Never doubt...

...that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

After a summer of volunteering on the phone bank and going door to door, Charlie was given the opportunity to drive in [then] Senator Biden's motorcade when he visited Fox High School.

Not only did it afford Charlie the chance to drive fast on highways otherwise blocked for traffic, but it also gave him a glimpse into the larger world of political figures.

It takes a lot of people to run a political campain, "handlers", speech writers, planners, Secret Service and volunteers. Charlie had the chance to talk to many of these people over his 24 hours of driving in the motorcade. It's an experience he will never forget and all he had to do was volunteer.

Not long after driving for Biden, Charlie volunteered as a representative for the Obama campaign on Election Day. His main responsibility was to make sure everyone had the opportunity and ability to vote. But he did a lot more - handing out water, snacks, guiding people where to go, and talking to voters. Some people were much less than magnanimous, refusing Charlie's offers of help because of his political affiliation. For the most part, though, his day was a fulfilling one.

Will these things make a difference in a person's life? Perhaps not. It didn't do anything to end poverty, cure disease, or stop global warming. Well, not directly. Maybe someone will remember the nice man that helped them on Election Day. Hopefully they will remember, too, that this man was there as a proponent of change.