Went to a great Bernie Sanders event Wednesday
The event was held by longtime activist, Joy Newhart, who has been doing this for 25 years. She's been active in political campaigns for even longer. She and another attendee, Cheri, talked about working on Bobby Kennedy's campaign.
This was an event to teach us how to get Bernie's name and beliefs out, to learn how to create our best "elevator" speech and to organize teams of volunteers in our own community. Joy calls it the "snowflake method."
Joy was part of the grassroots campaign for then Senator Obama. The campaign flew her to Chicago to learn, and then teach, their organizing methods.
The people that attended consisted of people in their 20s through their 70s. There was a fairly new US citizen, people who originally hailed from Alaska, New Jersey and Chicago. But most of the attendees were California natives. Who knew so many people are actually from here? 
Experience ranged from never working on a campaign to old pros. Some were young pros A few people have already held their own events and a couple are working directly with the Bernie Sanders National Campaign Team. I'm not positive I heard one woman correctly, but I believe she said that she is the head of the Bay Area Campaign. I have to find out if I heard that right.
The belief that we must get Bernie elected or we're pretty well screwed, was held by everyone. As one young man stated, until we get money out of politics, we won't be able to accomplish anything else. Something I firmly believe. That doesn't just mean campaigns.
We discussed the best way to connect with people, to get others involved, to answer questions and address doubts. We talked about what resonates in our hearts and minds. We went over how to put our events on Bernie's website and we vowed to help each other get events going.
We met David, who owns ORCA, Ocean Rich Communities of Alaska. He's already very involved in the campaign. He's held a few events and is obviously very politically active. Side note, he put me in mind of the Shaman, Ed, from Northern Exposure. Cuter and smarter but the same laid back, very Zen attitude.
We met Susan, a soft spoken woman who has registered as a Democrat because of Bernie. She has been voting Green and joked about not checking how badly their candidates lost.
There was Craig, who stood outside the building in his Bernie shirt, Bernie button, holding his Bernie sign, so we could easily find the place. He told us how he was able to shoot down every "but" statement made by his physician when discussing Senator Sanders.
As much as I would like, I can't tell you about all the really cool people and their stories. There were close to 40 people there.
The mood was great, the excitement high, the energy was electric. The absolute best part was we know Senator Sanders cares about people, his message is clear, concise and constant, that he has been unwavering in his fight for equality and what is right for decades. And we all know we have to do this together.
My thanks to Joy for holding the event, teaching us and introducing us to each other.
Some pictures of the event.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of everyone, like I thought I did.
The next event I'm scheduled to attend is a bbq. It's a little closer to home and I'll be hitting people up to help with my fundraiser in October
#FeelTheBern
#Bernie2016
= new reply since forum marked as read
I wish I was there with you, looks like a great bunch!
Thank you for sharing with us.
It's the groovy moovy salad, Jack!
Thank you for sharing it! I'm going to sharing it whenever potato salad is brought up.
I wonder if any of them were there... they're all Dems. 
At least one of them must be interested in Bernie.
Let me know, please!
You're too kind.
A big turnout also it seems. The photos are awesome!
Joy has a lot of experience and it's great to have that to pass on to others as she is doing.
Thank you for the report. It's fun hearing what people are doing to get Bernie elected all over the country!
and they're doing it! Young and old alike.
These were all really awesome people. I know I can learn from each and every one.
Thanks Sabrina!
Btw, Mary, DUer relayerbob was at Bernie's event in Atlanta and took some photos, but doesn't know how to upload them. I wonder if you could help?
Not to get off topic, just saw your great pics and thought you might be able to help since I could not.
S/he posted in my Atlanta thread in the Bernie Forum btw.
The feeling that it's Bernie or
is very prevalent, esp. given all the obstacles being put in Bernie's way. Many are repulsed and angered by what is being revealed as the curtain gets pulled back. 
.
We can use the help!
I have no doubt you're doing your part. But if you should happen to visit here...
Thanks on your friend but that would still be a pretty long commute for him. I'm in the San Francisco bay area.
Eventually, everyone will be provided Bernie!
Thanks for getting out there and walking the walk. If we each do the same, and convince others to too, The People will win!
It's our responsibility to get involved. Voting is not enough.
Thanks for the kick!
Last edited Sun Sep 13, 2015, 05:48 AM - Edit history (1)
By that, I don't mean posting K & R on every Sanders and/populist thread and calling it activism, unless that is truly all someone can do (which is rarely true, even if at age ninety http://www.democraticunderground.com/128046846).
I mean that people have different kinds of different gifts and need to use whatever they have. Some have been writing and/or performing songs, for example. So far my favorites among the many things Sanders supporters have been doing are the songs, Sanders on a Stick, Sanders cupcakes and the Sanders barn. (I am really looking forward to see what creative people come up with for Sanders-themed Halloween costumes.)
Marym has knowledge, skills and gifts in the area of political organizing, leafletting, etc. and interpersonal skills. Others may have a gift for keeping volunteers fed and/or encouraged/fired up, or doing a bake sale to raise money to donate. Others have a gift for making money in their own professions that they donate to the campaign. It's all good, as long as everyone is doing what he or she can.
As you said, it takes everyone doing whatever he or she can do.
ETA: Thanks, Manny! Replying to you gave me a good (I hope) idea about a thread about Sanders Halloween, which I just posted.
Hardly professional pictures but they did they did the trick.
Getting the word out is the very best way to #FeelTheBern!.
Thanks, 99Forever!
#Bernie2016
Thanks for the thread, marym.