Speak No Evil - working on the Speaker Series

Corey Goldiner is a summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats:

During my interview with 21st Century Democrats’ I was very excited about potentially working on a speaker series that has hosted some of my political heroes. I never knew the amount of detailed work that goes into progressive event planning.

Compiling a list of exciting progressives to invite was my first assignment for the speaker series. As a Collegiate Debater, and political junkie, I was naturally eager to create a list of people who I read about every day on the Daily Kos. Our goal in creating the list was to invite people with diverse experiences from throughout the progressive movement. Some of my favorite invitees are Senators Obama, Clinton, and Edwards, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, political strategists Joe Trippi and James Carville and President and Founder of Emily’s List Ellen Malcolm. Invitations are going out as we speak and I can’t wait to see who shows up this year!

Helping to create a flyer for the series was my next job; this was tough for me because I have little experience with Microsoft Publisher. I started out with a complex new design, but eventually decided a simple flyer was better. Navigating the various text boxes and images was not easy but with the help of Mike Kruger, Collin McDonnell, and some advice from Mark Lotwis the flyer was ready to be handed out.

Yesterday, I and the rest of our interns and fellows went to all the Democratic Senate offices, and some House offices (we are finishing the house side today) to hand out my flyers. Going to Capitol Hill for the first time in my life had me a bit awestruck! Growing up I listened to my Grandfather tell me about landmark pieces of legislation like the G.I. Bill, the Wagner Act, and the Voting Rights Act. Walking in the very halls where these bills were drafted was emotional for me. I hope someday, I will be able to tell my children that in these same halls, the Employee Free Choice Act restored collective bargaining rights for all Americans and here is where we ended the Iraq War.

After adjusting to the Hill and getting a little lost in the Hart building I stopped by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin’s office and had some popcorn. While in the Dirksen building one intern from Bernie Sanders’ office told me “Finally! I’m getting invited to an event that isn’t for Republicans!” I am thrilled at the prospect of meeting many more young progressives like myself!