About 4 and a half years ago I signed up to go to this little unknown convention in Vegas. I had been on Daily Kos since the end of the Dean campaign and was new to politics. I knew no one who was going to be there and I was going alone.
I am a fairly outgoing guy so figured I would meet people, but I also am someone who like to be involved in the mix, so when I read a diary on DailyKos that was looking for volunteers for a special project I jumped at the chance. That first summer I was an photographers assistant for what would become UnConventional, had a blast doing it and met some very cool people.
Next year in Chicago I helped out Mary with the Media, and whatever else was needed. Mostly I think I got look from folks who wondered who is this guy hanging out in the staff office. Met a few more really cool people and again had a blast.
In Austin I earned my "staff" moniker a bit more, got involved a few weeks before the convention started and ran the Reg desk which enabled me to meet a whole bunch of really cool people and again had a great time. I was hooked.
I had spent three years paying to go to a convention, that outside some of the keynotes, I had made it to only one session. However, I had been given something more valuable, I got to peek behind the curtain and meet the wizard - but in this case, there is more then meets the eye.
There are four full time staff who pull off this convention and additional events throughout the year. Four. These four staffers work all year, investigating venues, booking speakers, and more...much much more. I have never worked with a more talented and hardworking team in my life, and I am so proud to also call them my friends.
Those of you who were fortunate enough to make it to Pittsburgh this year know how flawless and professional a job they do. Bill Clinton - Bill Fucking Clinton. Do you realize how big a get that is. This is a man who commands 6 figure speaking fees. And that exhibit hall, all those book signings, coffees, lunch, happy hours, film series, full video of most panels, 3 full days at a world class facility and more - all on a shoestring budget.
There is so much that has to come together to make it happen that it would take a whole other diary to do it justice, so today I am focusing on one vital component that you can help with, fundraising. Yes, it would be nice if we were funded by Soros as many claim, but until that check finally shows, we rely on fundraisers and sponsors to keep down our cost.
The current push is for our annual Auction, with brings in much needed funds while getting some really cool items into your hands. This year’s Auction will start next Tuesday, September 15th and run through Tuesday, September 29th. Hear are the ways to help:
- Donate an auction item – To donate an item, visit http://bit.ly/... and you will be asked to provide information about the item and digital pictures of the item if you have any. Netroots Nation will contact you after it has been reviewed. If they would prefer to have Netroots Nation do it for you or if you have any questions, just e-mail Karen Kolber at karen (at) netrootsnation (dot) org and she’ll be happy to help.
- Promote item once the auction starts. Tweet, post, e-mail friends!
- Bid … find that perfect item and don’t let go.
Note that proceeds will benefit Netroots Nation, a California 501(c)4 corporation, and enable us to not only underwrite the costs associated with planning Netroots Nation 2010 Las Vegas, but also our year-round regional salon program.
Finally I promised we would sing for our supper - so enjoy - and thank you for your support.