Hannah Hecht's Blog

 Presidential campaigns rely heavily on the time and energy of volunteers across the country. Here in Sioux City, volunteers like Morningside history major Jack O’Brien help campaigns reach out to voters and deliver their message.

O’Brien has been volunteering with President Obama’s grassroots campaign, Organizing for America, since the 2008 election.

“For me, tuition is the main issue,” said O’Brien. “I am able to go to school cheaper when interest rates are down and student loans are more available.” O’Brien also supports Obama’s stances on abortion, gay rights, and foreign policy.

O’Brien has taken advantage of many different opportunities that have stemmed from his volunteer efforts. Through his work with Organizing for America (OFA), he has been offered an internship with Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in Washington D.C. this summer. He even was able to meet President Obama in September, upon his visit to Sioux City.

“Basically they wanted 20 people from different constituencies, like a businessman or a politically-interested college student,” said O’Brien. “Through volunteering, I managed to make connections that got me that opportunity and others.”

Volunteers at the Organizing for America’s Sioux City office talk to voters across Siouxland about President Obama and his positions on a range of issues like the economy, women’s rights, and the Affordable Care Act. They use a range of different strategies, such as canvassing, holding press conferences with prominent Democrats, and phone-calling, all to convince people to vote in favor of the Democratic cause.

“It’s really exciting to talk to undecided voters, especially when they’re willing to have a conversation.” said Sioux City community member and OFA team leader Joan Tozier. “The times that they not only listen, but add to what you’re saying, that’s when you know you’re getting through to them. That’s a good feeling.”

The volunteers at the Sioux City OFA office believe that the votes of every citizen on the west side of Iowa will be very important in the upcoming election.

“This part of Iowa is known as the ‘firewall’ because of its high Republican concentration,” said Tozier. “We really are very important because if we can pull this [part of the state] to democratic, then we will make a difference in the national election.”

Both O’Brien and Tozier feel that it’s very important for Morningside students to get involved in the campaign.

“Sometimes people can be in favor of something, but they think everyone else will volunteer,” says Tozier. She believes that the volunteers here in Iowa are some of the most important in the country in swaying the campaign.

Working with OFA is also an important learning experience.

“Even if you’re on the fence, it’s an informative process,” says O’Brien. “Getting involved will help you find out what you believe. At a time when most people here [at Morningside] are casting their first vote, that’s pretty important.”

Prospective volunteers can contact the Sioux City Organizing for America office at (712) 869-9209 or come by 4106 Morningside Ave from 9am to 9pm every day. Volunteers for canvassing are especially welcome on weekends and Tuesday and Thursday nights.