No air condition, ACORN showing on caller ids, my citizenship being questioned. Needless to say this has been an interesting start to Democracy Summer. Being a part of the AMAZING QC team, we had to set up shop in the ACORN office.
The first day, Sarah and I arrived within 10 minutes of each other to the parking lot without keys, sense of direction and makeup running down our face from the heat. After Robert arrived we spent the whole day sweating and inhaling mildew and asbestos (I’m sure). This only made my sinus infection that much better (not).
The second day we had a lunch meeting with Generation Engage leaders, Rod and Femi. These two passionate leaders discussed opportunities to educate the youth about voter participation. I am definitely looking forward to working with them to come up with ways to reach the youth and have fun! After our meeting and brainstorming speaking engagement opportunities, it was time to call and annoy people after their long days at work! 😀 so, we began phone banking. Well considering it is 2009, and EVERYONE has caller ID, calling from the ACORN office presented a bit of a dilemma and some controversy. Those on my list, made the decision to not answer, but Sarah’s list of people were very feisty. (She her blog to learn more :D) So after laughing for 30 minutes over her Fox News Worshiper, day two was over.
DAY 3…So not only was it 95 degrees outside, but it was 105 in the ACORN office and the internet was out. So day three was spent in the public library brainstorming youth programs and mapping opportunities to reach youth. After spending the day freezing in the library (talk about from one extreme to another) we had a Dem Charlotte coalition meeting where we met with different representatives to discuss house party planning, working with the Urban League and the importance of lobby day.
Day 4 (TODAY): Homeland Security
So, I was extremely excited about the Oath ceremony and seeing legal residents become citizens. I was happy for them and their accomplishments and seeing all of their hard work “pay off”. Sarah and I were there to hand out voter registration cards with the League of Women Voters. After the ending of the ceremony, the woman from the LWV, began to question MY citizenship status.
HER: So you must be Sarah, (points at Sarah) you look like a Sarah and that must mean you are America (looking in my direction)
HER: “ Are you a citizen?”
ME: (evil glance) “Yes, I am….”
HER: “Oh so you must be first generation….right?”
ME: (confused look) “Uh….no I’m not….”
HER: Attempts to diffuse situation…..
So all in all, it was a very interesting interaction, especially after she found out I WAS IN SCHOOL TOO!
*sigh*
Anyways….well now it is almost time to call people and explain that we are not in any way affiliated with ACORN and that Dem NC REALLY is non-partisan……
America (CHARLOTTE)
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