From Inspiration to Activism

A Personal Journey Through Obama’s Presidential Campaign

By: Mary Lang Sollinger

Narrated by: Carol Koby

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Mary Lang Sollinger offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at political canvassing and fundraising while following ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the love of our country.

Mary's years of fundraising experience culminated in an incredible opportunity to host a fundraiser at her home with Senator Obama in the fall of 2007. Mary believed in all that he stood for and knew that she needed to do whatever it took to help Senator Obama and others seek political offices.

Mary was tireless in her efforts to get out the vote for Senator Obama through canvassing across Madison, Dubuque, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis. While knocking on door after door, Mary found unique ways to overcome obstacles when trying to connect with people on the other side of those doors. She embodied Obama's campaign mantra: respect, empower, include.

After the huge success of Senator Obama's 2007 fundraiser, Mary went on to organize 12 fundraisers throughout Wisconsin in 14 months. As a result of her fundraising successes, she was asked to serve on President Obama's National Finance Committee, both in 2008 and 2012.

Mary has generously shared many inspirational and invaluable lessons learned throughout her years of experience. Included in her book is an epilogue with nine lessons and examples of successful fundraising for those who may want to host their own fundraising event.

©2020 Mary Lang Sollinger (P)2020 Mary Lang Solling

Behind the Scenes Look at Local Campaign Activism

This book gives a behind-the-scenes look at local activists who make presidential campaigns possible. The author was involved with coordinating findraisers and events for President Obama, when he was running for the nomination and in the general election. She describes how the campaign had a culture of positivity that came from the top and drew in supporters who promoted positivity.

Anyone involved in local fundraising for a big cause, not just political causes, will enjoy this book.

Sign me up!!

What an amazing story!! This is a woman who knows how to get things done! All I could think as I listened was "Sign me up! I'd love to volunteer George this woman!"

A story of many coming together for a common goal

Mary does a fantastic job taking readers and listeners along her journey as a long time volunteer and organizer for political campaigns, specifically her role in the 2008 Presidential election of Barack Obama. To be honest, before listening to this book, I hadn't fully comprehended all that goes into volunteer efforts and the organizing necessary to get a candidate through the finish line. The stories she shares are not only fascinating, but practical - providing her readers with a step by step blueprint in how to get involved themselves. I found it to be very inspirational.

I also enjoyed the context Mary provided about her own life experience and how it shaped the motivation behind her efforts. The passion and purpose behind her words are so clearly felt.

Respect, empower, include.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Obama

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. It was very interesting to hear all the behind the scenes work that went into the successful presidential campaign for our great president - Barack Obama!

Disappointed

Unfortunately, I didn’t find this book to be informative rather a narrator reading their personal diary.