Week two of Democracy Summer entailed Young Democrat meetings, potato bread and trips to Fox Studio Charlotte. We began the week with a visit from our illustrious leader, Adam, for instruction on how to phone bank properly and schedule speaking engagements. With his guidance, America and I chatted our way to more than 25 commitments to contact legislators and an appointment to speak with the Senior Democrats, well, in July, but better late than never, right?
Wednesday began with a scenic tour through Charlotte, I got lost which I attribute to a wide variety of things, but most of the blame I give to Robert’s poor instruction giving. America, Robert and I attended the Homeless Helping Homeless meeting, an organization designed to mobilize the less fortunate into helping others, spinning a never ending circle of virtue. We listened to the rift between public libraries and the homeless population of Charlotte, and we were all reminded that the homeless, despite their predicament, are individuals struggling to make it in the same world we are. As I sat there and listened to their hardships, I remembered the importance of egalitarianism and the necessity to fight for it.
Thursday morning, America and I got to witness the naturalization of citizens at Homeland Security for the second time. However, this time, I got to speak! Ms. Levy, a rep for the LWV, allowed me the opportunity to speak about our organization and walk the new citizens through the voter registration form. I felt so privileged to share the day with the new citizens and welcome them to America. Afterwards, I walked into the men’s room by mistake and thereby ended the poetic beauty of the day. Way to go Sarah!
Fast forward to Sunday evening: following phonebanking: the weekend edition, America and I ventured to a Young Democrats meeting to speak about Preregistration and VOE. Upon arrival we noticed a sign saying the meeting had been moved due to lack of air conditioning (wimps). So we jay-walked over to the Hilton and braced ourselves to speak. Two hours later, after budget talks, book club selections and America almost throwing up on House Rep. Nick Mackey, we stood up, in the middle of a restaurant (with other nonaffiliated patrons) and gave our talk. We managed to collect multiple post cards for VOE, and I learned why the YD’s had to meet in a restaurant: after 50 minutes of budget discussions gouging myself with a sharp fork for an escape route to the ER sounded like a plan.
I’ve learned a plethora of information this week alone, such as how many McDonald’s are on Independence Blvd, the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp, and our very own Robert Dawkins bares a striking resemblance to Carlton from Fresh Prince. This week I’ve noticed the mandatory introspection that comes with an internship such as this. Since beginning this internship I’ve done things I never thought I would do and been apart of things I never knew could exist. I’ve definitely been removed from my comfort zone and forced to confront whatever reaction I exhibited. I’m learning about myself, my abilities and my decision-making, for better or worse.
Sarah, Charlotte
Sarah,
you are awesome!