SWOP-Carlsbad hosted a table at the recent NAACP State conference held on October 23rd and 24th in Carlsbad, New Mexico. On Friday October 23rd, along with Partnership Specialist Elaine Avina (Roswell office)Field Organizer, Kathy O. Kelly set up an awesome table with lots of information and goodies surrounding the upcoming Census in mid March of 2010. We had a special guest, Dana L. Batey Partnership Specialist from Denver who joined us later that evening. Mrs. Batey spoke at the Gospel Extravaganza on Friday evening and in her message she talked about the importance of everyone participating in the survey and why we have a census taken every 10 years. She also encouraged everyone to join a Complete Count Committee in their area or just take part in any event concerning the Census!
During the Gospel Extravaganza there were some powerful voices with lyrics that touched deep into your 'soul'. One group that really rocked the house was "New Generation" from Hobbs New Mexico, all members of one terrific family! I know I got my "groove on". The new librarian at the University of New Mexico Carlsbad, who happens to be African American, gave a very informative speech on 'rhythm' and the part it has play within our society for over two centuries.
On Saturday we set our table up at 10:00am and by 10:15am it was empty. Every participant visited our table, at least once. We saw several faces over and over, but they all had lots of questions in which we gave them all the right answers and in the process we made some fabulous new friends from all over New Mexico, Texas, New York and California.
The luncheon was held at 12:30pm in which we all attended. I got the pleasure of meeting State Representative John Heaton, who was the guest speaker during the luncheon. I was impressed with his passion for equality for us all. He talked about the 'recession', Healthcare Reform, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stimulus packets, housing market, unemployment, the 'special session'(that was just wrapping up as he spoke to us)and the state budget. After the luncheon a drawing was held and Rep. Heaton had the honor of drawing the three winning numbers, wouldn't you know it, two of the three drawings he pulled his own number, a little unbelievable, but he did! Needless to say he got a big laugh from the audience. He donated the items back and they were re-drawed for.
We also pick up four new SWOP members, Angie Allen, Betty Smith, Demitrius Mall and DeMauriek Walters who joined on Friday October 23, 2009. The SWOP family welcomes you all aboard!
Getting back to the Census and the work we all have to do to make it a success for our communities. If you are not part of a Complete Count Committee, join one! When the survey card reaches your mailbox, please fill it out and send it back in as soon as possible (it takes all of 10 minutes) and let's make a big difference in the 2010 Census! DO YOUR PART!
It was an absolute pleasure to work with Elaine and Dana on this event!
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Great job Kathy!
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