Single In Silicon Valley: Summer Work-ation

The temperature is rising. The sun is shining bright. It’s summertime, baybee! You know what that means?

Campaigning!

Yes, for most young and single adults, summer is the time to take time from your regular work and volunteer on someone’s campaign…if not your own.

It’s an election year for all of us, and a Presidential election year on top of that.  This November, we’re all voting for a President. Also, depending on where you live, you will also vote for city council members, school board members, county supervisors, state assembly members and/or state senators. There are many campaigns in high gear, and all campaigns need volunteers: making phone calls, walking precincts, stuffing mailers, organizing community meet-and-greets, all kinds of fun stuff.

This summer, many friends that I know will be spending their vacation time (and more) to do these types of activities instead of heading to the beach or engaging in leisurely travel. Yes, some will be traveling, but to other states to help out on campaigns for candidates that their political party wants to help. Facebook and Twitter will be filled with updates of their adventures on the campaign trail, and their contribution to help their candidate win.

I am forgoing a traditional vacation for a political reason: I was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC the week of September 3rd. I will spend an entire week meeting with other delegates from around the country, attending meetings and mixers leading up the Thursday evening speech that President Obama will give to the entire delegation. It will be a non-stop series of activities where I won’t get any time to rest and relax until I’m on the plane BACK to the Bay Area. However, I am arriving a few days early for a quick side trip to South Carolina for a family history/research trip. 

Also, contrary to popular belief, my DNC trip isn’t funded by the Democratic Party. It’s funded by me. Every delegate has to pay for their trip and expenses. It’s the same thing with those who travel to other cities and states to work on political campaigns. It’s very rare to have even a small amount of your activities underwritten. Friends and colleagues will sometimes donate to help pay for expenses, but for the most part, each person pays their own way. What this means is that they’re still paying the same amount, if not more, to do this type of work that they would have going to London, Paris, Hawaii or Disneyworld.

The summer is a labor of love for those of us spending our summer this way.  Maybe I’ll do London next year.