| When we announced that DFA and Netroots Nation were teaming up to send at least 9 worthy activists to Austin this July, I knew the campaign would be a success. After all, the Netroots Nation Convention will be the grassroots event of the year. But, I never guessed the competition would be this huge.
After 128 applications and a number of generous donors, we are proud to announce 30 scholarship winners.
That's right, 30!
First, I want to thank you. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who promoted this opportunity, fundraised for scholarships, told friends to apply, or voiced support for the candidates. And I want to thank bloggers Kid Oakland and Land of Enchantment for all their incredible work assisting our team and getting the word out across the country.
Second, I want to share with you the winners. I'm proud to say that our winners come from all over the country and all walks of life. We have as many people from the West Coast as we do the Midwest; we have as many people from the Southeast as we do the Northeast. A third of our winners are people of color. Our winners' ages range from 18 to 81. You read that right: 81 years old. (Way to go Dorothy!)
We had an impressive group of applicants and the cream of the crop made the winners list. The winners are a diverse bunch. From people who are hard working DFA activists to those who are openly critical of DFA. People who are experienced politicos to folks who just recently got engaged in politics. Obama supporters and Clinton supporters. Local and national bloggers. And so much more.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WINNERS
In the case that any of the final winners cannot make it, we have about seven or eight runners up. All the runners up are fantastic, by the way. I try not to think about it too much, lest I get the urge to give away my own ticket.
I've felt that I've gotten to know everyone who applied just by reading so much about them. I can't wait to meet our winners in Austin. Why don't you join me? We've even finagled a special deal for DFA members like you:
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET FOR $50 DOLLARS OFF FACE VALUE
This is going to be a great event. DFA and Netroots Nation will take Austin by storm.
I'd love to see you there. Our chairman, Jim Dean will be there. Our founder, Howard Dean, will be there. All of our scholarship recipients will be there. Will I see you there?
Thank you for everything you do,
-Arshad
Arshad Hasan, Executive Director
Democracy for America |