Changing the world one conversation at a time... Yesterday on my flight across the country, I had an incredible conversation with a middle-aged lady from Minneapolis. We started by talking about the training in vague terms, careful -- as many people are -- not to give insight into our partisan beliefs for fear of being judged too early and ending political discourse prematurely. But as time went on, it became apparent that she was just as frustrated with our backward government as I, and that she shared all of our progressive values, and our sentiments for change.

She told me about her work in a Christian nonprofit, running small reconciliation programs for victims of genocide around the world. She also told me of their struggles to raise enough money to keep the program growing. Immediately, I was buzzing with ideas that tied together our days of practical training and inspiration. Together, we formulated a plan to revamp the website, reach out to bloggers, and utilize online video. I told her about all the amazing tools that Google Apps has to offer, and she is planning to contact me to consult her on this new and exciting strategy.

Beyond that, I returned home to Montana and began working again today to help Bill Kennedy take back our Congressional seat from a four-term incumbant. It's going to be a tough fight, but I am confident that we can do it. Because of NOI, my position of Deputy Finance Director has dramatically expanded to include the subtitles "Western Montana Coordinator and Web Director," and the description is as follows:

"In his role as Western Montana Coordinator, Cory Kalanick will organize fundraising, press, and field events and schedule candidate travel agendas in Western Montana. Cory Kalanick will direct campaign call centers, organize volunteers, and build relationships with local leadership in business, government, tribes, unions, and the college campus.

In his role as the Web Director, Cory Kalanick will direct the campaign website and email fundraising program."

The point is, our lessons at the NOI bootcamp will guide us forever, and have already made a tremendous impact. I am sure that many more thoughts will fill my mind and make their way to this blog, but for now, I want to thank everyone at NOI and wish you all the best in finding good jobs and making change in the world.  ¶ posted by cgnick @ 8:44 PM