I arrived at the Convention Center at about 7:15, helped set up for registration, and volunteered getting people their credentials until around 9:30. This is part of the volunteering I am doing in return for the scholarship from Democracy for America, about which more in a minute.
I saw a familiar name, and asked the young lady if she were related to someone I knew. Turns out she's his daughter. I first met him in 1963 when we played soccer together in college.
Saw another familiar name, and she too turned out to be the daughter of someone I knew, albeit in this case only electronically. Finally met him when he stopped by tyhe DFA booth where I was I volunteering for an hour for the rest of my service.
There are other organizations helping with the scholarships, including for example Sojourners. The mix of those winning scholarships, some of whom I had met last night, is amazing, as to age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and geography. In short, as diverse as this nation, a diversity reflected in the Democratic party (but not really in the Republican).
Democracy for America is the outgrowth of the Howard Dean campaign, and is still chaired by his brother Jim. It now has over 1 million members, whose generosity is how I and the other scholarship winners are able to attend this year's convention. Visit the web site, see all they do, and see if you can offer some support, or at least join their mailing list.
DFA took us to a very nice lunch today, and will be cosponsoring a party with SEIU.
There are unions and union people here. I saw Leo Gerard of the Steelworkers, there are staffers from NEA and AFT (and a VP of NEA, Lily Eskelsen). Union issues are important for all of us, and for the future of this nation.
Been catching up with old acquaintances and meeting new people. That is a process that will go on until the wee hours of the morning.
Sat in on a parents caucus - there were education types as well as parents. IT was a candid conversation. Markos was there, but except for some one-liners (and I was on the receiving end of one) largely silent as his wife Elisa Batista ran it. As I write this listening to a panel titled "Moving Forward with Faith." Always lots of interesting choices - I may be a Gemini but unfortunately even were I able to split into two, it would be insufficient - right now, for example, I'd also like to be aty "What to do when the President is not that interested in you" and "Beyond Enviro Justice - making Conservations inclusive" just to name two more of interest.
I am looking forward. This day still has more session, a keynote by Russ Feingold, receptions and parties, and lots of chances to chat with friends old and new.
Glad I am hear. Too bad I do occasionally have to sleep.
Now back to the conference.
Peace.