An update - and a big new goal

Jason -- Last week, Republican Senator Jim DeMint tried to rally our opposition by declaring that stopping reform would "break" President Obama. Instead, hundreds of thousands of you rushed forward to stand up for enacting health insurance reform this year. Then on Wednesday, the President delivered a powerful prime-time address about why further delay is simply not an option, and even more support came pouring in. (Watch the highlights here). Now, we're on the brink of a major milestone in building this campaign: One million Americans publicly declaring their support for the President's three core principles for health insurance reform this year. Our goal is to reach the one million mark before Congress casts the first crucial votes as early as next week. This is just a first step of many we'll take together. But it will send a clear message that the American people will not stand for playing partisan politics with our lives and livelihoods -- and that we won't settle for anything less than the real health insurance reform America so desperately needs this year. Add your name to stand up for the President's three principles for real health insurance reform in 2009. Adding your name right now will have real impact. Not only will you help us hit this key milestone, but we'll run the signatures we collect in local and national newspaper ads and present them in powerful displays at high-profile local events across the country in the crucial days and weeks to come. We're so close to a million because volunteers all over the country are reaching out online, door-to-door, on the phone and at public events in their community. And every time a new supporter stands up with the President, they in turn reach out to others and the movement grows. Less than three months ago, OFA launched our campaign for health insurance reform. In that short time, hundreds of thousands of Americans have joined in by: sharing a personal health care story calling their representatives going door-to-door talking with their neighbors calling neighbors in all 50 states publishing letters to the editor in local newspapers donating hosting or attending a local event, and much more. For Republican leaders and special interests, the health insurance debate may be a political game. But for millions of American businesses and families, the cost of inaction is economic ruin and deteriorating care for the ones we love. Out-of-control health care costs are breaking the budgets of families, businesses and government -- and every day that Congress refuses to act, 14,000 Americans lose their coverage entirely. We're working so hard in every part of this country because we understand -- this is no game. Add your name to help us reach one million public supporters this week, and join in this effort to reform health insurance in 2009: http://my.barackobama.com/reform Thank you, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America

On the ground in North Carolina

Jason --

My name is Lindsay Siler, and I'm the new North Carolina State Director for Organizing for America. I'd also like to introduce our new North Carolina Field Director, Greg Jackson.

I'm excited to announce that we're on the ground in North Carolina. I'm thrilled to be part of this movement standing with President Obama to make the change we fought for in 2008 a reality in 2009 and beyond.

Right now, that means working to fix our deeply broken health care system that has denied many Americans the care they need for far too long. Organizing for America is fighting to make sure Congress passes real health care reform that gives every American access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve.

But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization.

So starting Tuesday, July 7th, we'll be hosting Listening Tour stops across the state.

Will you make your voice heard and join us on the Listening Tour?

At Listening Tour stops, you'll get a chance to learn about OFA's goals and accomplishments, hear about some lessons learned during the election, and offer your thoughts on how we can organize North Carolina going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a North Carolina-specific plan for Organizing for America.

The campaign brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the process -- we need to make sure those voices remain at the center of the debate as the President and Congress work to fix our health care crisis, reinvest in our schools, and jumpstart a new green economy.

But these stops are not just for folks who were involved in the campaign -- we hope that every North Carolinian will get involved.

We can't stop growing our movement now. We've never had a better opportunity to shape our future -- and just like during the election, we'll do it from the bottom up.

Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour stop:

http://nc.barackobama.com/ListeningTourNC

I look forward to seeing you,

Lindsay

Lindsay Siler
North Carolina State Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Listening Tour stop, you can still get involved with Organizing for America in North Carolina. Let us know how you'd like to see North Carolina organized:

http://nc.barackobama.com/LTSurvey