For the first time since high school, I am formally
campaigning for a political candidate.
My first campaigning experience,
nearly forty years ago, was suggested by a teacher as a way to get extra
credit for his class. I knew little about the gubernatorial candidate I
was assigned to support, and I didn't much care about the race.
This time around, I am campaigning because I've never felt so passionately about the outcome of an election.
Going door-to-door to talk with strangers about this presidential
election is one of the most personally uncomfortable and difficult
things I've ever done. As I prepare to head out to knock on doors again
this weekend, I'm still dreading it.
I tackled the experiences
on my original 52/52 Project list in order to confront my fears and
broaden my world. Campaigning is certainly accomplishing that. Yet I am
doing this mostly because I feel so strongly about this election. If it
doesn't end as I hope, I would like to know that--in some very small
way--I made an effort.
Less than a week remains before election
day. Whichever candidate you support, I hope you'll consider contacting
your local campaign office and offering to volunteer: whether that means
going door-to-door, making phone calls, or stepping in wherever you are
needed.
Pushing our personal boundaries is never more important
as when our personal beliefs are at stake. In cases like this, if we're
going to talk the talk, maybe we do need to walk the walk.
Even if that walk leads us to the front door of a total stranger.
Are you politically inclined or not? What societal and world issues do you feel most strongly about? When's the last time you walked the walk?
