26 Responses to “Iowans: Share Your Stories”

1. Libby Pederson Says: January 7th, 2008 at 3:42 pm Hey- theres an update on Iowas Caucus for ONE project on the one.org website: http://www.one.org/blog/2008/01/07/one-members-maximize-ia-spotlight/ We would love to hear your stories! Thanks to everyone for Caucusing for ONE! -Libby Pederson

2. Trey K. Blackburn Says: January 7th, 2008 at 4:11 pm One Campaign! I just thought that I would share that I went to the Democratic Iowa Caucuses tonight, one gear in hand, shirt on, stickers ready and plank in my bag. During the counting process, I passed out the pamphlets, stickers and talked with people about One. People seemed very excited about the campaign and fighting global poverty and disease. After the the process of selecting viable candidates it came time for adding planks for consideration at the county level. I submitted the One Plank to the delegates there… and it went unopposed! My precinct decided to send it on to county on March 15th! I’m an alternate delegate for the county convention, so let’s hope that even if I’m not able to go to the county convention that the plank to help make poverty history continues on to state! Just thought that I’d share my success! Trey K. Blackburn Knoxville, Iowa

3. Oakley Cadogan Says: January 7th, 2008 at 4:13 pm Hello, Well, not only did I wear my shirt in a room of 285 caucus members, but I also submitted the democratic ONE plank, volunteered to be a delegate, and signed up to be on the platform committee. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for the ONE Campaign. I’m so excited to be a part of the process for change! Thank you for helping me by guiding me. Sincerely yours, Mrs. Oakley Cadogan

4. Jan Taylor Says: January 7th, 2008 at 4:14 pm Dear OneVote08 Leaders, Precinct 22 in Johnson County (Iowa City) had 572 caucusers. That’s probably 1/3 more than we had in 2004. I’ve attached photos of the crowd. Obama received four delegates; Edwards, two; Hillary,two; Richardson one. I presented the suggested Democratic platform resolution and it passed. I will be attending the county convention as a member of the Committee on Committees. I will talk with the representatives to the Resolutions committee to ensure that our resolution gets into the county platform. Jan Taylor ——————————————————————————–

5. Heather Anne Says: January 7th, 2008 at 4:27 pm HI! I went to he caucus with my one shirt on, couple people asked me about it and i explained! It was cool. There was lots of people at the republican caucus in my precinct it was my first caucus because now i can finaly vote!

6. Nicole De Vries Says: January 7th, 2008 at 4:44 pm Dear ONE Campaign, The caucus went great. A little crazy with all the people, but overall, very well. There was about 555 people there to start with. I got the issues passed with universal acceptance, so that was also great. I don’t have any pictures though because I was busy running around and helping organize everything. A few others were there with ONE shirts which was great to see. And others that were intersted. So I directed them to the website. So overall, a great night!! Thank you for all the material and making it so easy. Nicole

7. Cari Poskin Says: January 7th, 2008 at 4:46 pm I had a great experience at my caucus. It was my first time and it was a lot more exciting than I expected it to be… it was also a lot longer and more crowded than I expected too! There was a lot of cheering and chanting for each of the candidates, both as each voter came into the room and when people’s minds were changed and they switched who the supported. After we figured out the number of delegates to represent each of the candidates, we moved onto platforms and planks. I was happy to present the plank for ONE and it was received well. The group decided to send it onto the county level. Hopefully it will continue to make it’s way up the chain and becomes part of the democratic party’s platform. Go ONE!!! -Cari

8. Brigid Strait Says: January 7th, 2008 at 4:57 pm Okay, here are a few words on how things went: The Republican caucus in Waterloo, IA: People were apathetic in many ways, but at the same time turnout was much higher than anyone had expected. They printed 3,600 copies of one paper–and ran out early! The caucus was held at a middle school, and there were so many people that it was almost impossible to move from one place to another. Many of my neighbors said they stood in line for over an hour. Both parking lots were full and cars lined the streets in every direction. It was an interesting night. I wore a ONE t-shirt and wristband and passed out a few fliers. I submitted the plank, and debated its merits. I pointed out that the plank specified what we’d spend money on and that there would be accountability. I signed up to be both a delegate and on the platform committee. I plan to work to get the ONE plank into the official platform. -Brigid

9. Jeff Yanecek Says: January 7th, 2008 at 5:18 pm As staff here in Iowa I was excited to see just how things would end up in Iowa. Days earlier a ONE supporter named Angel had stopped down to our office to get a t-shirt. After a short conversation we discovered that we would be attending the same caucus location and that she happened to be in charge of that particular site. When I arrived Angel was busy setting up the sign in sheets and making sure that the room was in order. We were bother wearing ONE shirts and as soon as she saw me asked if I could help her get people checked in. So not only did we have Angel directing the caucus in her ONE shirt but I got voted the precinct secretary and was in charge of directing everyone as they came in the door. I had brought a few extra t-shirts with me just in case and it wasn’t long before someone yelled out “hey ONE, I love you guys!” . Jeff Yanecek Regional Director ONE Vote 08

10. Katie Says: January 7th, 2008 at 5:20 pm I caucused with the Republicans in West Des Moines, and had a great time! Previously, I had only caucused in 2004 when there was no presidential primary, so this one had a real air of excitment! There were about twice as many people as expected - we ran out of voter registration forms, and someone had to go out and make more copies! There were many people there sporting candidate gear - stickers, t-shirts, etc, but a few of us in ONE shirts and shirts for other issue campaigns. After the voting took place, we went through some of the other precinct business, and addressed platform issues - I submitted the ONE platform plank, and thankfully it passed!! The coolest part? Someone there videotaped the caucus and put part of it up on Youtube - we’re famous!

11. Wes Peterson Says: January 7th, 2008 at 5:20 pm It has been really busy and the ONE caucus project turned out great. It was chaotic like most but very fun and interesting. It was a true caucus with a lot of arguing and candidate pushing. Democracy at work is beautiful. I was elected to represent our precinct at the county convention as a delegate. Which was a very interesting election it self. The ONE shirt must have put me over the top! Thanks all who participated; ONE is making a difference this election year and remember it all started in Iowa! Thanks again, Wes Peterson, ONE - Iowa Team

12. Michele Meyer Says: January 7th, 2008 at 5:36 pm Things have certainly been busy around here! It was so much fun to chase around the candidates and to talk to them about ONE and why it is so crucial for them pay attention to the issues. We have been so successful and it was very apparent on caucus night! At my caucus I wore my ONE t-shirt. Many people came up to me and said they were supporters of ONE. We also had a ONE plank submitted and it was passed! Thank you to everyone who made our ONE Caucus project a success!! We had over 700 people from all across the state wear ONE t-shirts, stickers and bands to their caucus. We also had hundreds of planks presented to the county platforms. ONE has made a huge impact in this election with the candidates, thanks for all you have done!!!! Thanks Again!! Michele ONE Iowa Team

13. Molly Cantrell-Kraig Says: January 8th, 2008 at 9:52 am I took all of the packet info with me to caucus night (including the mailer you had sent a couple of days prior with the candidates and their answers to ONE’s questions). I handed out stickers and bracelets to get people talking about ONE’s positions and focus. After the delegates had been awarded, your platform plank was ratified and added to the materials that will go to our county (and later state) conventions. My husband and I were selected alternate delegates, but the ones who were elected from our group understand the urgency of addressing global poverty. My candidate is deeply committed to eradicating global poverty, both from a standpoint of moral obligation and true global security. Thank you to the ONE team for making it easy for me to be an activist and a voice for those who have none.

14. Hal Dendurent Says: January 8th, 2008 at 10:01 am My precinct caucus adopted the 5 achievable goals as a policy proposal to be passed up the party channels to perhaps become a platform plank.

15. Carolyn Krafka Says: January 8th, 2008 at 10:11 am Submitted ONE’s resolution in Des Moines 75 and it’s being passed on. Had several comments on my shirt. Some familiar with ONE and support what we do. Others were unfamiliar, but pleased when I explained to them ONE’s goals.

16. Julie Zimmer Says: January 8th, 2008 at 12:40 pm Getting Your ONE Plank in the Platform, a “How-To” Here in Iowa before the Presidential caucuses, the phone rings two or three times a day with live politicians, friends of live politicians, pre-recorded campaign speeches, invitations to campaign events and political polls. They may not visit every state with such intensity, but your turn is coming. Because I identified myself as a “definite” caucus participator, I also received calls from three national advocacy groups asking me to present a platform resolution in my precinct caucus January 3. I consented to two and said no to the third, not because the cause isn’t important but because I wanted to stay focused. I’ve been lucky enough to meet six Democratic hopefuls and one Republican face-to-face in my home town (Vinton IA, pop. 5,000) at mostly small meetings within a few blocks of my home. I have also asked each of them the same question (about their support for the Millennium Development Goals in their administration) and I planned for months to caucus for the ONE campaign, so that was an easy “yes” on presenting a resolution. Iowa is officially a State of ONE (endorsing the campaign) and my local city council was easily persuaded to sign a proclamation as a City of ONE last fall. Planks have two parts: first, the “because… (as in, because “As Democrats, we recognize the devastation caused by global hunger and poverty. We believe it is our moral obligation to help those in extreme poverty.) and then the “therefore”… As in, what action the party should support in the way of resolving the problem. Even though some planks are pre-written by experts in advocacy organizations, the presenter has the privilege of rewriting because his or her name goes on it, not the name of an organization. I sent copies of the official Democratic and Republican ONE planks, and of my revised version, to Democrat and Republican friends respectively, asking them to submit a resolution (if they chose) in THEIR precincts. Several took me up on the offer. This way there will be more visible support as the resolutions go to the county platform committee and on up the line. Of course, those who submit planks are free to rewrite if they choose. This was my first time as caucus precinct secretary. No one else wanted the job. At the precinct caucus meeting I stapled my resolutions on forms instead of recopying them, signed the forms, and handed them in — to myself. We followed the prescribed agenda. When the caucusing for Presidential candidates (the fun part!) finished, I called for any other resolutions to be submitted for the platform committee. I read aloud four proposed planks from another participant and then my two. We decided not to do discussion at this stage, but followed each resolution with a simple up or down voice vote. All but one (on another topic) were unanimously accepted, and there were only two “nays” on that one. Volunteers were accepted for the platform committee and I volunteered for that as well. The meetings are open to anyone in the party, but only the the caucus night volunteers may vote to accept or reject. Our platform committee meets in mid January to sift through ALL the resolutions including those from other precincts, plus any more that people want to bring that day. Some will be reworded, some combined with similar resolutions, some abandoned for lack of interest, some rejected on principle, and the results will be forwarded to the next level. I think there is another level between precinct and state, but I have never participated outside of our community. One advantage of serving on the platform committee is being present to defend or support your own resolutions and moving them forward. I served four years ago and the local platform committee passed my “home made” resolution about the MDG, but the idea of eliminating poverty was so big, mind boggling and new to people that my plank disappeared at the state level. The pre-written proposals available now from ONE and Iowa Votes ONE are more likely to make it into the state platform, especially since our state government endorsed ONE. I know the process differs in other states, but NOW is the time to get involved if you are so inclined. It isn’t difficult or terribly time consuming (one or two meetings) and you will meet a lot of interesting people. My version of the plank: Democrat Plank As Democrats, we recognize the devastation caused by global hunger and poverty. We believe it is our moral obligation to help those in extreme poverty. We also believe such support is in our best interest as a strategic security imperative to promote stability worldwide. We encourage the next President to fight global poverty through international assistance that helps and empowers individuals through universal primary education, clean drinking water and respect for our shared global environment, fighting HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, inter-agency coordination, and accountability in relief spending.

17. Mia Says: January 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm The caucus was packed and a lot of fun! I helped sign people in at the door and it was quite the mix in terms of which way support would go. I did not sign up to be a delegate at this time, but I turned in the democratic plank on behalf of ONE. It was neat to hear other’s opinions and people are excited, hoping for positive changes in our government. We’ll wait and see! Sincerely ONE member, Mia

18. Polly Nichols Says: January 8th, 2008 at 1:01 pm No bi g deal, but I was precinct captain for John Edwards in precinct 21 in Iowa City and, as our corner was identified for him in many ways, I wore my ONE tee to our caucus. A number of people asked me about the shirt, what ONE was, and how it was connected to Edwards. I was happy to show and tell! (Edwards was viable and got 3 delegates to Obama’s 6–I ‘m sure the message was compatible with both men’s world view!) I stayed to be certain that the ONE plank on alleviating global poverty made it to our list to be forwarded to the county convention for consideration for the state platform, and I hope other One supporters from other precincts did also.

19. Julie Zimmer Says: January 8th, 2008 at 1:02 pm I should add that I wore my ONE VOTE IOWA shirt but I tried not to dominate the precinct business with ONE because I was secretary and did a lot of the talking - the precinct chair has low vision, so I read almost everything that got read out loud. I didn’t want to confuse people or abuse my “position” as secretary-assistant chair by over-doing the ONE thing. I did hand out the stickers I had with me and wore the arm band. And, of course, I submitted and read my own resolution.

20. Rev. Denise Anderson Says: January 8th, 2008 at 2:30 pm It was my pleasure to “talk up” the One campaign at the Iowa Caucus in Dubuque, IA last week. I am still talking about your web site that offers comparison views for all the candidates with regards to global poverty and other important justice and advocacy issues. This one site helped me compare everyone question by question and thus helped me make up my mind which great person I for whom I wanted to stand up and be counted.

21. Mary Warren Says: January 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm I was the precinct chairperson at my caucus, so I was the one in charge. My husband, son and myself all wore ONE shirts, and we are the ones pictured on this link. http://www.one.org/blog/2008/01/07/one-members-maximize-ia-spotlight/ We arrived at 6:00 to find people waiting for us in the room. We’re in Ames and we have some university apartments in our precinct and were expecting some students. GO CYCLONES! We were not expecting the approximately 300 people that did arrive! The room was packed, and there were not enough chairs, as people were sitting on the floor and standing in the back of the room. We ended up with 118 voter registrations forms at the end of the evening! WOW!! My husband and son were checking people in and getting them registered, so everyone saw people in ONE shirts from the minute they arrived. I set up a table with ONE water bottles and wristbands and some literature off to the side of the room where people would pass by when arriving. We were able to get the meeting started about 7:25. There were a few business items on the agenda, then the Presidential vote. Many left after voting, but the room was still full. I then asked for items for the platform planks. There was one from the chronic diseases group, and it was voted down. No one came forward from the floor with a plank, and I then submitted the ONE plank. There was no reaction from the group, so I asked if they knew what the ONE campaign was about, and most did not. I went on to explain how blessed we are in Iowa to have access to clean water, food and shelter, and how in parts of the world it is not that way. I explained how ONE is fighting poverty and disease in the world, and how it is a bipartisan campaign. I asked them how many of them knew an orphan, and no one raised their hands. I told them if they were living in Africa it would be very different. Oh, how I wished I had the ONE video to show them. I gave them the website for more info. I then explained how we were voting to send the plank onto the County level. Someone called for a vote, and the plank passed by an overwhelming majority!! I’m a delegate to the County convention in March, and I’ll argue for it then also! When the caucus was over, many people came up to me and mentioned that they saw my letter to the editor in the paper about ONE, and asked me if I had more wristbands or water bottles. One person asked me how to get a t-shirt, and how to get involved themselves. The 3 of us went out to a restaurant afterwards, I was still wearing my ONE shirt of course! ONE voice, ONE VOTE. It was a joy!

22. Asta Twedt Says: January 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pm I am a long-time caucus goer who has been wearing a ONE bracelet for well over a year. I wore my ONE t-shirt to our Democratic caucus and presented the ONE plank which passed. It was by far the most exciting caucus my husband and I have ever attended! The following Sunday, our pastor encouraged parishioners to become “ONE Lutherans” demonstrating this is truly a non-partisan cause crossing all boundaries of politics and religion.

23. Ellen Fisher Says: January 9th, 2008 at 12:17 pm I passed Julie Zimmer’s version (see her post) of the Democratic ONE plank in Cedar Rapids Precinct 43. We had nearly 300 in attendance for candidate preference, but just a handful of people still around for considering platform planks. I wore an ‘I Caucus for Darfur’ shirt and also passed platform planks for ending the Darfur genocide and mandating the use of optical-scan, recountable, ballots for the 2008 election.

24. Mackenzie Grondahl Says: January 9th, 2008 at 1:00 pm While we didn’t get a ONE resolution submitted, I volunteered to serve on the platform committee and am a delegate to the county convention, so that I could help make sure that ending global hunger and disease are priorities to the Iowa Democratic Party. It’s been amazing watching other young adults in Iowa stand up for those suffering from poverty and HIV/AIDS. Thanks to the ONE organizers who have put together excellent resources for the campaign season! By promoting the issue and not a particular candidate, you have allowed us to be united no matter who we caucused for! Thanks.

25. Kim Muench Says: January 10th, 2008 at 10:51 am Well, I’m not old enough to caucus, I’m only 15, I still feel strongly about finding a president who wants to fight and prevent poverty. Recently, we had to give a persuasive speech in class, and I chose to persuade people to donate to ONE. Hopefully my speech was effective and I hope some new members join. I am truly inspired by all of you who want to help and caucused. I look forward to the future and I hope our president stops poverty and help Africa. Thanks

26. Василий Says: October 5th, 2008 at 12:19 am Автору памятник нужно поставить за такое!:)

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