Change is Coming: “What we started”

pReports from a href=”http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/changeiscoming/”Change is Coming/a house meetings that took place this past weekend have been coming in from across the country. Over the next few days we’ll be sharing stories and photos from a number of meetings, and we’ll have an in-depth look at a few groups that have already begun to work to improve their communities.nbsp; /pp align=”center”img src=”http://my.barackobama.com/page/-/blog/changeiscoming02.jpg” alt=”" //ppHere are just a few of the initial responses from the comments here on the blog this weekend: /ppFrom Michelle in Smithfield, North Carolina:/pblockquotepI attended a meeting today and am so glad that I took advantage of the opportunity./pp We decided to call ourselves quot;Workers for Change.quot; Our first immediate short term goal is to conduct a food drive through January 20th; we plan to collect 2000 pounds of food. With so many people losing their jobs, we felt that helping those that may be fighting hunger right now was something that we could address immediately.br / br / … Within our group alone, several people are currently without healthcare due to unemployment, inability to get insurance due to pre-existing conditions or inability to pay premiums charged for small businesses. We are hopeful and confident that with the right tools and committed involvement, we will make an impact and see positive, life-improving change within our community. /p/blockquotepFrom Bill in Livingston County, Michigan: /pblockquotepThe excitement and enthusiasm carried over from the election to this weekend’s meeting. There were many people there that had never been interested in politics before, had never felt their voices could be heard or have an effect in changing policy in America. It was great to see so many people attending that really believed the little guy’s voice was actually going to be heard. /p/blockquotepIn Georgia, Lawrence wrote, quot;I’m the biggest Obama supporter you will find, but I guess the media is so negative and doubtful of change that I’m feeling down.quot; But after attending a house meeting in Augusta, he reported: /pblockquotepThe meeting went very well. There was a good turnout and mix of crowds (white, black, mature amp; young, women and men) — the Obama trademark.br / br / We discussed and planned to attend a public hearing in our community dealing with cutting transit service on Saturdays and raising travel costs. We also discussed other issues facing our community and nation. Our action item was to attend the meeting and make plans for a service project during the MLK holiday weekend.nbsp;/pp I’m glad I went. These meetings are a way of keeping us connected and discussing the issues, and I’m sure this won’t be the last. Love it. /p/blockquotepAnd in Henderson, Nevada, Carolyn posted:/pblockquotepToday a small group of supporters gathered at the home of Annette and Ken. It was great seeing old friends from the campaign as well as meeting new friends. Everyone got an opportunity to talk about their issues… Everyone was passionate about their concerns and anxious to carry on what was started during this historic campaign. /ppI was ecstatic to learn that we would get support going forward from the Obama organization to help us stay together and work on our issues… Many issues were discussed, but as a group I think we will be concentrating on healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles, energy and political awareness and participation in future elections. I’m looking forward to our next gathering./p/blockquotepCheck back soon for more from the Change is Coming house meetings. If you hosted a meeting this past weekend, there is still time to a href=”http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/planchange”report back on the issues that are important to your group/a and a href=”http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/changefeedback”share your feedback/a on the future of this grassroots movement./p