When the news first broke that my home of eight years, Charlotte, NC, would be hosting the 2012 Democratic National Convention, I was ecstatic. How often does an event of such historic magnitude land in one's own backyard? I'd be kicking myself forever if I didn't get involved!
As soon as the volunteer portal opened, I applied. Yesterday I picked up my shirts and credential. As I arrived for training today, the stadium was abuzz and drenched with positive energy.
9/2/12: With bonus orange flowers.
As a registered DNC volunteer, my commitment this week is to represent and serve my city, the Democratic Party, and my President, Barack Obama. My intention here is to share with the Daily Kos community a little of the experience of living, for a few days, in the de facto center of the political universe. Welcome to Charlotte!
Carolina Blue y'all! 9/2/2012
For those unfamiliar and/or curious about Charlotte, Denise Oliver Velez's
excellent front page diary is your go-to. Meet me back below the swirly security perimeter.
Although my commute uptown is normally 20-25 minutes, I left for my training session this morning with a full hour to spare. Traffic was light on the way to the stadium, but the closer I got the tighter the security presence became. Once-familiar streets are now a maze of closures and detours. I don't think I've ever seen so many law enforcement officers in one place in my life. By the time I found an open parking lot, passed through a couple of checkpoints, and got inside, it was just shy of noon.
The fun began when we were invited to introduce ourselves to the people sitting on either side of us. Talk about energy! It is amazing and inspiring to see the enthusiasm and diversity of the volunteer team. I met a woman from New Jersey who took a week's vacation and came here at her own expense, just to be a part of history. She was staying an hour away in Winston-Salem and got up at 5am, so she'd have a chance to explore a bit before her back-to-back training sessions.
Suddenly, my commuting issues seemed pretty minor.
In line to pick up my uniform and credentials, I also found myself the lone "townie." The woman in front of me was from Maryland, behind me was a couple from Tennessee. We didn't get to chat much because the process was swift and efficient. After about ten minutes, I emerged the proud owner of this ensemble.
My kind of fashion statement!
The logistics of a single meetup continue to be a challenge with so many travel and scheduling restraints, so instead I am going to float some options and see if there's interest. My shift tomorrow (Mon. 9/3) ends at 4:00, after which DH and I are planning to check out CarolinaFest. If you've already contacted me, I will touch base tomorrow. If you haven't and are planning to be there, pm me with your contact info.
Thanks to Fineena for this tip:
If you're interested, meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg (also a Kosack) is speaking on Wednesday night at the Unitarian Church on Sharon Amity Rd. She's here with the Mass delegation.
I'm not scheduled to volunteer on Wednesday, and will likely check this out as well.
It's past my bedtime, but I'll check back tomorrow with more photos. Here's to a great convention week and FOUR MORE YEARS!!!
Sun Sep 02, 2012 at 9:29 PM PT: Update: See also Mike Tate's diary, Wisconsin Goes To Charlotte http://www.dailykos.com/...
From eeff, in the comments:
Drinking Liberally @ The Gin Mill - 1411 South Tryon St
8:00 pm till 10:30pm Monday night
Bland street exit on transit