Obama Supporters Put His Words to Action
By Laura Jensen
April 5, 2008
 
Thirty-four people of varied ages and diverse backgrounds came together yesterday to sweep a neighborhood in York City, Pennsylvania. What these people shared in common was an understanding of Senator Obama’s vision for a new kind of politics. What they shared was a sense of empowerment to take personal responsibility, not just to help Senator Obama win the Pennsylvania Primary, but to be a part of the real sweeping positive change that they absolutely believe an Obama Presidency will mean for our country.
 
These folks are part of a rapidly growing grassroots movement called “Obama Works” whose mission is to help people organize community service events which demonstrate support for Senator Obama while making a concrete contribution in their communities.* The movement began in New Haven, Connecticut just about seven weeks ago, and has spread to cities in Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, New York and Washington State. It is spurred onward primarily by people’s realization of Barack Obama’s message that “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
 
Armed with work gloves, trash bags, brooms, shovels and rakes, all donated by Penn Waste and York More Beautiful, the York City group convened at a Hess Station at the busy corner of College Avenue and Queen Street. Dividing into three teams, which respectively headed east, south and west into residential neighborhoods, the workers filled as many as ten large trash bags on some blocks. Several of the younger kids waved Obama rally signs, eliciting honks and cheers from passing cars. Neighbors emerged from their homes, appearing inquisitive and grateful. Some folks stopped to chat, to discuss the issues on their minds with this upcoming election. Information was disseminated and many new volunteers were directed to the Obama York Headquarters. 
 
Most importantly, real connections were made within this diverse group of volunteers and within this community. When it came time to close the event just about everyone, though tired and hungry, lingered on that corner with a sense of camaraderie, connection, accomplishment, and real hope for the future of our country.