Empowering the People

When I decided to volunteer for the Obama campaign, I attended a two-day seminar called Camp Obama to be trained as a deputy field organizer. What impressed me the most during the class was how strategic the campaign was overall and how volunteers played a big part in it. In fact, the strategy we were presented with extended beyond the campaign and outlined how people would still be involved in grassroots efforts if Obama won the election.

Now he has won, and I’ve seen signs of that initial strategy all over the place. It’s encouraging.

I’m particularly impressed that the Obama team is keeping up with its Internet-based communications. Change.gov, for example, was up and running in record time. And today, I got a thoughtful e-mail surveying me on how I was involved with the campaign and how I’d like to continue to volunteer during Obama’s presidency.

I know that there has also been some talk about how the online communities that sprung up during the campaign should evolve. Should they be housed by the DNC? The White House? However it shakes down, all indications show that Obama has a genuine interest and ability to mobilize and empower people. It’s refreshing.