Can I hear an AMEN for clean elections?
By Kim Hynes
Posted on Wed May 07, 2008 at 01:05:32 PM EST
This morning I was privileged to address the Connecticut State Convention of Missionary Baptists. There, in a room of about 200 people, I was the lone white person - talking to a huge crowd who came to the convention to discuss their religion, praise God, and commune with fellow Baptists. I was nervous beforehand. Would these good people really want to listen to a white activist talking about something that had nothing to do with their convention or mission? I had confidence that I would be politely received, but was unsure whether I could generate any enthusiasm for the program.
I was solidly wrong. I stood up, after a very brief introduction, and started talking about leveling the playing field in politics. I spoke about how the Citizens Elections Program offers the opportunity for ordinary individuals - those not tied into political insiders or independently wealthy can now run for office. Was there the polite smattering of applause that I was expecting? No there was not. There were cries of, "Amen Sister!" and loud, raucous applause. The audience got so excited about the notion that suddenly they too can have a real voice in state politics. These folks, many of whom represent congregations that have been disenfranchised for decades, have not lost the drive to become involved or the hope for a better future.
I left my brochures and business cards behind, and expect that I will get a number of calls to do more detailed trainings in the near future. I took away with me a feeling of warmth and solidarity - we are truly all in this together, and together we can change the world.
Tags: Citizens' Election Program, Training, Clean Elections, Connecticut, Baptists (all tags)
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