The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Shaina D. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - Political Campaign
When I decided to volunteer for Barack Obama's campaign I wasn't sure what to expect. I had gone to a Bush campaign office with my parents when I was twelve but I couldn't remember much about it. This time I would be the one working instead of watching. I was stepping out of my comfort zone, but I was excited to try something new.
I volunteered on a Saturday so, of course, it was busy. After quickly being introduced to a woman who worked in the office I was given a cell phone, numbers to call and a paper that told me what to say. After studying the lines for what seemed like forever, I nervously dialed the phone and placed my first call. A lot of the numbers on list were disconnected and it was a reminder of our distressed economy and of the people struggling to survive through it.
After a few hours I was ready for a break. I sat down next to a life like cardboard of Barack Obama to eat my lunch. I was humored by a pair of glasses in his hands I had never seen him wear. I was even more humored by a woman who decided to take a picture with Barack (cardboard) Obama.
Eventually my break was over and it was time for me to get back to work. my most memorable calls were when I was cursed out by a man who wasn't in a good mood,(may be it was his lunch time.) and when I foolishly engaged in a "tit for tat" with a woman who I’m sure was more than twice my age. We talked about every thing from who Sen. Obama's friends are, to the war in Iraq. I must say I was disgusted when the woman, trying to make a point, said "Only " 13 soldiers had died that month. I'm sure if one of those 13 had been her son, daughter or, husband, she wouldn't have chosen the word "only".
The next day I visited the McCain camp. I later returned to the Obama camp, and made more phone calls. Eventually I asked if there was anything else I could do, and I was given the job of putting together pamphlets. When the pamphlets were together other volunteers would take them to people's houses. When I finished putting together pamphlets, I was right back to making calls (ugh!). I was so tired that I called the same number twice, and my eyes started crossing. Finally my mom walked in, and I was relieved that I could leave. Before we left I asked for a free poster. I guess that I was thinking that I (or my future children) could sell the poster years from now on the Antiques Road Show.
Overall I think that my experience was positive. I now realize how much work goes into a campaign, and have officially withdrawn from the 2042 elections.
