Virtually Denver

As a special treat for those of you who are out working for us this weekend and throughout the campaign, I’d like to invite you to our convention watching party at a central London location on Friday the 29th at 7:00PM.

Invitations are open to anyone who commits to at least 3 hours of volunteer efforts either this weekend or during the month of September. Wine and nibbles will be on me, but numbers are very limited, so RSVP now if you want to join us - and indicate what volunteer work you will be doing to cover your “ticket price”.

robinsonkj@dnc.org

I’m also delighted to announce a convention watch party in Scotland as well. To RSVP for the Edinburgh get together, also on Friday the 29th, or to volunteer for our Scotland efforts just e-mail:

mikeheffron@yahoo.com

Can’t make it to either of these? Why not create your own convention watch house party:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/organizeforchangeguide

Carnival Anyone?

This weekend tens of thousands of people will convene in West London for the Notting Hill Carnival. Can you join us there to leaflet the teeming crowds? Have you got a carnival costume you could let us use for the day to get some extra attention for our efforts? Write to rmeyersd[at]yahoo.com to volunteer.

Rally and Canvass and Phone Bank - Oh My!

In just 81 days Americans all around the country (and the world) will be electing our next President. Let's get ready!

RALLY AND MEETING THIS SATURDAY

Please join us on Saturday for our Obama East to West Rally and Meeting in celebration of our wonderful candidate and in planning for the vital campaign ahead. Join us outside the Barrow Boy and Banker pub at 1:30 PM for a quick rally on London Bridge followed by a meeting in the pub and some canvassing on the South Bank.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44grz

Check the above link for full details, and please do RSVP – either on the website or to me directly at robinsonkj@dnc.org

CANVASSERS NEEDED THIS WEEKEND

Last week we had the most amazing success, with canvass groups out and about across London and the UK in 10 locations. We estimate that we spoke with over 200 Americans on the day, and reached hundreds more through foreigners friends. It was an amazing success!

Now let's do it again - I'm looking for as many people as possible to canvass in their local areas on either Saturday morning before the rally, or on Sunday. Or both! Can you spare a few hours to talk to people on the streets of Wimbledon, Hampstead, St John’s Wood, Bloomsbury, Kensington – or even up at the Edinburgh festival? Please drop me a line so I can put you in touch with the other volunteers in your area and get you all the materials you will need.

robinsonkj@dnc.org

Do you live outside London, but would like to start canvassing near you? Great! Let me know and I’ll help you get organised.

PHONE BANKERS NEEDED

Democrats Abroad UK has an aggressive plan in place to contact each and every one of our members in September to confirm that they are registered to vote. We urgently need volunteers who can commit to giving one or more weekend days or weekday evenings during this time period to call our members. Volunteers will be asked to use their own mobile phones (which we will consider a very generous and much appreciated donation!) and will gather in a central London location for the calls where they will get full training and support throughout the session.

Please let me know ASAP which of the following sessions you can commit to:

Saturday Aug 30 (11-2 or 2-5), Sunday Aug 31 (11-2 or 2-5), Monday Sept 1 (6-9), Tuesday Sept 2 (6-9), Wednesday Sept 3 (6-9), Thursday Sept 4 (6-9), Friday Sept 5 (6-9), Saturday Sept 6 (11-2 or 2-5), Sunday Sept 7 (11-2 or 2-5), Monday Sept 8 (6-9), Tuesday Sept 9 (6-9), Wednesday Sept 10 (6-9) (there will be no session on the 11th due to the Council Meeting), Friday Sept 12 (6-9), Saturday Sept 13 (11-2 or 2-5), Sunday Sept 14 (11-2 or 2-5).

CAN YOU HELP US REGISTER VOTERS?

Stephanie Stewart has been running an outstanding voter registration program for us here in London - and she is always in need of new volunteers. Can you help out at any of the below events? If so, write to her on vicechair@democratsabroad.org.uk.

16 or 17 August- Any time before 3:00pm - Borough Market - Need two people to pass out leaflets
16 August - 6:30pm - Rock for Barack in London - The Harbour Club Chelsea - SW6 - Need one person to register voters
20 August - 12:00 - ACS Hillingdon Welcome Picnic for new families - Stephanie S to take leaflets
20 August - 9:00 - 3:00 or any part of this time - ACS Cobham Picnic - Surrey - Lenelle D, Need one more person to register voters
24 August - 12:00 - 3:00 - The American School in Surrey (TASIS) New Family Picnic - Lesley G, Need one more person to register voters
28 August - 7:30 - DAUK Young Democrats Cocktail - Grafton Arms, W1T - Need one person to register voters
29 Aug - 7:00pm - London American Meet-up - El Vino, Fleet St. - Need one person to leaflet outside the venue
30 August - ASL Scoop back to school event - Leslie G, Whitney B
8 September - 5:30pm - The Pilgrims and English Speaking Union panel on the US election - Dartmouth House, W1J - Nancy T
9 September - 11:30 - 12:30 - JPMorgan Voter Registration - EC2 - Need two people to register voters
10 September - 11:30 - 12:30 - JPMorgan Voter Registration - EC2 - Need two people to register voters
11 September - 9:00 - 11:00am - Kennsington & Chelsea Woman's Club - Royal Geographical Society - Sharon S, Nancy T
11 September - 6:00pm - DAUK Council Meeting - Need one person to register voters
12 September - 11:30 - 2:00 - Deutsche Bank voter registration - Eileen T, Carol B, Need two more people to register voters
15 - 18 September - 11:30 - 2:00 - Canary Wharf voter registration - Need 4 people each day to leaflet and register voters, Tasia K, Cathryn C (18th), Evelyn F (all days),
17 September - 9:00 - 11:00 - Hampstead Woman's Club - Margo M, Lesley G, Need one more person to register voters
18 September - 6:30pm - ASL HS Back-to-School Night - Lauren W
18 September - 11:00 - 2:00 - FOCUS Voter Registration - Evelyn F
September - Dartmouth pub night - Sarah C
26 September- 7:30 - DAUK Young Democrats Cocktail - Location TBD - Need one person to register voters
3 October - TBD - American Intercontinental University - Marylebone - Need one person to register voters*
7 October - American Society Autumn Cocktail at Wynchwood House - Lauren W*

As you can see - there are many ways to get involved, and so much to do! I’d like to thank each of you for the millions of different ways that you have already helped us to ensure a Democratic President this year – just 3 months to go.

This Week's Obama UK Events

This weekend we kicked off our Global Search Party, with volunteers fanning out all across the UK (and the world) to track down and registerAmerican voters wherever they may be. Already I am getting reports backfrom canvassers across the UK about our successful search parties todayin neighborhoods all over the country. Remember, there are hundreds ofthousands of American voters in this country who would like to vote for Barack Obama for President. But many of them may not be aware that theyare eligible to vote – or may not understand how to register. I spoke to one woman today who had been told that she was ineligible to votebecause she had not participated in the last two elections. She was overjoyed when I told her she DOES have the right to vote – she justneeds to register! If you couldn’t make it this weekend but want to get involved with the Campaign for Change overseas, just drop me a line letting me know whereyou’d like to canvass and what days work for you. Please note my new e-mail address: robinsonkj@dnc.org

MONDAY’S VOLUNTEER SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED – BUT PLEASE GO TO WEDNESDAY’S VOTER REGISTRATION TRAINING INSTEAD!

This week’s Monday Night Meeting will not take place because I am inIreland (see below) and also because Stephanie has already planned in avoter registration training session for this Wednesd, August 13th from6:30 PM at the Yorkshire Grey Pub on Langham Street. Would you like tolearn how to register voters overseas? Contact Stephanie for moreinformation about this meeting: vicechair@democratsabroad.org. Are youalready feeling confident of your ability to register voters, but would like to talk about more ways to get involved? Show up towards the end –from 8:00 Stephanie will be talking about future volunteer opportunitiesand leading a brainstorm about where to find those elusive Americans!

OBAMA EAST TO WEST RALLY AND MEETING ON SATURDAY AUGUST 16TH

Don’t forget our Obama rally and organising meeting on Saturday August16th – we’ll meet up on London Bridge for a quick rally and photosession (wear your t-shirts! Bring signs)!, followed by a meeting at theBarrow Boy and Banker Pub – and to wrap it all up we’ll do a late afternoon canvass up and down the South Bank. For more information check this page:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44grz

Please RSVP on the event page or directly to me on robinsonkj@dnc.org

ROCK FOR BARACK FUNDRAISER AND PARTY

After a hard day’s rallying and canvassing, why not celebrate with this amazing sounding rock and roll event for Barack at the glamorous HarbourClub in Chelsea? At only $50 for a ticket (that’s just 25 pounds) thisevent is not only for a great cause and great fun, but also is probablythe best value for money live music event you are going to find anywherein London on a Saturday night! I hope you can join us:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/443sj

OBAMA IRELAND MEETING AND TRAINING SESSION IN DUBLIN

And finally, I’ll be heading off to the Emerald Isle for a few days –and will be hosting an Obama training event there following theDemocrats Abroad Ireland meeting on Tuesday Night. If, by an astonishingcoincidence you should find yourself in the fair city of Dublin thiscoming Tuesday night, please do join us. Or if you have friends andfamily anywhere in Ireland, please pass the info along!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44grc

I will be in Ireland for three days starting Monday and I’m hoping tomeet with as many Obama supporters there as I possibly can!

Barack is now enjoying a well earned week long vacation in Hawaii with his family – but for the rest of us the hard work goes on! I hope to seeyou at one of our many events very soon, and thanks again for all thehard work that you have already put into getting out the expat vote forBarack Obama!

Join the Search Party - Monday Night

As our Presidential campaign heads into high gear, the Obama campaign is constantly seeking new volunteers with energy and creativity to help us find and register Americans all across the UK. We are launching a weekly series of volunteer training and coordination sessions each Monday in Central London, and we are really hoping you will be able to join us for the first one – where we we will also enjoy a dash of Hollywood, with the launch of our new Vote From Abroad video (starring a glamorous Mystery Celebrity Guest).

Join us on Monday, August 4 - and come prepared to pound the pavements as part of our American voter search party! We’ll be hitting the streets straight after the training to find those elusive unregistered voters.

Monday, August 4
From 7:00 PM
Yorkshire Grey (Upstairs Room)
46 Langham Street
London, W1W 7AX
http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=W1W+7AX++&countryCode=GB

Obama East to West Rally for Barack August 16th

On August 16, our Obama East to West Bridges rally will take place on London Bridge. Please invite all your friends, grab together your Obama t-shirts, badges and signs (paint your own) and meet us outside the Barrow Boy and Banker pub (http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/clubs_bars/venue-780.php) on 6-8 Borough High Street, London near London Bridge at 1:30 PM, followed by a meeting on the balcony at the pub ending from 2:30 to 4:00.

See here for a map of the pub location:

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=SE1+9QQ&countryCode=GB

Please drop us a line at obamalondon@gmail.com to let us know you’re coming.

(And by the way, if you’ll be in town for the rally, why not round it off by attending this fabulous grassroots fundraiser with what sounds like a really rocking band: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/443sj)

I'm Out of Here...

So I'm taking off for a couple of weeks for Portland Oregon to spend some time with my family (what a concept!) and for my brother's wedding.

I don't know how often I'll be able to update the blog, but rest assured I will not be shaking off my Obama obsession any time soon.

And I've got an important (well, important to me) announcement coming up soon, plus further information about our Obama London rally and meeting on July 27. So, as they used to say, "stay tuned."

Obama East to West - Our Events from Now To Election Day

Between now and election day, we play to hold at least one Obama London rally and meeting each month - so mark your diaries now.

The plan is to hold a rally (signs! banners! chanting! photographs!) on a different Lonon bridge each month right up until the weekend before the election. Each rally will be followed by a meeting in a nearby pub to include updates from campaign staffers and volunteer opportunities to assist our overseas and US Get Out The Vote efforts.

The first one is scheduled for Sunday, July 27th at 2:00 PM and will be held on Tower Bridge - stay tuned for further details.

After that, we'll be moving from East to West across London - provisional dates are as follows:

Saturday, August 16 – London Bridge

Saturday, September 13 – Millennium Bridge

Saturday, October 11 - Waterloo Bridge

Saturday, 1 November - Westminster Bridge (ELECTION WEEKEND!!!)

Howard Dean Addresses Democrats Abroad

Today I had the rare pleasure of seeing DNC Chair and former Governor Howard Dean at an event for Democrats Abroad here in London.

Addressing a packed house of (I'm estimating) over 200 fired up US Voters, Dean was characteristically smart and passionate - a combination that is going to do our party a lot of good come November.

He spoke in his initial remarks about the importance of bringing the party together, and reminded us all that those people who supported Senator Clinton are feeling deeply hurt and personally insulted - not because their candidate lost which, as he said, we have all experienced and moved on from, but because things were said in the media that were sexist and that many women understandably took as a personal attack on themselves.

Moving into the general election, however, he convinced me that this Party has never been more ready for action than it is today. Dean's 50-state strategy has already started to pay dividends with earlier victories in statewide Secretary of State elections across the country that are going to ensure that ALL our votes are counted.

He also talked about our now fully up and running voter database that is able to target voters with detailed consumer information, and an amazing GPS system that the Obama campaign has now adopted from the DNC, that identifies target addresses in the immediate neighborhood of a potential volunteer so that our activists can maximise their effectiveness in thier local communities.

And so much more. Dean is an outstanding leader of this party, and doubly impressive to me because he has truly understood the crucial role of the voter group he was addressing today - Americans Abroad.

I've got pictures from the event, which I'll process over the next couple days so keep your eyes peeled for those.

Obama London Meeting - Now with Pictures!

My thanks to the lovely and amazing Posey Furnish for the pictures she took at out meeting on Thursday night - a few samples of which you can see below.

And by the way, while I'm on the subject of Posey - she is the founder of the UK Mamas for Obama Facebook Group, which I highly recommend you join if you're, ya know, a mama. For Obama. In the UK.

The View from the Britons

My thanks to Roger Darlington for writing up his view of our Obama London meeting last night. I really enjoyed reading his warm and thoughtful perspective on the meeting - and I only have one minor quibble (this wasn't the first Obama London group meeting - we've been going since September 2007 - only the first since he's been the nominee).

I'm really delighted by the interest that non-Americans have shown in this race, and the level of active engagement from my British friends and colleauges has been really inspiring. On the other hand, it does create some challenges - we had a long discussion last night about exactly what non US citizens can and can't do for the campaign. Long story short - we can't take their money, in any form.


But for a free grassroots event such as the ones I run, it's a pleasure to be able to welcome them.

Tonight's Obama London Meeting

I'll report back in more detail (plus pictures!) over the next couple of days, but I wanted to say quickly how pleased I was with tonight's Obama London General Election Kickoff meeting. We had a huge group - really filling the room, with many people good naturedly willing to stand throughout.

It was wonderful to see some old faces there, including folks like Candace Allen, Rob Carolina and Bill Rubin who have been working for a Obama wince the very beginning.

And it was equally wonderful to see a lot of new faces there, fired up and ready to go.

Stephanie Stewart, our Democrats Abroad UK Vice Chair and voter registration "goddess" did a great job giving everyone the essential facts about how to register voters oversees. Now I'm counting on everyone who was there to take the next step and actually sign up to get otu there and register those voters.

Bill Barnard, Chair of Democrats Abroad UK spoke at the very end of the meeting and he really put this year into perspective for me by reminding us all of how far we have come as a party and as a country, and the potential for how far we could go. As Bill pointed out, this year could be a transformative election - not just switching the party in the White House, but switching the party of majority for the first time in a generation. The stakes are high - but the potential is equally huge.

I'm glad that Barack Obama has emerged at this moment in time to carry our banner - the right man for the right time.

And I'm equally glad to be sharing this moment in time with the 50 or so fired up individuals who came to our event tonight. Remember, WE are the change we have been waiting for.

I reminded the group tonight of something that Barack said in his thank you address to his supporters, because it really struck me as important. After thanking his staff and pointing out how grateful he was for what they have been able to achieve together, he reminded them all how unlikely it was for them take that journey. How surprising, and remarkable it was for this group of people to do what they have done. But then reminded them that there's a responsibility that comes with that achievement. "Because we won, we have to win."

It's time for everyone who supported Barack in the primary to double down on thier involvement. Because THIS time if we don't win, we're not only disappointing ourselves, but our party and our country. Everyone who voted in the Democratic primary deserves to see their issues respected in the next white house, and that means Barack needs to win.

In the next few days I'll be posting volunteer opportunities for voter registration, as well as further ways you can support this group in our efforts. I hope you will all pitch in - remember, that if we do not do the work ourselves of moving our country forward, noone else is going to take up the slack: WE are the change we've been waiting for.

Tomorrow's General Election Kickoff Meeting

Don't forget, tomorrow at the Duke of York pub we'll meet to kick off the General Election with a drink and a smile.

The room may be a bit over-crowded (that's what we call a mixed blessing) but I hope you'll stick around for a riveting update direct from recently returned Obama campaign staffer Bill Rubin, Voter Registration training, and an update on the role of the Democratic party in this election from Democrats Abroad Chair Bill Barnard.

Plus, I'd like to discuss with your our plans for the Obama London Group and ways you can pitch in to help us Get out the Vote for Barack this year.

Time: 19:00

Location: The Duke of York Pub New Cavendish Street (just off Marylebone High Road)

If you've already RSVPed - many thanks! If not, but you do plan to attend please do drop me a line. obamalondon@gmail.com

And finally, as a sneak preview of tomorrow's discussion - once you've had your voter registration training from Stephanie tomorrow, I'm hoping that a whole bunch of you will want to get involved with the Democrats Abroad Voter registration program. There are loads of fun and fabulous volunteer opportunities coming up where you can help to register US voters - below is a sample list.

22 June - 12:15 - Governor Dean speaks to DA - Imperial College - Need three people

24 June - 12:00 - 2:00pm - Goldman Sachs - Fleet Street - Need one more person

23 - 28 June - 6:30 - 8:00am - Americans in the line for Wimbledon Law Tennis Championship - Leaflet &/or register voters - ITS EARLY BUT IT IS FUN!

30 June - 12:00 - 2:00pm - Goldman Sachs - Fleet Street - Register voters

5 July - 2:30pm - American Meet-up 4th of July BBQ - Mile End Park - E3 - Leaflet and/or register voters

If you want to help out on any of these dates, or you want to join Stephanie's Voter Registration mailing list - just drop her a note on vicechair@democratsabroad.org.uk

Howard Dean Event in London - June 22nd

While I am posting about upcoming events, I should also mention a couple of other really wonderful events that are coming up, hosted by Democrats Abroad here in the UK.

1. Governor Howard Dean - DNC Chair and 50 state strategy genius - will be in London and speaking at Imperial College for Democrats Abroad on Sunday 22nd of June. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the head of our party and find out first hand what's in across the land.
2. July 4th Picnic - Democrats Abroad's annual picnic in Regents Park will be held (slightly inaccurately) on Saturday July 5th. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate Independence with your fellow Democrats.

And by the way, if you haven't already joined Democrats Abroad, I highly recommend that you do so - not only is it a phenomenal organisation full of wonderful people, but it also does amazing voter registration work, hosts exciting events, and will keep you informed during this crucial election cycle.

And I'm not just saying that because I'm on the Executive Committee.

June 19 Event Reminder

Don't forget - a week from today we kick off the Obama London grassroots campaign for the general election.

Want to know how to volunteer here in London?
Want to speak to a campaign staffer about how the campaign operates back home?
Want to find out how the campaign and the party will be working together to get out the vote in November?
Want to learn to register overseas voters to help Obama sweep to victory?

All your questions shall be answered. Join us:

Thursday, June19
From 7:00 PM
Duke of York Pub, New Cavendish Street

But please do RSVP to obamalondon@gmail.com

June 19 General Election Kickoff and Organising Event

Now that the primaries are over, it's time to start the general election with a bang! Join us Thursday June 19 for a General Election Kickoff and Organising event.

John McCain is going to be a tough competitor in the Fall and all Barack's supporters will need to bring every ounce of the discipline, energy and determination that we showed in the primary to make CERTAIN that we take back the White House this year. In fact, we are probably going to have to double down on our efforts - because it's all or nothing this year and losing is simply not an option.

Date: Thursday, June 19

Time: From 7:00-9:00PM

Location: The Duke of York Pub, New Cavendish Street

http://fancyapint.com/pubs/pub27.html

RSVP to: ObamaLondon@gmail.com

Join us at 7:00 for a campaign briefing from our own Bill Rubin, now an Obama for America staffer, who will give you his unique perspective on the primary, plus a hot off the presses update on Obama's plans for the general.

After that, Stephanie Stewart will do a "quick and dirty" voter registration training - because every single one of us needs to be prepared to pound the pavement to get US expats registered and help us get out the vote. Democrats Abroad Chair Bill Barnard will then give us a quick overview on the shape of the general election, the role of the Democratic party in getting out the vote, and his thoughts on the opportunity that this remarkable year, and this extrordinary election represents for our party.

And finally, I'll fill you in on my plans for the Obama London group and will want to hear the views, suggestions, comments and thoughts of you all about the many ways we can help the campaign and the party going forward. And perhaps most importantly, this is your opportunity to eat, drink and be merry! To celebrate how far we have come even as we realise how far we still have to go.

I would like to thank each of you for your extraordinary efforts this year. And I know that, no matter which candidate you supported in this primary we are all 100% committed to achieving the only thing that can start to solve America's problems - a Democratic President in 2009.

Obama in Africa Screening Tonight!

Just a friendly reminder that the screening of Obama in Africa I mentioned before is taking place tonight. Organised by London Obama supporter Bethany Torvell, this sounds like a fabulous event - hope you can make it and I look forward to seeing you there!

But remember to RSVP to Bethany on bethanytorvell@googlemail.com

The full event link it: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4rkr

Obama Bridges - More Global Yes We Span Rallies

If you enjoyed last Sunday's Yes We Span rally, you may like to know that there are dozens of other Obama Bridges photo shoots going on in countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Check out this fascinating map to see where these are happening all over the world:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23556339@N05/map?&fLat=13.5819&fLon=52.7343&zl=16

And while you're at it, don't forget to register to vote: www.votefromabroad.org

Obama in Africa Screening

I just wanted to give a heads up about what sounds like a very cool event - a screening of the film "Senator Obama Goes to Africa", on Friday May 30.

The screening is organised by the fabulous Bethany Torvell, who kindly requests that you please RSVP if you plan on attending.

E-mail her to RSVP on bethanytorvell@googlemail.com

Here's the weblink:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4rkr

Here are further details from the page:

THE MAN WHO WOULD BE PRESIDENT RETURNS TO HIS AFRICAN ROOTSBarack Obama
returns to his family's roots on an emotional journey to Kisumu, Kenya - land of
his father - in this new documentary.Part personal odyssey and part chronicle of
diplomacy in action, this timely documentary follows Senator Barack Obama as he
travels to the land of his ancestry. From South Africa to Kenya to a Darfur
refugee camp in Chad, Obama explores the vast continent that is gaining
increasing importance in this age of globalization.The heart of the film is
Obama's emotional homecoming to Kisumu, Kenya - his father's former home - where
thousands of people turn out to greet him. In South Africa, we follow Senator
Obama on a trip to Robben Island - the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was
jailed for 21 years. At a Darfur refugee camp in Chad, we see, through Obama's
eyes, the devastating effects of genocide.Throughout it all, Senator Obama
narrates the film, giving his own perspective on the journey and the
significance of Africa to U.S. interests.After the screening, there will be a
chance to talk with other Obama enthusiasts, possibly even in the sunshine. Come
along and bring friends!!
Time:
Friday, May 30 at 6:00
PM
Duration:
3 hours
Host:
Bethany
Torvell
Location:
Goldsmiths College, London (London, na)
Goldsmiths
CollegeLewisham Way, New CrossLondon, na 49504