voter contact tool Neighbor to Neighbor.

Join Chris in creating a profile at My.BarackObama.com. Once you've logged in, you can make calls to young people in battle ground states like Indiana and Pennsylvania. It is up to us to make sure students and young people across the country get involved, get out to vote, and lead our country towards change. Pick up the phone and talk with young people about the issues that are important to you in this election.

Everyone Can Vote Early

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:58:12 EDT

It's Easy to Vote Early in Iowa-- even if you aren't registered or have never voted before. And, for just two more days, until Saturday the 25th, you don't even need to show an ID when you vote!

Everyone is doing it. Use www.voteforchange.com to find where you can vote early TODAY.

Luther College students are voting early for change- what are you waiting for? You can Vote Early for Change TODAY.

www.voteforchange.com

"Talk to your grandparents about Obama"

Christopher Hass — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:17:32 EDT

Last Friday, Representative Jan Schakowsky wrote an article for the Huffington Post encouraging supporters to reach out to their Grandparent to talk about Barack Obama:

This message is exclusively for Obama supporters who: 1) Have grandparents who are planning to vote for John McCain or are undecided about their choice for President and 2) Know someone whose grandparents are voting for John McCain or are undecided about their choice for President.
...I have been overwhelmed and inspired by the passion and commitment of young Obama volunteers and supporters everywhere I have traveled as one of the national co-chairs of Barack's campaign. Harnessing that energy for the purpose of moving older voters toward Barack Obama seemed like a natural.

Rep. Schakowsky lists a number of reasons why anyone over the age of 65 should support Barack Obama, including his position on Social Security, Medicare and taxes (as well as John McCain's opposing positions on the same). But in the end, she argues, the most effective argument may be an emotional one.

The one thing most grandparents have in common is that they have the most wonderful grandchildren in the world - so clever, so handsome, so pretty, ever so precious. Even if you are still unsure of your path in life, and even if your parents and friends occasionally wonder about you, your grandma and grandpa love you and have faith in you.
That is your weapon! "Precious" needs to get on the phone and say, "Grandpa, Grandma, I am asking you to vote for Barack Obama. This is really important to me. It's about my future. It's about the world I will be living in. It's about the world I want for my future children. (They will love that one!) Please! Do it for me!"
...The really great part of this strategy is that everything you could possibly say to your grandparents about how important Barack's election is for you is one hundred percent true.

When it comes to your family, you are Barack's most effective advocate. There are less than two weeks left in this election. If you haven't already talked to your family, now is the time.

If you've already talked to your parents and grandparents about Barack and what's at stake in this election, let us know how it went, and what advice you would offer fellow supporters who are thinking about having the talk themselves.

Continue reading for more tips, suggestions, and resources . . .

New to the site or still undecided? Learn more about Barack Obama and his position on important issues. If you're already a supporter, find out what you can do to help between now and Election Day, and please consider making a donation to strengthen our field operation and help Get Out The Vote.

Smile-- You Can Vote Early for Change TODAY!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:46:45 EDT

Have you voted early yet? Do you know anyone else who might not have voted early yet? Call them, send them an email, walk next door and tell them, just get the word out!

You can vote early for change TODAY all over Iowa! It's easy and a great way to spend a few minutes of your day.

Find where you can vote early near you. Visit www.voteforchange.com

Florida A&M University March to Early Vote

Ashima Singal — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:49:39 EDT

Photos from the Florida A&M University march, in which an estimated 1,000, faculty, staffers and administrators arrived from the campus to vote at the courthouse.

You can read the full story here.

Did you early vote?

James Taylor Comes Home to North Carolina

Merici Vinton ~North Carolina HQ — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:57:01 EDT

James Taylor wrapped up his tour in support of Barack today. Over five concerts in three days, Mr. Taylor shared why he thinks Barack is right for North Carolina with supporters across the state - while also encouraging each audience member to vote early for Barack. This is what he had to say last night in his hometown of Chapel Hill:

I'm very pleased to be back here - back home in Chapel Hill. Above all I'm honored and thrilled and delighted to be able to be a part of this historic moment - this Obama campaign. I commend you all. Hats off to you for the work you've done and for the work that you will do. We're in the home stretch, this is the crucial point where it all comes right down to it. We've got to get those votes out. I feel a kinship - we have all been summoned to do service to the campaign and to stand up and make an effort for our country.

The audience was a mix of students and non-students and I had a chance to meet Erin, a volunteer with UNC Students for Change. She is a sophomore and has been active since...Iowa. That's right. Erin is from Cedar Rapids and began volunteering on the campaign before most people had even heard of Barack.

I have throughly enjoyed the excitement of volunteering and being a part of the grassroots campaign. When I was a volunteer in Iowa, the campaign was so new and local - now I am so excited that I can help out here in North Carolina, as well. The race in North Carolina started to get closer when we got back to school this fall - and it's great to be able to help out here.

James Taylor and Erin are doing their part - now it's your turn to volunteer. James Taylor put in three days. Erin volunteers weekly. How much time can you give? Sign up now to volunteer.

14 Days Left: Make Calls for Change

Bradley Portnoy — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:49:51 EDT

Early voting began yesterday in Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Alaska, and it's continuing in several critical states like Ohio and North Carolina. That means time is running short - now is the time to kick it into high gear and make sure that we get out every single vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Students have an important role to play from now until election day: with flexible schedules, young people at college can help make the voter contacts that we need to ensure victory on November 4th.

Making contacts with voters for the first time can seem intimidating, but our Neighbor to Neighbor tool couldn't be easier to use. N2N is automatically connected to your account on My.BarackObama.com, and depending on the address you signed up with, and once you choose which calling campaign you'd like to participate in, you'll immediately be presented with a list of voters near your school or your home to contact.

From there, you'll have a call script to guide the conversation as well as a form to report your results back to the campaign. You can log in at any time, and you don't need to finish your voter list in one sitting. If you have a spare ten minutes, you can make several important voter contacts in that time. If you can set aside a half hour every night until the election, you'll be helping the campaign in a big way.

Even Barack knows how important phonebanking is - check out the video below, showing him on the phone with several Missouri voters. Then head over to Neighbor to Neighbor and start making calls today. There are only 14 days left.

Early Voters Get Out in Florida

Josh at BC — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:45:32 EDT

Monday was quite an exciting day in Florida as early voting got underway. Senator Obama rallied supporters in Tampa in making a spirited push for voters to cast their ballots before Election Day. So the final phase begins -- and the World Series, for that matter:

A day after the Tampa Bay Rays won an improbable spot in the World Series, team members introduced the Illinois senator who has made history as the first black presidential nominee. 'This election is a critical moment in our history’, outfielder Fernando Perez told the crowd. ‘We're here today to encourage you to get out and vote and vote early for Barack Obama. We can change the nation’.

After the rally, our campaign volunteers shuttled supporters to early polling locations as the crowd of 8,000+ dispersed. The Associated Press reported groundbreaking turnout across the state in its first day of voting for the general election:

Florida kicked off early voting on Monday, with record crowds heading to the polls and voters waiting hours to cast their ballots. Elections officials said the few reported problems were minor. Final statewide numbers for ballots cast Monday won't be available until Tuesday, but counties large and small, traditionally Democrat and traditionally Republican, were reporting record turnout. The early voting sites will remain open two weeks until the weekend before Election Day.

Students at Florida A&M University are already making their mark. 1,000 students voted before noon today:

Almost a thousand Florida A & M students, faculty, and administrators voted early Monday, the first day of early voting. The show of support has eclipsed any previous first day of early voting. The students, almost a thousand strong, left the Florida A & M campus led by their president, Dr. James Ammons. “We’re going to make our mark today, the rattlers of Florida A&M.”

Find your early voting location, bring five friends, and vote today in the Sunshine State!

NaS Wants Virginia to Vote

J. Scott — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:49:16 EDT

A few weeks ago NaS spoke to a group of students at Hampton University about the importance of voting on November 4th.

NaS, who just registered to vote for the first time, encouraged the students to work hard between now and election day to make sure that Senator Obama can bring the change we so desperately need.

University of Maine-Orono Early Vote Day

Liz -Maine HQ — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Don't wait for November 4th to cast your ballot for Obama-Biden! Join the Campaign for Change and the Campus Coalition for Change for Early Vote Day at the University of Maine-Orono.

Orono residents—not just students—are invited to stop by the FFA Room in the Memorial Building this Wednesday, October 23rd, anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. All Maine residents can fill out a request for an absentee ballot and skip the lines on November 4th.

After the polls close, voters are encouraged to stay for a concert with special guest A Fine Frenzy.

This event is free and open to the public, RSVP today!

If you don't live in Orono, don't worry! You can still cast your ballot early. Visit voteforchange.com to find your early vote location or learn how you can request an absentee ballot.

It's Election Day in Florida!

Josh at BC — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:37:40 EDT

Florida, Florida, Florida. Election Day -- and sometimes the weeks afterwards -- are always exciting times in the Sunshine State, one of the most crucial swing states in this (or any) election. Thanks to early voting, every day between now and November 4th is Election Day in Florida.

Young people have the chance to provide the difference for Obama in Florida, and early voting makes that easy. If you're like my roommate, and have a huge exam on Election Day -- vote early! If you'd rather spend all day volunteering on Election Day -- vote early! Your reason is up to you, but if you're capable of voting early, you should.

You can do more than that, however. You can tell five friends about early voting, and make sure that they get to the polls. 626,280 registered 18-29 year olds in Florida did not vote in 2004 -- more than enough to swing the election. Adopt Five friends today, tell them about early vote, and get them to the polls! You can do this with college students or other Florida voters. All the information you need is right here:

Adopt Five College Voters:

Adopt Five Florida Voters:

Find your early vote location:

Find your local Obama field office here.

Visit the Florida Resource Center here.

Join Florida for Obama today, and get out the early vote!

15 Days From Change: An Update From the National Student Co-Director

Tobin Van Ostern — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:59:52 EDT

Things have been pretty busy lately (needless to say) but I wanted to take a quick moment to give you an update about some interesting facts and stories from the past week or so.

Voter Registration:

The Obama-Biden campaign is committed to enabling as many people as possible to exercise their fundamental right to vote. But you have to registered in order to vote, and the campaign has been very successful in ensuring that every eligible voter is on the rolls.

Taking Virginia as an example, just a week ago a group of committed HS students travelled down to Virginia from Maryland where they knocked on an astounding 12,000 doors in a single weekend.

It's this kind of hard work that has resulted in the numbers described below.

Virginia now has more than five million registered voters, a new record, as of the deadline for registration for the fall election closed on Oct. 6th, according to the Virginia State Board of Elections.
The total number of registered voters in Virginia is now 5,021,933.
Since January, Virginia, a swing state this cycle, has experienced a net gain of 436,000 new voters, including what they call an "onslaught" of new voters in the last week of registration.
Nearly 40 percent of the newly registered voters across the state are under the age of 25. Trends show that, regardless of age, females represent the majority of new registered voters.
Source: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/10/15/1549807.aspx

VoteforChange.com

One of the key components of our voter registration efforts has been www.voteforchange.com

This website is a one-stop shop for voter registration.

This website also will allow you to request an absentee ballot, check your registration status, and even find your polling location for election day.

You can check it out on Facebook as well at http://apps.facebook.com/obama/

Debate

Near the very end of the final presidential debate last Wednesday night, Obama stated:

"I also have to disagree on Sen. McCain's record when it comes to college accessibility and affordability.
"Recently his key economic adviser was asked about why he didn't seem to have some specific programs to help young people go to college and the response was, well, you know, we can't give money to every interest group that comes along.
"I don't think America's youth are interest groups, I think they're our future."

From Day 1 through the present, Senator Obama has understood that investing in young people is an investment in our future. As President, he will follow through on his promises to make college accessible and affordable to all Americans.

Campaign Is Putting Their Money Where Their Mouths Are

In addition to our strong field outreach, our campaign has been doing a variety of innovative advertising designed to reach out to younger voters and make sure we don't leave anyone out. We're continuing this commitment through the end, and are excited to see the initial result of our efforts both on the ground and on the air on Election Day. You may have read recently that the Obama-Biden campaign is the first presidential campaign to take out virtual advertisements in video games.

The Talk

The campaign recently unveiled this website about having "The Talk" with your parents and grandparents. This may not be "The Talk" you're thinking about though...instead it's about talking to your parents and grandparents about supporting Senator Obama. While intimidating for many young people to initiate, I think we've already seen the impact of these cross-generational conversations. You can check out the whole website here at: my.barackobama.com/thetalk

Blog

Finally, I'm very proud of the blog we have up and running at students.barackobama.com, it's being constantly updated with stories and anecdotes relevant to youth on the campaign trail, I hope all of you continue to regularly check it out.

"Exercising the right to vote at 18"

Amanda Scott — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:55:49 EDT

Voters aged 18-25 are a crucial part of this years election. While this group has been apathetic toward voting in the past, young people are registering and voting in record numbers. The Virginian-Pilot has taken notice:

...When I turned 18 in March I didn’t immediately embrace the unique opportunity that I will soon experience on Election Day. In fact, I remember thinking how it all seemed pretty lame.

...Then one day I was doing some research on the Nov. 4 election and it hit me how important it is to be 18 in ’08. The 26th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1971, granting citizens 18 or older the right to vote in every state, in every election. But despite being given that opportunity, voter turnout among teens remains low.

In 2004, only 47 percent of citizens 18-24 voted, compared with 66 percent of those 25 and older.

Despite nonpartisan efforts like Rock the Vote, teens are viewed as ambivalent about civic engagement. Sure there’s student government, volunteering at the polls, and even Kids Vote for the younger age groups, but to me and my peers it never really seemed like anyone cared what we thought about the people elected to serve in our nation’s highest offices.

According to CIRCLE, a nonpartisan organization promoting research on civic and political engagement of Americans between the ages of 15 and 25, Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) historically have the lowest voter registration rates, lowest voting rates and lowest political volunteerism rates.

Yet that prevailing attitude appears to have changed all because of two names – Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

When I registered to vote as a senior in the school cafeteria, it was still primary season and neither party’s ticket was officially set. We filled out the form and went back to class.

Today, those of us who choose to exercise our right to vote in 2008 will be part of an amazing moment.

My generation appears to be more engaged in that moment and, for the first time in our nation’s history, could sway the outcome of this historic presidential election.

In Virginia record numbers of new voters have registered and many of them are younger than 25, according to the State Board of Elections. Still many potential young voters I talked to feel they lack a deep-enough understanding of the political process to feel comfortable exercising their right to vote.

For Hampton Roads teens, the WHRO Center for Regional Citizenship has a campaign encouraging more informed, active political participation.

WHRO’s Be There, Be Counted Web site, www.betherebecounted.org , offers up-to-date election information and interactive tools with a special focus on young citizens. The initiative reaches out to empower young people to play a more active and meaningful role in the political process.

“I believe that young citizens want to have a voice in their communities,” said Kelly Jackson, WHRO’s director of the Center for Regional Citizenship.

“They want to feel valued and to make a difference. Millennials outshine their elders in nonpolitical volunteering. It can be argued, however, that while record numbers of young people are volunteering to work in soup kitchens or be involved in Habitat for Humanity, they are not necessarily connecting that activity with the understanding or action needed to eliminate the causes of homelessness. They don’t trust partisan politics and don’t feel empowered to affect their government.”

Jackson encourages young people to visit the Web site to gain a deeper understanding of the candidates.

“There are interactive elections tools that include the candidates’ views on major issues and an interactive election map that provides information specific to each state,” Jackson said.

“Young citizens get their information through Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and late-night comedy shows like 'The Daily Show.’ For them it’s comfortable, it’s hip and they are instantly part of the democratic process.”

So with just two weeks to go before the election, there is still time for teen voters to research the candidates. Then I hope they will embrace the opportunity and make the most important decision they can that day – to go to the polls and cast their ballots. Because if we as 18-year-olds want to see changes and be taken more seriously, it is our responsibility to do our civic duty and exercise the right to vote.

Check out our improved Facebook app

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:43:09 EDT

We've improved our Facebook application - check it out! It links my.barackobama.com with your Facebook account, and lets you share stories with your friends. You can see what stories, speeches, and videos inspire your friends most to support Barack, and leave comments and rate what you think is best. There's even a tool to contact your Facebook friends in early voting states to encourage them to cast their ballot early for Barack. It's a great tool, and with over 95,000 active Facebook users in the last month, chances are someone you know is already using it.

Check it out here , and share it with your friends!

The Campus Coalition for Change Canvasses Bangor

Liz -Maine HQ — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT

With less than three weeks left, the Campus Coalition for Change is working every day to make sure Maine goes blue this November.

This weekend, students from across the state gathered at the Bangor Campaign for Change Office before heading out to canvass the local community.

Students from the University of Southern Maine, Bowdoin College, University of Maine-Farmington, Colby College, the College of the Atlantic, University of Maine-Orono, St. Joseph’s College, Husson College, Bates College, and University of Maine-Machias turned out to show their support.

Young people are playing an important role in the campaign, registering voters, holding Early Vote drives, knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to friends, parents, and grandparents about why they believe this year’s Democratic candidates are the best choice for their future.

The Campus Coalition for Change will be organizing on campuses throughout the state.

Join your local chapter here.

How Far We've Come

Josh at BC — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:27:51 EDT

This entire campaign, from a student's point of view, has been a three-step process. First, people who've worked their whole lives in politics have told us that students don't vote, they don't contribute money, they won't organize themselves and they're not worth a campaign's investment. Next, we've respectfully disagreed and, with the fantastic help and support of field organizers, youth vote directors, and national staff, built a nationwide organization of students working for change. Step three happened on a smaller level during the primaries, and if we all work hard, can finally take place nationwide on November 4th -- proving them wrong, once and for all.

Students from all 50 states have organized, fundraised, and worked for months and months for one reason -- we believe in Barack Obama. This video captures that spirit:

I also wanted to be sure to point out one part of David Plouffe's encouraging fundraising video, which was e-mailed out to supporters this morning. Plouffe emphasizes the amount of student givers, and towards the end of the video, they reveal how many students have given to this campaign:

128, 964.

College costs a lot of money. So do books, pizza, movies, and just about every other part of life on campus. The fact that 128,964 students have given to Barack Obama shows how hungry we are for change, and how important it is to invest in our future.

Keep up the good work. 16 days to go.

Drive for Change: Nashua, NH with Sen. John Kerry

Bradley Portnoy — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:58:00 EDT

It was a crisp New England morning in the parking lot of Hope High School, where nearly 200 volunteers met before sunrise to travel to New Hampshire. Spirits were high -- they knew that with only 17 days to go until the election, every hour counts in the battle to keep New Hampshire blue. Chaz traveled to Rhode Island from Mystic, Connecticut on the advice of a good friend.

I wanted to be part of the team - to help get out the vote for Barack because I know that New Hampshire is a crucial state.

Chaz was joined by Danielle, the co-president of the Salve Regina Democrats, and a native of Warwick, Rhode Island. After starting Salve's chapter of the college Democrats last Spring, she knew that it was important for them to come out and work for the change we need in New Hampshire.

We know that Rhode Island is a blue state, and we know that New Hampshire is at stake. We had a bunch of us that had fire in our bellies, and said let's go up there and make a difference. We've been really fired up coming in this year, having Barack as our nominee and being able to do things like this.

After spending the morning knocking on thousands of doors, the Rhode Island volunteers met up with volunteers from across the Northeast at the Nashua field office to hear some words from Congressman Paul Hodes and Senator John Kerry.

Congressman Hodes spoke to the crowd about the importance of canvassing: "Every single contact that you have will make the difference in this race...we're counting on you to help turn America around." Senator Kerry spoke about the power of persuasion that person to person contact carries.

We need every single one of you to use every ounce of your persuasive power...when you do, you're going to make the difference of a lifetime. Let's go out and make the difference.

The volunteers then headed back out into the field -- they're only just now returning from their second round of canvassing. There are 17 days left before election day, and our battleground is expanding across the country. Even if you don't live in a battleground state, there's one within driving distance. Sign up today to drive for change to a nearby state - every single volunteer makes a difference.

Michelle Obama on Student Debt in Ft. Wayne, IN

Josh at BC — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:30:36 EDT

Michelle Obama spoke to an impressive crowd of supporters in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Wednesday. With the uncertain futures of America’s lending institutions looming over the political environment, Michelle talked about her and Barack’s own struggles with heavy debt from student loans:

She told about 1,000 people at the Grand Wayne Convention Center that she and her husband had large student loan debts after attending college. She said she believed the economic policies of the Bush administration had threatened the country’s middle class.

Barack Obama gets it. He gets it because he’s lived it. Don’t we want someone in the White House who knows what it’s like to carry a little debt?

Like Barack and Michelle, we live with the realities and responsibilities of student debt, but we deserve a real commitment, and real leadership from Washington to help ease our burden. Senator Obama has demonstrated his priorities in his plan to make college affordable for every student.

Toward the end of her remarks, Michelle encouraged supporters to volunteer their time and efforts in the final push toward November 4th, and to take advantage of early voting in the state, to help avoid crowds and complications at the polls on Election Day. Remember, every vote in every state will make a difference, including yours.

Help turn Indiana blue. Join Indiana for Obama today, and pledge to vote early.

UR Votes Count: Obama wins teens' choice for next president

Amanda Scott — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:02:09 EDT

Considered by many to be the most important presidential election in the past 50 years, the upcoming election is top-of-mind for Americans – even for teens under the legal voting age. This summer General Growth Properties, with the help of Disney star Selena Gomez, gave teens a chance to make their voices heard through an innovative, nationwide campaign, UR Votes Count. The program provided teens an opportunity to vote on important, relevant topics, such as the economy, environment, healthcare, the Iraq war, Social Security, national security and education, as well as their choice for the next U.S. president.

After 150 malls, 42 states and six weeks, teens' choice for the next president of the United States was clear. Illinois Senator Barack Obama won by an overwhelming 62 percent. Arizona Senator John McCain captured 33 percent of the votes, with Bob Barr and Ralph Nader rounding out the vote at two and three percent respectively.

"It's incredible so many teens came out to vote and learn more about the issues facing our nation today," said Disney star Selena Gomez. "Thank you to General Growth Properties for providing teenagers, like me, the opportunity to have our voices heard. I'm so proud to have been able to lend a hand in helping to educate my peers and usher in this next generation of voters."

When it comes to important issues facing the nation, the environment and education are top-of-mind for teens. Seventy-seven percent of teens plan to attend college. However, student loans will affect their decision. Nearly half of 17-year-olds will select their college or university based on the potential amount of debt they might take on through loans. The environment also proved to be a key concern for teens. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) are partly basing their vote on a candidate's stance on the environment. More than half (59 percent) believe the government should take stronger action and pass laws directing citizens to become more "green."

"It's so important people vote. With all of the attention and excitement surrounding the upcoming presidential election, we knew this would be a great time to engage and educate teens on the political process," said Wally Brewster, senior vice president, Marketing & Communications, General Growth Properties. "It's essential teens know their vote counts and they are empowered to shape the world as they think it should be."

Rounding out the hot topics on the minds of America's future voters are the economy, Social Security, healthcare, the Patriot Act and the Iraq war. Not surprisingly, teens are very aware of today's challenging economy. Nearly 90 percent believe the current economy is affecting their daily life as a teenager and 44 percent think it will take more than two years for the economy to improve.

When it comes to Social Security, only 39 percent of teens believe it will be available for them when they reach retirement age. Approximately 65 percent think they will need to provide support to their parents if Social Security isn't available when their parents reach retirement age. As for healthcare, an overwhelming 79 percent of teens think the federal government should provide healthcare for citizens.

...When it comes to the Iraq war, teens firmly voice their choice – more than half believe the U.S. should begin troop withdrawal now.

For more information about program results, visit www.urvotescount.com.

IOWA IN THE NEWS: Energized E. Iowa youth nail down presidential pick

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:58:41 EDT

Early Voting is easy for college students in Iowa.
Click here to find your early voting location right now.

Young voters: You have our attention
By Samantha Miller
The Gazette

IOWA CITY — Four hundred and sixty-eight people, mostly University of Iowa students, lined up outside the early voting site in the Old Capitol Town Center on Monday.
Meanwhile, 218 people voted at Mayflower Residence Hall as a full schedule of daily satellite voting kicked off in Johnson County, the county Auditor’s Office reported.
A galvanized student population is demonstrating fervor rivaling what it showed during last year’s city election here, when a proposed 21-and-older bar ordinance was defeated, largely because of a passionate student voting base.
The Gazette interviewed 30 UI students leading up to tonight’s final presidential debate between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama and 29 people said they will vote in the Nov. 4 election. The who’s and whys, however, greatly varied.
“Obviously, since we’re the future generation, it’s our responsibility,” said freshman Marit Berg, 18, of Waukesha, Wis. Berg voted for Obama at the Old Capitol Town Center site.
Four of every five eligible voters ages 18 to 24 is registered to vote in Johnson County going into this week. They comprised 21,471 voters, up from 18,485, or 68.5 percent of the eligible 18- to 24year-olds, last year.
That’s a staggering number, even by standards in Johnson County, which has a liberal university town, where political activity usually is high and people are inundated by political commercials and brochures.
“It’s an interesting place,” said Lisa Allen, deputy auditor of elections in the county.
Interestingly, several students planning to vote still have not determined for whom. For many, the economy will be a main factor.
Freshman Seth Mosbrucker, 19, of Bettendorf, said, “I’m going to vote for the person who I think will best suit the economy right now.” He added, “I want my money.” UI freshman Maggie O’Brien, 18, of Crystal Lake, Ill., said she doesn’t feel she understands enough, especially economic issues, yet to make an informed decision.
“Right now I’m just trying to take everything into consideration so that I understand,” she said. “I just want to make sure I know everything.” Undecided Nick Westlund, a 19-year-old sophomore from Cedar Rapids, said, “I’m definitely trying to pay more attention this election, and that’s why I want to be sure I’m voting for someone who’s representing my ideas.” Obama supporters said he’ll bring change, though what that change represents varied among students.
Daniel Smith, 22, a Minden junior, said he wants to see change in the government.
Andrew Weber, 18, an Iowa City freshman, said Obama’s different from many politicians because “he’s not necessarily about America being the best, but about America trying to be a team player.”

Eva Longoria wants you to vote

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:40:51 EDT

It's something that guys dream about -- Eva Longoria, visiting their college campus, talking to them about how much they mean to her.

Last Saturday, it actually happened.

Eva, as well as actors Kal Penn and Adam Rodriguez, spent the day visiting college campuses around Colorado talking to students about their vital role in this election. The three started their day at Auraria campus where they spoke to several dozen students about the upcoming election and the importance of the youth vote.

Eva said:

People keep complaining about the government, complaining about Bush, complaining about the economy. But complaining is not going to change it -- only you are going to change it. Obama has said many, many time "change can not start at the top. It starts with us." That's the middle class, that's college students, that's you and you and you.

Colorado is a swing state. Colorado is one of the deciding states in this election. You don't want to be known as the state that lost hope for the rest of the country. You want to be the state that changed the face of the nation by standing up and showing up and saying 'no more, we want change.' The people who are going to bring change to this country are you.

The actors then traveled up to University of Northern Colorado, where a field filled with students listened as Adam Rodriguez from CSI Miami spoke to the crowd.

He said:

The biggest part of what makes mediums like Youtube and Facebook so powerful is their capacity to spread virally. And that's what you guys need to be today, you need to be the Facebooks and the Myspaces and the Youtubes once we leave here. You guys are the ones who want change and that's why you're here today. The important part is what you take from here and what you do after you leave here today. Let's spread this virally. Let's take this excitement we have, this opportunity to create change, and let's be a part of making that change -- this change that is going to carry us through the rest of our lives.

Here are some more photos from the actors' day in Colorado:

In case you missed it ... Michelle on The Daily Show

Josh at BC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:40:49 EDT

Michelle took the stage with Jon Stewart last night, and discussed how she evaluates Barack's decisions, the fact that it's been 20 months (!) already in this campaign, and how her role has grown and changed.

I really try to stay focused on what I see on the ground. We've spent this entire year with people saying, this couldn't happen. But when we've been in Iowa and New Hampshire, and we're out there with crowds of people, and that's the reality we've focused on. That's one of the things I've liked about Barack's campaign, he's always pushing for the decency that's there in Americans.

You can watch part one of the interview here, and part two here.

"Young Voters Could Be the Deciding Factor in Florida"

Amanda Scott — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:34:04 EDT

TIME has a great article on the importance of young voters in this election -- especially in battleground states such as Florida...

Throughout its rocky rise to becoming the nation's most crucial swing state, Florida has had one electoral constant: the battle for its prized 27 votes has centered on its politically motivated retirees and condo commandos. In fact, if there is any key state where Barack Obama's focus on the youth vote wouldn't seem to be much of an asset, it's Florida, where discussions of Social Security and Medicare have traditionally trumped all other issues. But the once easily pigeonholed demographics in the Sunshine State are changing, and many pundits say the 30-and-under crowd could turn out to be the decisive factor in this year's closely contested race.
...A recent Miami Herald poll has Obama well ahead of McCain among voters aged 18 to 34, 52% to 42%. "I'm betting young voters will make a big difference this time," says University of Florida political scientist Richard Scher. "The campaign in Florida is playing out as much on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter as it is on television."
The surge in voter registration in Florida also suggests younger people are becoming more politically involved. Through August, Florida had 10.6 million registered voters. That includes almost 450,000 who were added to the state's rolls this year — and among those, 252,000 registered as Democrats, while fewer than 100,000 are Republicans. No age breakdown is available, but election experts agree a majority of those new voters are under age 30. Zach Moller, a senior economics major and president of the University of Florida Democrats, says 2,500 UF students registered on campus on the first day of classes last month; that number has doubled since then and he expects it to have doubled again by the state's Oct. 6 deadline. The story is the same on other Florida campuses like the University of Central Florida, Florida State University and the University of Miami.
One reason for this heightened interest is the prevalence of issues that really engage younger voters, not just the Iraq War but eco-debates like whether or not to permit oil-drilling off Florida's coast. Bryan Griffin, 20, a junior classics/political science major and head of UF's Republicans, suggests young Floridians have begun to shift their focus from the beach to the ballot box. "There's a lessening of political apathy,"he says. "Florida kids have a lot of [recreational]distractions, but we're waking up now to the realization that we can make a difference in this state."
The deepening financial mess is another wake-up call, says Scher. It has rained down home foreclosures and other calamities on Florida, slapping the slack-jawed face of a youth cohort that until now had never experienced a downturn. During the extended Florida boom of the past two decades, says Scher, "young people here grew up thinking this state was always flush, always on the upswing. Now there's a sense that something is burning here." Moller says he's seeing more Florida college seniors moving toward the Democrats as a result. "I feel like my dad did when he graduated in 1976," during another period of economic malaise, he says. "We feel fairly sure we won't be able to get a job out of college."
...The Obama campaign, by contrast, has been tapping the power of the Internet since it began almost two years ago. Last month, when it wanted to alert backers at the University of Florida that Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker would be speaking on Obama's behalf on the sprawling Gainesville campus, it went to cyberspace instead of the quad. "The campaign texted us,"boasts Moller. "They also use Facebook a lot. They make the extra effort to connect with younger voters."
The question is whether this group — which always talks an idealistic game but tends to sleep in on election day — has gotten more serious about actually turning out to vote. More than 150,000 voters under age 30 voted in Florida's Democratic primary this year, despite the fact that Obama didn't even campaign there because the national party had ruled the election wouldn't count.
...Scher also notes that in a state where almost a fifth of the total electorate are independents, many of Florida's young voters have no party affiliation. That, he argues, makes them an even more important swing constituency. "Our generation doesn't like labels,"says Moller. "But I do think we're going to turn Florida from an independent state that votes Republican to one that votes Democrat."

Temple University students explain: "Why I registered to vote."

Kevin Hartnett — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:39:23 EDT

The voter registration deadline passed in Pennsylvania on Monday, but before it did the Campaign for Change together with Democrats around the state accomplished something historic. There are now 1.1 million more registered Democrats in Pennsylvania than registered Republicans. It is the biggest edge the Democrats have ever had in Pennsylvania, and both a reaction against the wayward leadership of the last eight years and validation of the promise of change offered by Barack Obama.

To commemorate their status as newly registered voters, students at Temple University got together with a life-size cut out of our favorite politician and held signs explaining why, to them, this election was simply too important not to be involved.

Michelle Obama on the Daily Show Wednesday!

Josh at BC — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:48:42 EDT

No matter where you get your news, you have to respect the comic genius of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Barack Obama has turned in some memorable performances on the show, and this Wednesday, for the first time ever, Michelle Obama will appear. Here's the info:

Michelle Obama will appear as a guest on the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" on Wednesday, October 8 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT), the night after attending the second presidential debate at Belmont University, Nashville, TN. This marks Obama's first visit to "The Daily Show." Her husband, Senator Barack Obama, has appeared on the show three times, most recently on April 21 on the eve on the Pennsylvania Primary. The Democratic nominee for President of the United States also appeared on August 22, 2007 and November 7, 2005.

Tune in and tell your friends!

Fight for Knocks: High Schoolers Compete in Canvassing Contest

Elizabeth Kim — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:41:06 EDT

Not all high school competitions play out on the athletic field. Silverado, Basic, Green Valley, Coronado, and Del Sol students are pitting their teams of student canvassers against each other in a three-week-long contest to see which school can knock on more doors for Barack Obama's campaign. Today an organizational meeting with representatives from each school was followed by a neighborhood canvass.

The whole thing started with the campaign's school outreach program. After an organizer gave a talk at Silverado's Democratic Club, Michelle, 17, decided it was time to take action. The next weekend she stopped by the Southeast Las Vegas field office and met with some of the staff. "We came up with the idea and ran with it," she said. They first thought of doing a canvass competition between football rivals Silverado and Green Valley. But after a teacher from Basic had a campaign representative speak at her class, over 20 of her students ended up joining the competition.

Click Here to Continue Reading...

Deadline: Register to Vote Today

Amanda Scott — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:17:33 EDT

Monday, October 6th is the deadline to register in 17 states.

No matter where you live, if you have three minutes to spare, you can check your registration status, register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and find your early voting site or polling location at VoteForChange.com.

In 2004, George Bush won Nevada by less than 2.5% of voters, New Mexico by less than 1% of voters, and Colorado by less than 100,000 votes. In Ohio, Bush won by just over 100,000 votes -- less than 10 votes per precinct.

This time, we can't leave anything to chance.

This is your choice: three minutes spent registering to vote -- or four years spent wishing that you had.

Even if you are registered, you likely know someone who isn't.

If you have friends or family who support Barack but might not be registered to vote, you can use our online form to let them know about VoteForChange.com. A simple message from you could be the difference between them voting and them staying at home on November 4th.

And that could be the difference in this election.

Get Out The Vote Training With Students For Barack Obama

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:46:15 EDT

This afternoon across all corners of the Badger State, the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin conducted trainings to prepare for election day on November 4th. With volunteers showing up in all around the state to learn how to motivate identified Obama supporters and get them to the polls, there were trainings on how to prepare for every possible condition that would face these volunteers come November 4th.

In Madison, Wi, while many were preparing for the Big Ten rival matchup between the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State, over fifty students cramped into an office building basement to learn how they could successfully manage the front lines for this movement for change on election day. After a an introduction by the campaign's youth vote director, Ally Carragher, who spoke about the importance of preparing one month in advance for every conceivable and extraordinary measure that may face these young community organizers, they got down to business.

This election has succeded in the primaries and will succeed here in the general election by expanding the electorate and changing the political map that has dominated American politics in recent memory. Through voter registration and persuading undecided voters to look at Barack's unique position that affords him support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents; these students learned today about how to come together behind a common purpose and empower eachother to take control of this movement for change.

With only thirty days to go our time is now.

Get started with our online Neighbor to Neighbor voter contact tool here.

Game Day in Madison: Badgers vs. Ohio State

Ian Jungbacker — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:46:02 EDT

Kick-off for one of the biggest football games of the year is less than an hour from now, but as anyone who has followed Wisconsin football knows game day starts hours before the team takes the field.

Especially when Big Ten rival Ohio State comes to Madison.

Members of the UW chapter of Students for Barack Obama spent a gorgeous afternoon registering voters around Camp Randall Stadium and spreading Barack's meassage of change to the Badger faithful -- and while they had tremendous success registering first-time voters and students who moved at the beginning of the school year.

Since Camp Randall was covered, we decided to take a look around the nighborhood to take in the sights and sound of one of the best tail-gating experiences in American sports and see if we could find some support for Barack.

Have a look at some scenes from the day in Madison below...

Go Badgers!

Hoos for Obama in Charlottesville, VA

Josh at BC — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:42:26 EDT

It's always tough to tell what will motivate students. Free pizza is always a good start, and free t-shirts are even better. But every once in a while, students get motivated by a cause or a speaker who connects with them.

Students at the University of Virginia were recently pumped up by a visit from Michelle Obama. Their chapter president was inspired to write up what the UVA chapter has been doing, and the general feeling around the campaign in Charlottesville. Every student should read this and take notes -- this is how we're going to elect Barack Obama on November 4th.

Conference calls, high profile speakers, hours of data entry, piles of voter registration forms, difficult media, and a bustling office are all parts of the robust presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama in the critical swing state of Virginia. They are also integral parts of the lives of students who are running the Obama campaign at the University of Virginia out of the campaign office just steps away from campus.
            The Obama campaign not only believes in the ability of young voters to change the outcome of this election by voting, they are also entrusting those same young voters to make sure their peers are registered and vote on election day. There is certainly oversight from staffers who work for the campaign, but for the most part the election at the University of Virginia is being run for students by students.
            The office which opened in early September is nearly exclusively staffed by student volunteers who do the nuts and bolts work of a campaign from getting people absentee ballot forms to spinning the school newspaper to write a positive article about the campaign. A dedicated core group of students spends much of their free time working from the office while also empowering hundreds of their fellow students to register their friends, neighbors, and classmates. Most of theses students are still attending school and have to balance long nights working at the office with early classes in the morning.
            As President of Hoos for Obama (Hoos is the unofficial mascot of the University of Virginia), I am proud of all the work that we are all doing at the Obama office. We have been able to set up a Dorm Captain program in which we have students in nearly every dorm and apartment registering students to vote. We have a similar program in classrooms along with Sororities and Fraternities. To date we have registered more than 1500 students to vote, but there is still much work to be done.
            What the Obama campaign has done with students at the University of Virginia is indicative of what they are doing across the nation. This campaign is not only about winning an election or electing a candidate, it is empowering ordinary Americans to get involved in their own political process.
Many campaigns in the past have paid lip service to getting young people involved in presidential politics, but have failed to make a legitimate effort. However, the Obama office at the University of Virginia shows the dedication of both students and the campaign make this year different. Regardless if young people actually make the difference on November 4, this election will be looked back upon as a defining moment in American history in which young people finally got involved in their democracy.

The deadline to register to vote in Virginia is October 6th. With the help of hard-working chapters like UVA, we'll be able to turn Virginia blue -- so join Virginia for Obama today!

Wisconsin Youth Tour Spreads Message of Change

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:27:18 EDT

Over the course of two days and across seven colleges and one campaign sponsored high school night, Adam Brody and Joy Bryant spread the word to Wisconsin students about the importance of voting in this years election and why they support Barack Obama. Brody, best known for his role as Seth Cohen on "The O.C.", and Bryant, an actress and model who has been seen in Blockbusters Spiderman - 2 and Bobby, both felt an urgency to get involved with this particular campaign and lend their support to the grassroots movement for change that inspired them.

Speaking in front of hundreds of college students at each location through the tour Bryant shared how she was:

"moved by Barack's choice to pass up jobs that could have made him very wealthy in order to go to the south side of Chicago and organize communities that were suffering. He made a sacrifice and has shown judgment that I would want in my President."

Brody, who initally was a leaning towards Hillary Clinton but was content to let Barack and her "fight it out in the primaries", was convinced that Barack was the right choice when he watched his convention speech. Spending convention week watching the coverage proved to Brody that Barack was a good choice and:

"the change we need...clearly Barack is smart and we have seen what picking the less intelligent guy has gotten us the last eight years so maybe it's time we pick the candidate who is more intelligent to lead. I mean I look at it as who would you want performing surgery on your children...I think it's clear you want the smarter guy."

From Milwaukee to De Pere to Appleton on the first day and Oshkosh to Stevens Point and ending in Madison on the second day, Brody and Bryant were met with large crowds and enthusiastic young voters. Claire in Appleton stated:

"I came out to see what these celebrities thought. I mean, I am registered to vote but I have been undecided and it was interesting to hear what they thought. The fact that they would take time away from their lives to come here is pretty amazing. It shows that they care."

After starting the first day at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Brody and Bryant made their way to Marquette University where after speaking about "the importance of getting it right this time", they posed for pictures with the students and even sat down with the school television station for interviews. In De Pere at a local coffee shop, Cafe Luna, they were met by a crowd from local St. Norbert College that was so large the traveling crew of campaign staffers and volunteers who hosted the event had to wait outside as Brody and Bryant fielded qustions to a packed house.

"I am here because I support Barack Obama but it's amazing to have them(Adam and Joy) coming to De Pere...I just turned 18 and can't wait to vote, I'm not volunteering but maybe I will...this election is important"

These the words of Stacey in De Pere. This bolstered the decision by Brody and Bryant to hit the road for Barack. As Adam stated during each rally,

"I wish I didn't have to do this. I wish it was easier and people would see it...but I do have to do it and I choose to do it because this election is too important and our country's future is at stake."

However, the fact that they have chosen to do this shows the extension into every corner of this country the grassroots movement for change has had. People from all walks of life have been moved to stand up for change and take action towards making it happen. It is the taking action that builds momentum in every community and Barack has said "this election has never been about me, it's been about you." It's up to us and young Americans are rising to the challenge.

Join Students for Barack Obama here.

Introducing the Obama 08 iPhone App

Scott Goodstein — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:15:18 EDT

With only 33 days left, it's more important than ever to call your friends and family to make sure they are registered and voting for Barack. We are excited to announce another way to help you organize your personal contacts and ask them to "get out and vote."

Today, we are launching an official iPhone Application, a free download for iPhone and iPod Touch users. This tool is designed to help you become more directly involved in our campaign to change our country.

The application has a "Call Your Friends" tool that helps you organize your contacts by key battleground states -- a feature we're hoping will generate thousands of additional personal contacts. You can also easily mark reminder notes to yourself on which friends you have called, who they are supporting and who wants a reminder call on Election Day. The information does not leave your phone (so your friends' and your own privacy are protected) but the total amount of calls the application makes are tallied, so you can keep track of your progress as we close in on November 4th.

The Obama 08 application also includes a tool to make it easy to find your local campaign office. Using your phone's current location, you can easily find a field office anywhere in the country (and even find directions to it using the mapping function).

Other features of the application include up to date news from the campaign, video, photos, and all of the issue information needed to use as talking points with your friends when convincing them to register and vote!

Please tell your iPhone users (and iPod Touch users) to download this app today. You can download the application here.

And all mobile users you can get news, updates, videos and more on your phone by texting SITE to 62262 to view our mobile WAP page.

Today in La Crosse: First in Line: Joe, Marques, Vanesssa, DeAndre and Sean from UW-L

Ian Jungbacker — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:04:25 EDT

It's hard to say exactly just when today's amazing rally in La Crosse actually started.

Technically speaking, the gates were to open at 8:00 a.m. this morning - but for a few UW-La Crosse students the rally start at 8:00 p.m. the evening before.

From left to right: Marques from Milwaukee; Joe from St. Paul, MN; Vanessa from Milwaukee; and Sean from Madison. Far Right: DeAndre from Milwaukee

A small group of students were so excited to see Barack in their neighborhood that they spent the night waiting in line to guarantee a great place to see the rally. Each of them had their own reasons: DeAndre wanted to witness history and Sean admitted through a smile that he was also motivated by earning the bragging rights of the first in line.

And all of the students - to a person - seconded their friend Joe's comment: "This is something we believe in. We believe Barack can make some great changes in this country. We wouldn't be sleeping on the concrete if we didn't think he could."

For all but one of the students this was going to be their first Obama event -- Vanessa actually got to see Barack this summer while she was studying abroad in Berlin!

So what kinds of change are these young voters looking for?

"Jobs," said Joe. "I want to know that I'm going to have a job after college."

"I want to know when higher education is going to be a right and not a privilege," Marques added.

"And health care!" DeAndre let out - while Sean gentled jostled a left arm in a sling.

Spokesman-Recorder: Obama campaign attracts committed young voters

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:02:11 EDT

The Minnestoa Spokesman-Recorder sat down with Dominick Washington, the Obama campaign's Minnesota Political Director, to talk about the importance of young people to our grassroots movement for change:

The Barack Obama presidential campaign is setting records in promoting grassroots participation and involvement in the political process. The early caucus and primary attendances were formidable throughout the country. Some polling places reported having run out of ballots and turning people away.

It has even given rise to discussion regarding the extension of voting time on a national scale. It can hardly be denied that much of the voting increase was attributable to the abundance of young and other first-time voters stimulated by the Barack Obama campaign.

Obama’s overnight rise to popularity and appeal among the young has not been seen in American politics since the early sixties when “Clean Gene” McCarthy and his young college followers successfully forced Lyndon Johnson to abandon seeking a second term in the White House. The difference in those incidents and now is that McCarthy’s rise was primarily an East Coast phenomenon, whereas the Obama surge has targeted all 50 states. It has not just singled out certain “battleground” states or large metropolitan areas.

Minnesota is a good example. It has only 10 electoral votes to offer, yet the Obama people have seen fit to place 13 offices in the state, each equipped with a well-oiled cadre of operational staff. The offices are located strategically throughout the state.

These offices serve as gathering points for recruiting volunteers who fan out to spread the word of the Obama renaissance. According to Dominick Washington, political director of Obama’s Minnesota campaign, there are at present some 10,000 active Obama campaign volunteers in the state, and the count is growing daily.

Washington himself is an interesting study of the Obama lure for young people. He might even be considered typical of the group.

He is a college-educated young man whose wife is expecting their first child within three months. (He is sure that it will be a girl and has a name already picked for her.) Yet he quit his comfortable job in the corporate world, sustaining a considerable monetary loss, to join the Obama troop because he felt that he could make a contribution. And, he feels a sense of pride for having made the transition.

As political director, Washington’s job primarily entails enlisting the support of certain groups or categories of peoples such as Hispanics, African Americans, Latinos, fraternal groups and veteran’s groups. When asked how he could expect support from veteran’s groups when the opposition is a veteran hero who was a prisoner of war for several years, Washington’s reply was sharp:
“Indeed we do get help from veterans. They admire McCain for his Air Force service but damn him for his record in Congress. He has voted against many veteran bills. There is an organized group that we work closely with called Minnesota Veterans for Obama.”

Washington acknowledges that his job has been made harder by the emergence of Sarah Palin as McCain’s running mate, but he says that overall her presence does not represent any permanent danger for the campaign. He says that the bulk of her support is coming from the socially conservative faction of the party that has been displeased with McCain as the nominee selection and probably would not have voted at all if someone of her ilk had not been chosen to run with him.

“Furthermore,” he stated emphatically, “we are not building just for this election; we are building with grassroots people of all persuasions to create a better America.” Something in the tone of his voice convincingly conveyed the sincerity of his belief.

Asked how he reconciles the fact that a recent Star Tribune poll shows McCain and Obama tied in the state, Washington gave little credence to the findings of those polls. He did acknowledge that there had been some movement in polls since the RNC convention was held here in Minnesota and the exposure of the Sarah Palin phenomena.

“Furthermore, polls are indications of a point in time,” he said. “That survey was taken during the height of the RNC convention. If the polling were taken today, I’m sure the results would be different.”

A little more about Dominick Washington, since he is destined to be much of the Obama brain trust in the state until the election: He is an upper-Midwesterner by birth — born, reared and educated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His parents had migrated from rural Mississippi in the early ’70s. He attributes his educational ambition and desire to be a part of public discourse to his great aunt’s influence. She was a teacher who in the ’60s worked with the likes of Medgar Evers in the Civil Rights Movement.

An opportunity to work as an assistant in the Washington, D.C., office of Senator Tom Daschel, Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota, was another force that drew Dominick Washington into the public service sector. He was with the office during the 9/11 disaster as well as during the period of the anthrax scare. In fact, he says that he had an assignment in the White House during the 9/11 incident and was exposed to the upheaval that it created.

Washington seems to think that out-state and rural Minnesota is proving to be not as difficult in the selling of Obama as one might think. With a few notable exceptions, he and much of his cadre are finding that for the most part those people who have not been exposed to diversity are more concerned with a candidate’s political philosophy than the color of his skin.

“There are exceptions,” he hastened to add, “but I don’t think that [such exceptions] are as prevalent as in the larger cities.”

His undying confidence in the inevitability of Obama becoming the next president on November 4 may be a job prerequisite, but Washington is as certain of success as he is of the changing of the seasons, both in Minnesota and nationally. “There isn’t an iota of doubt in my mind,” he stated.

Campaign for Change Office Profile - Madison, WI Student HQ

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:45:07 EDT

Madison - Last week in Madison the Campaign for Change student headquarters for University of Wisconsin - Madison opened its doors. A hub of activity all week long, the office is home to two CFC Field Organizers, one College Student Coordinator, one High School Student Coordinator, and many volunteers. If you visited the office last week you may have experienced their opening party, or phone banked Tuesday on high school night, or maybe you were part of the student canvassing efforts that went on all week.

Youth involvement has been important to the success of this campaign since the beginning. In Iowa it was the students who came out at the same rate as senior citizens to Caucus for Barack Obama. During the months following Barack's early victories in Iowa and South Carolina, the campaign saw droves of young people leaving their jobs and putting their lives on hold to join the movement for change. This has created a new political generation that has been empowered by Barack's message; who have proven the cynics wrong with their message of substantive change.

Here in Madison it is no different. The office at 216 N Henry St, is a beacon of the change that is growing from the bottom up on a grassroots level and being led by people who are new to the political process or coming back to it after a long time away. To get involved with the student organizing at the Madison Student Headquarters visit the office on Henry Street and join this historical movement for change.

Even if you have not been involved before, that's ok, the students and staff at the Madison office will provide you with everything you need to be successful. With less than forty days to go, our sense of urgency has never been greater.

Check out these photos from the office opening party:

Feeling the fierce urgency of now?

Get involved now - Find a Local Office - Make Phone Calls - Go Door to Door

Students React to Last Night's Debate

Josh at BC — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:53:05 EDT

The New York Times recruited student reporters from colleges and universities across the country to report on student reaction to last night's debate. The reviews are in: Senator Obama's message of change, relief to middle class families, and a smart foreign policy continues to resonate with young people.

I'll let them explain why. Here's some reaction from Zach Aman at the Colorado School of Mines:

A massive group of students concluded that “Obama definitely won that debate."

The general consensus is that Obama sounded more “balanced,” with a “wider” and “broader” view of the situation.

Obama’s advice seems to resonate with the libertarians at the Colorado School of Mines; if you’re going to give money to the corporations, the federal government must be accountable to the taxpayers. The ideas of “eliminating golden parachutes” and ensuring responsible oversight are essentials.

Genny McLaren, California State University-Chico:

Students liked that Obama said that dependency on oil and whether peak oil is coming in the next 20 or hundred years, we need a plan now and need to address foreign issues that have to do with specifically with foreign oil use. That is
something that the current administration has failed to do.

Dan Petty, University of Richmond:

Our newspaper just finished a three-day survey of 350 undergraduate students on campus (about 3,000 total). We’ve got a diverse representation of opinion. 71 percent of respondents said they were absolutely certain to vote in November. 52 percent said if the election were held today, they’d vote for Obama, 32 percent said McCain, 17 percent were undecided.

Katelyn Polantz, University of Pittsburgh:

“We’re less respected now,” Obama said. How true. Last year, I spent a semester in London at a program hosting students from Pitt and a few other schools. When we arrived, we were warned how closely Europeans and Britons, specifically, follow American foreign policy and politics. We were often approached by Londoners in casual conversation about how we felt about the United States’ actions abroad and how we felt about the current administration. And generally, we hadn’t often met too many Europeans who were in favor of recent foreign policy — some Europeans were even hostile to my fellow students purely because of our Americanism . . . Obama’s image abroad, as evidenced by his tour this summer, couldn’t hurt.

Jeffrey Riley, University of Central Florida:

I believe that Obama’s concern for “middle America,” not only on how the American economy will effect them through changes in taxing, but inversely how America’s foreign policy abroad ends up effecting them, will greatly resonate with the students at UCF.

Ellis Smith, University of West Georgia, Carrolton:

People are really responding positively to Obama’s “This idea that by not talking to people we’re punishing them is silly."

What came through most clearly in these reactions is that students all across the country are hungry for specific proposals from the candidates to address our future. Senator Obama was clear, composed, and detailed in his vision for America last night.

You can learn more about Senator Obama's positions here, and register to vote or request an absentee ballot at voteforchange.com -- tell your friends!

Students for Barack Obama: Elizabeth Levine

Ian Jungbacker — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:52:24 EDT

The Isthmus has a great article about Elizabeth Levine, one of the all-star interns in the Madison who has been working tirelessly for the campaign:

Elizabeth Levine spends almost every waking moment outside of class at the Madison Field Headquarters of Barack Obama's campaign. Though she's too young to vote, she sees it as a way to make a real difference.

"A lot of people feel like very small fish in a very big pond," says Levine, 17, a senior at West High. "It's not just the people on top that can make a difference."

Levine is one of dozens of Madison high school students actively engaged in Obama's statewide Campaign for Change. She works as an unpaid intern, through a program run by the campaign for high school and college students. Collectively, they make the Monroe Street campaign office ground zero for one of the most youth-centric campaigns this state has ever seen.

This fall, high school students from throughout the Madison area are devoting at least 15 hours each week -- and some considerably more -- to Obama's Wisconsin campaign. Nationally, Obama's campaign cites as one of its goals to support "a new generation of leadership that believes, like Sen. Obama, that real change comes from the ground up."

More after the jump...

Read More!

BBQ for Barack: Michael's Story

Illinois from Chicago, IL — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:20:26 EDT

This is Michael's story. He attended a Barbecue for Barack event at Northwestern University:

It was a Monday evening on a college campus. The football game would be on in a couple hours, the barbecue was fired up and the burgers were cooking. However, the people congregating at the picnic tables weren't discussing the Chargers versus the Jets. They weren't focused on the busy first day of classes looming tomorrow. Instead, they were discussing something far more important and intriguing: their future and each other.

On Monday, Northwestern University students congregated around four picnic tables and two grills for a "BBQ for Barack". Almost 300 students showed up to find out more about the campaign and what they could do to help (and of course free burgers!). While the event, hosted by Northwestern University Students for Barack Obama and College Democrats, was designed to raise awareness about the organizations, it also raised awareness about the students themselves. Alison, a junior from Coconut Creek, FL, felt that "everyone's pretty enthusiastic. It's really cool to actually see people out here wanting to do something!"

In a college student's daily discussions, politics has difficulty getting the same play time as classes, parties and how unfair it is that all the freshmen get wireless in their dorms. However, this gathering clearly showed that there is a crowd that wants to discuss the issues that are important and relevant to the world outside campus life. Jacob, a senior from San Francisco, said there were "lots of familiar faces that you wouldn't expect to see here. It's always nice to see young faces, people my own age, interested." And many of these students were far more than just interested. Approximately 140 students pledged to travel to Iowa with the campaign at least once, with more than 80 planning on going this Saturday.

NU students have often complained of political apathy on campus. This election, this candidate and this message have changed that. Today's students are finding their voices and using them to declare the need for change in this country. Thousands of students across the country are sacrificing their time, a precious commodity in college, to help the campaign that has inspired millions. Anyone wanting to see the hope in Barack Obama's campaign need only look out at that crowd of students and find inspiration.

If you're a college student who wants to get more involved, check out your school's Students for Barack Obama chapter -- or start one of your own! And sign up for canvass trips if you have a free Saturday or Sunday.

Have you hosted or attended a cool event for Barack? Share your story in the comments.

Don't Get Mad. Get Registered.

Josh at BC — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:31:37 EDT

College students are understandably worried right now by the state of the economy. Seniors (like me) are certainly troubled by job prospects after graduation. What happens on November 4th is going to affect all of our futures – young and old – but for young people, it seems especially urgent. The economic turmoil this week has made it even clearer that we need to get to the polls on Election Day and vote for Barack Obama.

Thankfully for students, the website voteforchange.com makes it easy to register and work out all the details of an absentee ballot application. Our job as students is not only to register ourselves, but also to make sure that all our friends know about voteforchange.com.

The Obama campaign is helping by launching an ad campaign in college newspapers. One target is North Carolina’s “Research Triangle,” where ads for voteforchange.com have been running in Durham’s The Independent and UNC-Chapel Hill’s The Daily Tar Heel. The ads address energy with a quote by a student named Josie K:

I registered because the future won't run on oil.

Barack Obama will be in Greensboro, North Carolina at the Washington Street in front of the J. Douglas Galyon Depot on Saturday. Doors open at 10AM, and the event begins at 12:15PM. This campaign is doing everything it can to win the state of North Carolina, and with the help of young people and students who use voteforchange.com, we can do it.

You can join North Carolina Students for Obama here, and sign up for school-specific text message updates. Don’t get mad, get registered – and register your friends.

Day of Action: Students Take the Lead

John Schueler — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:27:59 EDT

Today, students across the state of Missouri marked the looming voter registration deadline by staging massive registration efforts. At University of Missouri alone, over 150 students have volunteered their time to making sure that their peers have their voice heard on November 4th. Thus far they have registered over 500 people today alone.

Remember, the registration deadline in Missouri is 10/08/08 (October 8th). If you're not registered, have recently moved or just want to check your status, visit voteforchange.com for all the resources and answers you might need. If you're a student looking to get active, become a part of Students for Obama today and start impacting change on your campus.

Making Higher Education Accessible to All Americans

Molly Claflin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:43:52 EDT

"There’s only one candidate who is looking at how we make college affordable for every single child in this nation..." -- Michelle Obama, September 22, 2008

On Monday morning, Michelle Obama hosted a conference call with college newspapers across the country to discuss the Obama-Biden plan for higher education and the importance of the youth vote. You can read more about her statements and see what students at the University of Colorado thought of the Obama-Biden plan.

We were planning to compare the Obama-Biden plan with John McCain’s plan for higher education, but he doesn’t seem to have much of one. His stated plan would seek to simplify the application process for existing tax benefits and financial aid, but offers no new aid proposals or plans to make college more affordable. The Colorado Daily reported that, when contacted yesterday, "McCain campaign officials declined to discuss their candidate's stance on higher-ed issues."

That’s definitely not the change we need.

In today’s economy, a college education is more important than ever. College trains the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow, and can get today’s young people on track for achieving their own American dreams.

That’s why Barack Obama and Joe Biden have proposed creating new programs to make college more affordable for every student.

The Obama-Biden plan creates a universal and fully-refundable $4,000 Opportunity Tax Credit. This credit will cover two-thirds the cost of college tuition at the average public state university and make community college almost free for most students. In exchange for the tax credit, students would be required to contribute 100 hours of community service. In this way, the Obama-Biden plan ensures that not only do American students get a great education, they will also learn the value of serving their community.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden will also streamline the financial aid process, removing key hurdles that keep students from the aid they need. Instead of filling out a cumbersome federal financial aid form, parents would simply be able to check a box on their tax forms authorizing their tax information be used to apply for financial aid.

Obama-Biden also plan to make college more affordable by expanding Pell grants for low-income students and ensuring that Pell grants keep up with the rising costs of college inflation.

Read more about the Obama-Biden plan to make college a reality for all American students...

MSU Takes back Lead From U of M in The Gridiron Challenge

Josh In Michigan — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:45:13 EDT

MSU has re-taken the lead in the highly contested Gridiron Challenge from U of M. With only 12 Days Left to Register Voters in Michigan MSU has a 1 game lead.

JOIN YOUR SCHOOLS STUDENTS FOR OBAMA PROGRAM

AND HELP MAKE BARACK OBAMA OUR NEXT PRESIDENT

Michelle Obama Talks About Students

Amanda Scott — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:29:56 EDT

After writing her note about registering to vote yesterday, Michelle Obama spent her day promoting encouraging students and youth to get involved in the campaign and make a difference this November. Newspapers from across the country showcase Barack's plan for higher education today.

Here are just some of the many news clips...

From the Badger Herald:

Michelle Obama reached out to women and students of Madison Monday, encouraging them to register their friends and take them to the polls to vote for her husband, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, on Election Day.

...“We’re going to need...young people continuing the kind of hard work that has gotten us to this point,” Obama said. “The first thing we’re going to have to do is get people registered. That is the first step to change — it’s simple.”

...Obama also said the nation’s young people have been the “backbone” of the campaign, and they possess the ability to change “the whole outcome of this election.”

Obama said she and her husband were “blessed and grateful” to be able to earn both undergraduate and law degrees and understand the challenge of paying for higher education.

“We are grateful for having the opportunity to move from a working class family to corporate degrees with decent salaries, which we feel blessed,” Obama said. “But that education came at a cost,” adding she and her husband have only recently paid off their student loans.

“There’s only one candidate who is looking at how do we make college affordable for every single child in this nation, regardless of their ability to pay,” Obama said.

From The Post:

Calling the next presidential election the “difference between war and peace,” Michelle Obama urged young people to educate themselves about political candidates and vote, during a conference call yesterday.

“Young people will be dealing with the effects of this election for the rest of their lives,” Obama said. “A lot of campaigns haven’t taken students seriously. This year we’re going to turn that trend around.”

Obama said that the upcoming election will affect students directly because students in the U.S. now face an average of $22,000 in student-loan debts after college and that the average age of a wounded or killed soldier in Iraq is 21.

“The election will have enormous consequences and could determine the course of an entire generation,” she said.

From the Minnesota Daily:

The youngest set of voters has already been active this election season.

But for that to really count, they need to stay involved until Nov. 4 , when ballots are cast, first lady hopeful Michelle Obama said in a Monday morning conference call.

“The choice that America makes on Nov. 4 will have an enormous consequence for our country, and for the world,” she said. “This election is going to determine the course of an entire generation.”

...Obama said young voters, notoriously absent on Election Day, need to show up and vote for what they believe in — regardless of which box ends up checked on the ballot.

“If young Americans want to have a say in what the future looks like, then they need to make their voices heard, and do it now, and declare their values and their priorities with their actions on Nov. 4,” she said. “But in the past, too many have decided to remain silent.”

Obama listed growing unemployment rates, high student debt loads and a struggling economy as issues concerning young people.

She said her husband plans to address those issues should he make it to the White House, and referred to his commitment as a senator to expanding federal Pell Grant availability.

As president, she said, he’d ensure grant money keeps pace with the rising cost of college.

To keep young people active in the voting process, the Obama campaign recently launched a website aimed at registering voters and educating them about the election process.

From the State News:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has focused on the youth vote during his campaign, and his wife, Michelle, is doing the same.

Michelle Obama talked to college journalists Monday via a conference call about issues that concern young voters, such as health care, the economy and energy.

...The average college student is weighed down by almost $22,000 in student loans. That’s on average. Barack and I have experienced that as well because we just paid down our student loans. We were in debt to that tune even greater. Our country is facing high unemployment rates on top of it. And the bad news on the economy keeps coming. It’s getting harder for recent graduates to find jobs that pay a good enough wage to help cover the debt that they’re all coming out with.

...No matter who your readers support, I said in this race we need folks to register to vote, to make their voices heard. Young people have already made a huge difference in this election and they can determine the outcome on Nov. 4, but only if they speak out, only if they get involved, only if they register to vote.

From the Rocky Mountain Collegian:

...Fresh off a rally event supporting Sen. Obama's campaign in Madison, Wis., yesterday, Michelle Obama said "couple thousand" young people in the crowd reflected the significance of the youth vote this election.

"It's important to note that young people have had a huge impact on how far this campaign has come," she said. "… I think that young people have really found their voice in this campaign, and I think that they see the future in this candidate. Many young people have left their schools, their jobs, they're sleeping on floors, they've been traveling around the country for 19 months (to follow the Obama campaign) because they know what's at stake."

Obama spoke of her amazement at the amount of young students actively participating in the political process thus far, but also cited 2004 statistics that show only half of all young people who were eligible to vote registered, and of those registered, only 20 percent showed up to the polls.

"But this year," she said, "we've got to turn that trend around, and I think we're doing that. Young folks know as well as anyone why this election matters, and many have already experienced how the choices made in Washington have everyday impacts on your daily lives."

From the Daily Evergreen:

More than 10 million young people failed to voice their opinion in the presidential election in 2004.

The Obama campaign has made it a priority to reverse the trend.

Michelle Obama held a conference call for college newspapers Monday morning, with the hope of relaying the importance of voting and higher education issues. The wife of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama spoke to reporters and college students across America from the University of Wisconsin.

... “This election is going to determine the course of an entire generation, and if not this one, then my girls’ generation,” Michelle Obama said.

She said more than 50 percent of college students are not registered to vote. She said this is a growing problem among the nation’s college student body.

“They need to make their voices heard and in the past, too many students have failed to make the effort to register to vote,” Obama said.

During her speech, she tackled the problem of student debt, which is largely due to the continual rise of tuition, she said. The average college graduate owes more than $22,000 in debt, she said. As part of its education platform, the Obama campaign plans to provide $4,000 in tuition relief to students attending higher education.

...“This is a crucial moment in America’s history and that’s why we need to reverse the trend from 2004 when millions of young Americans opted out of voting on election and making history,” she said.

From the Daily Nebraskan:

Michelle Obama wants America's youth to register to vote.

In a telephone press conference, reporters from university and college newspapers around the country were able to dial in and speak with the wife of the Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama.

"We need more young people to get involved," she said. "The choice that America makes on November 4th will have enormous consequences."

...But the Obama campaign is taking steps to close that gap, she said. Obama recommended young people visit www.voteforchange.com.

"This is a one-stop resource for voter registration," she said.

On the Web site, students can register to vote, find out if they are registered to vote, request to vote absentee and find out where to go to vote.

Visiting the Web site and getting information should only take about three minutes, according to the site.

"We need folks to register to vote," Obama said. "Young people have already made a huge difference."

..."We have a lot of young people who work for the campaign and I don't think that's intentional, but it's not completely accidental," she said. "We have offices open in almost every state, and Nebraska is no different.

"Young people have really found their voice in this campaign," Obama continued. "Many young people have left their schools, their jobs; they're sleeping on floors and traveling around the country for 19 months. They know what's at stake, you may be seeing that in Nebraska as well."

Barack Obama in Green Bay: Northern Michigan College Dems

Ian Jungbacker — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:26:14 EDT

Clockwise from top, right: Stephen from Appleton; Tom from Marquette, MI;
Kendra from Marquette, MI; Zoe from Detroit, MI; Alicia from Marinette.

One of the most excited groups to make the trip to Green Bay yesterday was the Northern Michigan University College Dems, who left the NMU campus in the Upper Peninsula at 4:00 a.m. to make a six hour drive to Brown County that required a few detours to pick up several members who spent the weekend canvassing for several local candidates up north.

All of the NMU college Dems could barely contain their enthusiasm -- and not just because they had finally made it to the event after a long journey to the Resch Center. All reported an unprecedented spike in energy and interest at school. "There's far more activity this year," Stephen observed.

"Much more than two years ago," Alicia added.

"There's even more than back in 2004!" Zoe appended.

And the college Dems are taking advantage of this climate by talking to their friends, registering their fellow students (they have ambitious goals that they're close to reaching) and getting involved in local campaigns all across the UP and Wisconsin Northwoods.

"We're all failing out of college!" quipped Kendra to the laughter of the rest of her friends. "We just think this so important and there isn't much time left to do something about it."

First in Line: Aly & Katie from Kimberly with Barack Obama in Green Bay

Ian Jungbacker — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:43:59 EDT

Katie (right) and Aly are friends from from Kimberly who made the drive up to Green Bay yesterday, arriving at the Resch Center at 4:45 a.m. to be the first in line to see Barack's speech.

"We were thinking about camping out!" said Aly, who saw Barack speak in Oshkosh during the Wisconsin primary.

Both girls are nursing students at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton who said they were drawn to Barack's American Opportunity Tax Credit plan to make college affordable to all young people. "I feel like [Barack] will help me with my education more than anything," Katie said.

As future nurses, both Aly and Katie are concerned with health care in America -- not only how they will be personally covered, but also for their future patients.

They were also are apprehensive about the current state of the economy and how the future fiscal condition of the country would help or hinder them finish their education and afford health care.

Once inside the two students grabbed seats right next to the floor of the Resch Center and waited anxiously for the program to begin.

Early Voting Begins in Georgia – And Students are Ready

Josh at BC — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:40:19 EDT

Big news in Georgia today: early voting has begun! Early voting is perfect for college students who are unsure about their class schedules, possible tests, or other factors that might stop them from voting on November 4th. Early voting locations for Georgia can be found here, along with hours and days when early voting is available.

Georgia Students for Obama has been working hard for months to try and turn Georgia blue, and they’re starting to get noticed. Public Broadcasting Atlanta just ran a story about efforts on Georgia campuses to register students in the state. At Spelman College, it sounds like things couldn’t be going better:

"We're Young Democrats of America. We're basically registering anyone who is not registered to vote."

Flanked by Obama '08 fliers, [Sudria Twyman] thrusts voter registration cards and ink pens towards students. And the students eagerly oblige.

"Just everybody wants to come out and support and be involved in the next election. We're getting overwhelming response from freshman as well as returning students."

It’s efforts like these, though they are difficult and sometimes can seem like an uphill battle, that could make the difference in this election. Thomas Kelley, blogging on the site for Georgia for Obama, has also recognized just how important student efforts will be in the state:

Here in Georgia something has been stirring on college campuses. Students are taking on leadership roles with the Campaign for Change. Unite for Change teams are active at almost every college campus within the state. Registering their fellow students at a rapid pace, student volunteers have exhibited a sense of urgency and activism that has not been seen out of younger Americans in decades. But there is still more work ahead.

The days are dwindling as we approach election day (only 43 left!), but in Georgia, you don’t have to wait. Go vote early today, and encourage your friends to do the same!

Michelle Obama: Vote for Change

Amanda Scott — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:44:44 EDT

Here's a note from Michelle Obama...

Vote for Change
by Michelle Obama

“Voter registration” is a pretty dry phrase, and it may seem like a small thing. Fill out a form, mail it in, and you’re done. Nothing to get excited about.

But registering to vote means the difference between helping to change the world or letting the opportunity pass you by. It’s the difference between having a voice or watching silently as others make decisions that affect your life and your future.

In other words, it’s incredibly important. And, while you may think you don’t have to worry about voting until November 4th, in many states, voter deadlines are coming up very soon. So in these final weeks before deadlines hit across the country, our campaign is focused on getting folks registered and ready to make their voices heard now. And we’re launching a new tool to make it easy to register too, which I hope you’ll check out.

Our campaign has set up a website: www.VoteforChange.com. Go there now to check if you’re already registered to vote. If you’re not, www.VoteforChange.com will help you register, or arrange an absentee ballot or figure out where to go on Election Day.

Here’s where you come in. No matter who you’re supporting in this election, check out the site, register to vote, and tell your friends about the site too. Right now, hundreds of thousands of young people across the country aren’t registered to vote. And registration deadlines are coming up in many states. So if you’re reading this, young unregistered folks, heads up! If you don’t act soon, you’ll miss your chance to have a say in this historic election.

Today, I’m in Madison, Wisconsin, and talking with reporters from college newspapers all over the country to encourage them to report back to their schools about the importance of voter registration on their campuses. I’m going to share with them the points that I think every young person should consider in the final weeks of the campaign.

Young people have been profoundly affected by the consequences of the past eight years. The war in Iraq has, in many ways, been fought by your peers. Of all the soldiers who have been wounded or killed in Iraq, their average age is just 21.

The economy has also taken its toll. Today, the average college graduate has almost $22,000 in student loans. We’re dealing with record unemployment rates, and the bad news on the economy just keeps increasing… so it’s harder and harder for recent graduates to find jobs that pay a good wage.

And then there are all the long-term challenges that the next generation (and their children’s generation) will face, unless we get ahead of them now. Challenges like developing renewable sources of energy, and rebuilding our schools, restoring the middle class, and making health care available to all Americans. If we don’t make progress on these issues soon, they’ll only get worse—and it’s the young people in this country who will shoulder the burden.

The next president will also have great influence over global crises. Whoever we elect in November will have an enormous opportunity to influence the future of places like Darfur and Iraq… places torn apart by violence, where American leadership could mean the difference between a future of war or peace.

And the next president will have the power to take us to the next level in the fight against global warming. The world has waited for years for America to lead on this issue. But we’ve delayed action… and our planet and neighbors around the world have suffered the consequences. The next president can lead us in a different direction.

There are serious stakes in this election. We all need to make our voices heard – and we especially need you.

As you might have guessed, I’ve already made my choice for President. But no matter who you vote for on November 4th, make sure you vote. And then tell your friends, classmates, and families to register as well. Visit the Website (www.VoteforChange.com) and show them how easy it is.

For the past 19 months, Barack and I have traveled to every corner of this country. We have been so encouraged by the young people we’ve met… the bright, curious, creative, and passionate young men and women who have an enormous capacity for hard work and a deep belief that a better world is possible.

We would never have come as far as we have in this campaign without students and young voters. You made this campaign a true movement for change.

Now, let’s all vote on Election Day… and bring the change we need to the country we love.

Students Across North Carolina Come to Charlotte for Barack's Rally

Merici Vinton ~North Carolina HQ — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:23:00 EDT

Yesterday Barack drew thousands of people into the streets of Charlotte for a Change We Need Rally. The pre-program included a blessing by Mayor Richard Boyce from Belmont and the pledge of allegiance was led by Retired Col. Randy Stagner, who is also active with North Carolina Veterans for Obama. Taylor, one of Charlotte’s field organizers, asked the audience to volunteer – with only 45 days left, the campaign needs as much help as it can get here in North Carolina and he walked off stage by saying, “Can’t wait to see you at the office.”

As people listened and waited for Barack, I had a chance to talk with some students who came all the way from UNCW with their Students for Change group to show their support. When asked what mattered to them most, the issues ranged from funding higher education to supporting early education. Khadija is an education major and supports Barack because he supports early education; Grace supports Barack because his administration will provide additional support for higher education – specifically his tax cut that will make college more affordable.

It was a big weekend for UNC-Chapel Hill students. Saturday morning, hundreds of students lined up for a taping of ABC’s Good Morning America and then Sunday morning they drove to Charlotte to see Barack. Here is what Rachel had to say:

“We want change and reform. I support Barack because I want a President who will actually help the people who need help. Barack brings change to this generation – and this election effects everybody – including my kids and their kids.”

Help bring change to your campus - learn more in our student resource center and sign up to join students for Barack.

A Message For and About Georgia Students For Obama

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:46:12 EDT

Youth involvement has been a cornerstone of growing the movement for change that has seen millions of volunteers donate their time and energy to. Whether organizing in their universities to register their fellow students to vote, giving up six weeks of their summer to be part of the Obama Organizing Fellowship or knocking on doors and making phone calls to spread Barack's message, the youth volunteers have risen up and taken action.

Here in Georgia something has been stirring on college campuses. Students are taking on leadership roles with the Campaign for Change. Unite for Change teams are active at almost every college campus within the state. Registering their fellow students at a rapid pace, student volunteers have exhibited a sense of urgency and activism that has not been seen out of younger Americans in decades. But there is still more work ahead.

The Campaign for Change needs more students to stand up for change these next 44 days. The choice for change is clear and young people are overwhelming embracing Barack Obama's message. Now, we need those same young people to get out and volunteer with the Campaign for Change. The elections in both 2000 and 2004 were decided by the slimmest of margins and we cannot afford to let that happen this time around.

Students! Let's keep the energy moving forward towards election day by signing up to volunteer with the Campaign. We don't choose history, history chooses us, so stand up and volunteer at being part of that history today. Volunteer here.

Check out some student volunteers from Athens, GA signing students up to volunteer at Convention Watch Party that took place last month and then get involved.

Feeling the fierce urgancy of now? Get started today by contacting voters through our online canavssing tool Neighbor to Neighbor. Begin today.

Valley High Students for Change

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:23:17 EDT

Yesterday in Des Moines, Valley High students kicked off their weekly canvass to local neighborhoods to encourage more young people to vote—and encourage all of our supporters to vote early. For the first 15 minutes before the kickoff, the student leaders talked with a few of the first-timers about what to expect at the doors and shared some of fun things they have seen over the last few weeks. Everyone was laughing, having a good time, and totally fired up to get out and start knocking on doors--- then the canvass officially kicked off with a chant of “4 on 3”—and if you aren’t familiar, that’s “1,2,3… 4!”

As they were leaving, I got a chance to talk to a few of the students about why they were getting involved in this election.

“This is my first canvass, and my first election to get involved. And even though I won’t be able to vote, I feel like everyone should be doing their part. I’m also here because I’m pro choice, and I was encouraged because my sister in law really likes Joe Biden”
Stacy

“My parents are really political and I’ve been to the Harkin Steak Fry several times—and that has always been lots of fun… This is the first election that I’ll be able to vote in, but I was able to caucus for Barack—which really meant a lot to me…I feel like the world needs a new impression of America, and I know that Barack can do that, and he can also show the world our values and morals more so than any other candidate.”
Helen

“Barack is compelling new people to get involved, and he is really the product of the way that we see the world. We want to see more involvement, more diplomacy… He changes the rhetoric coming out of Washington, but it’s so much more than that because it’s getting more and more of us involved. We want more discussion-- more voices in the discussion.”
Joe

“I’ve been making phone calls and canvassing for awhile now, because I really want to see this happen. Barack has changed the paradigm of campaigning by getting more people involved—young people too. He supports civil rights and he understands how America is viewed across the world, which is the first step to bringing real change.
Abhishek

Students across Iowa are becoming leaders at their school. Click here to join us.

Mississippi Gets Ready for Friday's Debate

Josh at BC — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:38:28 EDT

This Friday, the national political scene will swoop down upon the University of Mississippi for the first presidential debate. There are stages to set up, microphones to test, and the entire national press corps to take care of. For Obama supporters, their primary goal this week is a little different: register students to vote, and turn them out in November.

Mississippi Students for Obama has been active for months, having held voter registration drives, on-campus phone banks, and volunteer opportunities from students. Aaron Harris, the Mississippi Director of the Obama campaign, emphasized that young people are getting involved because of peer-to-peer contact and the range of issues at stake in this campaign.

Cortez Moss, a freshman at Ole Miss, talked about his reasons for supporting Senator Obama. Chief among them was the war in Iraq:

“As young people, we have dreams and we have goals and we have visions in life, and most of them do not contain going to fight over in a war.”

So while the advance teams set up the media appearances, technicians set up the microphones and cameras, and the entire nation tunes in to watch Friday night at 9PM ET, the students at Ole Miss and all across the state of Mississippi will continue doing what they do best: registering new voters, making phone calls, and trying to deliver their state for Barack Obama. I'm sure they'll be successful in all those goals, but one thing is for certain: this Friday, Mississippi will have the best debate watch party in the nation.

Even if you can't be in Oxford this Friday, you can host or join one of the hundreds of debate watch parties taking place on college campuses. Find out how to host your own debate watch party here.

Guitar Hero, Facebook, and Politics: Students Party for Change in Oshkosh, WI

Josh at BC — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:34:13 EDT

Sometimes it takes a little creativity to organize college students. As enthusiastic as young people are about this election, mixing politics with some Guitar Hero can never hurt. Students at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh put together a fun event this past week to raise student support for Senator Obama, and have some fun in the process.

Led by chapter chair Steve Greene, the campaign kickoff included a guest speaker, State Representative Gordon Hintz, a political impersonation contest, a Guitar Hero competition, and was covered in the school’s newspaper, the Advance-Titan.

Greene explained the goal of the night:

“Events like these create environments that let students know Obama hears them and is involved in them by giving them a way to find out more and what they can do to get organized and really make a difference.”

Thanks to sites like my.barackobama.com and Facebook, events like these are easy to organize and publicize. Bryon Eagon, Wisconsin State Coordinator of Students for Barack Obama, spelled it out clearly:

“From events on campus to information on voter registration, sites like Facebook allow the student supporters of Obama to connect and network with others through a site that is extremely popular among college students.”

So next time your parents criticize you for playing Guitar Hero in your room with your friends or wasting time on Facebook, remind them that those things can also be powerful political organizing tools. If you like the idea, follow in the footsteps of these UW-Oshkosh students and find some supporters on your campus today.

You can get involved with Wisconsin for Obama here, and find some student organizing resources here.

Letters From The Field: U of M Graduate Students All Fired Up For Barack!

Josh In Michigan — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:38:59 EDT

Katie B. in Ann Arbor sent me this letter and photos:

This Sunday, 70 University of Michigan graduate students gathered at the Ann Arbor Obama office to organize our community for Barack. After a potluck, we divided into groups across departments to strategize about voter registration and canvassing. After organizing, we phonebanked across Southeast Michigan, and signed up for future phonebanks, canvasses, and policy sessions. Whether we're medical students or medieval literature students, we're all fired up for Barack!

Students for Barack Obama Campus Kick-off in Full Swing!

Ian Jungbacker — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:23:35 EDT

The youth vote in Wisconsin is always important and the Campaign for Change is working with Students for Barack Obama groups on campuses across the state to fire up young voters.

From the Capital Times:

The collegiate push to get Sen. Barack Obama into the White House begins in Wisconsin Tuesday, with rallies planned in Madison and Milwaukee.
Rallies organized by Students for Barack Obama are scheduled at 7 p.m. in the Humanities Building on the UW-Madison campus and at 6 p.m. in Union Ballroom West on the UW-Milwaukee campus.
Other kickoffs this week are at UW-Stout's Memorial Student Center and at Reeve Underground at UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday, UW-Superior and UW-Green Bay on Thursday and Alverno College on Friday.
The rallies, held in conjunction with College Democrats, will feature student speakers and will also have voter registration stations so student voters can register to vote.
"This is such an important election for our generation," said Bryon Eagon, state coordinator of the Students for Barack Obama campaign. "By getting involved with their campus chapters, students can really play a huge role in deciding the future of our country."

Find a Campus Kickoff event at you school by clicking here!

VIDEO: Howard Dean at the University of Iowa

Zachary Scott Edwards — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:40:01 EDT

Here is a guest blog by Soheil, Iowa New Media Intern

Last week at the University of Iowa campus, Howard Dean gave a rousing speech to scores of young people asking everyone to volunteer and help elect Senator Obama as our next president.

Check out this video of the event:

There are less than two weeks before early voting begins here in Iowa on September 25th. From then on, every day until November 4th will be Election Day.

We are going to need college and high school students across the state to help get out the vote and join our campaign. This is going to be a great way to get involved in a presidential campaign and meet hundreds of other young leaders who are making a difference.

In Barack’s own words, “Change doesn’t come from the top down; it comes from the bottom up.”

No matter how much time you have to offer, there’s a place for you in this campaign. You can sign up for an internship with your nearest campaign office here: http://ia.barackobama.com/iaintern.

This is our time. Help us take charge of change.

Colorado students unite for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:11:19 EDT

Yesterday, a group of students from across Colorado came together for a Campaign for Change Youth Leadership Conference, where they learned about their crucial role in helping Barack win Colorado.

Colorado Youth Vote Director, Jacqui Barry, lead the conference. She talked about the important role that young people have played in history and what that means for the campaign. She said:

It was the student activists in the civil rights movement who marched. It was the Student Activists that took the buses to Bergmingham and marched. It was the Student Activists who fought for Women's Liberation and said women deserve rights.

And now, today, it's the student activists in this room that are going to change the course of this country. It's you guys who are going to win Colorado. And it's us that are going to win this country and, in course, change the world.

MSU vs U of M Gridiron Challenge

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:33:32 EDT

U of M and MSU have been long time rivals in sports for many years, however for the first time the charged rivalry is extending to politics. Today we are launching the U of M vs. MSU Gridiron Challenge. The competition will pit the Wolverines against the Spartans in a battle to see who can register the most voters and will be tracked daily online. The website can be found at http://my.barackobama.com/gridironchallenge

Each day from now until October 6th (the last day to register to vote in this election), represents a “game” between U of M and MSU, with whoever registers the most voters winning the day and a “game”.

“I’m fully confident that come October 6th, when all the numbers are in, Michigan will take home the win, and Michigan State will once again start talking about basketball season,” said Nathaniel Styer, University of Michigan College Democrats.

“My guess is this competition will go as well for Michigan as the Utah and Notre Dame games did,” said Carey Inhulsen, Michigan State Dorm Captain. “What? Too soon?”

Michigan is a critical battleground state in this upcoming election and students have the power to put the state over the top for Barack Obama and bring the change we need to Michigan. But you can’t vote if you don’t register before October 6th, which is why U of M and MSU will be battling to bring out as many new voters as possible.

Check back everyday to see how your favorite team is doing at

http://my.barackobama.com/gridironchallenge.

Show Your School Pride and Make a Difference in November

Molly Claflin — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:03:25 EDT

College football season is upon us, which for many college students means it’s rivalry time. There’s nothing that gets students more excited than beating that school across town on the field.

Some Student for Barack Obama leaders have decided to use that enthusiasm and school spirit to move the campaign forward.

Students at Penn State University have recently started a voter registration contest against the school’s big rival – the University of Michigan.

Zachary, 19, is a sophomore at Penn State University and the leader of the Students for Barack Obama group there. “The schools have a big football rivalry and many people both here and in Ann Arbor are looking forward to the big game on October 15th,” he says.

We decided to have a contest to see which school can get the most voters registered before the game. It’s a fun way to get more students involved.

The Penn Students for Barack Obama contacted their regional field director who helped them set up the contest with Michigan. They announced the contest at a convention watch party with around 300 people in attendance, and have also posted the contest on Facebook and various Penn State email lists.

The Penn State students decided to focus on voter registration after learning that in the 2004 presidential election, only 20 percent of Penn State students voted. The Penn State SFBO students got to work and registered over 8,000 students this spring. But they’re not stopping there. “We have big goals,” Zachary says. “We need to try to get every student. October 6th is the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania, and we want every student to have a chance to vote this year."

Zachary says so far, students are really excited about the competition.

If your school has a rivalry, doing a voter registration contest like this is a great way to get people excited and going. It’s exciting to think that there are students in another state doing the same thing we are for Obama.
Every student should be empowered to vote. I tell kids they should care about this election because as a freshman here, who we’re electing today is going to be making the decisions about our country four years from now when we graduate. That’s a long time for a college student! These are big issues this year, and we need to make sure American students are voting and expressing their choice.

Does your school have a rival? Put your enthusiasm for football into getting students to the voting booth! Contact your local field organizer to connect with SFBO leaders at your rival school and set up a competition of your own. The school that registers the most voters may get some team pride, but in this contest, the result is more voters. And that means everybody wins.

Above: Penn State students showed their true colors when they made a giant Obama sign in the football stadium at a recent game. They’re calling it the “O-zone.”

VoteforChange.com is a new voter registration tool that allows you to verify your registration status, register to vote for the first time, or get the relevant absentee voting information for your state – all online. It only takes about 3 minutes to make sure you're registered -- so go to voteforchange.com now and make sure you have a voice on November 4th.

Brown Students for Barack Obama Kickoff Meeting

Bradley Portnoy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:54:16 EDT

Last night the Brown University chapter of Students for Barack Obama held its kickoff meeting for the school year. Over 250 students from towns and cities across the country filled one of the largest auditoriums on campus to capacity. Max, the chapter president, was happy not just about the number of people that showed up but also with their enthusiasm.

I was extremely impressed. Our facebook event for the meeting had maybe half the number of people RSVPed as we turned out. We signed up fifty more people for our listserv last night, and we had a lot of enthusiasm -- a lot of people really looking forward to getting involved and doing their part.

Max and the other chapter leaders are eager to help bring about change, and they're getting organized to do it. Every weekend between now and Election Day they'll be carpooling to New Hampshire to canvass.

For the next 55 days we're going to be working as much as possible. We're going to be having phonebanks almost every day at the campaign office but also some on-campus phonebanks coordinated by student volunteers. We're going to be spending as much time as we can canvassing in New Hampshire on the weekends. We'll be having debate-watch events to get excited and watch Barack in the debates, and next week we're having an open mic event at a local coffee shop, which is a way for artists, musicians, and poets to express their feelings about the race and get people excited.

Check out these photos from last night.

Brown's chapter is just one of hundreds of Students for Barack Obama chapters around the country. Use this page to find a chapter at your school. You can also sign up to receive SFBO updates.

Want to join the effort to win New Hampshire? Sign up to travel to New Hampshire and help canvass. If you're in Rhode Island, make sure to read the Rhode Island page every day to keep up to date with the latest ways you can help the campaign.

Lead Your School For Barack

Amanda Scott — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:03:12 EDT

Are you a student in Iowa? Check out this email that Jamie Mulligan, Iowa youth vote director, just sent out...

Summer is over and that means students like you across Iowa are back on campus.

With 55 days left before Election Day, November 4th, now is the time for you to take a leadership role in this campaign in a unique and crucial way -- by becoming a Dorm or Off-Campus Captain.

As a Captain, you'll become a lead contact in helping our staff organize your campus by working with student groups, registering students to vote, recruiting volunteers, and getting other students out during early vote.

Learn more and sign up to become a Dorm or Off-Campus Captain at your school.

All across the country, students have held leadership positions in our campaign, and here in Iowa, that couldn't be truer.

During the caucuses, young people played a crucial role in helping Barack succeed here by volunteering, organizing, and caucusing. The general election will be no different, and the time to get involved is now.

No prior experience is necessary to become a Captain -- just a commitment to our movement and a willingness to work for change.

Take a leadership role in this movement and sign up to organize your campus:
http://iowa.barackobama.com/IAstudentleaders

The energy and enthusiasm of students in Iowa has been unprecedented, but it's going to take leaders to turn that passion into votes. We can't do this without you.

Thanks,

Jaime

Jaime Mulligan
Iowa Youth Director
Campaign for Change

58 Days To Go "Calling All Ages"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:06:39 EDT

Monday. September 9, 2008. Scranton.

The Scranton office was was thrilled to receive four hours of volunteer efforts from twenty local high school students. All together they made 1,384 phone calls, and reached out to potential Obama voters, supporters, and volunteers.

Remember, even if you're not old enough to vote you can still get involved!

Thanks to Matt McCabe for submitting these photos using our Share Your Story link found here.

Students Organizing For Change At The Atlanta University Center Office

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:49:23 EDT

Atlanta - The Campaign for Change Atlanta University Center Office is located at 643 Martin Luther King, JR Drive on the campus of Morris Brown College. The Atlanta University Center, known to most as the AUC, is comprised of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. The office acts as a hub of operations for Students for Barack Obama and Field Organizers with the Campaign for Change.

Students from the AUC, acting in volunteer leadership roles, work in conjunction with Campaign for Change Field Organizers to take action in the local Atlanta community by registering voters, planning organizational meetings, coordinating Unite for Change house parties, and contacting undecided voters. Utilizing the office as a staging location for their efforts, students in the AUC have been registering voters and working towards providing a voice to some of the poorest, disenfranchised neighborhoods in the city.

The youth movement that is happening across the country and began for this campaign in Iowa, has continued to grow. The efforts at the Campaign for Change AUC office highlight the continued involvement and ownership the youth has in Barack Obama's movement for change. When the Campaign for Change sat down with Dr. Joseph Lowry, the Dean of the Civil Rights movement a couple of weeks ago, he talked about youth involvement in community and politics and stated:

"Throughout history when change has happened, students were at the forefront of these movements. When students move, America moves."

The Students for Barack Obama organizing in the AUC are at the forefront of this movement for change here in Atlanta. Check out this behind the scenes video of the AUC students painting their office and getting ready to open the AUC Campaign for Change office:

Go door to door and talk with your neighbors about the movement for change with our new online canvassing tool called Neighbor to Neighbor. Learn more.

Tailgating for Change! Voter Registration at the Bowling Green Game

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:31:56 EDT

Football is huge at colleges across Ohio... and so is the hunger for a new kind of politics in the White House! Every weekend at football games, and before them at the tailgate parties, student volunteers in Ohio register hundreds of new voters. This weekend in Bowling Green, BG played Minnesota, and though the outcome of the game wasn't ideal, the voter registration drive at the tailgate was! Local Field Organizer Corrie has the story, below the picture:

Saturday night was a winning night at the BGSU football stadium even if the home team didn't win. BGSU college dems and SFBO hosted an Obama tailgate where we barbequed, registered voters, and signed up tons of supporters and future volunteers! A few even joined us the next day to canvass after the festivities! After talking about Barack and feasting on hot dogs and hamburgers the crew headed to the stadium decked out in Obama gear to show support not only for the local team but also for Barack!

Looking for a way to get involved on your campus? It can be as easy and fun as tailgating! Now is the perfect time to start making a difference--the deadline for registering voters is October 6th, and there are still plenty of unregistered students out there, waiting to let their voice be heard. Ohio has the second highest student population in the country, at around 665,000--and John Kerry lost Ohio by a mere 118,000 votes. Now more than ever, young people in Ohio have the opportunity to single-handledly turn this country around by turning the Buckeye state blue. Get started right now, by clicking HERE.

Check out this video about Students for Barack Obama and what this movement means to a whole new generation of active, engaged citizens:

Barack The Vote Rally At Spelman College

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:41:54 EDT

Atlanta - Young people have been more active during this election cycle than in recent memory. As the stakes surrounding this election between the change Barack Obama is offering and more of the same from John McCain continue to rise, young people are seen as the game changers. The youth movement that is happening across America has been motivated by eight years of failed Republican policy, high costs, stagnant wages, and the message of hope that surrounds the Campaign for Change.

Check out this video of young people coming together for change at Spelman College in Georgia.

Get Involved! Go Door to Door, Write a Letter to the Editor, Attend Obama Tuesdays

Kal Penn's Minnesota Road Trip: Macalester and St. Thomas

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:57:23 EDT

Over the weekend, Kal Penn, star of the FOX medical-drama House took a road trip in Minnesota, hitting up college campuses, coffee shops, and fraternity houses for rallies and voter registration.

Kal encouraged students to get involved in changing this country by texting MN to 62262 and volunteering to register voters and get out the word about Barack's vision for America.

A great way to get involved is by interning for the Campaign for Change, either in your local field office or as a campus organizer. Click here to learn more about internships.

Here are some photos from Kal's visits to Macalester and St. Thomas:

Macalester

St. Thomas

If you're not registered to vote, visit VoteForChange.com and get registered. It's quick and easy, and takes about 3 minutes.

Register for Change: Howard Dean Addresses the Youth

John Schueler — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:47:26 EDT

The Register for Change bus tour, which has been canvassing the nation to promote active involvement in the political process, rolled across Missouri yesterday. Governor Howard Dean, the current Chairman of the Democratic Party, was on board, anxious to talk to young voters in the Show-Me-State.

They started the day at the University of Missouri in Columbia, before heading to Saint Louis University (SLU). The enthusiasm at both stops was incredible, as large crowds of students gathered well in advance. They waved signs and chanted, in anticipation of Gov. Dean's arrival. Once the bus pulled into sight, the crowd in Saint Louis went wild; their cheers echoing across the campus.

Once Gov. Dean took the stage, he launched right into the importance of this election.

The difference between Barack Obama and John McCain is simple: 98 years. 98 years, because that's how much longer we could be in Iraq if we don't elect Barack Obama as President. While John McCain said he'd be fine with staying in Iraq for another hundred years, Barack has committed to bringing our troops home safely within the first 16 months of his first term.

He also took on some of the remarks made by speakers at last week's Republican Convention. The topic of community organizing was a central focus in his discussion. He discussed the importance of political activism, declaring that in an election as close as this the actions of a few hundred people could have a profound impact. He encouraged everyone in attendance to get involved, pointing to volunteers with voter registration clipboards scattered along the perimeter.

Politics IS community organizing... This is the first election of the new generation, of your generation. YOU have the power!

We are only a month away from the voter registration deadline here in Missouri. 10/08/08 is the last day that people can sign up to vote for Barack Obama, and help turn the Show-Me-State blue. This election is sure to be close, so every minute you can give helps. Sign up to volunteer now, and while you're at it, go to our voter registration page and make sure yours is up to date.

Congressman Pomeroy Speaks to Students

Becky Furgason — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:11:42 EDT

College Democrats teamed up with Obama's Campaign for Change this week to host two events with Congressman Earl Pomeroy. Dozens of students showed up to eat and to hear what their elected officials had to say about the political process and this year's election.

In addition to Earl, District 42 State House candidates Cory Mock and Bruce Stanford, State Senate candidate Mac Schneider, and Public Service Commission candidate Cheryl Bergian were on hand to talk to students at the University of North Dakota on Wednesday.

While most of the speakers focused on the rising cost of education, Congressman Pomeroy included energy, the economy and foreign policy in his discussion. He stressed the impact the youth vote can and will have on the outcome of the election here in North Dakota and, consequently, the impact it will have on the national outcome.
Read more >>

What Did You Do During Your Summer Vacation?

Ian Jungbacker — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:03:59 EDT

Even though many high school students aren't yet of voting age, it's important to realize that they still have a voice in our democracy - and with school getting back in session all over Wisconsin, now is the perfect time for young voters to get involved in shaping the future of their country.

Many high school students have been actively engaged in the campaign for months now. All over Wisconsin, young people have immersed themselves in Barack's movement for change by knocking on doors, calling their neighbors and organizing their friends. Some of these students, who aren't even old enough to drive yet, have taken on some of the most important tasks of of the campaign -- like Maria in Appleton, who wrote in to talk about her experience as an intern in the local Campaign for Change office:

I'm fifteen years old and a sophomore in high school. I've been interested in politics for awhile, but it wasn't until this historic election that I decided to get involved. I was really hesitant at first, because I didn't know if my friends and I would be accepted or not, since we can't even vote yet. This has not been the case at all. The field organizers and other volunteers who work out of the Appleton office treat us with so much respect, and we look forward to coming in every day because of how positive of an experience they have made this for us. They have become our second family.
With every phone call I make and every door I knock on, my faith in this campaign strengthens. Everybody is involved for essentially the same reason, they know this is the time we need to elect Barack Obama and begin to make the steps necessary for our country's progress. I want this world to be a better place for my children, and through working with this campaign, I now know that it will be. This is an experience that will stay with me forever, along with the lessons I have learned from everybody that I have been fortunate enough to meet. Yes We Can!

In late July Maria and over 20 other high school students from the Fox Valley area gathered at a friend's house to meet with Campaign for Change staff and volunteers who showed them how they could take an active role in electing Barack Obama to the White House. The group met for roughly an hour, telling their stories and learning how to canvass, and when the meeting adjourned, nearly all of them grabbed a walk list and hit the streets to spread the word.

Here are some photos from the afternoon:

Register for Change with Howard Dean

Ian Jungbacker — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:30:31 EDT

On Tuesday Democratic National Committee Chairman and former Vermont Governor Howard Dean made a few stops in the Badger State to encourage students to register to vote and get active in their communities.

Dean stopped by the Marquette University campus around noon to fire up students at the Milwaukee school:

Addressing about 115 supporters on the first floor of the Alumni Memorial Union, Dean stressed the need for students to become active in politics and contribute to Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's campaign. He said it is vital for students to vote, but also to motivate others to vote and become involved.
"In 2004, John Kerry won Wisconsin by about 9,000 votes," Dean said. "That's about the number of undergraduates at Marquette University. We need to win Wisconsin. We won't win this without you."

Following his visit in Milwaukee Dean hopped aboard the "Register for Change" tour bus and made his way west down I-94 for a quick stop in Madison.

Just prior to Dean's arrival, a group of UW Obama supporters marched from campus down State Street to the County Clerk's office on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. where students were encouraged to update their registration. The students then took their enthusiasm back to the rally just in time for Chairman Dean to arrive.

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk each gave Chairman Dean a warm welcome to the large crowd that assembled just off Capitol Square.

Dean spoke about the need for young people to get involved in their communities at every level - from school boards to county boards to charitable organizations that reach out to people in need. The Governor said that he has been amazed by the civic-mindedness of this generation of voters and urged young people to make community involvement a staple of their adult lives.

Here are a ton of photos from the event, courtesy of Ally and Teddy:

Here's video from the event.

Make Sure America Hears Your Voice on Nov. 4th

Molly Claflin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:23:34 EDT

If you’re like a lot of young people and college students, finding out where to vote can be more difficult than it sounds. We know that people your age move around a lot – whether it’s between dorm rooms, or between your parents’ house and college.

That’s why we’ve created VoteForChange.com to help you sort out the details.

At www.voteforchange.com, you can find out if you’re registered to vote and find out where you’re registered to vote. If you want to keep your registration in your home state while you’re away at school, you can even apply to vote absentee to make sure you get your ballot on Election Day.

And if you’re not registered to vote yet, www.voteforchange.com can help you register and be part of the political process.

Turnout is going to be crucial to this election. Obama’s win in the primary came thanks to the millions of young people who stood up for change and came out to the polls. And on November 4th, we won’t be able to do it without you. Use www.voteforchange.com to make sure that you have your voice heard on Election Day.

Marching Band Spells Out Why Obama Is The Clear Choice For Change

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:22:26 EDT

Atlanta - On Monday the Historical Black Colleges and Universities Marching Band Hall of Fame held a Battle of the Bands at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA. In front of more than 12,000 people at Herdon Stadium HBCU marching bands from around the south showcased their talent while a portion of the proceeds went to the United Negro College Fund and another $120,000 dollars were provided in grants to the participating schools.

The Campaign for Change had a presence outside of the stadium as volunteers were registering voters as part of the Convention Weekend of Action. Inside of the stadium the South Carolina State 101 Marching Band had one of the more unique performances. Led by Director of Bands Eddie Ellis the 101, which got its name in sixties when they added one person to show they were "one better" than another band with 100 in its name, ended its performance by having the band form the letters O-B-A-M-A on the football field. A commentator filled the loud speakers with a request for everyone to register to vote for change as the band stood tall in its Obama formation.

Photos submitted by Volunteer Gustave R. Thomas

The ode to Senator Obama was inspired by the Senator's message of change, whom some of the 331 member band got to meet when the first Democratic Debate took place in April of 2007. The Schools Jazz band played directly following the Democratic Debate and one week later Michelle Obama visited the school providing an opportunity for band members to meet who Mr. Ellis called "a cool lady, very friendly and someone I was very impressed with. So impressed."

While the Campaign for Change volunteers were doing their part outside by registering voters in record numbers this weekend, the band did their part inside by performing the routine that they had been working on since August 1st. Yet, an experienced crew like the 101 only took two to three times to lock the 32 metronome count assignments down. As Mr Ellis stated "with the system that we use we can just about spell anything as long as it doesn't exceed 331 people."

Using the recorded music "Ain't No Stopping Us Now", the 101 had performed the night before in front of over 2,000 people at a local high school and next week will perform the Obama routine again in front of 28,000 people at South Carolina State's first home football game.

Speakout! Tell Georgia why Obama is the clear choice for change and McCain is more of the same.

Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper here.

Kal Penn speaks to NC Students

Melanie Yashar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:28:40 EDT

This past weekend, Kal Penn travelled across the state to speak to young North Carolinians, encouraging them to get involved and make a difference in North Carolina. Here are some picture from these events:

Canvassing for Change: Jake's Story

Illinois from Chicago, IL — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:11:29 EDT

This is Jake's story. He's volunteering in Champaign-Urbana:

This past Saturday, a group of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois students traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana to do everything that we could for the campaign in this swing state. Students and community members alike will continue to do so each Saturday, just like hundreds of others around the state of Illinois. Nothing illustrates our trip better than the story of Linda.

Linda called me while I was explaining the contents of a voter registration form to a resident near the Purdue University campus in Indiana. I let the phone vibrate in my pocket as I registered the voter, and then I quickly returned the call. Linda was an elderly Urbana, Illinois resident and a huge supporter of Barack. She had gotten my number from the local Democratic party and wanted to know if she could do anything for this election, the most important election of her lifetime.

Absolutely.

Linda explained that she worked every other weekend and that she had just had knee surgery, but she was still happy to spend her free Saturdays in Indiana, walking door-to-door. As I stood on that West Lafayette, Indiana sidewalk talking on the phone, I signed her up to carpool to one of the five swing states surrounding Illinois (this time Indiana, but also Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri) on Saturday, September 13.

Meanwhile, the 15 Champaign-Urbana students who had traveled to Purdue continued their mission: register college-age voters. The group knocked on door after door, and registered voter after voter in a race to beat voter registration deadlines in early October. At the end of the day, the volunteers sipped their well-earned 44-ounce slurpies with nothing but smiles on their faces. Although their home state of Illinois was expected to overwhelmingly support Barack in the November election, their voice would be heard even louder and clearer in this election.

And this story is not exclusive to Champaign-Urbana. Throughout Illinois, ordinary people are doing extraordinary things. The voices of Barack's constituents are being heard well beyond the borders of Illinois. Each Saturday, hundreds of volunteers are flooding across state lines because they know what Senator Obama means for America.

Want to get involved like Jake? Sign up to help get out the vote in a swing state near you.

Contribute to hurricane relief efforts today

Laurin Manning — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:37:11 EDT

"Over the last couple of days, everybody's attention has been focused on this hurricane coming. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or an independent doesn't really matter because we want to make sure that those areas are safe. We don't have time for small politics when we are faced with a threat like this." - Barack Obama | Battle Creek, MI

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Texas whose lives have been affected by Hurricane Gustav.

If you would live to donate money toward hurricane relief efforts, follow the links below.

Donate to relief efforts in:

• Louisiana

• Mississippi

• Alabama

• Florida

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Service: Working Together for a Stronger America

Molly Claflin — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:28:41 EDT

“Your own story and the American story are not separate — they are shared. And they will both be enriched if we stand up together, and answer a new call to service to meet the challenges of our new century … I won't just ask for your vote as a candidate; I will ask for your service and your active citizenship when I am president of the United States. This will not be a call issued in one speech or program; this will be a cause of my presidency.”
— Barack Obama, Speech in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, December 5, 2007

The first day of the Republican National Convention is focused on a theme of “Service.” We’re thrilled that the idea of service is playing such a prominent role in this election. From his time as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago to his years in public office, Barack has spent most of his life serving others. Service to one's country and community is also a cornerstone of his plan for America.

Barack feels strongly that every American should serve their community the best they can – from tutoring at the local elementary school to serving in America’s armed forces.

To encourage more Americans into public service, Barack has proposed a new universal voluntary public service plan. Barack’s plan will expand AmeriCorps from 75,000 slots today to 250,000, enabling more young Americans to have a positive impact on their communities. This plan will also double the size of the Peace Corp, allowing more American citizens to serve causes abroad, and expand and improve programs that connect individuals over the age of 55 to quality volunteer opportunities.

Finally, the hallmark of the Obama service plan is the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which will provide $4,000 a year in exchange for 100 hours of public service a year.

Barack’s service plan gives Americans opportunity and incentive to serve their communities while getting an education and gaining valuable experience. Together, we can build a stronger America.

Read more about Barack’s public service plan.

Hurricane Gustav: How You Can Help

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:54:29 EDT

As Hurricane Gustav approaches and Gulf Coast residents evacuate their communities, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are affected by this situation.

Mayor Ray Nagin has announced a mandatory evacuation for the City of New Orleans today, Sunday, August 31st. If you are in the New Orleans area, please contact the state emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 if you need more information or go to the State of Louisiana site for an updated list of evacuations by parish.

If you are a Mississippi resident, please click here for information.

State and local government officials are working hard to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of the region, and many of you have asked how you can help too.

Please find out how you can help by visiting the American Red Cross or Save The Children today.

If disaster strikes, your support will be vital to those organizations that work to help our communities get back to their feet.

Stay tuned for updates and more information on how you can help.