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How are you going to change?

Posted at 8:40 PM on November 4, 2008 by Bob Collins (10 Comments)
Filed under: Politics

Barack Obama is going to the White House. His message resonated, at least part of his message, with people voting today But another part of his message was a call to civic duty, or volunteering.

Are you intending to volunteer more? If so, how? Where? When? If not, why not?

Are you going to -- as he suggested in Denver -- turn off the TV. Are fathers going to be more engaged with their children?

Comments (10)

As a liberal I was shocked to see how little liberals volunteer their time, talents and money. The folks I've seen working soup kitchens, driving seniors for meals or delivering meals and contributing to homeless shelters have been conservatives. That was a huge shock to me. I just assumed conservatives were sitting home counting their money and liberals were out there donating and helping. Since conservatives volunteer and donate more than liberals, Obama must be chiding my fellow liberals.

Posted by moi61537 | November 4, 2008 9:11 PM

As someone who works in nonprofits, specifically with the Homeless community in Minneapolis, I know first hand the need for new blood with volunteers.

Because of the state the economy is in, contracts will most likely not be renewed at their current values and individual giving is at an all time low due to the financial crunch.

There are many ways to get involved.

Hands on Twin Cities ( www.handsontwincities.org ) has a fantastic list of volunteer needs matching which you can find on their website listed above.

United Way Greater Twin Cities ( www.unitedwaytwincities.org ) Caring Connect is another fantastic program if you're looking to volunteer. Also, United Way has a program called Emerging Leaders spefically for younger people looking for ways to help out.

Just a little to get you started.

Posted by nicole | November 4, 2008 9:17 PM

Whoa Bob....

Easy on that "fathers going to be more engeged with their children".

Father-bashing is so last century.

As for volunteering Why? The government will do it all!!

Seriously, isn't Obama sending a mixed message?

Big government, soft-socialism --- then volunteering?

Posted by GregS | November 4, 2008 9:18 PM

okay, maybe i'm a cynic, or maybe i've just been let down in the 2 other elections i was old enough to vote for... but i ain't counting no chickens till i see them cluck. I realize it's looking good for us Obama supporters... but it was in 2000 and then BAM, 10:30pm and a huge change called florida slapped me in the face.

Posted by kate | November 4, 2008 9:24 PM

Well, if we're "voting for change" (as selfproclaimed democrats and liberals) then why wait to see if the election was won or not?

Be the change you wish to see in the world. (-gandhi) It's that simple.

Posted by nicole | November 4, 2008 9:32 PM

i didn't say i wasn't going to be the change i want to see. Obama brings me to tears with inspiration. I'm just saying, don't call it before it's been called.

Posted by kate | November 4, 2008 9:35 PM

@moi61537

Are you really THAT surprised? Most charitable organizations are faith based.

Tithing (meaning giving 10%) is a Biblical principle. Having the government take my money and give it to someone else is not Biblical.

Of course, I'm just clinging to my guns and religion, so what to I know. ;-)

Posted by Christopher | November 4, 2008 9:45 PM

This is what I have been asking myself. Obama in his speech last night reminded us that his movement towards the White House is a movement by the people, for the people. Everyone is asking, what do we want Obama to do first? I think an equally, if not more important question, is what are WE going to do next. We have a president who can create glorious change, but imagine how our country can be if WE all make glorious change in our lives as well. We're in a tough spot, so I think that volunteering and building community and sustainable, local subsistance is going to be hugely important! Let's go! What can we do?

Posted by Melody | November 5, 2008 9:52 AM

Take a look at the campaign that Obama and his team put together - in terms of donations and volunteer efforts it was unprecedented. Last night when his victory was called it felt like something we could all be proud of, since the election was won without stooping to hate speech and fear mongering. Instead, we were encouraged by hope for the best (rather than, as in 2000 and 2004, fear of the worst).

I was walking through the Cedar - Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis last night and overheard someone say, "Go America!" to which someone else shouted, "Isn't it great we can say that now and not feel ashamed?!"

If, as President, Obama can continue to encourage that network of people and the civic spirit that they share, which I believe can transcend party affiliation, I think we will see a transformation in this country.

As for me, personally, I hope to contribute by finding ways to reach out to those people who were not engaged in this election, or who are afraid of the direction our country is moving. We need them to take part in this process - and we need the civic dialogue that comes from disagreement and difference of opinion.

I'm not sure yet how to do this, but I'm sure it can be done.

Posted by shanai | November 5, 2008 12:03 PM

moi61537: Very good points. Check out this link:

http://townhall.com/columnists/GeorgeWill/2008/03/27/conservatives_really_are_more_compassionate?page=1

Which discusses the liberal/conservative lines on giving to churches and charity. Very interesting!

I'm a conservative, but most of my close friends are liberal and although we disagree more than agree on policy, we ALL are grateful to give our money, time, and talent!

In fact, our church has "adopted" a local elementary school in a poor part of town. We regularly throw parties and dances for the kids, and they love it!

www.neighborsathawkins.com

With Obama as President, I won't agree with all his decisions. But regarding his ideology that people we need to be more civic service minded, I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!

We ALL need to put down our petty partisanship, and step back and realize really how lucky we are! The more you give and donate your time, the more you realize how lucky you are. : )

Posted by CJ | November 6, 2008 2:36 PM

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