I went to Barbara’s house this morning to make signs for the event and I told her “today is either going to be amazing, or really amazing.” Well, we’re finished with the filming of the group sing and I have to say it was really, really, really amazing!
There’s been a huge storm system sweeping through California this week, with today’s storm being the most intense. Yesterday we put out the word that we’d be filming at our alternative indoor location. This was a disappointment as the outdoor location was so perfect and we had the shots all planned out with Eric and Toby, the videographers.
By 2:30 the storm was raging, wind was blowing, it was even hailing. Not ideal conditions for getting volunteers to show up at an event. But people started showing up, early even, which is unheard of in Santa Cruz. Then they really started showing up - in droves actually. I kept thinking “Where did these people come from??” Everywhere apparently. It’s the power of asking people to show up for something they believe in. People are ready for change, people are ready to commit.
Then we sang. Ariel handled everything with such grace and style, teaching a song in three part harmony to nearly 200 singers and non singers alike. And we sounded good, hell, we sounded great. People were laughing and talking and cheering, the excitement was infectious. Obama supporters have been accused lately of hero worshipping, of having stars in our eyes, but what I saw today was community forming around the idea that change is possible. This isn’t just about Senator Obama’s candidacy, this is about people getting involved. The singing part is just a reflection of what is going on with Obama. People are moved to action. People are moved to sing.
Now we have to produce a video and then we have to put it on YouTube and get the word out. If Eric and Toby captured even half the excitement that was there in the room today (and I’m sure they did) we’ll have a great piece. We’re going to submit it to the Obama campaign, moveon.org and anywhere else we can think of. Listen to the song, learn it and sing it with your community.
Submitted by Amie Forest
2 Comments
Amie said it all! I want to add on my HUGE thanks to the Santa Cruz Community! You showed up, you sang your hearts out. We couldn’t have asked for more. You have proven - once again - that community singing inspires, motivates and puts us in touch with our values. I was at the door as people were leaving and everyone left with a big smile on their face. And if that alone is what we were able to accomplish, I’d be happy. But, we’re focused on accomplishing more. Yes we can. With Obama we can!
Sing on! Let’s get busy making our video a viral success….. Amie, I’m ready to forge ahead!
Barbara
Once the video is posted on YOU TUBE we can all send individual emails with YOU TUBE links and Sing For Obama links to Oprah.
If the subject line all says:
SING FOR OBAMA
it will grab her staffs attention.
It would also be helpful to designate a SING FOR OBAMA day nationally and post the challenge on Senator Obama’s website. Million plus community may take up the challenge and then, for sure OPRAH will take notice. Especially when the post their YOU TUBE version and send an email to her with the same SING FOR OBAMA subject line.