"We will begin the next great chapter in the American story
with three words that will ring from coast to coast, from sea to shining sea. Yes
We Can."
- Barack Obama
We recognize that this election provides us a rare opportunity to build a much needed
movement for change. We come together to help elect a smart, caring, and moral person
as President of the United States. We also join in community to revitalize our democracy
and thus help our country and the world.
During this campaign, we have demonstrated that effective teams welcome new leaders
and have fun while being productive. We seek to create a movement that encourages community,
creativity, and connection.
Building Leadership
President-elect Obama has told us repeatedly that he is not just asking us to believe in
him, but also to believe in ourselves and our capacity to make change.
People throughout our nation have taken this call seriously. New leaders have emerged
during this campaign. People who have never been involved in social change movements
have found the enormous joy of working together to make the world
a better place. Others who haven't been involved in years or decades have returned
to to find themselves renewed.
We can not allow this moment to fade away. We need to leverage the power of this
moment to create real and lasting change. To do this, we will need a whole new generation
of leaders.
Luckily this campaign has already inspired hundreds - even thousands - of wonderful
new leaders. To bring about the changes we desire, we must nurture these new leaders
and do all we can to help them build the skills necessary to carry on this vital
work.
Many of us are proud community organizers. We have experience that is valuable and
real. When the Republicans hold up signs that say "Service" and speak about "Putting
Country First" while mocking community organizers they do a deep disservice to the
best of this country. When we recognize the other as fully human and come together
in our communities to change the world, we build real hope.
It is no joke to say we are the ones we have been waiting for. Now, we must wait
no longer. We must act, and we must recognize that elections are important, but
they are not nearly enough to bring about the changes we desire.
In many campaign offices, tired people arrive, work hard, and leave even more exhausted.
We seek to create a movement where people will work hard and be refreshed by community,
connection, and creativity.