Obama Launches "Organizing For America" (VIDEO)
There's been constant speculation since November 4th about what would happen to President-elect Barack Obama's giant grassroots campaign network. Now Obama has an answer: a new group called Organizing for America that will redirect campaign volunteers to push for legislation. Watch:
The full press release:
In a video announcement sent to supporters today, President-elect Obama announced the formation of Organizing for America. This is the next phase for the organization that was built during the campaign, offering volunteers the continued opportunity to work for change in their communities by organizing in support of reform in Washington.
"As President, I will need the help of all Americans to meet the challenges that lie ahead. That's why I'm asking people like you who fought for change during the campaign to continue fighting for change in your communities. Since the election hundreds of thousands of you have shared your ideas about how this movement should move forward, and we've listened carefully," said President-elect Obama in the video announcement.He continued: "Volunteers, grass roots leaders and ordinary citizens will continue to drive our organization, helping us bring about the changes we proposed during the campaign: a solution to our economic crisis, an end to the war in Iraq, affordable healthcare for all and new sources of energy to power our economy and protect our environment."
This announcement follows a dialogue with Obama for America supporters across the country. More than 500,000 completed surveys following the election making clear their vision for the organization, and more than 4,200 hosted house parties in their communities. A clear majority believe that organizing in support of President-elect Obama's agenda should be the most important goal for the organization.
Organizing for America will partner with Governor Kaine and the DNC.
"Change doesn't come easy -- our work has just begun," said Governor Kaine. "President-elect Obama has laid the foundation to meet the great challenges facing our nation, but we can succeed only if we build grassroots support for the administration's agenda. As the DNC works to elect candidates who will support the change agenda, we will also invest in bottom-up efforts that ensure that the priorities of everyday Americans are heard in Washington."
Further details about Organizing for America will be announced in the coming days. A link to the President-elect's announcement, and a transcript, are below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfGNgacysHg
When I'm sworn in as the President of the United States, it will be because of you. You've built the largest grass roots movement in history, and shaped the future of this country. And the movement you've built is too important to stop growing now. Today I'm pleased to announce the creation of Organizing for America--the organization that will build on the movement you started during the campaign.
As President, I will need the help of all Americans to meet the challenges that lie ahead. That's why I'm asking people like you who fought for change during the campaign to continue fighting for change in your communities. Since the election hundreds of thousands of you have shared your ideas about how this movement should move forward, and we've listened carefully.
Volunteers, grass roots leaders and ordinary citizens will continue to drive our organization, helping us bring about the changes we proposed during the campaign: a solution to our economic crisis, an end to the war in Iraq, affordable healthcare for all and new sources of energy to power our economy and protect our environment.
Joe Biden and I will be working with Congress to bring about change in Washington. But we cannot do this without you. The change we've worked so hard for will not happen unless ordinary Americans get involved, and supporters like you must lead the way.
You'll be receiving more information in the next few days about this organization and how you can continue to play a crucial role in our journey to change America. I look forward to continuing that journey with you, and I thank you for everything you've done for this movement and for our country.
Loading comments… 
The Huffington Post Rachel Weiner First Posted: 02/17/09 05:12 AM ET Updated: 05/25/11 02:00 PM ET