Faces behind the campaign

By Paige Ricks | September 24, 2008

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Photos by Bryan Cole / The Collegian

On a Saturday afternoon, off of busy Shaw Avenue, members of the community are supporting Barack Obama and volunteering their time at his headquarters. The small office, which is ran by all volunteers, has constant foot traffic — with people coming in to buy Barack Obama t-shirts and signs or registering to vote. Some of the volunteers have been at it for weeks, even months, but at the end of the election the hope for the outcome — change.

Tawanda Hall, staff, Educational Opportunity Program at Fresno State

How long have you been volunteering? Since June

Hours? Varies, usually 6-10 hours per week, sometimes Sundays

Why support the Obama campaign?
“I get to utilize my voice and this campaign is people-driven.”

What does Obama bring to the Fresno community?
“He brings hope and community empowerment. People are finding their voice.”

Donna Hardina, faculty in social work education department and advisor for Fresno State Students for Obama

How long have you been volunteering? Since June

Hours? 3-6 hours per week

Why support the Obama campaign?
“I am a community organizer and when I lived in Chicago, my mentor who trained me also trained Obama.”

What does Obama bring to the Fresno community?
“He brings excitement to a community you wouldn’t expect to vote Democrat.”

James Williams, nurse,
data manager who processes volunteer lists and sets voting goals for the community

How long have you been volunteering? Since June

Hours? 35-40 hours per week

Why support the Obama campaign? “Because he was against the war from the beginning. I am extremely in favor of helping those who can’t help themselves and this campaign strives for the same.”

What does Obama bring to the Fresno community?
“He brings change. The support in the community is absolutely amazing and a lot of positive energy.”

Caitlin Sawatsky, student, sophomore majoring in political science

How long have you been volunteering? About 3 weeks

Hours? 5-6 hours per week

Why support the Obama campaign?
“I am a huge supporter. I was born and raised with blue blood. But you really have a community here and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

What does Obama bring to the Fresno community?
“He brings realignment and unity.”

Darlynn Qualls, first day
Volunteer

Why support the Obama campaign?
“I want to make a difference. I brought my 12-year-old and 15-year-old to show them that you don’t always have to receive money to give your time. I want to teach them that giving your time to something you believe in is important.”

What does Obama bring to the Fresno community?
“He brings unity and solidarity.”

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Comments

2 Responses to “Faces behind the campaign”

    Pat Murray:
    September 24th, 2008 10:53 am

    Great job, volunteers! Thank you for spending your valuable time in such a wonderful effort. Go Obama/Biden ‘08!

    Victoria Torrez:
    September 28th, 2008 5:01 pm

    Good JOB on the volunteer work. I am also looking into volunteering for this campaign, what can I do on my part to be a part of this campaign?