life as of late

My life = The Campaign toward real healthcare reform. Here are a few of the things that I've been up to in the last weeks.... and seriously, my life consists of nothing more than 12 hour work days and sleep when it's possible. For all of you who think I'm purposely avoiding you.... think again!

A day of stalking the senator ended with this shot :)

looking for Conrad at Meritcare...

Healthcare rally on the Main Ave. Bridge

3,000 letters and postcards from people who WANT CHANGE

in Conrad's office when delivering the cards/letters

7.28.09 healthcare press conference outside pomeroy's office in Fargo

photos

Mikey and I got the opportunity to model for a local photographer's photo shoot... how do you think we did?

I don't mean to belabor the fact that it's been crazy here..... but, it's been CRAZY! The campaign for healthcare reform is in FULL swing and we are working 12-hour days on a regular (and consistent) basis. It's been an incredible challenge, but my fellow organizers have pressed me to push on and work toward being a part of some of the most important legislation to ever occur during my generation. This is our time, generation y, to flex our political muscle and show that we're really made of something real and that we're willing to put in the long days to ensure that CHANGE happens.

The other night my fellow organizers and I did some canvassing in one of the low-income areas of Fargo-Moorhead. For anyone who doesn't believe that poverty exists in this community, I challenge you to move beyond your neighborhood and pleasantries and really go examine the way that we're allowing our community members to live. To put it simply, no human being should be living in the conditions that we witnessed. I know that often canvassers are seen as a nuisance, but for many of these people, we were a link to the world that provided an opportunity to use their voice. This population that is so often shunned and ignored was sought out specifically to be provided with the tools needed to contact their delegation and let them know how important this effort is. I don't know that I'll ever know or experience anything closer to the definition of empowerment. I will take that memory and put it in my back pocket and carry it with me always.

On another note, yesterday I got a card from Leidy, my sponsor child in Guatemala. She was holding the package that I had sent down for her about a month ago. I can't even explain how excited I was to get that card. When I see her smile, I can't help but to grin myself. The long days and taxing hours can make it hard to remember the humanity in life, and this card really pushed home the reason that I started and am still doing this work. There are injustices in this world that need attention and I hope to be part of the answer.

keep on keepin' on

The last weeks have been absolutely insane. There is no other way to describe it. I started my job with with the Change that Works Campaign a few weeks back. The campaign is focused on attaining health care reform that would allow ALL Americans access to QUALITY, AFFORDABLE health care. My story, like many others, hinges on the fact that the current system renders people helpless and uninsured. The lack of access to health care is devastating people's lives all over the state and country. Day after day I hear horror stories of lives and futures lost due to the seriously broken system. It's been great to work with people that are so committed to this progressive movement.... I've already learned so much from them and have grown leaps and bounds in the last weeks. They are great people that I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. I must admit that I have been challenged incredibly by the campaign and am working diligently to try and make everything in my life mesh. It's an uphill battle, but hopefully things will soon work out and lead to a bit more of a rhythm that is sustainable. Do you have a health care story? I'd love to hear about it..... just post a comment or drop me an e-mail at: impact.the.present@gmail.com