Send Jennifer to Philadelphia!
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My name is Jennifer Leister and I was elected as a delegate for Bernie Sanders from Virginia's 2nd District. I have been a Bernie supporter since I first saw him on The Colbert Report explaining Democratic Socialism several years ago. Without sounding like too much of a hipster, I was an independent Democratic Socialist before it was cool. I believe the United States cannot call itself a developed country when we can't even give our citizens healthcare and education. When I found out Bernie was running for President, I immediately chipped in $10 to his campaign, even though I had very little in my bank account, because I believed so strongly in Bernie's message. Over the summer, I volunteered for the campaign, setting up a "Bernie Booth" at the Old Beach Green Market in my hometown of Virginia Beach. I also started the Virginia Beach for Bernie Facebook group and was one of the founding members of our state group, Virginians for Bernie. I personally collected over 500 signatures to help get Bernie on the ballot in Virginia, and I was present when we turned in the signatures in December of 2015. I was hired by the Sanders campaign later that month. It was my dream job; I have a degree in Government from William & Mary and Bernie is the only person running for President who I felt like I could work for while remaining true to my values.
I worked as a Field Organizer for the campaign out of the Norfolk office, helpied lead the get-out-the-vote effort, and helped get Bernie thousands of votes throughout Hampton Roads, especially in Virginia Beach, where he got more votes than anywhere else in Eastern Virginia. I also worked behind-the-scenes at his Norfolk rally in late February, and passed out the wrist-bands to get some of the most devoted Bernie supporters the chance to stand behind him on stage.
After the Virginia primary, I took a job with Shaun Brown, who is a pro-Bernie progressive running for Congress in my home district. I convinced her to run and collected petition signatures for her just like I did for Bernie.
In May, I was elected by a unanimous vote to represent the 2nd District in Philadelphia. I am an incredibly loyal Bernie supporter, and I promise to do anything necessary to push Bernie's candidacy forward but also to push his agenda forward and force the Democratic Party to represent our ideals instead of corporate centrism. I understand how single-payer healthcare and a living wage are life or death issues, as is preventing imperialist wars that kill thousands of civilians. The people in my area gave me their support to fight for Bernie in Philadelphia and I promise not to let them down.
I thought, what with Philadelphia only being a little over four hours away, going to this convention would be somewhat affordable. We were promised there would a block of rooms we could book for a "discounted" rate. Well, come to find out that rate is $500 a night and for security reasons, we have to stay there to be insured entrance into the convention!
I need help to pay for my hotel room in Philadelphia, for either four or five nights; depending on how much money I raise.
I worked as a Field Organizer for the campaign out of the Norfolk office, helpied lead the get-out-the-vote effort, and helped get Bernie thousands of votes throughout Hampton Roads, especially in Virginia Beach, where he got more votes than anywhere else in Eastern Virginia. I also worked behind-the-scenes at his Norfolk rally in late February, and passed out the wrist-bands to get some of the most devoted Bernie supporters the chance to stand behind him on stage.
After the Virginia primary, I took a job with Shaun Brown, who is a pro-Bernie progressive running for Congress in my home district. I convinced her to run and collected petition signatures for her just like I did for Bernie.
In May, I was elected by a unanimous vote to represent the 2nd District in Philadelphia. I am an incredibly loyal Bernie supporter, and I promise to do anything necessary to push Bernie's candidacy forward but also to push his agenda forward and force the Democratic Party to represent our ideals instead of corporate centrism. I understand how single-payer healthcare and a living wage are life or death issues, as is preventing imperialist wars that kill thousands of civilians. The people in my area gave me their support to fight for Bernie in Philadelphia and I promise not to let them down.
I thought, what with Philadelphia only being a little over four hours away, going to this convention would be somewhat affordable. We were promised there would a block of rooms we could book for a "discounted" rate. Well, come to find out that rate is $500 a night and for security reasons, we have to stay there to be insured entrance into the convention!
I need help to pay for my hotel room in Philadelphia, for either four or five nights; depending on how much money I raise.
Organizer
Jennifer Ann Leister
Organizer
Virginia Beach, VA