Betty Simmons in New Orleans

A week ago today Barack accepted the Democratic nomination for president of the United States. Millions gathered in homes across the country to watch the historic occasion. Those who attended the 6,240 house parties that night also signed up to volunteer to organize their communities for this fall.

Throughout our history, ordinary people have made good on America’s promise by organizing for change from the bottom up. Community organizing is the foundation of the civil rights movement, the women’s suffrage movement, labor rights, and the 40-hour workweek. And it’s happening today in church basements and community centers and living rooms across America.

Community organizing has been the backbone of this campaign, and it represents the power of everyday Americans to bring change to Washington.

As Barack said today, people who devote their busy lives to organizing and building their communities have the power to change this country. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do this fall.

Watch this video of Betty Simmons, a resident and community organizer in New Orleans. She is one of the many who hosted a house party last Thursday.