Obama Volunteer Corps

Great American Bake Sale

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:46:02 GMT

Great American Bake Sale Start Date: 7-Jun-08 9:00 AM End Time: 7-Jun-08 4:00 PM Location: The Heights Theater, Houston, TX Speaker: Event Details: The Obama Volunteer Corps will be hosting a local version of the Great American Bake Sale, in partnership with Share Our Strength. Great American Bake Sale proceeds are granted to organizations in communities across America to help provide at-risk children with nutritious meals when they’re needed most during the summer, and after school. Additionally, proceeds support Share Our Strengths Operation Frontline®, a chef-led nutrition education program for low-income children and families. Since 2003, more than 1 million people have participated in Share Our Strengths Great American Bake Sale, raising nearly $4 million to make sure no child in America grows up hungry. Great American Bake Sale is supported by national television partner Food Network and national magazine partner Family Circle magazine. We will hosting our...

Rebuilding Together Houston Project

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:31:02 GMT

Rebuilding Together Houston Project Start Date: 17-May-08 9:00 AM End Time: 17-May-08 5:30 PM Location: The home of Ms. Maybell ONeil, Houston, TX 77033 Speaker: Event Details: CORPS will be working with Rebuilding Together Houston. Rebuilding Together Houston is a nonprofit organization which provides home repair services for low income, elderly and/or disabled Houston Area homeowners. Our project will be taking place at the home of Ms. Maybell ONeill. Ms. ONeill is a 74-year old woman who has lived in her home for 36-years. Our team will be doing work on the outside of the house while Rebuilding Together Houston works on the inside of the house. We will be painting trim and applying caulk where necessary as well as helping to replace some shingles and screens on the exterior of the house. Im really excited for us to be able to participate in this project because well actually be meeting the person whose home we will be working to improve and as a...

Help Register People to Vote!

noemail@obamavolunteercorps.org — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Saturday, May 3rd, CORPS will be assisting with work at the Obama Southmore Volunteer office.

While we're there, getting our hands dirty and getting sweaty, the opportunity will be available for anyone wishing to be deputized to register people to vote to get that training.

Sharon Washington at the Southmore office, has arranged for voter registration training to take place at 10am. This process is generally pretty quick and should take no more than 30 minutes. It requires you to fill out a form and that's about it. Once that's completed, you will be set-up to help register voters.

It's definitely a great ability to have leading into the general election and will absolutely come in handy at future CORPS events as well.

I highly recommend those interested attend.

1-May-08 6:00 PM

Southmore Office Makeover To Do

noemail@obamavolunteercorps.org — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

I have been in contact with Sharon Washington at the Obama Volunteer office on Southmore concerning our May 3rd project to help them get the offices there into tip-top shape.

Sharon has provided me with a list of items and supplies they need to acquire for the makeover, as well as her plan for a 2-day clean-up event there.

There will be a Saturday and a Sunday event, so those of you who are unable to attend on that Saturday have the opportunity to attend on that Sunday and help out as well. As I have been looking through her list of needed supplies for the makeover, I have found that some of the items many of us already have (thanks to taking part in Habitat and from our Olivewood trips).

I would suggest bringing any painting supplies you have handy (paint rollers, paint trays, extension rods, brushes, painter's tape, drop-clothes, etc.) and bringing your safety equipment (work gloves, eye-wear, etc.). The list provided me has items with estimated prices on them, I can tell you that just by looking over the list that some of the prices are somewhat exagerated and no one is required to go out and spend any of their money on any of these items to attend the Southmore makeover.

There is plenty of work that needs to be done and just having able-bodied, enthusiastic volunteers there ready to help out is the most important aspect. As always, any questions, comments or suggestions are encouraged. Email me at brad@hopeactionchange.org.

The Southmore Makeover List is viewable HERE.

23-Apr-08 8:00 AM

Obama Southmore Office Phonebanking

noemail@obamavolunteercorps.org — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The Obama Volunteer Office on Southmore is organizing 2 phonebanking sessions this week to call voters in Pennsylvania to spread Senator Obama's message to as many undecided voters as possible.

Sharon Washington has set-up a Thursday evening session and a Saturday phone-banking both to be held at the Southmore office, located at 2520 Southmore St.

There will be three teams set-up on each day. One team for making the phone calls, one team for entering data and one team for donating use of laptops and cell phones.

All of the details on this event are included in the attached link. If you have any questions feel free to contact Sharon Washington at the Southmore office. Her contact information is included in the link.

There is still work we can do here in Texas to help Senator Obama earn votes! Anyone interested in helping out should definitely plan to attend!

Phone-Banking Flyer DOWNLOAD

15-Apr-08 2:00 PM

Olivewood Cemetery Follow-Up

noemail@obamavolunteercorps.org — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

This past Saturday, CORPS participated in the clean-up efforts at Olivewood Cemetery, located in Houston's First Ward.

Our group met-up with volunteers from YES Prepatory Academy (www.yesprep.org) as well as volunteers from the Odd Fellows (www.iooftx.org) to work on the clean-up of this 6-acre cemetery that has been a part of Houston's history since the 1870's.

Just being at Olivewood, you get a tremendous sense of what this place means to the community. The grave markers run the range from amazingly beautiful, intricate Gothic statues to simple stones with only a first-name printed on them, to hand carved headstones that have been worn down over time. Standing among these markers you truly get a sense of the history of Olivewood.

Unfortunately, the cemetery has undergone years of neglect as ownership of it has been up in the air or passed from one organization to another, so it was clear that the work of our volunteers was greatly appreciated.

Our group worked for hours, pulling weeds, mowing grass, avoiding snakes and hauling away debris. Not only was it a great feeling for everyone to be helping an organization that certainly needs every able-body they can get to volunteer, but it was also great to learn about the history of Olivewood and the people laid to rest there.

The Obama spirit is definitely alive and well with CORPS as I've already had several people asking when we can go back to Olivewood and continue the work.

I also wanted to take a moment to send a thank you to everyone who came out to Olivewood for their first CORPS volunteering. I hope you all had a good time and return to help us in future projects!

Thanks everyone!

Check out the photo album from the Olivewood Project as well as the video.

15-Apr-08 8:00 AM

Habitat for Humanity Highlights

noemail@obamavolunteercorps.org — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:00:00 GMT

For those who were unable to attend the Habitat for Humanity Wall-Build on April 5th, I wanted to take a minute to give you the highlights of the day. Check out the Photo Album for the event as well as the videos that have been posted in the Photos and Videos section of the website. The day started off in the early morning hours on a cool, cloudy Saturday morning. Our team gathered at the Habitat for Humanity warehouse, bright-eyed and eager to get started. After a short orientation about what it is, exactly, that Habitat does, we were introduced to the two Habitat employees that were going to be spending the day with us and leading the group. Mike and Norman were awesome guys and Obama supporters by the end of the day, both leaving the event with CORPS shirts that Im sure theyll make good use of. Ill admit that we got off to a rocky start initially. Most of us didnt have much experience in the way of construction, but both Mike and Norman were patient teachers and after...

6-Apr-08 10:00 PM

Olivewood Historical Cemetery Needs Our Help

noemail@obamavolunteercorps.org — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Olivewood Historical Cemetery needs our help. On Saturday, April 12th CORPS will be assisting the Descendants of Olivewood with their clean-up effort of an important historical site. Olivewood Cemetery was founded in the 1870's and contains the remains of freed slaves as well as some of Houston's first African American residents.

After our Habitat for Humanity Event on April 5th I went by Olivewood to see the cemetery's current status. It is dire need of maintenance and care and I think we could do a lot to help them. The cemetery itself is beautiful, with stone statues and headstones so old that the names and dates have practically worn off of them. I took the following photos of the cemetery in its current state to show you all how much this organization needs our help.

For details on the April 12th clean-up check the EVENTS section of the website or give me a call. We have the opportunity to help restore a place that should be honored for years to come.

Thanks everyone!

YES WE CAN!

-Brad

5-Apr-08 4:00 PM

Obama Volunteer Corps First Meeting

noemail@obamavolunteercorps.org — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Our new group had its first meeting this past Sunday at Houston Obama Headquarters. We discussed the upcoming Habitat for Humanity Wall Build. Brad Pitchett lead the meeting, answered a variety of questions about the work we are going to do.

Javier Avellan took some pictures of the meeting.

We hope to continue to grow this group and help enhance numerous communities around Houston.

1-Apr-08 4:00 PM

J Harding & Co. Printing

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:00:00 GMT

J. Harding & Co. is a design and print-house located in the Houston Heights.

From initial design to production to shipping the finished product, J. Harding & Co. carefully monitors the entire production process.

J. Harding & Co. that printed our CORPS T-shirts and we expect to continue to use their services. They were extremely helpful and one of the two owners is a supporter of Senator Obama, which is probably why she was so great to work with.

Consider J. Harding & Co. for your printing needs.

They handle:

Wendy
wendy@jhardingco.com

424 West 19th St.

Houston, TX 77008

(800) 281-3837

Tendenci Membership Management Software

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Tendenci online management software is a comprehensive Web site solution that enables you to maintain your Web site, connect and communicate with your visitors and grow your business online. 1, Content Management System - Update your content, site navigation and even add new Web pages on your own. 2. Calendar Event Registration - Feature upcoming events on your Web site with customizable online registration and online (or offline) payment. 3. Membership Management - Manage your user database and grant special site access and permissions to different levels of site users and administrators. 4. E-Mail Marketing - Create newsletters with automatically generated content or enter all new information to send to your specialized user groups. 5. Online Job Board - users to add job postings and résumés on a cost or no-cost basis. (also a possible source of revenue) 6. Article and Press Relase Posting - Upload news articles and press releases and track how many visitors view it. ...

Schipul - The Web Marketing Company

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Schipul - The Web Marketing Company is a Houston-based Web marketing and Web design company. Founded in 1997, Schipul has grown into a team of passionate client advocates and social technology enthusiasts.

We think we have the best jobs ever - connecting people to communities online and watching them grow. Want to know how we do it? Learn more about our Web design services, Search Engine Marketing services and Social Media Consulting!

The Schipul staff consists of talented design and communications professionals, a customer service-oriented support team and experienced programmers. You can read more about our Management team here.

Javier Avellan
javellan@schipul.com

11757 Katy Freeway, Suite 930

Houston, TX 77079

(281) 497-6567 EXT 516

Links to Photos and Videos

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:00:06 GMT

Grassroot Resources

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:10:55 GMT

One of the goal of Obama Volunteer Corps is to help empower people all over the country to step-up and take on the roles of community activists. Senator Obama says that change comes from the bottom-up and we have the opportunity to prove his words true. Here you can find a variety of resources to help you organize your own Obama Volunteer Corps in your hometown. All it really takes is a group of motivated individuals willing to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. Volunteers are always needed by organizations and something as simple a Google search usually can turn-up a variety of opportunities available in your area. DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES How To Information - coming soon > Networking to find members near you. > Identifying volunteer activities in your area. > Sample Letter to Invite Local Politicians to Your Events > How...

Web Sites and Blogs of Interest

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:36:52 GMT

1. BarackObama.com - Senator Obama's Presidential Campaign Web site.

2. HopeActionChange.org - Brad Pritchett's blog covering news and other content regarding Senator Obama's Presidential Campaign.

3. Japi's Blog - Javier Avellan's blog which has a variety of topics but mostly political issues.

4. ObamaWorks - Obama Works volunteers intend to implement Barack Obama’s message of change through public service, harnessing the immense energy created by his presidential bid to serve their communities.

Nationwide Action

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:07:22 GMT

Every day more and more people are taking back their corner of the nation by committing themselves to community service and neighborhood involvement. With volunteer groups being created everyday, it's becoming more and more clear that people are ready for real change. To find a volunteer organization near you, use the map below. Simply click on one of the Obama symbols for more information about that group. If you don't see a group near you, then START one! Keep in contact with us so we can update others about the work you're doing in your community.

PICT0072

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

I didn't mean to catch Lynn off-guard

PICT0071

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

Eusebius and Joy working in the bathroom.

PICT0070

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

Who knew we need ladders?

PICT0069

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

Another angle.

PICT0068

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

Painting the trim.

PICT0067

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

Newly deputized voter registrars, ready to get more votes for Obama!

PICT0065

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

Gwyn goes over the upcoming voter registration drive.

PICT0063

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

Marty discusses how to register people to vote.

PICT0062

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

A group of enthusiastic people ready to help make change!

PICT0060

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:20 GMT

The deputizing class, covering everything you ever wanted to know about registering citizens to vote.