(Thanks for keeping us up to date on this! Looking forward to seeing where OFAMA goes from here. - promoted by David)
This is John Tehan, otherwise known as JohnT001, blogging under John Bowes' handle since I'm on his computer. I'm here at the OFAMA meeting at the SEIU hall in Dorchester. It's a beautiful Saturday morning in springtime, and I really should be home tending my garden, but I and about 600 other folks are here finding new methods to engage in the democratic process and support President Obama's agenda.
We've already heard from one panel about the need to stay organized even though the campaign is over, and what tools are available for us to do so. We will be holding regional and local meetings going forward, so watch your email if you were involved in the campaign in your area!
Michael Fadel, Executive Vice President, MA Division, SEIU 1199
Governor Deval Patrick
Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh
"We may be crazy, but I think we're crazy like a fox because of the way things are going."
Mitch Stewart Executive Director of Organizing for America:
Question: We've organized for health care reform. How can we broaden its reach and impact? Answer: Talk to your Congress people. Use MyBO -- it has broad and lenient terms of use. Go to whitehouse.gov.
Question: How do local DNC chapters work with OFA? Answer: We've had lots of conference calls about this. In many states we are housed in the state parties. We are not trying to take over. We support the President's agenda and a lot of time that is what the state party is doing -- so there isn't much difference. In some states there will be uncomfortable moments when the groups disagree. In OFA, nothing will come above supporting the President's agenda. State parties understand that.
Question: Does participation in OFA and board membership on non-profits compromise the non-profit status? Answer: Talk to an attorney to be sure.
Question: What role do electoral and process reforms play in moving Obama's agenda forward? Answer: We are not an electoral entity. A number of states that don't have early voting want to get that issue on the ballot. Some states have a great system. A lot of supporters are advocating for this, even though it is not part of the OFA agenda.
Question: How does MA help organize other states? Phone banks? Answer: During your break out sessions, come up with ideas and run that up the structure. We will capture and spread your enthusiasm.
Question: There is a growing need for service. How can help with that? Answer: There are a number of worthy service projects in local communities. There is something in the works to aid in this. It's important because you get to see the fruits of your labor, unlike what sometimes happens when working on policies in Washington.
Question: We need to find different voices to make change. How is OFA encouraging new voices? Answer: We are reaching out to Republicans. Volunteers from John McCain's campaign are joining us. If you have policy suggestions, go to whitehouse.gov. If you have other suggestions, bring them up here.
