[First Diary]
I went to bed last night after 1AM feeling pretty good about America--even after watching 5 hours of MSNBC coverage! This morning I awoke really feeling happy, content, hopeful, relieved, vindicated. As I examined these range of emotions I realized that it was kind of odd knowing that a primary election could have that kind of effect on me personally. And it struck me that this positive connection--between public politics and private emotional investment--was a very deep and significant thing. It means that abstract concepts like hope and change are what I'll call crystallizing agents, and the first step in getting America (and possibly the world) back on track is feeling connected to a public process in a real, visceral/emotional and yes, intellectual, way.
So what's the next step?
How to turn that positive sense of connection and possibility into on-the-ground action? I'm going to simply list some (pretty obvious) ideas, and I welcome other thoughts on the subject. Just so you know, I am a poor (female, 41) graduate student trying to finish up a PhD, so my resources are limited. I don't have a car or much free time, and even tho I'm in debt, I've already contributed over $150 to Obama. I live in one of the most racially segregated cities in America-Detroit--so I see the effects of racism and capitalist excess on a lived, daily basis. But I want to do more than think and see (and bitch and moan). I want to do something.
- I tried phone banking for Obama but wasn't really my thing. I plan on giving it another shot, but I really despise talking on the phone, especially to strangers, so this may not be my forte.
- Joining an Obama group in Detroit. Yet I'm certain Obama will do well in the Detroit area, and I want to make a difference in a place that needs convincing!
- I have time off at the end of the summer. Check out places that need on-the-ground help for the general election? I'm swamped with requirements for school (taking my qualifying exams in the Fall, for what it's worth, which is a big (or)deal), but I want to carve out a few days at least to get out there. But where? And how?
I realize it sounds just as much like I'm making excuses as I am thinking solutions, but I think these are common concerns for many folks who would be involved if they could figure out where/how to be most effective.
So what else?? I want to put hope into action.