I made this banner as a tribute to the Washington Obama campaign. I'd love to display it in Denver. If I have the honor of being elected, I will: Represent Seattle4Obama with distinction Vote proudly for Obama ONLY Report with online photos and stories Dina Johnson's political history: I turned into a political rabble-rouser and card-carrying Democrat in 2003, because of the Iraq Invasion! West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice I demonstrate against war; make signs, banners, and antiwar ads; I document local events; lobby elected officials; I advocate for impeachment Director of "Citizen Artiste," a nonprofit creative political org: I produced theatrical fundraiser to benefit Rep. Jim McDermott; Designed costumes for political theater; performed at Dean events 1 and 2 and 3 Washington Public Campaigns: Get big special interest money out of politics! I do web design & photos

Campaign volunteer and organizer: Howard Dean, John Kerry, Darcy Burner, John Edwards, & OBAMA Organizing, canvassing, reporting, blogging, fundraising "WA 4 Obama in Oregon" - canvassing in Oregon for Obama Political blogger and photo-journalist I report local events on Daily Kos & as Washblog.com Editor Democracy For America and Democracy for Washington Member, attended local events, hosted West Seattle DFA 34th District Democrats Precinct Officer I do doorbelling, organizing, chair caucuses, and voter registration; I designed graphics; I designed and stitched the 34th LD banner Community organizer, Highland Park neighborhood Highland Park Action Committee, Highland Park Arts, Big/Brother/Big Sister & outreach Below: WA Obama supporters in Oregon City

Creativity
I believe that art matters in political activism; that engaging the public with originality and imagination is effective and gratifying.

I designed and handmade a glittering banner to celebrate the Washington for Obama campaign, with the reverse featuring a stitched portrait. This beauty would make the Washington Delegation a media standout in Denver! I would love the Obamas to see it.

I have used graphic design and theatrical talents to promote many causes and candidates. For instance, I founded a nonprofit org for political art — Citizen Artiste — and produced a theatrical fundraiser to help my hero Rep. Jim McDermott with his unjust legal fees, convincing show-business friends to donate their talent.

Progressive Politics
Although I was used to working alone, I quickly learned to embrace and practice progressive activism, beginning in 2003 with the Antiwar movement and the Dean campaign. I could NOT stand on the sidelines, watching my country march towards militarism, authoritarianism and government deception. It got much worse, of course...as we all know. But I fervently BELIEVE we are about to reverse that march, together.
Dr. Dean told us dismayed supporters: If you’re not satisfied with the Democratic Party, become the Party!—and took his own advice. I became a Party Precinct Officer, and a Democracy for America host.

I have participated in countless demonstrations, protests, rallies, seminars, forums, fundraisers, training sessions, lobbying efforts, street theatrics, solidarity marches.
I’ve learned community organizing skills—not a priority when I was "just" an artist — and I’m now recognized as a leader in my West Seattle hood.

I’m very active in Washington Public Campaigns, because taking big money’s influence out of elections is crucial to cleaning up corruption. Obama’s campaign has grown wealthy on massive numbers of small donations; I especially appreciate that.

Reportage
Documenting local political activism has been an avocation of mine for years. I’m a photographer and blogger for Washblog, Daily Kos, and other blogs. I will do the same from Denver, giving the home state supporters on-the-spot reports and photos each day.

What do you plan to do going forward to ensure Obama gets elected?

I will work throughout the election season: GOTV, phone-banking, canvassing, fundraisers, visibility in marches and parades (with my banner!), doing my best to combat Republican propaganda and convince undecideds. I did this in 2004 for Kerry/Edwards, after Dean dropped out. But I’ll be MUCH more enthusiastic this year! At the convention, I will stand in solidarity with the Obama delegation no matter what, but will engage Clinton delegates and be an exemplary representative of Obama’s policy of integrity, outreach, and diplomacy. I’m making a logo for Washington Obamaworks with my friend Chad Lupkes, an Obama organizer. I will design Obama graphics for Seattle button and T-shirt makers. I will participate in Obamaworks projects to maximize visibility of the Obama campaign. I would travel to other parts of the state, or even neighboring states, if I’m needed.

How do you plan to use what you experience and learn in Denver leading up to the general election?

I expect to be be greatly inspired— enough to keep me motivated if I tire. I expect to continue networking with other antiwar and progressive activists; to use my enthusiasm to get skeptical or previously inactive citizens onboard. At recent Winter Soldier testimony in Seattle, a veteran said: "Obama told us he can’t do it by himself. No one can. He needs us in solidarity behind him, pushing."

I request the honor of your vote in Spokane. I will be the sparkly one...Thank you!

~ Dina Johnson, June 8, 2008