More than meets the eye: transformers and NOI Coming to NOI with a limited campaign experience, I had a lot to learn. I knew that the week would provide lessons in technology and insights on field organizing. I figured there would be a campaign simulation and some interesting speakers. But it was what I had not expected that most influenced me about the campaign world which was so foreign to me. Though I learned all the fundamentals that one would imagine learning at a campaign “bootcamp” and a lot of really interesting new media stuff, what I took home at the end of the week was an understanding of how a campaign ticks. And I found that it isn’t great email writing skills of superb turf cutting (though I know those are essential too!). It is passion.

I have never met more passionate people than those surrounding me in the classroom and all of the amazing trainers. Quite frankly, I never expected to see what I saw during each (long) day and night in that classroom. Sixty people, from all of the country, from all different backgrounds, each with truly interesting and amazing pasts, coming together with one commonality: a passion for change.

Overlooking all the details that will years down the line be a blur, I realized that what I took from the week was an inspiration. To be honest, I had begun to forget about trying to change the world. The passion I had years ago had at some point turned to a skepticism that I didn’t even realize was there. Seeing that passion again in all of the trainees, trainers, and speakers reminded me that there really is still hope.

Thank you Roz, Zack, Judith, and the rest of the organizers and trainers for giving me the opportunity to take part in something so amazing. And thank you all for reminding me of the passion for change that is out there.  ¶ posted by Cate @ 7:11 PM