Dreams vs. Reality

You  can dream, but make sure there’s a reality to the vision you seek. Understand that there will be obstacles. There will be setbacks. And if you let it, the world will hold you back. But if you allow yourself to see the reality of it all AND THEN allow yourself to dream, you can achieve anything you can want. Anything.

It’s crazy how much you can be aware of something, but there comes certain times where life reinforces what you already know to make sure that you never forget it. And I can honestly say that this is what my internship with Democracy NC is doing.

Alannah, Robert, and I have been attending meetings, board breakfasts, and Board Meetings. We’ve even presented at one. We’ve got commitments from 5 Board of Directors with the Apartment association to let us come into their communities in the fall and encourage their residents to vote, provide them with Voter Guides, and offer them rides to the polls. Alannah and I had seven minutes to make our spill. And not being biased or anything, but Alannah and I did our thing. Especially with what we were up against. We had a rough day, especially poor Robert. But we made it through. Things are going really well, but it’s certainly been a learning experience. 

We’re still working like crazy to put together our SGA event in July. It’s NO WHERE near easy, but it’ll be worth it. Therefore, we’re still pushing.

Phone banking is getting easier. I’m starting not to mind it. It’s interesting how differently everyone acts. It’s definitely entertaining. Even more entertaining is the calorie counting of Alannah and Robert. Every morning this is how we start our day. After every lunch, this is how we come back together. Before we start phone banking after our evening snack, we calorie count. I wish you guys could hear them.

Tomorrow is Voter-Owned Elections’ Lobby Day. We’re leaving from Charlotte at 6:30am. This should be a fun trip. I’m hoping to learn a lot since I’ve never been.

I’ll fill you in how it goes next blog. But until then…

Much love, peace, & happiness <3

Erica

“On Base”

“As college students, we must understand that we don’t just sleep and study in Charlotte. We need to understand that we are a part of what makes our city so diverse and unique.”

                    - Brent D. Garrison, Executive Vice President 2010-2011

                    Johnson and Wales University, Charlotte Campus SGA

…and there it is. After Alannah and I contacted the six college/university Student Government Associations in Charlotte, North Carolina, that was my favorite response we received. Not only did that catch my attention, but it held me. It reminded me of poetry. Those two sentences painted the bigger picture of a Get Out To Vote effort, painted a bigger picture than just meeting requirements and timelines. I am realizing how much Alannah and I’s Can You Hear Us Now? Get Out To Vote effort can be empowering to Charlotte’s college students. It will bring the college community together, demolish the lines of division that exist.

See, I don’t know what it was about last week, but it was definitely a good week. All SGA’s in the Charlotte are showed some type of interest. And honestly, I’m surprised, but pleased. And phone banking? Last week it wasn’t bad at all. I think Alannah and I whined so hard that when it was finally time to do it, it wasn’t bad at all! Quick even. It was like three hours was nothing!

Sometimes it’s so hard to work hours and hours straight and not see any of the work that you’ve done. I’m glad last week wasn’t one of those weeks though. Our packets to send out to each college/university is almost done. We’ve had constant communication with each Student Government. Arranged to register incoming freshmen at JCSU’s Freshmen Ortientation. Helped new naturalized citizens with registering to vote. Met with Jennifer Roberts, Chairman of the County Commission. 

And even though we’re working our butts off, I’ll admit that I’m having a lot of fun at the same time. Like Alannah said, our choir is hiliarious. With her, Robert, and my tunes going 24/7, it always gives good laughs. And the stories that Robert always makes sure that he finds time to tell us, lets just say I’m going to have a WHOLE lot of memories to take with me after this summer.

Welp. Had to take a moment out to blog. Back to work I go. Be back in a few days. Hopefully I’ve kept you entertained until then.

Much love, peace, & happiness <3

Erica

Here Comes the Choir

Yes, yes the choir is myself, Erica, and Robert. Every Monday we set our goals for the week so that each individual day we have goals that need to be met. On most days, we are so engrossed doing our own thing, usually right after our lunch break, that each of us hums a little tune. Erica hums “Little Bitty Pretty One” and I hum “In The Summertime” and Robert gets one or the other stuck in his head. This whole scenario makes Robert crazy because he just repeats the tune over and over at random intervals and following each tune is an unmistakeable “Ughhhhh!”

This second week has been extremely productive. We have heard back from all six colleges that we contacted and they are mostly on board! We are now in the process of putting together packets to send to each SGA to prepare them for our meeting in July. It is exciting to see something you thought up come into being. It makes me so proud! Erica and  I were also entrusted to attend the Homeland Security naturalization ceremony as representatives of League of Women Voters. After the ceremony, we answer any questions the new citizens might have about registering to vote, we help them fill out the form, and provide them with information on where it should be sent. We are now scheduled to attend every Wednesday at 12:30 until the end of our internship!

So after all of our complaining about phonebanking Erica and I called a TON of people this week. We finally have telephones that don’t drop calls and computers that open up call lists!! It’s amazing how much more productive that was for us. We also had the pleasure of meeting Commissioner Roberts and Jeff Doctor this week for breakfast. Actually we met with them and about twenty other people at the Original Pancake House. We invited Commissioner Roberts to speak at our July 24th event and we’re waiting to hear back on that. It was fun to be able to sit down with these important people in such a casual setting as breakfast because you get to know them a lot better.

Charlotte is booming with activity and Erica and I are always finding ourselves doing new things. I am so excited to see what this next week will bring to us!

Alannah– Charlotte

Erica Hilton, Charlotte

Erica Hilton, Charlotte

Originally uploaded by democracync

Erica Hilton is native of Fayetteville, NC. She is the daughter of Dr. Doreen Hilton and Col. Clarence Hilton. In Fayetteville, she attended Reid Ross Classical School where she participated in the Modern Dance Program, the Latin Junior Classical League, and Student Government Association, and was Miss Reid Ross Classical School 2006-2007.
After graduating with honors in 2007, Erica decided to further her education in Charlotte, NC where she is currently a proud “Smithite” at Johnson C. Smith University.

At JCSU, Erica loves participating in organizations such as The Black Ink Monks, Communication Arts Student Association, Community Service Committee, and is currently the SGA Student Body President. After graduation, Erica wants to earn a Masters in Communications concentrating in nonprofit/corporate communications and eventually become the Communications Director for a nonprofit organization and eventually start her own as well.

Alannah Garcia, Charlotte

Alannah Garcia, Charlotte

Originally uploaded by democracync

Alannah Garcia, daughter of Edward and Valerie Garcia, was raised in Cary, North Carolina. The third of four children, she attended Green Hope High School and was a member of the varsity women’s lacrosse team as well as the Green Hope High School marching band.

After graduating with honors, she enrolled in East Carolina University pursuing majors in international studies and cultural anthropology and a minor in Spanish. She continues to play lacrosse for East Carolina and is currently a member of the National Society for Collegiate Scholars. Alannah hopes to attend Georgetown University’s school of Foreign Service to complete her master’s degree in international affairs. Alannah enjoys photography, horseback riding, and spending time with her family.

In the summertime, when the weather is HOT!

Well it’s a good thing I’m living on the lake here in Denver outside of Charlotte since this hot weather has been relentless! I moved in on Sunday and had a couple days to soak up the sun before hitting our downtown office in Charlotte.. or is it uptown? I’m all confused on that score. Anyways, Erica and I met Robert at the office to start our first day. We have a really great set up off S. Mint St. but it seemed like nothing could go right on that first day. As we ALL know, phonebanking is a three hour process, two times a week. We were in a room full of computers that had no Microsoft software so we couldn’t open the phonbanking lists on any computer, save one. Not to mention there is no wireless internet so we couldn’t use laptops. Then the phones we were supposed to be using didn’t show up so we had to use our cell phones. This might not sound like a predicament but by the time two hours of phone-talking rolled around, our phones were dying and we had no chargers! At this point the three of us couldn’t help but laugh. Let me just say that if anyone needs state senator Martin Nesbitt’s number or e-mail, I know it by heart.

Erica and I started planning our public event which we have scheduled for July 24th. Our idea is to host a meeting which consists of the Student Government Association (SGA) of Johnson C. Smith University (Of which Erica is the president!), Queens Univeristy, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Johnson and Wales University, Central Piedmont Community College, and Davidson College. The goal is to try to unify these colleges to stabilize a plan for the fall GOTV. We would have our meeting with three or so people from each SGA and then develop a plan for each college to get their students involved whether its by Rides to the Polls, a March to the Polls, etc. At the end of this meeting, we would film a PSA with all the SGA’s of each school using the slogan “Can you hear US now? Vote 2010.” Hopefully, we will succeed in getting some of these colleges together but worst case scenario we will at least gain a little perspective on the community and youth voters. There is still a lot more work to do! We are now preparing to speak on June 17th at the Apartment Association of North Carolina to the Board of Directors there. This is a huge opportunity for me and Erica to gain support and permission to work on GOTV in different rental housing areas; the catch: we have all of seven minutes to make the pitch. Wish us luck!

Alannah– Charlotte

And the Work Begins!

And the work begins…!

Democracy Summer is no joke! But don’t get me wrong… it’s fun!

The first day of the internship was ridiculously crazy. We came in at 1pm since it was a phone banking day (which Alannah & were completely dreading!) and we got straight to work (or at least we tried to!). Alannah and I set down with Robert to figure out what was going to be our big event for the summer. After about an hour of brainstorming we came up with an idea that we absolutely love!

The goal is to unify the Charlotte college community to increase the youth voter turnout for the state elections this November. In order to achieve this, we have contacted Student Government Associations at Johnson C. Smith University, Davidson College, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College, Queens University, and Johnson and Wales University. Since I’m the SGA President at JCSU, it’s definitely helped me with contacting the SGA boards.

So the next step that day… phone banking.

I don’t know what was wrong with the computers, but it took forever to pull up our phone list and get a system going. When we felt that we could FINALLY start, Robert accidently unplugged the computers. Imagine our faces! Then when it was time to make the first phone call, Alannah got hung up on! Right then and there we realized that phone banking was not going to be our favorite aspect of this internship!

The rest of the week flew by. Phone banking. One on ones. Planning. Emailing. Phone calls. Research. We’ve been busy, but Alannah and I are truly enjoying it.

My favorite part of the week? Realizing that I’m going in the right direction on this LONG journey to my dreams.

Well last week the work began… And now it continues.

Signing out and until next time!

Much love, peace, & happiness <3

Erica

Blackberry Brunch? I’d rather have Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch

Although week four of Demcracy Summer has ended according to the Calendar, I still feel incomplete. Problem. Solution? BLOG!

Our week started early Tuesday morning at the Department of Homeland Security office, we were there again to welcome the newly naturalized citizens and inform them of their new right and duty: voting! Aside from the man wearing crocs with socks (on his special day!), the day didn’t vary from any other ceremony. We came, we saw, Sarah avoided the men’s restroom. Later that night, the Charlotte team did what it does best: phone-banked! We called dozens of people, (and I left at least 40 voice mails) and managed to get a good list of people to invite to our House Party. 

Wednesday, we had a typical office day. We decided a theme for our house party (a luau!), designed our evite (it has beach music and hawaiian flowers), and worked on reformatting our youth mapping power point. All in all, it was a non-eventful day, however, I hit a personal record on being called a smart elec- 14 in an hour! This beats my previous record by 1. I get around.

Thursday, Adam came! Adam visited us and redirected our youth-mapping project. He got us back on track and re-energized the search. Later that night, we phone banked. And it was a disaster. Half of the numbers didn’t work, I got hung up on dozens of time, and between all the gibberish voicemails I left, it didn’t get any better when one of my callers shouted out “Michael Jackson just died!” Sad. Adam, Robert, America and I promptly diverted from our call list to call our mothers/signaficant others to relay the news. However, despite all the commotion, I managed to talk to one person, and she consigned to put our House Party information on her organization’s website. Victory! Afterwards, America and I discussed the disasterous phone banking sess and, we concluded sabotage. We have been so successful with our numbers and hitting our quota, the other teams sent us faulty phone lists. We know what’s up guys, so instead of hating, step it up. (Please know this is all said in jest. Maybe.)  Oh and Tyler Hansbrough= #13 draft pick! Go Heels!

Friday was an interesting day as well. We spoke to Michael Dickerson with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections about the precint/early voting sites for municipal/local elections and bantered with him about the NBA draft, his daughter’s college search and the probability of Robert getting arrested in the future. It was an eventful meeting and, it was a pleasure conversing with him. Later Friday afternoon, America and I drove to the South Park area to meet with Diane Frederick, a woman very well-connected with youth groups in Charlotte. Before we met her, America and I stopped to eat at Burger King, where I was astonished by the fat content in a grilled chicken sandwich, 21 grams…without Mayo! I was immensely saddened by this. Anyway, back to Ms. Frederick. She advised us on which groups to cal, which not to waste time on and provided advice on our House Party. She loved the Luau theme as well, which was assuring.

Saturday Morning! So, when Robert told us about this event on our first day of work, I have to admit, I was a little excited. I mean, I love breakfast, and when breakfast falls at a time when I don’t have to wake up early, I”m even more on board. I mean waffles at 11? Right on. However, I learned quickly how wrong my expectations were. Right when we arrived at the Blackberry/Wackberry/Worst event of my life, America, Robert and I were ushered into a “waiting room” and recruited to stuff 2″ by 4″ bags with Census propoganda- pens, magnets..etc. and properly folded pamphlets containing census information with 2 other women.  I, being me, tried to strike up a conversation with the two ladies…to no avail. Apparently, they were not in the mood to jest with the Charlotte Conversation (which really consisted of me saying, so what connection do you have with the census burreau? crickets…). To quote my youtube idol, Bonquiqui, “Rude.”  After America and I finished THEIR task (and mind you, I’m all for team work, but when someone asks “How are you?” answer with more than a snort), we followed Robert to the dining hall to find our tables. However, we hit a snag. The Blackberry ladies set up a table to collect tickets before patrons could enter the brunch. Robert had apparently already given our tickets to the lady, who apparently did not remember. So, after Robert sprinted off inside the doors, the lady with the 2 foot hat badgered us, repeatedly, “I need your tickets, I need your tickets, I need them NOW!” She sounded like a broken record. Finally, Robert told her he had already given her our tickets, another lady calmed her down, and America and I emerged into a sea of pastels and flowered hats, talk about overwhelming. We waded through the circular tables, somehow navigating around all the pushed out chairs and found ourselves standing in the middle of the room with no place to sit down. I repeat, we were standing in the middle of the room, blocking the entertainment, with absolutely no place to sit. Finally, we were seated, at seperate tables no less, and my tablemates looked at me as if my spaceship had just landed. I had to suppress the urge from warbling I come in peace. Meal time came and I felt reinvigorated, until I found out what it was. Well, I saw it, I still haven’t figured out what it was. When the table finished eating, the lady beside me leaned over to talk! Finally, I thought, someone wants to talk to me. She asked me to refill her tea. Fail. So all in all, not my best day.

 As I look back over this week, I remember the book of Job. For those who aren’t as familiar, it tells the tale of one man so bound to God by his faith, that after trials, tribulations and possibly the worst experiences Hollywood couldn’t write , he still called out and worshipped God. I am in no way comparing myself to Job, well except that I am, but, this week I re-learned, it’s not always sunny. The days aren’t always the best; sometimes you have to stuff nylon bags and refill tea glasses to get to tomorrow, but I am faithful in tomorrow and all the promise it brings.

Sarah, QC

I wish I had a snazzy title

Week two of Democracy Summer entailed Young Democrat meetings, potato bread and trips to Fox Studio Charlotte. We began the week with a visit from our illustrious leader, Adam, for instruction on how to phone bank properly and schedule speaking engagements. With his guidance, America and I chatted our way to more than 25 commitments to contact legislators and an appointment to speak with the Senior Democrats, well, in July, but better late than never, right?

Wednesday began with a scenic tour through Charlotte, I got lost which I attribute to a wide variety of things, but most of the blame I give to Robert’s poor instruction giving. America, Robert and I attended the Homeless Helping Homeless meeting, an organization designed to mobilize the less fortunate into helping others, spinning a never ending circle of virtue. We listened to the rift between public libraries and the homeless population of Charlotte, and we were all reminded that the homeless, despite their predicament, are individuals struggling to make it in the same world we are. As I sat there and listened to their hardships, I remembered the importance of egalitarianism and the necessity to fight for it.

Thursday morning, America and I got to witness the naturalization of citizens at Homeland Security for the second time. However, this time, I got to speak! Ms. Levy, a rep for the LWV, allowed me the opportunity to speak about our organization and walk the new citizens through the voter registration form. I felt so privileged to share the day with the new citizens and welcome them to America.  Afterwards, I walked into the men’s room by mistake and thereby ended the poetic beauty of the day. Way to go Sarah!

Fast forward to Sunday evening: following phonebanking: the weekend edition, America and I ventured to a Young Democrats meeting to speak about Preregistration and VOE. Upon arrival we noticed a sign saying the meeting had been moved due to lack of air conditioning (wimps). So we jay-walked over to the Hilton and braced ourselves to speak. Two hours later, after budget talks, book club selections and America almost throwing up on House Rep. Nick Mackey, we stood up, in the middle of a restaurant (with other nonaffiliated patrons) and gave our talk. We managed to collect multiple post cards for VOE, and I learned why the YD’s had to meet in a restaurant: after 50 minutes of budget discussions gouging myself with a sharp fork for an escape route to the ER sounded like a plan.

I’ve learned a plethora of information this week alone, such as how many McDonald’s are on Independence Blvd, the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp, and our very own Robert Dawkins bares a striking resemblance to Carlton from Fresh Prince. This week I’ve noticed the mandatory introspection that comes with an internship such as this. Since beginning this internship I’ve done things I never thought I would do and been apart of things I never knew could exist. I’ve definitely been removed from my comfort zone and forced to confront whatever reaction I exhibited. I’m learning about myself, my abilities and my decision-making, for better or worse.

Sarah, Charlotte

Mom Jeans and Misconceptions

No air condition, ACORN showing on caller ids, my citizenship being questioned. Needless to say this has been an interesting start to Democracy Summer.  Being a part of the AMAZING QC team, we had to set up shop in the ACORN office. 

The first day, Sarah and I arrived within 10 minutes of each other to the parking lot without keys, sense of direction and makeup running down our face from the heat. After Robert arrived we spent the whole day sweating and inhaling mildew and asbestos (I’m sure). This only made my sinus infection that much better (not).

The second day we had a lunch meeting with Generation Engage leaders, Rod and Femi. These two passionate leaders discussed opportunities to educate the youth about voter participation. I am definitely looking forward to working with them to come up with ways to reach the youth and have fun! After our meeting and brainstorming speaking engagement opportunities, it was time to call and annoy people after their long days at work!  so, we began phone banking. Well considering it is 2009, and EVERYONE has caller ID, calling from the ACORN office presented a bit of a dilemma and some controversy. Those on my list, made the decision to not answer, but Sarah’s list of people were very feisty. (She her blog to learn more )  So after laughing for 30 minutes over her Fox News Worshiper, day two was over.

DAY 3…So not only was it 95 degrees outside, but it was 105 in the ACORN office and the internet was out. So day three was spent in the public library brainstorming youth programs and mapping opportunities to reach youth.  After spending the day freezing in the library (talk about from one extreme to another) we had a Dem Charlotte coalition meeting where we met with different representatives to discuss house party planning, working with the Urban League and the importance of lobby day.

Day 4 (TODAY): Homeland Security

So, I was extremely excited about the Oath ceremony and seeing legal residents become citizens. I was happy for them and their accomplishments and seeing all of their hard work “pay off”. Sarah and I were there to hand out voter registration cards with the League of Women Voters. After the ending of the ceremony, the woman from the LWV, began to question MY citizenship status.

HER: So you must be Sarah, (points at Sarah) you look like a Sarah and that must mean you are America (looking in my direction)

HER: “ Are you a citizen?”

ME: (evil glance) “Yes, I am….”

HER: “Oh so you must be first generation….right?”

ME: (confused look) “Uh….no I’m not….”

HER: Attempts to diffuse situation…..

So all in all, it was a very interesting interaction, especially after she found out I WAS IN SCHOOL TOO!

*sigh*

Anyways….well now it is almost time to call people and explain that we are not in any way affiliated with ACORN and that Dem NC REALLY is non-partisan……

America (CHARLOTTE)