Santa Fe Grassroots for Obama

This site last updated April 2009

2009-06-25T10:35:00.008-06:00

This Santa Fe Grassroots for Obama site is still available for your browsing/historic pleasure. It's just not current.

To see what's happening in Santa Fe and the environs in response to our President & First Lady's call for our national and community service, please visit Engage!Volunteer! by clicking here.

The actual address is http://www.EngageVolunteer.org/

I hope you will add E!V! to your web browser and visit often. Lots of meaningful work to be done. You're needed! Satisfy your Soul. Spark a Dream. Engage! Volulnteer!

Vote for President Obama - again.

2009-04-22T11:02:00.002-06:00

As much as I hate this whole thing, if you're so inclined, please vote for President Obama again in this ridiculous MSNBC poll about the President's job so far for the first 100 days. It would be criminal to allow the Republicans (who are flooding the poll with "F" votes) to be allowed to use the results against Barack.

Please consider doing this. It will only take a moment...visit this site to vote...and pass it on your contact lists...even if you're as reluctant to do it as I am! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29493093/

Got FUND RAISING talent? Adult literacy needs you!

2009-03-23T07:45:00.002-06:00

I was going to post a call for adult literacy volunteers for Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe. But I have learned today that unless they get some serious fund raising, LVSF will not be able to afford to buy materials for tutors and students, let alone be able to train new volunteers. The economy has brought a downturn in donations and funding BY HALF and LVSF had to lay off most of its office staff and close its computer lab/learning center.

Usually, I stay away from the subject of fund raising...but this is an exception. If you have a talent for FUND RAISING and want to help resolve this very serious situation, please contact: Meredith Machen, LVSF President, 505-577-6337, mermachen@cybermesa.com

LVSF runs an impressive variety of literacy programs from its home base at Santa Fe Community College, at workplaces in Santa Fe and in locations throughout the community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe website.

SB 249 was DEFEATED! That's a good thing - - at least for now!

2009-03-23T07:29:00.006-06:00

ONE PERSON'S OPINION - MINE!
A huge thanks to everyone who wrote or called New Mexico lawmakers in an effort to get the SunCal TIDD bill (SB 249) defeated. To the amazement of many, many Congressmen, it went down - TWICE - in the House. The first vote was 33 FOR and 33 AGAINST. And then it was "reconsidered" and failed again with exactly the same vote -- 33/33. Because it was a tie, the bill died! (Hey, that almost rhymes!)

Now, a lot of very influential people in both parties and, of course, the lobbyists, were very surprised at the vote. So, stay tuned and be prepared to voice your opposition again during the next legislative session. Between now and then, if you read or hear anything about this project, I'd be grateful if you'd let me know. (Email me: ggp.hd1340 @ hotmail.com)

For background, please read my first post about SB 249.

Sadly...school funding & education bills failed legislative approval.

2009-03-23T07:15:00.005-06:00

Education had a rough go in this just-ended New Mexico legislative session:

HB331 failed, so the state school funding formula will not get revamped.
HB346 and SB412 both failed, so there will be no increase in the gross receipts tax which would have funded the new formula.
HB577 never even got out of the Senate Finance Committee, so the Senate never got a chance cast their vote on it. It would have authorized purchase of the College of Santa Fe campus by a state university.
And even though the House approved $3 million for operation of a future college at the CSF campus, the Senate removed the funding.

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS & LITERACY FUNDING ARE MORE IMPORANT THAN EVER! PLEASE CONSIDER IT! VISIT LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF SANTA FE WEBSITE.

HELP DEFEAT SB 249...A poorly conceived land development requiring huge tax incentives that should go towards education, infrastructure, etc.

2009-03-16T21:17:00.007-06:00

We've got less than three days to defeat this bill. Don't just take my word for it. Read this evaluation on Democracy for New Mexico. CLICK HERE.

Below is the letter I sent to the entire House of Representatives this afternoon (Monday 3/16/09). Copy/paste/or put it in your own words. Their email addresses follow my letter.

Dear Representative,

I am writing you to express my STRONG opposition to SB 249 (Sun-Cal TIDD). Please show how wrong the Senate was; be the legislative voice of reason that stops this critical assault. You must stop SunCal’s endeavor that has no chance of being positive for New Mexico; to the contrary, it can hurt us deeply in many ways:

My first question is about a “penalty clause for failure to perform.” Does one exist in the SunCal TIDD agreement? Or will this be New Mexico’s very own AIG-debacle? Due diligence (which should have stopped this project in its tracks long ago!) will show that that SunCal has an extremely poor track record with numerous debts, bankruptcies and abandoned projects. This is New Mexico's future partner to whom you are in danger of approving hundreds of millions of our tax dollars?
My second question should be at the top of everyone’s list. WATER. What about water? Where will the WATER come from for this huge development?
The $408 million tax break SunCal seeks will help them without holding them responsible; what’s the benefit to New Mexico in general?
Where are the economic studies that show demand exists to match all SunCal promises? Where’s the Legislative Finance Committee’s analysis about SunCal’s promised new tax revenue generation?
Why does SunCal want the taxpayers to give them funds for infrastructure that their own website claims will be "Developer-funded infrastructure"?
Where are the new jobs and new development from out-of-state firms that SunCal touted? They haven’t materialized to date nor can the company prove they will. Instead, all indications are that the site will be populated by existing ABQ businesses!
Finally, and critically, look at the "source" of these funds...tax money that is sorely needed in our general fund for our children, their schools, legitimate infrastructure, and more...you know the list much better than I do! My message today to you is an urgent request for you to VOTE AGAINST SB249. Prevent its passage in the House this week. It will be a travesty if SunCal succeeds…and double-indemnity given today’s economy. You have the power to prevent it! Ignore the lobbyists breathing down your neck to get this TIDD passed; in fact, send them packing! Do this for ALL New Mexicans by voting NO!
Respectfully and urgently submitted,

Email addresses for the entire New Mexico House of Representatives is below. Copy/paste this entire block of addresses into the TO: section of your email. Or call the Representatives offices. GET PHONE INFO HERE.
rk1964@aol.com; albuqruiz@aol.com; ajbarreras4staterep@hotmail.com; Representative Shirley A. Tyler (sntyler@valornet.com); trippsdon@netscape.net; jpkthomas@prodigy.net; wallace@losalamos.com; Representative Richard Vigil (rrrvigil@plateautel.net); jamesstrickler@msn.com; Representative Mimi Stewart (mstewart@osogrande.com); denroch@hotmail.com; katrina@swcp.com; larry@larranaga.com; jeff.steinborn@nmlegis.gov; billrehm@comcast.net; Representative Ken Martinez (mlo1@7cities.net); askdennis@denniskintigh.com; Representative Jane E. Powdrell-Culbert (jpandp@comcast.net); rudy_s_martinez@msn.com; edward.sandoval@nmlegis.gov; danice.picraux@nmlegis.gov; Representative Dona G. Irwin (donagale@zianet.com); oneillhd15@fastmail.us; patricia.lundstrom@nmlegis.gov; jheaton@caverns.com; annunez@zianet.com; dianne38john4132@zianet.com; benrodefer@gmail.com; rick.miera@nmlegis.gov; alujan@q.com; jimmie.hall@nmlegis.gov; jonig@zianet.com; maryhelen.garcia@nmlegis.gov; ernestc1531@aol.com; ray.begaye@nmlegis.gov; wjgray@pvtnetworks.net; csecows@aol.com; eleanorchavez@gmail.com; roberto.gonzales@nmlegis.gov; noralee@cableone.net; gailchasey@msn.com; elias@barelalaw.com; nmhousedistrict30@live.com; paul@paulbandy.org; Representative Keith J. Gardner (gardners90@yahoo.com); anna.crook@nmlegis.gov; jearnoldjones@aol.com; Representative Thomas A. Garcia (ocate@hotmail.com); ncote@zianet.com; don.bratton@nmlegis.gov; kb5ysg@arrl.net; miguel.garcia@nmlegis.gov; zachjcook@gmail.com; richard.berry@nmlegis.gov; Representative Eliseo Lee Alcon (eliseoalcon@msn.com); alpark.nm@gmail.com; tom@tomtaylor.net; sheryl.stapleton@nmlegis.gov; antonio@moejustice.com; jimtrujillo@msn.com; josephs@plateautel.net; cervanteslaw@zianet.com; debbie.rodella@nmlegis.gov

This Saturday, Celebrate a Day for Literacy & the Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe.

2009-03-16T20:35:00.000-06:00

Literacy lights the way!
Storytelling, Poetry Readings, Talks, Raffles and Sales throughout the day

Help raise funds for Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe and have some fun!
Saturday, March 21, 10am - 4pm

at Clear Light Book Gallery

851 West San Mateo St. and Calle Lorca (Formerly Open Hands)
For more details and the schedule of readings, please see

http://www.clearlightbooks.com/events/literacy90321.htm

JOIN featured guests Mayor Coss, Ali MacGraw, Joe Hayes, Steve McFadden, Don Usner, Victor diSuvero, and Consuelo Luz. Heather Heunermund of NM Coalition for Literacy, and David Holmstrom, who volunteers at the prison, will talk of the impact of learning to read. In all, over 25 New Mexico authors and publishers will be autographing their books.

FREE BOOKS FOR ALL DONATIONS $5.00 – $10.00 - $25.00

Proceeds and donations benefit Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe a 501(c)(3) organization

BACKGROUND

Literacy Volunteers provides free, quality tutoring and encouragement for adults who want to learn to read, write and speak English. LVSF was established in 1985 and is affiliated with Santa Fe Community College. The demand for literacy services is growing. The program trains and supports over 100 volunteer tutors and over 700 students annually.

Because of the economy, annual giving and grant funding has decreased by half. LVSF has had to lay off most of its staff and close its computer lab/learning center at Gallegos Lane. Nonetheless, this award-winning, non-profit organization remains dedicated to helping educationally disadvantaged adults in the community learn to read and speak English from its home base at Santa Fe Community College, at workplaces and community locations. Funds are needed to support literacy and ESL students and tutors. It costs $35 to purchase training materials for each tutor and $100 or more to purchase high-interest, low-reading level instructional materials and dictionaries for each student.

LVSF’s programs are integral to strengthening Santa Fe’s economy and supporting working families. Programs help improve learners’ quality of life and create a greater sense of community. Socioeconomic problems such as poverty, unemployment, crime, and human rights abuses cannot be solved without addressing the need for adults to have strong reading, writing and math skills. Literacy skills are a key component of self-sufficiency for adult low-wage workers who are either non-English speakers with limited formal education and English speakers with low reading skills.

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF SANTA FE

http://www.lvsf.org/

For additional information please contact:

Letty Naranjo, Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe

505-428-1353 lvsf@sfccnm.edu

Jane Price, Clear Light Book Gallery

505-424-9090 jane@clearlightbooks.com

ELECTING A COUNTY CHAIR: THE PROCESS

2009-03-13T01:09:00.000-06:00

STEP ONE

The process begins at town hall meeting organized by wards, which are simply a group of 2 to 5 precincts.
Every registered Democrat who has been registered for 30 days is invited to attend, vote and run for office. You must be present in person to vote, though you can be elected if you are not present.
The Ward meeting elects, in addition to a Ward Coordinator and Vice Ward Coordinator, the Central Committee Members who will go to the County Central Committee meeting where the County Chair will be elected.
When you attend, you will cast one vote for a County Central Committee member, even though there will be several County Central Committee members to elect. The person with the most votes gets a position, then the person with the next most votes and so on until all positions are filled. (In cases of ties a deck of cards determines the winners). The purpose of this system is to allow minority groups and views to secure some positions rather than permit the majority to control all the seats.
For example, if there are 12 seats to fill and 12 persons each vote for themselves, all 12 will be elected with one vote each. If there are 25 people present and 12 people receive 2 votes, and one person receives one vote, the 12 with 2 votes would be elected.

STEP TWO

The Central Committee members next go to a Central Committee meeting which they can do in person or by giving a proxy to someone else in their Ward. (There will be proxy forms available at the Ward Election) This Central Committee meeting is where the Santa Fe County Chair is elected.
The Central Committee also elects State Central Committee members by a proportional voting system to assure that minority groups and views are represented.
The State Central Committee members go on to a State meeting to elect State Leadership and National Committee members. This is a biannual grassroots-up process that works with good participation.
For this reason, it is important to come vote and spread the word to others who support developing robust Democratic Party participation in New Mexico!

Grassroots Retrospective.

2009-01-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

I've just re-posted stories from our weblog that date back to our first stories and created an archive named Grassroots Retrospective. Hope you enjoy the walk down memory lane. I did! It helped remind me of the oh! so many! events and activities that we collectively created or volunteered for. And I smiled! This - and more - was Grassroots' joyful role in electing President Obama. I'm proud of us!

Kristin and I initiated the Santa Fe Grassroots for Obama weblog in May to improve communications as the campaign pace picked up. Then when Kristin took off for exotic parts of the world, Molly volunteered to help me keep the weblog timely. My thanks, again, to you both!

[NOTE: The only editing I did to stories in the Retrospective was to remove phone numbers and email addresses of folks who were organizing various activities, plus links to surveys or sign-ups that are no longer active.]

A FIRST-HAND INAUGURATION STORY by JoAnn Balzer: "I was there."

2009-01-25T19:49:00.015-07:00

"I WAS THERE, in D.C., experiencing history in the making and the inauguration of President Obama, who we all worked so hard for. A new vision for America.

It was a most exhilarating experience on Inauguration day, even after having to stand in line FOR HOURS in the cold grey morning (19 degrees) on Tuesday to get through security and onto the west front Capitol grounds and then waiting FOR HOURS, MORE HOURS leading up to and through the event. Guess what? It was all worth it! And more! ..."

...to read the rest of JoAnn's great Inauguration story, click here.

HOSTS Open House a huge success as the first National Service Day event in Santa Fe.

2009-01-23T07:08:00.002-07:00

National Service Day got off to an early start in Santa Fe at an Open House on Thursday (1/15) for HOSTS, Helping One Student To Succeed, a reading program for 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders at Cesar Chavez Community School.

Thank you very much to the 25 folks who attended the Open House. We had a good time; you seemed impressed with the program; and you all loved seeing the children! Debby Maas, HOSTS administrator, was extremely grateful for your interest. So am I. And I look forward to hearing about how many signed up to be a mentor. [UPDATE: As of 1/29/09, ten new volunteers joined HOSTS as mentors! I'm so proud! Thanks to everyone!]

It's never to late to learn about the program and volunteer, so for those of you who were not able to make the Open House but are interested in more information, please contact Debby Maas directly at 995-3390.

"I was there," by JoAnn Balzer

2009-01-21T20:09:00.003-07:00

"I WAS THERE, in D.C., experiencing history in the making and the inauguration of President Obama, who we all worked so hard for. A new vision for America.

It was a most exhilarating experience on Inauguration day, even after having to stand in line FOR HOURS in the cold grey morning (19 degrees) on Tuesday to get through security and onto the west front Capitol grounds and then waiting FOR HOURS, MORE HOURS leading up to and through the event. Guess what? It was all worth it! And more!

A memorable part of the inaugural, in addition to the most important part making him finally “our” President, was seeing so many Americans of all races come together peacefully to watch him sworn in. Whether it was 1.2 million, 1.5 million, 1.8 million people, whatever, we were all standing there, shoulder to shoulder, for the moment of our lifetime.

Other meaningful inaugural activities for me included the Emily’s List Luncheon, the Lincoln exhibit at the American History Museum, and then, you’d never guess what else? ....parties, lots of parties! The neatest and most meaningful among them for us was the reception that my husband Bob and I co-hosted, with other New Mexicans, for our New Mexico Congressional Delegation on Monday (1/19) from 4-6:30pm in downtown D.C., before we headed for the NM Ball, also that evening.

We had at least 150 guests, a wonderful chock-a-block full party, mostly New Mexicans in town for the inauguration, but others from D.C. with New Mexico connections. The décor was "American and NM flags," a large NM banner sent from the Tourism Department, and the food was heavy, heavy hors d'oeuvres - posole, tamales, and other New Mexican fare combined with sophisticated D.C. goodies provided by our catering company. So perfect and so good! It doesn’t get much better than what we had, and the D.C. ex-pats were thankful for their chile fix.

At our NM Reception: Cabinet Secretary Napolitano was there, along with Senators Bingaman and Udall, Congressmen Lujan and Teague, the Navajo Nation President and VP, Val Kilmer (says NOT running for Gov., but we know how that goes), an Obama Gal from Santa Fe, wearing an Obama "recycled" dress, made from discarded Obama signs, teachers from Rio Rancho, supporters from Las Cruces, Santa Fe Grassroots volunteers, campaign donors, politicos and on and on. The crowd was glorious and diverse, in ALL ways reflecting Barack’s campaign! It was as if all of you were with us, celebrating together. The “Land of Enchantment” ball, the NM Ball, was held that same pre-inaugural evening, Monday evening 1/19, at the National Museum of the American Indian. Many of us who were at the NM reception headed straight there by Metro to the Mall and the Museum. The venue was so meaningful for me personally, as my husband Bob and I are passionate supporters of and advocates for Native American art and culture, and had attended the Museum’s grand opening. A spectacular treat, the icing on the cake, was that the museum afforded a spectacular view of the west front of the U.S. Capitol, which was illuminated on that evening to celebrate the coming inauguration and where we would witness history tomorrow.

Please know, as if you didn't, that we can all feel really terrific about the role we played. Being there somehow made me realize and appreciate that fact, the thought of how hard, each of us in our own way, worked for his election, and how each of us played a part. The WHOLE was truly... definitely... GREATER than the sum of the parts. I can never congratulate you enough. What a celebration, what a moment...Yes, we can, Yes, we did! We can all be proud.

With appreciation,
JoAnn
JoAnn Lynn Balzer
NM Finance Committee for Obama for America
Women's Leadership Committee for the NM Campaign for Change
Santa Fe GrassRoots for Obama
505-982-1793
joannbalzer@earthlink.net

Did you wonder why U2 performed at the Obama Concert?

2009-01-19T09:33:00.001-07:00

FROM A GRASSROOTS VOLUNTEER, THIS MESSAGE:

The Barack Obama Irish song.
Moneygall is a small village in County Offaly, Ireland. It has a population of approximately 300 people, has a Roman Catholic church, five shops, a post office, a national school, a police station and two pubs.President-elect of the United States Barack Obama's great-great-great grandfather, Falmouth Kearney, emigrated from Moneygall to New York City at the age of 19 in 1850 and eventually resettled in Tipton County, Indiana. Kearney's father had been the village shoemaker, then a wealthy skilled trade.

And now for the SONG...Crank up your speakers.

http://www.oneeyedparrot.org/obama.html

"Choose to Unite," Obama music video, back in the news!

2009-01-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

HERE'S AN EMAIL MESSAGE FROM SUSAN SLOTTER, who created and produced the Santa Fe video, Choose to Unite:

Hi Y'All!
Thought you'd get a kick out of learning that Choose To Unite has been included in CD Baby's top choices of Obama songs - a promotion they are doing this week to inspire the Inauguration!
This is what they wrote:

Yes They Did! Hundreds of artists caught Obama Fever at some point over the past year. They wrote, recorded, and released their own anthems pushing for political change. Choosing our favorite 15 was hard work, but now it should be easy for you to program the party music for your Inauguration Day celebration.

I love that they call these "Anthems for Political Change." That truly is what was behind ours! Check out the 15 songs at: http://cdbaby.com/playlist/11

I hope that the song and video continue to inspire a positive focus on values – diversity, unity, community, love and equality – as we move forward in 2009 with our new Fearless Leader!

With blessings,
Susan Slotter
http://www.choosetounite.com/

Wish List for Youth Shelters and Family Services

2009-01-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

One of the National Service Day events involved Youth Shelters and Family Services over a three day period.

In addition, Youth Shelters has a Wish List for donations posted on their website. This is an on-going need for very basic, every-day items, not only for the 3-day national service day events. Just wanted to let you know about it. Visit this site, learn about and see if you can help this very worthwhile organization: www.youthshelters.org

Obama-inspired National Service Day in Santa Fe. You're invited.

2009-01-16T07:00:00.001-07:00

Barack is calling upon individual citizens and Grassroots groups to utilize their power to serve our communities nationwide. For starters, he requested a non-partisan National Service Day on January 19th, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. It's also the day before our President-elect's Inauguration!!!! (Where almost there, Folks!!!)

There are many National Service Day events in Santa Fe. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR FULL DETAILS. Find something that motivates and inspires you and sign up!

Inauguration Radio Specials Link Santa Feans to Washington Events

2009-01-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Wishing you could be there for this historic event?

Join Diego Mulligan on 101.1 FM, Santa Fe Public Radio, for Inauguration Specials Monday & Tuesday from 5:06 to 6 PM on The Journey Home.

He'll be getting live reports from NM Citizen/Activists (maybe even a few Santa Fe Grassrooters!) attending the Inaugural Balls. He'll ask our NM Congressional Delegation members about their vision, roles and agenda in the Obama Administration.

YES YOU CAN TUNE IN and be part of the most important change sweeping the nation and shaping your future through the miraculous technology of live wireless communication!

Barack's humanity and intellect - perfect together!

2009-01-09T16:50:00.002-07:00

The humanity that comes with the intellect ...

how blessed our nation & the world have become!!!

[Photo of Barack & Sasha Obama courtesy of the Obama family.]

Hugs, High-Fives and a Tribute to Grassroots from Gaye

2009-01-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

In less than two weeks, the finest President to walk the halls of the White House in many, many years will be inaugurated…and we helped get him elected. We did it together. We should be proud collectively as Grassroots and you should be so proud personally.

I’m proud for every call you made. All the doors you knocked on. Every piece of data you entered. Proud of every meal you prepared for the staff or phones you answered. For flyers and rally signs you designed or painted. For photocopies you made and paid for. I’m proud of floors you vacuumed, meetings you attended, every new voter you registered, every poll you “guarded,” and every absentee-vote you watched counted.

Mostly I’m proud and grateful for the care and passion you showed, the support you provided, the initiative you took, and every time you stepped forward and said, “Let me take care of that!” or “I can ...” and then filled in the blank with "...train people on Vote Builder …staff the office …maintain this database …direct traffic at the rally …display a bumper sticker and yard sign …wave banners on the street corner…”

Your collective mantra was “What do you need done? I’ll help.” You did it all -- spending countless hours, often without acknowledgement or thanks. More often, I hope, with hugs and high-fives. Consider this message to you my hugs, high-fives (dare I say “terrorist fist bumps”?), and tribute for making Santa Fe Grassroots for Obama the awesome powerhouse it became.

Grassroots donated an unexpected "surplus" to four Santa Fe non-profits

2009-01-09T14:22:00.002-07:00

When we set the ticket price for the Grassroots Election Night Returns Party at Real Burger, we based it on:

345 max sales (based on fire code restriction) for hot buffet and soft drinks
Paying for 20 national staffers who we invited as our guests
Fee for delivery, set up, take down & rental of the large screen television
Decorations

We inadvertently sold over 425 tickets because multiple volunteers were selling tickets and the last minute flurry of purchases caught us off-guard. Fortunately, there was no fire-code problem because people rotated in and out of the party all night. As a result, however, we ended up with $1,623 surplus! (I didn’t tell the New Mexico legislature; they’d of wanted a loan!)

After consulting with a number of volunteers about highly regarded non-profits, I hand-delivered four checks prior to Christmas, telling each organization that the donation was coming from Santa Fe Grassroots for Obama:

$623 to Youth Shelters and Family Services
$600 to The Food Depot
$150 to The Stocking Fund
$250 to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Fe.

We have received very gracious letters of appreciation from each organization. I made the decision to donate the money rather than go through a lengthy process of refunding less than $4.00/person. The impact seemed much greater in the four bundles than if I had attempted to divide it amongst those who bought tickets.

HOSTS, Help One Student To Succeed, holds Open House TOMORROW MORNING, Thursday, 1/15

2009-01-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever considered being a mentor for kids literacy, drop in anytime during the Open House tomorrow to see this fantastic program in action and learn about volunteer opportunities. (You can volunteer as little as 30 minutes a week! )

YOU’RE INVITED to HOSTS Open House
Thursday, January 15
8:30 am – 10:30 am
Reading mentoring program for 2nd, 3rd & 4th graders
César Chávez Community School
6251 Jaguar Drive, Santa Fe
TO RSVP CLICK HERE. Not required, but appreciated!

HOSTS (an acronym for Help One Student To Succeed) is a reading program for 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. It pairs one student who needs help in reading with one volunteer who wants to make a difference in a student’s life. Each session is 30 minutes during the school day. One-on-one attention with the same student and weekly individualized lesson plans for each child are the key factors to the child’s success...and to the volunteer’s effectiveness and enjoyment. Schedules are arranged to accommodate volunteers and to establish continuing relationships with students. You can volunteer for as little as 30 minutes the same day each week -- but I'm betting once you meet the kids and see the program, you'll sign up for at least 60 or 90 minutes!

No previous experience needed; you don’t need to be a teacher; you don’t have to prepare lesson plans. You just need to love kids and the idea of helping them succeed in the most basic of life’s skills – reading!

This is community service at its best and most rewarding. It’s also so much fun! Come see the program in action. Meet Debby Maas, the HOSTS administrator, and Deb Lineback, the HOSTS assistant. Learn about the success rate of the program and how you can become part of it!

For more info call Gaye Pollitt 505.982.1899
OR EMAIL ME ggp.hd1340@hotmail.com

For directions if you can't find us on Thursday, call Debby Maas 505.995.3390

DIRECTIONS:
From the corner of Cerrillos Road and Rodeo/Airport Road:
Drive south on Cerrillos (away from town)
Turn right at 2nd stoplight - Jaguar Drive
Take Jaguar a couple blocks. Turn right on Avenida Contenta.
Pass the school playground & turn left into the school parking lot.
School entrance is on your left.
Go to the desk. The secretary will direct you to the HOSTS classroom.

If you are coming from 599:
Take Airport Road toward town.
Turn right at the light on Paseo del Sol. (There will be a sign for Capital High just before the light.)
In approx 1 mile, turn left on Jaguar Drive.
Pass the front of the school and turn left on Avenida Contenta.
Pass the school playground & turn left into the school parking lot.
School entrance is on your left.
Go to the desk. The secretary will direct you to the HOSTS classroom.

Ask Senator Michael Sanchez

2009-01-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

THIS POST COMES TO US FROM GRASSROOTS ORGANIZER IN VALENCIA COUNTY, JAY KOCH. YOU OLD-TIMERS WILL REMEMBER THAT JAY AND HIS WIFE NANCY GAGE WERE THE IMPETUS FOR STARTING GRASSROOTS NEW MEXICO FOR OBAMA WAY-BACK IN 2007! THEY RECRUITED ME TO GET INVOLVED IN SANTA FE. GAYE

Senator Michael Sanchez, the NM State Legislature's Senate Majority Leader, has agreed to answer our questions in a conference call...

Thursday, January 15, 20097:00 - 8:00 PM Mountain Time

You will be able to call a bridge line and enter a code to listen to this call. Or you can listen on-line. Go to our new web site Yes-VCAN.com for more details. On the Yes-VCAN.com web page, you will be able to enter your question for Senator Sanchez.

Even if you can't listen live to the call, please submit your question. You will be able to listen to the call later. I want us to learn how the legislature works. Please ask questions about procedures and committees, and things like that. I also want to know how citizens can best communicate with our legislators and how we be effective in influencing what goes on in Santa Fe. Please sign up and submit your question now, even if you can't make the call.

Let's Go Change the World... Jay Koch
565-8526
jaykoch@MakeASum.com

"...Your playing small doesn't serve the world..."

2008-11-24T14:00:00.003-07:00

In the words of Marianne Williamson:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others."

Victory!

2008-11-17T20:17:00.010-07:00

WE DID IT!!!!

2008-11-05T06:09:00.004-07:00

Grassroots Volunteers.
WE MADE THE DIFFERENCE!

THANK YOU!

Thank you, Take Down Team!

2008-11-05T06:05:00.007-07:00

"We" tore down the offices at Saint Michaels and Zafarano the day after the election. A huge THANK YOU to Nancy Benkof, Dick Markwood and Cindy Folsom for heading up the effort and to the many who joined them in dismantling our two "homes" of the past five months.

And, again, thanks to everyone who loaned us equipment, furniture and accessories.

GREAT PARTY. THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT WITH SANTA FE GRASSROOTS!

2008-11-05T06:00:00.004-07:00

Grassroots Santa Fe for Obama hopes everyone who wanted to be there was there last night. Joyful. Tearful. The best evening we've ever shared.

How about those election returns!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm way too tired to be creative...I just must say again ... THANK YOU, TEAM, FOR EVERY MOMENT, EVERY PHONE CALL, EVERY KNOCK, EVERY SINGLE EFFORT YOU MADE. You're the best team anywhere.

P.S. If you never personally submitted an APPLICATION for Absentee Ballot...

2008-10-31T09:00:00.005-06:00

If you were encouraged to Vote By Mail (aka Absentee), but you never personally completed and submitted an APPLICATION for Absentee Ballot, you should not be expecting an Absentee Ballot in your mail box. And, at this point, even if you think you applied for an Absentee Ballot, but have not received one yet, you need to ask the County Clerk's office to check their records. Call them. Better yet, make the trip downtown on Monday. Don't wait until Tuesday when the lines will be verrrry long! Do it, 'cause your vote is at stake and so is Barack's election! You need to understand your alternatives and vote accordingly.

This recommendation is from me personally, Gaye Pollit; it is not a message from official Obama campaign.

Track your absentee ballot.

2008-10-31T08:00:00.002-06:00

If you requested an Absentee Ballot, track its progress -- most importantly, see if the completed ballot you returned was ACCEPTED. The link below works...but is not fool-proof. If your ballot information does not show up, get in touch with the County Clerk immediately.

https://voterview.state.nm.us/
Please note the "s" in the https -- this is a secure site!

You can also use the same link to:

Verify that you are registered to vote on Tuesday (if you have not Early Voted).
Help your family, friends.
Help anyone you may have registered if you kept a list of their names.

***If you have a problem, call the Santa Fe County Clerk's Bureau of Elections. Better yet, go in person to the office at the corner of Grant & Palace. And please email me with full details about any problems that you have. Gaye

Now here's a twist! Feed the VOTERS!

2008-10-30T19:11:00.005-06:00

Polling Place Campaign Comfort Tents with Captains (Say that fast five times!)

Election Day snacks, water, chairs, etc...to make sure people stay in line & VOTE!

We really need donations of Sandwiches (individually wrapped/bagged). Bring them Monday night by 9 pm or on Election Day before 8 am. to Zafarano office or the Cerrillos Canvassing center next to Sage Bakehouse.

AND THANKS, AGAIN, FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE !!

Michelle Obama in Las Vegas TODAY, Tuesday.

2008-10-26T12:04:00.005-06:00

Doors Open: 11:00 a.m.Program Begins: 12:15 p.m
Get all the details below then use your browser's BACK button to return to our weblog:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/lvNM

Early Voting schedule

2008-10-26T11:42:00.006-06:00

EARLY VOTED yet? PLZZZZ DO!
Plus bring or send your family & friends!

Mon-Friday, 8am-5pm, County Clerk's Office, Grant & Palace
Tues-Friday, NOON to 8pm, Rodeo/Fairgrounds
Tues-Friday, NOON TO 8pm,Senior Center in Eldorado
Saturday, 10am-6pm, County Clerk's Office, Grant & Palace
Saturday, 10am-6pm, Fairgrounds
Saturday, 10am-6pm, Senior Center in Eldorado

LAST DAY TO EARLY VOTE AT ALL LOCATIONS IS THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1st

Some volunteer activities!

2008-10-21T06:00:00.003-06:00

Events and activities are in both Santa Fe Obama Field Offices located on:
* Saint Michael's & Pacheco, in Smith's shopping center
* Zafarano and Cerrillos, in the parking lot facing Lowe's.

Stop by either office anytime to find out about specific volunteer activities. They are busy, fun places!

ELECTION DAY TEAMS...
Get details at a campaign office...and sign-up!

From both offices...
Saturday & Sunday this weekend
Canvassing 10am, 1pm & 4pm
And, now, weekdays, too!
Canvassing 4-7pm
Bring a family member or friend & do it together. It's fun! Try it!

Monday through Friday
5-9:00 pm: General phonebanking
Join us for one hour, two hours, whatever time you have!!

Every EVENING: Data entry.

Monday
4-9:00 pm: Grassroots Monday...Canvass/Phonebank/Data Entry/Staff Support/Etc - Zafarano
A chance to work together in the final stretch as we have from the beginning. Come for any portion of this time. We have a full list of activities. Call Gaye with questions.

Tuesday
5-9:00 pm: LGBT for Obama Phonebank - Saint Michaels
Come join other members of the LGBT community for a phonebank!

Wednesday
5-9:00 pm: Mamas for Obama Phonebank - Saint Michaels
Bring your kids; we have childcare and a play area! All others welcome as well!

5-9:00 pm: Women for Obama Phonebank - Zafarano
Come join women in calling other women to get them to support and volunteer for Obama!

Thursday/Jueves
5-9:00 pm: Hispanics/Latinos por Obama Phonebank - Zafarano
Vengan cada semana a la oficina en Zafarano para llamar por telefono, aunque no hablen espaniol. Vamos a divertirnos.

Join our weekly Spanish-language Obama phonebank ... even if you don't speak Spanish! Come have fun with us.

5-9:00 pm: Seniors Jazz Night Phonebank - Saint Michaels
Join our weekly Seniors for Obama phonebank this week! Enjoy LIVE JAZZ MUSIC, free food, and great company. Learn about all the other ways you can help Obama win New Mexico.

Don't like to canvass or phone? Consider this..

2008-10-21T03:30:00.008-06:00

One hour a week can make a huge difference toward Barack's election. If you can't canvass or phone or work on election day, consider these options:

Invite undecided friends to a campaign office.
Bring beverages, healthy snacks or fruit to an office for the volunteers.
Wear an Obama button.
Make a sign for your yard if none are available to buy.
Come to an office and ask how you can help.

Another way to contribute -- Feed the staff!

2008-10-19T22:07:00.006-06:00

The Field Organizers in the campaign field offices work long, long hours each day...18-hour days are common! We need to help them stay strong & vital. How would you like to provide meals and healthy snacks for these staffers?

Whether cooked in your kitchen or purchased pre-prepared and delivered, the staff will be deeply appreciative. We’re asking for volunteers to supply/order/deliver a meal to the campaign offices.

Join this project. Contact Cynthia to discuss. Also ask her about Election Day Comfort Food for voters standing in line at the polls.

The Washington Post endorses Obama. A must read! Plus two more impressive endorsements.

2008-10-16T09:19:00.003-06:00

Check out the latest endorsement for Obama from The Washington Post!

Plus these two:
Click here to see what Christopher Buckley, son of William F. Buckley, has to say.

Click here for the New Yorker endorsement published in the October 13 issue.

Prepare to vote yourself

2008-10-13T12:41:00.005-06:00

Find & study your sample ballot. Why?

Because in addition to voting for Barack and all your other favorite candidates, the following are also on the ballot: 9 Judges, 1 Gross Receipts Tax Question, 6 General Obligation Bond issues, 5 NM Constitutional Amendments, and 4 Bond Questions.

VIEW SAMPLE BALLOT page [Ballot link removed, 1/2009], then find & click on your polling place which will take you to your sample ballot. (Ballots vary depending upon your District, so it's important to select your correct polling place.)

Help protect the absentee ballot votes!

2008-10-10T03:00:00.002-06:00

The Democratic Party urgently needs volunteers to help monitor the absentee ballot vote count.
Beginning Thursday, October 30, and continuing until all absentee ballots have been processed, the count will most likely be held at the Santa Fe County Clerk's office.

If you are registered to vote in Santa Fe County, can attend a two-hour training session on October 21 from 6-8 pm, and can commit to at least one five-hour shift during the actual count, you can help ensure the integrity of the election. You do NOT need to be a lawyer to volunteer. If you would like a sign-up form, which contains a full schedule of shifts, email Gaye Pollitt.

Car wash for Obama--Friday, October 17

2008-10-09T13:02:00.006-06:00

The Oz School is sponsoring a car wash on Friday, October 17, from 2-6 pm at 942 Canyon Road--with all proceeds going to the Obama for America Campaign.

$7 Gas or Diesel
$5 Alternative Energy Vehicle

!!! FREE SILK-SCREENED T-SHIRT INCLUDED WITH ALL WASHES !!!

Train of thoughts...

2008-10-08T12:33:00.005-06:00

To really enjoy this, expand it by clicking here! Then use the "back" button on your web browser to come back to the weblog.

CRUCIAL WEEKEND...the Great Chase for Voters continues! Join us.

2008-10-03T16:26:00.002-06:00

Come canvass for the campaign Saturday and/or Sunday!
Just one 3-hour shift would be very helpful. Two shifts would be fantastic!
Shifts start at 10am, 1pm and 4pm both days from both offices.
Come a little early for a short briefing if you've never canvassed before.

Less than five days left before Voter Registration deadline. Less than five weeks until Election Day. We need you NOW. This is our collective moments to help win Barack's presidency!

This weekend is our last shot to chase those "sporadic-voting" Democrats to encourage them to vote-by-mail or early vote. The easier we make it for these voters, the more likely they'll vote!
This weekend is our last shot at new voters...so we need you if you're a Voter Registration Agent to go out with the canvassers. Or go work a Voter Registration location.

Remember...lots of early votes mean

fewer people we'll need to get to the polls on election day.
more people able to vote easily on election day because the lines will be shorter.
fewer people susceptible to late Republican dirty attacks.

Call a good buddy to canvass with you; make it more fun. And how about your family? Your friends? You recruit folks; the Field Organizers will train them.

CORRECTION: Two (not three) VP Debate Watch Parties--7pm TONIGHT, Oct 2

2008-10-01T19:53:00.011-06:00

Join other Obama volunteers for a VP debate watch party--one at the Santa Fe Brewing Company and one at the Zafarano Obama field office.

Watch Party #1--Santa Fe Brewing Company
Come to the Santa Fe Brewing Company, at 35 Fireplace Way (off Rt. 14/Turquoise Trail or off I-25) for a VP debate watch party, with music, free food, tons of free Obama gear, and special guests. Gonna be a blast! Afterward, join the very first Street Team Voter Registration Pub Crawl. including music, special guests, and food. With less than a week before the voter registration deadline and less than five weeks before election day, we need your help NOW.

Watch Party #2--Obama Field Office--Zafarano
Join with other volunteers to watch the matchup between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin at 3494 Zafarano Drive, Suite B, located across the parking lot from Lowe's.

No Watch Party at Saint Michaels field office

"Choose to Unite," Obama music video, being aired by NM Film Expo 1 pm Thursday 10/2

2008-10-01T19:00:00.004-06:00

The NM Film Expo is airing Susan Slotter's very own Barack Obama music video at 1:00 on Thursday, October 2nd (tomorrow) at the New Mexico Film Museum at the Jean Cocteau on Montezuma.

Tickets are $5 if you want to see it on the big screen! (You see a LOT more detail than on the little YouTube!)

"Cast of thousands" joyfully participated in the production of this video, Choose to Unite. If you have not seen it yet and are not able to attend the NM Film Expo, treat yourself & watch it on YouTube! Click below.

http://www.choosetounite.com/

Caroline Kennedy rallies for Obama

2008-09-26T07:07:00.004-06:00

Caroline Kennedy was in Santa Fe September 26 to rally for Obama, and KOAT TV caught up with Susan Mayes to get a voter perspective on the visit. Click here to see a clip from the rally.

Grassroots Monday continues

2008-09-25T01:38:00.008-06:00

Grassroots volunteers, please show up at the Zafarano office for Grassroots Monday. We will hold no meeting; just go straight to work. You can come in at various times between 4 and 9 pm to phonebank, enter data into Vote Builder, or canvass.

Please read the posts entitled Volunteer Activities and The Great Chase to learn more about these Grassroots activities.

Now's the time, Team. Please engage! Call me with any questions. Gaye

Hispanos/Latinos por Obama

2008-09-20T16:49:00.002-06:00

Jueves de 5 a 9 pm
Hispanos/Latinos por Obama - Vengan cada semana a la oficina en Zafarano para llamar por telefono, aunque no hablen espaniol. Vamos a divertirnos.

Diego Mulligan--The Journey Home on KSFR - about Barack

2008-09-19T11:33:00.002-06:00

Friday Freakouts & Follies: Obama Would Make a Good President (09-19-08)

What a week it's been! As you may remember, I began my series of radio blogs back in March under the heading of Friday Follies & Freakouts, but last month expanded them beyond Fridays and now call them simply my DiegoRadio Blog. For what I hope will be today only, I'm switching back because of the shear enormity of the Freakout on Wall Street, and the Follies that caused it. So here we go…

With the intention of providing some cool-headed and even-handed comfort to a concerned nation, this morning Senator Obama, speaking before a huge national TV audience sought to stem the fear and support president Bush and treasury secretary Paulson in this time of crisis. Putting partisanship aside, Obama demonstrated the kind of national leadership we all need because, as he said, "We're all in this together." More than that, he demonstrated a governing philosophy based on the common sense principles of basic fairness and a return to accountability. In calling for the need to get the Capital Markets flowing again, he also called for help to relieve the long-standing problems on the Main Streets of America caused by the crass manipulations of the money brokers. This was not an Old-Style Democrat speaking: In point of fact, he had to fight his own party's insiders to even win the nomination. He came out as a New Green Pragmatist with a large dose of Old-Style Conservative fiscal responsibility along with the compassion for ordinary people that I love about liberals. But it wasn't just a blend of nice-sounding words written by political operatives designed to win in November. Obama's own words –which he wrote himself– I think come from a deeply felt philosophy centered on the values most American's cherish, and a whole new approach to problem-solving that could lead to good governance in January. Which is why I think he would make a really good president. OK: That's my personal opinion. My bias is rather simple:

I support those who care about our long-term future, and see the connections that link the well-being of person & planet.

And I support those who value both individual initiative and shared responsibility for our common good.

Just for the record, I'd like you to know nobody's asked me to endorse anybody, nor have I been listening to or talking with anyone from either campaign. I insist on remaining completely INDEPENDENT. Both sides fill my in-box with press releases and spin everyday, but I don't read any of it. I listen to what all the candidates are actually saying, and monitor how the reporters are covering the issues on a variety of print and electronic sources; Then do my own research and fact-checking to try and find out who's lying or stretching the truth, or seems biased, and what's behind the bias. And from there I form my own opinions on the issues, and who's really addressing them.

I fiercely guard my Independence, so when I don't accept your invitations to attend or promote any of your campaign parties, or interview your supporters or surrogates, that's why. Sometimes authors I'm interviewing will express an opinion, but this is usually based on exhaustive research and hard facts. I look for independent experts, not ideologues.

I've been coming down on Republicans a lot more than Democrats these days because their positions are far more shaky, and aren't often supported by facts… So I can't give them the same weight. That's been part of the problem for way too long: The confusion caused by fact and fiction being presented equally in the name of fair & balanced. You deserve to know the truth, or as close to it as we can get.

Though I feel that both major parties have let us down for way too long, it's clear from the Independent perch I stand on, that the Republicans have gotten way, way out hand, and have been playing fast and loose with the truth, and playing the most cynical and dishonorable game of politics I've ever witnessed. They're even worse than the Democrats when they were in power too long. It's sad that the Party I was first affiliated with, the GOP, has been over-run with corruption, narrow-minded ideologues and greed heads. But the reason I'm calling them out is because their current philosophy of governance is bankrupt. They've let their cherished conservative principles be co-opted by cheap slogans designed to cover-up their real agenda, which is maintaining power for power's sake.

The reason Barack Obama is surging in the polls now, and has won my personal support, is because he's embraced and balanced the best values of both streams of principled political thought in America. It's that simple. At least to me. I'd like to hear your views on this.

I'm Diego Mulligan. You're on The Journey Home.
*********
The Journey Home is Santa Fe's daily alternative drivetime show heard Monday thru Friday from 5 to 6 PM on KSFR FM 101.1 and covers a wide range of issues from a progressive perspective. Listen live at www.KSFR.org.

Volunteer self-organizing carpool

2008-09-17T09:52:00.004-06:00

For those of you signed up for the training in Española tonight and working the Obama event on Thursday, September 18:

Some of the volunteers have suggested a self-organizing carpool from Starbucks in DeVargas. If you want to carpool to Española for the training tonight, show up at Starbucks between 7:15 and 7:30 pm, wearing your Obama button to show you're part of the group. You'll then decide who drives, fill a car, and repeat.

On Thursday morning, arrive at Starbucks by 8 am for arrival at the Plaza de Española by 9 am.
The training and the rally are being held at the Plaza de Española at 706 Bond Street.

2:15 TODAY (Monday) Governor Richardson press conference at new office.

2008-09-15T13:22:00.003-06:00

Come hear Governor Richardson speak and see our new campaign field office.
Today at 2:15.

Location: Zafarano & Cerrillos, sharing the parking lot with Loews.

2nd Santa Fe campaign field office officially open on south side!

2008-09-12T23:01:00.012-06:00

Our second Obama campaign field office in Santa Fe is officially open for business from 9am to 9pm everyday in the Lowes shopping center off Zafarano & Cerrillos, facing Lowes.

Below is our short list of most needed items. Please deliver anything to the new space!

* Photocopier
* Commercial-grade paper shredder
* Printer ink for HP Laser Jet 8150N
* Folding chairs or summer plastic chairs, just a few more
* 9" x 12" manila envelopes (for canvassing materials)
* General office supplies (copy paper, pens, staplers, tape, hanging & manila folders)

Please check this site for updates. Thank you for your help - as always!

Grassroots Reunion Meeting. Join us!

2008-09-07T23:52:00.003-06:00

TODAY, Monday, September 8
in the campaign field office starting at 6 pm. Come hear all about the Denver convention, learn about new ways for Grassroots to work together, and stay to phonebank for awhile.

We're even going to have a couple drawings for cool buttons and signs! Must be present to win!

NOTE:

Please bring your wireless-capable laptops for phonebanking because, if we have a good turnout, there will be more of us than campaign desktop computers!!!! I HOPE THAT'S THE CASE!
Please bring your cell phone if you have minutes to utilize for the same reason; otherwise, the campaign has cell phones for us to use.

Get certified to register Voters at Zozobra and beyond.

2008-09-03T08:00:00.002-06:00

This Thursday, 9/4, at 1 p.m.
Campaign Office
Come get trained and certified as a Voter Registration Agent.

Then afterwards, join the fun if you can and register voters at Zozobra from 2:00 - 8:00 pm (or any portion thereof)

More info, contact Grace Hartman
or Nick Rosa

Need you now for Santa Fe Fiesta parade on Sunday. Come plan & participate! Celebrate & have great fun!

2008-09-02T17:16:00.002-06:00

Planning needs to kick into high gear to create a high energy Obama float in the Santa Fe Fiesta Parade on Sunday, 9/7. Join us!

Lee Schmidt, the best parade float decorator in the world and the lady who knows what "juice"makes parades fun & memorable, is seeking:

Decorating team on Sunday
Veterans to carry & surround the flag
"Rolling Stock for Barack" - unique parade vehicles (vintage cars & trucks, sports cars, low riders, scooters, etc.; no ATVs, sorry), people riding skate boards, in-line skaters, folks in wheelchairs, cheerleaders, etc.
Parade marchers - dressed in white shirts or t-shirts
Parade riders on the float - dressed in white shirts or t-shirts

Contact Lee or email her.

Also look for posters and sign-up sheets in the campaign field office.

Must-read! "A Clintonite in Denver."

2008-09-02T15:04:00.005-06:00

Click here to read a moving tribute to Obama written by Howard Wolfson, former communications director of Senator Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. The piece was published in the Washington Post on Monday, September 1, 2008.

Denver Convention. Indescribable, but I'll try.

2008-08-30T09:26:00.020-06:00

I'm still somewhat scrambling for words to give you a sense of the convention - the emotion, the spectacle, the events. Photos seem more capable. Here are a few; these & others are in our slide show in the right column.

Our New Mexico Delegation (left), decked out in blue shirts donated by a sponsor. What a great group of people from around the State! We breakfasted together every morning at 7:30 and lunched each day, so we really got to know each other. I was honored to be among them! Thank you, again, for sending me!

One morning, unplanned, Donna Brazile dropped in to speak to us during breakfast and was introduced by our Lt. Governor Diane Denish. Donna is one of my favorite "talking heads" on CNN so it was a great personal treat!

Morning schedules included a wide choice of special caucus meetings. Howard Dean (above) addresses the Native American Cacus which was extremely well attended and very informative. The Native vote is vital to Barack's success.

"Gavel" banged at 3:00 pm each day in the Pepsi Center where all speeches and official business was conducted. It was awesome to see the Center fill up and amazing to watch "reruns" on tv at night and be able to say, "I was there today!"

Some of us, like Sean Simmel, had a great time expressing ourselves with fun & silly hats.

And Debra Haaland, Barack's Delegate At-Large from Laguna Pueblo, wore her Native dress on Thursday to honor Barack's acceptance speech. (Me? Hat & boots, otherwise you wouldn't recognize me!)

THIS POST IS STILL "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" thus sometimes it will look like it needs "editing." I've not done a good job of working on it!! Maybe some midnight hour I'll get it completed. Thanks for your patience. Gaye

Major canvass -- convention weekend!

2008-08-28T11:08:00.006-06:00

We have only five weekends left until Vote-by-Mail, and we need help knocking on the doors of the 60,000 sporadic-voting Democrats who will not vote unless we contact them.

Join this convention weekend of action on Saturday, August 30 / Sunday, August 31 / Monday, September 1. Stop by the campaign office anytime between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm to help.

Volunteers activities September 2-8

2008-08-28T09:59:00.024-06:00

All events and activities are at the Santa Fe Obama Field Office on Saint Michaels & Pacheco, Suite N (unless noted otherwise).

Stop by the office any time to find out about volunteer activities. It's a busy, fun place!

Tuesday, September 2:
5-9:00 pm: Women for Obama Phonebank. Come join women in calling other women to get them to support and volunteer for Obama!

5-9:00 pm: LGBT for Obama Weekly Phonebank. Come join other members of the LGBT community for a phonebank!

Wednesday, September 3:
5-9:00 pm: Mamas for Obama Phonebank. Bring your kids to a phonebank, we'll have childcare and a play area! All others welcome as well!

Thursday, September 4:
1:00: Voter Registration Training. Here's your chance to get certified.

2-8:00 pm: Zozobra Voter Registration. New and experience Agents join us!

5-9:00 pm: Youth Phonebank. Come volunteer for the phonebank and stick around for jazz.

Sunday, September 7:
Santa Fe Fiesta Parade
Noon: Gather if you're marching
1:00 pm: Parade starts

Monday, September 8:
6-9:00 pm: Grassroots Reunion Meeting. Convention talk and phonebanking.

Volunteer activities from Friday 8/22 thru Thursday 8/28

2008-08-22T16:30:00.005-06:00

All events and activities are at the Santa Fe Obama Field Office on Saint Michaels & Pacheco, Suite N (unless noted otherwise).

Stop by the office any time to find out about volunteer activities. It's a busy, fun place!

Friday, August 22, 5pm-9pm, & Saturday, August 23, 9am-9pm:
Hispanic Community Leadership Training. Sign up (link removed) or contact your field organizer.

Camp Obama New Mexico Hispanic Community Leadership Training Alamosa Community Center 6900 Gonzales Rd, SW (Corner of Bridge and Coors) Albuquerque, NM 89102 Free.

Transportation provided. This two-day leadership training session is designed for supporters who want a more in-depth volunteer role in the campaign. Please plan to attend for the full training. The training is led by Marshall Ganz, professor of community organizing at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and former United Farm Workers organizer, along with national and local campaign staff.

All levels of experience accepted and all meals are included.

Saturday, August 23, & Sunday, August 24:
Door-to-door canvassing. Connect with your neighborhood team directly or visit the Santa Fe Obama headquarters for details.

Monday, August 25:
Beginning at 5:00 pm and beginning at 7:00 pm
New Volunteer Training - two separate training sessions

7:00 - 7:30 pm
Youth Meeting. All ages welcome. Send your kids!!

Tuesday, August 26:
5-6:30 pm: Women for Obama Phonebank. Come join women in calling other women to get them to support and volunteer for Obama!

5-6:30 pm: LGBTQ for Obama Weekly Phonebank. Come join other members of the LGBT community for a phonebank!

Both phonebanks on Tuesday followed at 6:30 pm by Potluck Convention Watch Party for Hillary Clinton's speech here in the campaign office. (See Watch Parties post for full details.)

Wednesday, August 27:
5-9 pm: Mamas for Obama Phonebank. Bring your kids to a phonebank, we'll have childcare and a play area! All others welcome as well!

Thursday, August 28:
5-6:30 pm: Phonebank. Get people on the phone and remind them of Barack's speech tonight! Come join us!
Followed at 6:30 pm by Potluck Convention Watch Party for Barack's speech with Ben Ray Lujan here in the campaign office. (See Watch Parties post for full details.)

Obama Speech Watch Party!!!

2008-08-22T15:40:00.009-06:00

Join us for the Obama Speech Convention Watch Party.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 -- Come watch Barack Obama's speech!
6:30 pm -- Potluck at the Campaign Field Office
720 St. Michaels Drive at Pacheco, Smith's Shopping Center, between Delicasa & Chow's

Bring a dish to share and join the crowd to watch Barack's historic acceptance speech. For details: Contact Katrina Godshalk

Barack's town hall in Albuquerque high school gym.

2008-08-19T17:00:00.006-06:00

Anyone who witnessed first-hand Barack's town hall meeting in Albuquerque came away re-energized and knowing more than ever how important it is that we pledge ourselves to getting Barack elected as President. His statesmanship, his humor, his intellect, his grasp of issues, his ability to listen, his willingness to hear and respond to dissenting views...it is unequalled and defines "the fierce urgency of now."

Ladies and Gentlemen, volunteer!

Clinton urges support for Obama at Española rally.

2008-08-18T13:45:00.014-06:00

Senator Hillary Clinton urged support for Barack Obama at a rally in Española on Sunday, August 17, that drew hundreds of local Democrats. She thanked the crowd for the support many of them had shown her during the primary campaign and urged her supporters to "work as hard for Senator Obama as you worked for me."

The event drew many heavyweights in the state Democratic Party, including Governor Bill Richardson, Lt. Governor Diane Denish, U.S. Representative Tom Udall, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, and 3rd Congressional District candidate Ben Ray Luján, who introduced Clinton.

For photos of the event, click on the "Santa Fe for Obama" slide show in the right-hand column of this webpage.

Senator Clinton Campaigns for Barack in Española Sunday, August 17

2008-08-15T11:28:00.005-06:00

Senator Hillary Clinton will be in Española on Sunday, August 17, to campaign for Barack. This is a terrific opportunity, just prior to the DNC Convention, to join in an important gesture of coming together in New Mexico.

To help make the visit successful, we're holding a Phone Bank in our Santa Fe field office on Friday and Saturday nights to invite supporters of Senator Clinton and Senator Obama to attend the Española event. Please call the campaign office to sign up for phone banking. Or just show up Friday or Saturday for an hour or two between 5 pm to 9 pm.

Then join the crowd on Sunday to see and cheer Senator Clinton in person.

Northern New Mexico College
Española Campus Gymnasium
921 Paseo de Onate, Española
Doors Open: 2:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 2:45 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public.
Seating is first-come, first-served.

LGBTQ group to phonebank every Tuesday evening starting 8/19

2008-08-11T12:21:00.004-06:00

LGBTQ has committed to supplying at least 5 people every Tuesday evening for phone banking at the campaign office, 5-9pm, starting 8/19. Come for any portion of that time; even if it's a 1/2 hour, it will make a difference.

You can sign up for a Tuesday by calling Cheri (or email her) or sign up at the campaign office, at Max's Cafe or Rainbow Vision. Or you can just come to the office any Tuesday (make sure to tell them you're with the LGBTQ group), but it would be great if you could sign up. You don't have to be LGBTQ to participate. Please commit to a couple of Tuesdays!! Thanks for your support; you're a hard core group.

Obamarama t-shirts.

2008-08-11T11:00:00.004-06:00

Not too late to order a t-shirt for yourself or little people you know from the Obamarama event last July . Visit the Sprouts for Change website.

Survey Results In re: Policy Discussion Groups

2008-08-11T10:00:00.002-06:00

Results from the survey on the policy discussion groups call for discontinuing the groups, at least for now, in favor of focusing on other campaign activities. If you'd like to access succinct summaries of the Campaign's position on the issues, go to http://www.barackobama.com/ and select "Issues" at the top of the page for a drop-down menu of all topics.

See you on the campaign trail!

Campaign/Grassroots Integration Moves to Next Stage

2008-08-08T17:41:00.010-06:00

At a special meeting on August 7, Santa Fe moved to the next stage of efforts to elect Barack Obama in November.

Gaye Pollitt, Grassroots organizer, and Alfred Johnson, official Campaign for Change regional field director, laid out initiatives where the two groups have integrated all volunteer forces to accomplish campaign strategies:

-Establishing neighborhood teams
-Canvassing neighborhoods
-Staffing the phone bank
-Maintaining databases
-Registering people to vote

Sign up to help with these or other tasks. Please drop in and check with Freddie or her team at the front desk to see how you can help. There's always work to be done!

Remember, the Santa Fe campaign field office is located in Smith's shopping center at St. Michaels and Pacheco, two doors down from Chow's. Just look for the Obama signs in the window.

Grassroots Special Meeting THURSDAY 5:30 - 6:30 pm ... followed by an hour of canvass training if you can!

2008-08-04T17:43:00.011-06:00

Special Grassroots briefing Thursday to re-invigorate and fully integrate our team into the national campaign. IT'S BEING HELD IN THE CAMPAIGN OFFICE at the corner of St. Michaels & Pacheco, Smith's shopping center, close to Chow's.

Topics: This weekend's CANVASSING EVENT, full brief on Neighborhood Teams, request for special project participation, and more.

Some of you are already signed up for future events. Most are not. This meeting is for as many of the Grassroots Team as can attend. Our purpose is to double back to make sure that every Grassroots volunteer who really wants to be involved gets the satisfaction of fully and effectively contributing to Barack's election.

Please come, even if you are already:

a Neighborhood Team member.
an active Voter Registrar.
signed up for phone banking.

See more details about CANVASSING EVENT this weekend in a separate post.

Huge Canvass Event This Weekend 8/9 and 8/10

2008-08-04T16:54:00.007-06:00

CANVASS EVENT:
SATURDAY 8/9
SUNDAY 8/10
Three 3-hour shifts each day beginning at 10am ... 1pm ... 4pm

If you are on a Neighborhood Team, canvass with them.
Be in touch with your Field Organizer if she/he does contact you first.

Or show up at the Campaign Office on Saturday or Sunday 15 minutes before the beginning of each shift.

Help Feed Hardworking Staffers!

2008-08-03T10:46:00.004-06:00

Help feed our hardworking campaign staffers! These young people will be working 14-hour days over the next three months right up to the election on November 4. We want to supply them with healthy snacks and one solid meal -- delivered fresh around 4 PM each day at the Campaign for Change office.

We are looking for volunteers to cook/order/supply that solid meal for 12 or drop off healthy snacks. Cynthia Cannell and Candice Kelly are coordinating "Feed the Staff." They need to know what you can do & when. Contact them by e-mail. They'll be at the Thursday meeting on 8/7 from 5:30-6:30 at the campaign office. Call Cynthia with questions.

Santa Fe Campaign Field Office Open House Huge SUCCESS!!!!

2008-08-02T08:10:00.006-06:00

Hooray! Obama Campaign for Change has a Santa Fe Campaign Field Office! And the Open House last night was spectacular. Thank you to soooooo many volunteers who help us build, paint, move heavy stuff, run errands, decorate and for bringing the wonderful food and goodies! We performed a small miracle with all that needed doing!

And thank you one and all for coming! Officially 359 folks signed in; almost as many signed up to volunteer! More stats later. For now, enjoy some snapshots I took.

Here's how we looked in the morning...

AND THEN....the fun & great food began!

AND NOW THE CAMPAIGN WORK CONTINUES. JOIN US SEVEN DAYS A WEEK...
LOCATION: 720 Saint Michael's Drive - Suite N
Smith's shopping Center at Pacheco & St. Michael's between Delicasa & Chow's

Obama Pride Unity Gathering: A shout out to all Hillary supporters! Tuesday, 8/5

2008-08-01T11:24:00.003-06:00

This has been a historic year and a historic primary. As we move toward the White House, we need to reach out and build bridges. Barack can't do this without you--your thoughts, your concerns, your input. Barack needs Hillary's support to win the White House, we need your support to win New Mexico. We've all been talking among ourselves and now, in Santa Fe, it's time for the GLBTQ community to share our stories, and begin to move forward. Please join us for an informal gathering to tell our stories and come together.
Tuesday, August 5th, 6:00pm, 1721 Medio St.
Snacks and beverages will be provided. RSVP to Cheri.

We need your help to furnish our campaign office.

2008-07-29T15:01:00.008-06:00

We're still furnishing the office & setting it up, but we want to thank the oh so many of you that have dropped things off to us. After the Open House on Saturday, we will set things up for serious general election work and will better be able to tell what other items are needed. Meantime, just come to our OPEN HOUSE and enjoy yourself and see what important volunteer activities there are that you can enjoy!

Here's our WISH LIST for getting settled in the campaign office space. Thank you for your help!

You may start delivering items again on Monday, 8/4.

Office Equipment:
 Fax machines
 Copy machines
 Surge protectors (just need 1 or 2 more)
 Scanner
Office Furnishing:
 Stackable chairs
 Area Rugs (contact us with dimension first)
 Book cases
 Flip boards for think tanking
Office Supplies:
 Lots of paper
 Misc office supplies (pencils, pads of paper, paper clips, scissors, staplers, etc.)
Kitchen Equipment:
 Ground coffee & tea bags
 On-going deliveries of healthy snacks to bolster the staff's energy!

If you need transport assistance, please call Gaye.

Other Volunteer opportunities this coming weekend - Friday thru Sunday.

2008-07-29T14:15:00.004-06:00

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY...8/1-8/3
Volunteers needed at the Santa Fe County Fair (Rodeo Road) - Democratic Party Booth

SATURDAY...8/2 - Jemez Feast Day - Voter Registration Agents needed

Both activities are being coordinated through the Udall campaign. They have asked us to join them. Please call them for details or to sign up.

We've added new to the weblog links. Take a look.

2008-07-24T10:00:00.005-06:00

In the right column if you scroll down [Note 1/2009: column no longer available, but links below are active], you'll find links we hope will be helpful and informative. We add new links from time to time. If you have suggested additions, please let us know. Take a look:

OBAMA SPEECHES, NEWS ARTICLES, ETC.
Berlin. That's all I have to say.

Barack will lead a new foreign policy based on restoring America's military strength and global respect, cooperating with allies, and reversing failed Bush policies

With all the questions about FISA, check out this blog on the Obama website that includes Discussion with Policy Staff.

Check out this video of Barack speaking to headquarters staff and volunteers in Chicago after winning the nomination. He's talking to us too! "What a magnificent position to find yourselves in, where the whole country is counting on you to change it for the better. These moments don't come along very often... So we've got to seize it."

This video was recommended by Harold Neal, one of our Grassrooters from Chicago. It's Barack on This Week with George Stephanopoulous on Mother's Day a year ago. Harold's description of the show is "it is sort of 'Obama Intro 101' very relaxed , wonderfully presented." See for yourself.

ISSUES
And, in a new category called ISSUES, you'll find a very informative article from The Nation that asks...How antichoice is John McCain? Let's leave the psychological tea leaves out of it and look at his record. Another thought provoking piece. (Disclaimer: the author is not related to Gaye Pollitt.)

[You can always revisit these (and other) videos and articles by clicking on their titles within their categories in the right column. Unfortunately, to come back to our weblog from one of these links, you must use the BACK button for your browser. ]

Neighborhood Leaders Orientation on Saturday, 7/26, from 10am- 6pm

2008-07-24T09:41:00.003-06:00

Join us this Saturday and learn how you personally can help Barack win on November 4th! This is it folks! Grassroots at its best -- you talking to and organizing others in you neighborhood.

This program will cover the fundamentals of organizing for Grassroots teams within the same precincts who will work together in their neighborhood and organizing on a micro scale.

Neighborhood Leaders Orientation from 10am- 6pm.
LOCATION: NEA building, 2007 Botulph Road, Santa Fe
Signs will identify the building.

RSVP is encouraged.

If you can't make this training, just let us know; we will be having another training in future.

Santa Fe temporary campaign office on 2nd Street HAS BEEN CLOSED.

2008-07-23T11:09:00.006-06:00

Until further notice, if you are volunteering, please report to Coordinated Campaign office of Congressman Udall/Democratric Party of Santa Fe County.

LOCATION: Saint Michael's & Pacheco
in the Smith's Shopping Center (next to the dry cleaners).

Or contact the Obama staffer who has recruited you.

Next Platform input group meeting today, Thursday, 7/24. Don't miss the opportunity!

2008-07-17T14:00:00.012-06:00

We are postponing The Blue Print for Change Obama policy discussion groups originally scheduled for July 21st and 24th.

Instead, between July 19 and July 27, we're switching our focus and will participate in a special program entitled Listening to America: the Democratic Platform for Change. It was created by the national Obama campaign to help shape the Platform at the National Convention in August. We will meet to formulate the issues most important to each of us and what should be at the heart of the Democratic platform. Afterwards, our issues will be submitted to Listening to America.

You may have already received an email directly from the national campaign about this. We are merely facilitating this program in Santa Fe through our Discussion Groups.

Sign up to host or attend a Listening to America platform meeting in your neighborhood between July 19th & July 27th by using this link: (Link removed)

Or, if you want to attend a meeting already set up by members of our Discussion Groups, join
Jan Melendez, Thursday, July 24 at 7:00 - 9:00 PM

If you do decide to host a meeting, please contact Martha Romero or call her and we will help further publicize your event to Santa Fe Grassroots.

After July, we will resume our discussions on remaining topics from The Blue Print for Change depending upon interest levels of the group.

Obama Pride Happy Hour Saturday!

2008-07-17T12:05:00.002-06:00

Meet other GLBTQ Obama supporters and find out how you can get involved! Join us this Saturday, July 19th at Max's, Santa Fe's hot new GLBT cafe, from 3-5pm. Max's is donating non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers.

What do you think is important to be included in the national Democratic platform? Barack wants to know and has asked us to forward all thoughts to his campaign.

But most of all, come and have fun while making a difference! Max's is located at 401 S. Guadalupe St., behind Willee's Blues Club. Call Cheri for additional information.
See you there!

SUNDAY, 7/13, 10am-Noon, Espanola Fiesta Parade. Join us!

2008-07-12T10:00:00.006-06:00

We have a float in the Espanola Parade!

We're caravaning from Santa Fe. Gather at 7:15am in the parking lot at 519 Cerrillos Rd (same location where the Neighborhood Leaders Orientation is being held today) across from Hotel Santa Fe, next to Sage Bakery, where our winter Farmer's Market was held.

For more information, contact Gaye.

See you in the Hilton Ballroom Monday, 7/14, at 6 pm for our next meeting.

2008-07-09T19:31:00.003-06:00

This is a meeting you do not want to miss. Grassroots Santa Fe and the Obama National Campaign Kickoff the General Election! With an incredibly special Native American Blessing Ceremony to begin our journey to the White House by Venus BrightStar of the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Tribe of Alabama!

Hilton Ballroom
100 Sandoval Street
6pm-8pm

Tell your friends & join us! And also please POST our flyer for Meetings on community bulletin boards if you get it in an email.

REMINDER! BE A STAR! TRY OUT FOR AN OBAMA TV COMMERCIAL TO BE SHOT MONDAY NIGHT 7/14

2008-07-09T18:36:00.003-06:00

Blue Collar worker types (on a volunteer basis) needed for this campaign spot that will deal with the lack of jobs for American workers.

No acting required. Just good hard-working faces.

This will be filmed after our Monday meeting. If you would like to be in the spot, bring rain gear and go over to CLOUD CLIFF BAKERY on 2nd Street right after the meeting. Shooting will start about 8:45 pm.

If you need more info, please call Ron Bloomberg or email him.

WATCH OUR NUMBERS GROW - Santa Fe newly registered voters!

2008-07-07T22:45:00.003-06:00

Our National Obama Campaign Regional Field Organizers along with many of Santa Fe Grassroots volunteers and the newly arrived Obama Fellows are registering new voters like crazy. Watch this tally grow:

TOTAL AS OF...
6/30 - 1,120
6/24 - 975
6/20 - 800
6/16 - 500
6/9 - 350
6/2 - 200

Feel left out? Want to join the fun? Contact NICK ROSA, our Obama Field Organizer now in charge of Voter Registration activities.

GLBTQ for Obama moves into high gear! Planning group needed.

2008-07-07T22:38:00.016-06:00

Pride on the Plaza was a great success! Our group in the parade won third prize. Also, 17 volunteers signed up 54 new volunteers and registered 74 people to vote! Now, we are energized and moving forward. Our goal is to mobilize the GLBTQ community to get out and exercise their support for Barack. But we need your help.

We would like to form an organizing committee. In the coming weeks we will plan:

*A unity party

*A Listening to America party (giving our input on the Democratic Platform)

*A fundraiser for the regional office

*Getting the word out at monthly GLBTQ dances

*GLBTQ-sponsored voter drives and phone banking

*Getting GBLTQ-friendly businesses actively involved

We would love to hear your ideas. Join us in making this a successful campaign and electing Barack Obama as our next president. For more information please call Cheri or Sue.

Las Vegas fiesta

2008-07-07T21:57:00.008-06:00

A small group of us marched for Obama in the Las Vegas fiesta parade on July 5. We all nearly had heatstroke, but it was a good time in one of New Mexico's most colorful towns.

Obama Grassroots & National Campaign - perfect together!

2008-07-07T18:03:00.002-06:00

COORDINATED ACTIVITY SCHEDULE, week of 7/7:

7/8 Tuesday: Data Entry Training. Any 2 hours between 5 - 9 pm.
7/9 Wednesday: Phone Bank. 5 - 9 pm.
7/10 Thursday: Phone Bank. 5 - 9 pm.
All week: Voter Registration.

See anything listed here you want to do? Want information about location of an activity?
Contact Alex or John.

OBAMARAMA Art Event at Hahn-Ross Gallery 7/6 was HUGE & BIG success!

2008-07-06T01:58:00.007-06:00

1,000 folks attended! 600 t-shirts sold!!!

The event was fantastic in all respects! The turnout

was shoulder to shoulder for more than 3 hours; the excitement was palpable; T-shirt sales were brisk; the live music was toe-tapping, and program very enjoyable. A much deserved congratulations to Tom Ross and all the folks who made this event possible and who ran it so smoothly!

Then at our big volunteer meeting on 7/14, the T-shirts were on display and available for sale. Once again, they were a big hit!

Not too late to order one for yourself or little people you know. Visit the Sprouts for Change website. Plus, there's a great documentary on YouTube showing and telling all about the Obamarama concept including interviews with the artists.

Obama General Election Campaign Kick-off Meeting, Monday, 7/14. See you there!

2008-07-06T01:51:00.005-06:00

Our next meeting is soooooooooooo important & going to be soooooooooo exciting, you don't want to miss it!

Monday, July 14, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm...location to be announced.

Please save the date, tell your friends & join us! And also please POST our flyer for Meetings on community bulletin boards if you get it in an email.

This weekend...lots happening...Voter Registration...signing up new Obama supporters...Obamarama! Join the fun!

2008-07-01T13:13:00.006-06:00

Want to join the fun this July 4th weekend? You have some great choices:

VOTER REGISTRATION
Pancakes on the Plaza - Friday
And wherever else Alex & John have events planned
Call Alex or John

SIGN-UP NEW OBAMA SUPPORTERS
Pancakes on the Plaza - Friday
Call Terry Rivera

OBAMARAMA GALLERY EVENT - Sunday
Hahn Ross Gallery. Call Tom Ross - See full details in post below.

Next meeting: June 30 at Unitarian Church

2008-06-29T10:30:00.002-06:00

We've found a new home for volunteer meetings to accommodate our growing attendance! Come join the excitement!

The details:
Monday, June 30, 6:00 - 7:00
The Unitarian church (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe)
107 W Barcelona Rd, corner of Barcelona & Galisteo

RSVP via the link below:
(RSVP link removed)

Obamarama art exhibit Sunday, July 6 in Santa Fe!

2008-06-29T09:30:00.003-06:00

Hahn Ross Gallery will host Obamarama, an exhibition of over 50 T-shirts inspired by Barack Obama and designed by a diverse section of local artists ages 7 to 90. Designs include "Dragons for Obama" and "08bama." You can buy these unique, expressive designs now or at the event July 6, 4-7 p.m., at Hahn Ross Gallery, 409 Canyon Road, Santa Fe.

The T-shirts will be given to New Mexico delegates to wear at the Democratic Convention in August. The event is sponsored by Sprouts for Change and members of Santa Fe Grassroots for Obama; proceeds will benefit Meds and Food for Kids. In addition to being displayed on the Sprouts for Change virtual gallery, the exhibit of 50 T-shirts will be made available to other art galleries nationally.

For more information about the event, contact Tom Ross at 505-470-7932

You are invited. Join a UNITED FOR CHANGE house meeting on Saturday.

2008-06-24T14:43:00.012-06:00

This Saturday, June 28th, several Unite for Change house meetings are being hosted in Santa Fe -- and you are encourage to join in! (All in all, there are more than 3,000 events planned in all 50 states.)

Our newly arrived Obama Fellows are working with the Santa Fe Obama supporters who will be opening their homes and reaching out to Democrats who supported other candidates in the primary, as well as Independents and Republicans who are hungry for change.

If you'd like to be part of this historic event, please contact our Obama Fellows for times and locations of a house meeting close to you.

Add your "Obama story" to this open exchange and informal conversation.

March for Obama this Saturday, June 28th, in the Pride Parade!!!!

2008-06-24T14:06:00.003-06:00

Come one, come all! Gay, Straight, or Queer. Show your support for Obama by marching with us this Saturday, June 28th. The Parade starts at 12 noon. To participate you just need to show up at the Pera Bldg parking lot (next to the farmer's market) by 11:30. Tell the folks there you're marching with the Obama group and they'll show you where to go.

We'll have signs you can carry or come early and make your own. Get creative, anything goes. The parade is short and will probably be over by 12:30. Bring a friend. We're going to have a blast!! See you there.

If you have any questions call Cheri.

Barack in ABQ 6/23 talking about working women's issues

2008-06-23T10:00:00.002-06:00

We've just added a link that you may enjoy that covers Barack's campaign event in Albuquerque yesterday.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/6/23/161934/362/281/540773

June 16 - Next Grassroots meeting. Agenda is jam-packed & guaranteed to be lively!

2008-06-15T12:05:00.005-06:00

Santa Fe Grassroots will hold volunteer meeting
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Santa Fe Main Library - Community Room
Downtown, corner of Marcy & Washington streets.
Next date: Monday, June 16

RSVP TO JUNE 16th MEETING
(RSVP Link removed)

Next discussion group: Monday, June 23, 7:00 pm

2008-06-15T11:57:00.016-06:00

Join our policy discussion groups to learn more about Obama's position on issues. Depending upon demand, we may hold two parallel groups -- on Mondays and Thursdays.

The next group will be on Monday only, June 23.* We will discuss issues relating to the economy, fiscal policy, and seniors -- as outlined in The Blueprint for Change, Barack Obama's Plan for America. Here's the LINK: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf

*Thursday, June 26 is cancelled. Contact Martha Romero for information about future discussion groups.

Pride on the Plaza June 28, 10a-6p

2008-06-14T17:37:00.011-06:00

Saturday, June 28 is Pride on the Plaza, Santa Fe's annual GLBT celebration! There's a parade, music, food, booths, dancing costumed people...fun for everyone. Whether you're G, L, B, T, straight as an arrow, or none of the above, we'd love for you to participate! The festival runs from 10a-6p. Wear your Obama gear!

We still need volunteers to cover shifts at our Obama information booth, our voter registration booth, and to march in the parade (starts at noon and lasts about a half hour). We've got a large banner to march behind reading "Obama ’08,” with a rainbow for the “O” and will be making other signs. We are hoping that at least 20 of us will be lined up in the parade next to the Udall folks, many of whom will be on bikes, and the Lujan folks who have 3 cars. Do you have a fun/fancy car or maybe a truck (1 or 2 would be great) to escort us or know anyone who does? Please call Cheri. We are also hoping to coordinate our Obama information booth to line up in a row with the Lujan and Udall info booths. We especially need volunteers who are voter registration agents.

We're having a planning meeting on Monday, June 23rd at 6:30pm on the plaza. If you're interested in marching, volunteering, and/or planning, please take our brief survey. (survey link removed)

DEADLINE FRIDAY MORNING FOR MUNCHIES: Obama Fellows in training. Help keep them energized & fired up!

2008-06-12T13:04:00.010-06:00

About 50 Obama Fellows are coming to Albuquerque for training this weekend.

Alex and John are asking for donations (at their temporary Santa Fe office) of nonperishable food, such as snacks, bottled water, juices, or even paper plates & cups (biodegradable, preferred).

While you're grocery shopping Friday morning (June 13), pick up some munchies for our new Obama Fellows and please drop off items by 11:00 a.m. at 1807 2nd Street, Taos Bldg. Unit 106, Santa Fe.

The building is in the Second Street Studios complex, down the same row as Back Street Pizza, in the second set of buildings. For more information, call Alex.

Voter registration - join the fun!

2008-06-04T20:35:00.008-06:00

From now until 28 days before the General Election, Grassroots will be registering voters along side our Obama National Campaign Field Organizers -- Alex, John & Joe.

You can sign up for two-hour shifts (or longer):

Weekdays between 10 am to 8 pm
Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm
Sundays Noon to 6 pm

And if you're not already an Voter Registration Agent, they will tell you how you can become one. Contact the Field team for more info.

200 new voters registered in Santa Fe

2008-06-04T18:30:00.003-06:00

Our National Obama Campaign Field Organizers and 10 Santa Fe Grassroots volunteers registered 200 new voters during the week of May 26.

Want to join the fun? Contact the Field team.

June 9th, Monday: second Obama Policy Discussion Group to meet

2008-06-04T09:00:00.002-06:00

We aim to become better informed on Obama’s position on issues and policies and, thus, be better able to tell friends and voters why Barack deserves their vote.

To that end, Santa Fe Grassroots will hold their second Obama policy discussion group on Monday, June 9th, at 7:00 pm. The group will discuss The Blueprint for Change, Barack Obama's Plan for America*. This 64-page booklet gives a good sense about where Barack stands on the fundamental issues facing our country. In his own words, "I also hope that this booklet sparks a dialogue and that, after you’ve finished reading it, you get in touch with our campaign and give us your thoughts on the policies you find here. It’s time to put government back in your hands, where it belongs. If we want to have policies that are good for the American people, then we need the American people to help shape those policies."

Here is the link to The Blueprint for Change: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf

DIRECTIONS: On June 9th, the group will be hosted in the home of Freddie Johnson.

Find out how you can join this group by calling Martha Romero.