Shock, awe and amazement. These three little words are the best ways to describe the reaction we get from Fayetteville’s citizens whenever we invite them to our neutral, informal City Council/ County Commissioner Meet and Greet. People, including some of the city council members and the county commissioners that have invited to the event, are having the hardest time believing this event is actually going to become a reality. ( “City Council AND County Commissioners in the same room? Together? Are you serious?/ WOW!!!” is the general response to our invitation.) Well, those non-believers will be in for a treat we host the meet and greet next Saturday. All the hard work An-Que, Ashley, and I have done these past couple of weeks will finally pay off in a open, friendly Meet and Greet that gives the general public access to the officials that oversee the details of their daily lives. This Meet and Greet also gives the officials the opportunity to talk to each other and join Democracy North Carolina as we attempt a county-wide Get Out The Vote (GOTV) training program.
As of right now, we have four confirmed guests to our Meet and Greet!!! I know that the three exclamation points that follow that statement seem a little unnecessary but considering that July is typically when most of these officials take time off for family vacations, an annual conference, and the like, it’s amazing that we got even that many officials to confirm. I’m hoping that the fact that all three groups will be represented (the people, the council, and the commissioners) will foster true,open, healthy dialogue, which in turn will lead to transparent actions towards change and progress.
WHEW! I know that is a lot of information to take in but because an intern’s job is never done ( gotta love progress and change) we’re already planning a Get Out The Vote training program in Wilmington, as well as a possible GOTV program among Fayetteville’s high schools. I’m so excited about all things we have going on in our field areas, but like I said, ” an intern’s job is never done” so I’ll have to get to you about all the progress we’re making later.
Until Next Time,
*Amanda*
P.S. We interviewed a few folks at Fayetteville’s mall and on the Fayetteville State campus, so look out for those blogs, they’re coming soon!!!!
Thanks Amanda and An-Que for doing so much good work this summer. Good luck with Saturday’s event — remember: turnout, turnout, turnout. Assume that half the people who say ‘yes’ they will attend will actually show. I know with Ashley’s leadership you all are going to have a great event. Too bad I’ll miss it — I’m on baby duty! see you next week… Adam