Needham Teens Getting Organized for 2012

This past weekend, I met with a small group of Needham teenagers who wanted to learn about how to get involved in President Obama's 2012 reelection. We talked about what a grassroots campaign means--and how important organizing your community is to not just electoral victories, but longterm legislative/policy changes we want to see in the world (the reason why we support one candidate over another, right?). They also understood that Barack Obama's success has been in large part determined by the disposition of US Congress/Senate--and that it's as important to pay attention to races further down the ticket.

Perhaps most importantly, these kids (meant in the best way!) really seemed to GET IT that elections are about long-term changes... And that the day an election ENDS is the day that the real work begins: holding our electeds--for whom we worked to bring into office--accountable to the vision and values that led us to support him/her in the first place.

These five Needham teens closed the day fired up and ready to organize. I left hearing them talk about how to get other teens engaged, ways to get their peers involved, and what they'd need from the community to get going. I can vacillate between varying degrees of hope and despair. But it's scenes like this--where young people are engaging in the process of citizenship--that ultimately keep me the pragmatic realist idealist that I am.

They are planning their inaugural CANVASS on JUNE 23, SATURDAY--the opening plan is to go to New Hampshire to knock on doors for Obama.

They need some drivers to carpool, and Obama needs more volunteers. Can you join them? Let me know.

These 5 teens, 4 of whom can't drive, are the first in Needham to get organized and take action for Obama 2012. Give them a HUGE cheer, and let's let them lead the way!

___
Work on political campaigns and community organizing can count toward Needham High volunteer/community service requirements:

• See the "Politics" section of the guidelines, and see this application for CSL hours!
• Needham H.S. student Ali C. is coordinating the effort for Progressive Mass (includes Obama, Warren, Kennedy and other prog. organizing) for Needham Teens--
• Contact her: acbell5495@gmail.com
• Join the "Grassroots Teens" facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/479985782016675/

For more, from me, on Organizing and 2012 elections, click here.

We the Needham People said NO to 'Citizens United'!

Last night Town Meeting finally took the vote on the anti Citizens United resolution, Article 23. (read the Patch's write up here)

Presenters were well-prepared and compelling, and over the course of the 3 speakers, presented a solid and convincing narrative.

The first speaker from the floor, however, was in opposition, with a prepared text. The main arguments (in brief/my words, obviously):

1. Don't take away corporations' right to speak because YOU can be a corporation too (If Sierra Club and Churches can't speak for us, who will?) and 
2. "Beware of unintended consequences of passing this--McCain Feingold was supposed to fix things and look what happened," and 
3. "We don't even know what we're voting for/we don't have the text of the amendment" and 
4. Voting on this will open the floodgates to further frivolous votes on national issues which have no place in town meeting 

Another opponent also had prepared remarks and covered much the same.

Bob Smart and Karen Price made the presentation for the petitioners; Jerry Wasserman presented the case from the Board of Selectman, which had voted to support. Among other great input from the floor, TMM Lois Sockol gave a fantastic, passionate speech in support; I would love to get video of that!

State Rep. Denise Garlick made a statement declaring that this discussion was instructive to her and her vote on s772 (the state bill to overturn citizens united).

During pro speakers, many people around me, at least, were nodding in agreement and whispering in disagreement during the opposition.

The question was called, ending debate, and we voted with a strong majority on a voice vote. Some are saying 2/3; I thought 60/40. The moderator called it and Town Meeting, breaking decorum, burst into a spontaneous round of applause!

It was extremely satisfying to do something that feels so important and central to our democratic principles. Thank you to every person who supported this truly grassroots effort!!

There is more work to do, of course. Ours is but one voice in a growing chorus, and it is but one avenue for seeking the change we want. Other efforts need organizing and support--for instance, a ballot measure for November's election, where voters can weigh in on the issue. Signatures need to be collected, more conversations with neighbors and friends need to be had. 

So don't delete those "Citizens United" files in your head! This is a long fight, and we must work over the long haul!!

Cynicism, Apathy, Distraction, Disengagement

I have things to say on this.  After an election day (I worked for Suzanne Lee for Boston City Council on Tuesday), I inevitably am left with a gnawing sense of dissatisfaction/unease about what it means to VOTE and ENGAGE with our democracy.  Even though I personally successfully encouraged many people to vote, the ones who DIDN'T are the ones that stick with me.

I'm going say more when I get around to it.  But for now, a link or two: