Politics, Not As Usual

Want to help Barack Obama win the White House? Then create an original 30-second television commercial and you may not only help his campaign but win a contest sponsored by Moveon.org.

The internet is changing the face of political organizing and Moveon.org has been on the forefront of a grassroots movement that has mobilized millions of activists and ordinary citizens to lobby Congress, send letters to the editor on hot button issues, organize marches and rallies and raise money for progressive causes.

The Obama presidential campaign has taken a page from their book and made some of the most innovative uses of the internet to build a national base of supporters, fundraise, engage people interactively and respond immediately to changes in the campaign or comments from opponents.

Now the two entities are working together on another unique approach to bring attention to his run for president as the campaign races toward conclusion. Called Obama in 30 Seconds, anyone is invited to make an ad about Obama between now and April 1. The public will vote on the best ads, and a panel of top artists, film professionals, and netroots heroes will pick a winner from among the finalists.

If you have writing, acting, or video editing talent—whether you’re a total amateur or a total pro—you are eligible. They will air the winning Obama ad nationally, and the winner will receive a gift certificate for $20,000 in video equipment. Judges include Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Oliver Stone and John Legend.

Now, the other side has average people making videos on their behalf too. I hope this isn’t the best they can do.

All this grassroots involvement in the presidential campaign is stimulating interest in a whole new crop of people considering running for office at the local, state and national level.

To further that effort, the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute, in partnership with the National Black Justice Coalition and the Democratic National Committee, is hosting a Candidate & Campaign Training for candidates of color. The training is scheduled for April 23-26, 2008 in Baltimore Maryland, and is being held in conjunction with the National Black Justice Coalition’s National Convention. This training will address the unique challenges of running a campaign as an out person of color.

Whether someone is interested in being a candidate or running a campaign, this training will build the skills needed to compete. Application can be made online and through generous support from the Democratic National Committee, scholarships are available to ten qualified candidates.