New Hampshire, proud home of the nation's first primary, is an essential stopping ground for anyone who hopes to be president someday. Senator Obama, fitting squarely into this category, has been all over the state over the past several months: sharing ice cream with locals, enjoying the peace and quiet of the upstate region with his family, campaigning by spreading his message of hope, action and change to whomever will listen -- and getting the same response we're seeing all over the country.
Unfortunately for the residents of New Hampshire, Senator Obama can't be there all the time.
That's where SFBO comes in.
Students can often be seen working the phones at all of the state’s seven field offices, canvassing and finding new supporters, and simply exhibiting strength in numbers by standing and cheering outside the debates. Scores of student interns have also devoted their entire summer to the campaign, canvassing daily and becoming intimately involved in the state’s operation.
Many student volunteers are not only eager to help, they are also learning quickly that things don’t always go as you intend. Eric Gallagher, Chapter Director at Concord HS, describes his canvassing experience the other week:
“I knocked on 17 doors and talked to 5 people. None of them signed the petition to get out of Iraq that we were promoting. There was a gated community on our turf, which meant we couldn't go to about a third of the houses on our turf. Eventually it started raining too hard to continue, so we headed back. Although the canvassing didn't go too well, it still was a good experience because it was the first time I got to hear Barack speak. I also found out that the campaign now has an office in Concord in Eagle Square, so I'll be checking that out. I hope Barack comes to my high school soon.”
New Hampshire has offered some more inventive activities for supporters as well, such as the Hoops for Change three-on-three basketball tournament a few weeks ago. Some students from Hanover High put a team together, and in the words of student Dylan Matthews, “we had a great time, and we were able to raise awareness.” Not too bad for some exercise and competition on a summer weekend.
Bassam Gergi of Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire State High School Coordinator, is excited about the prospects for the impact of high school students on the campaign. Early in the fall, the state’s high school leaders will convene for their first meeting.
High schools can be an essential base of volunteer support in New Hampshire as school starts and January creeps closer. Senator Obama’s message of fundamental change in Washington, a swift and smart end to the debacle in Iraq, and sustainable, portable health care for every American appeals strongly to the youth of this nation – we can see that through the massive support SFBO is receiving. Senator Obama’s message is causing high school students to get involved all across the country, but the New Hampshire students have a special opportunity, since they live in such a crucial state. Though I’m from neighboring Massachusetts, I must say I’m quite jealous of the opportunities these high school students have. I won’t be surprised if more schools join up and high school students provide an essential part of the push that will lead us to a victory in the Granite State.
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