A Passion for Change Still Draws Activists

Not everyone has the opportunity to drop everything and give up a few hours of time to participate in their government, however, if nothing else, the Presidential Campaign of Barack Obama served to create an interest in getting involved. Over the last weeks since the inauguration, a lot has been done to keep the people involved – from web casts rather than radio addresses to a Q&A based on those questions posed online the White House has remained committed to inspiring action. Likewise, despite changing its name from “Obama for America” to “Organizing for America,” those who were committed to the campaign are still being presented with opportunities to get involved.

One of these opportunities involved a pledge focused on the President’s budget. An email was sent out to campaign supporters that, in effect, asked them to sign a pledge that said “I stand behind the budget,” and “I want the change that I voted for to start happening, and I’m willing to commit my word and my time to making sure that it does.” During the past couple of days, another request was made – this one asked for volunteers who could deliver printed copies of the pledge to offices of representatives.

After a few shifts to the day’s calendar, volunteering was possible for this writer who was somewhat awestruck by the number of people who turned out. There were immigrants – those who had come to this country believing in the power of the American Dream – who take the responsibilities of citizenship seriously. There was a man confined to a wheelchair, a mother and her young son, teens and retirees and people of all races – all of whom signed themselves up to deliver signed pledges to offices within the House office buildings.

Most importantly, however, there was an energy that is hard to define that flowed throughout the room. There was the buzz of conversation. There were staff members and volunteers who were greeting one another, talking about their hopes for the future and simply a lot of good will and high spirits.

Activism, as we are all learning through this new Presidential administration, is no longer just about those who have deep pockets and money to burn lobbying for change; activism is about the people of the country coming together, despite varied backgrounds, and using a collective voice to raise awareness.