As seen in books, quirky films, and (now) other states near you, volunteer Bus riders have driven political change by knocking on hundreds of thousands of doors. We take a Saturday to get on the Bus with forward-thinking candidates around the state who will likely win or lose by just a few votes. Then we toss a party.

Why?

• People-to-people politics builds relationships in ways that media-driven messaging can’t.
• Using volunteer time in the most efficient way possible means working on races that are on the razor’s edge.
• We’re only going to build a progressive movement if it’s state-wide.
• Bus people are sexy. (Five engagements and counting.)

Saturday, September 6: We Didn’t Start The Fire - Bus Trip with Congressman Earl Blumenauer and John Kroger

People often ask us where we get our ideas. “Bus Project, how did you get so creative?” they ask us, “And why are you all so damn sexy?”

Well, a combination of extraordinary genetics and form-fitting clothing created our legendary attraction. But when it comes to inspiration, it’s simple: we look for kindred spirits around the world and coast off their coolness (like those little fish that swim behind sharks).

Here’s a great example. For our next trip to Gresham on September 6th for Greg Matthews and Nick Kahl, we hoped we could find someone who does what the Bus does: use a motor vehicle to break down walls. And like a bolt of lightning it came to us! Billy Joel!

We’ve wanted to get The Piano Man involved for the longest time. But finally, we’re movin’ out and going uptown, girl (and/or boy as the case may be). But in all honesty, this is the perfect theme for this trip. And here’s why.

Greg Matthews and Nick Kahl are two most upstanding, outstanding members of the next wave of forward-thinking leaders in Oregon. They’re going to fight for good jobs, affordable health care and a stronger Oregon. But they didn’t start that fire. Progressivism has been burning since the world’s been turning.

So an earlier generation of leaders is joining us: Big Shots Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Attorney General-elect John Kroger will ride the Bus to get Nick and Greg elected. They want you to come, too (they told me so themselves).

There will be tons of free food, games and resounding cheers of “Go Democracy, Go!”

Be there.

Meet up:

If you’re coming from Portland, meet up at:
The Eastbank Esplanade (SE Madison and Water, just north of the Hawthorne Bridge) by 10am.
We’ll be back, well-fed, in the 6 o’clock hour.

If you’re meeting in Gresham:
Give us a call (503-233-3018 - ask for Henry), we’re still getting details together.

Be sure to bring:

• Walking shoes
• A water bottle
• Some serious internal fire

If you have any questions, give Henry a ring at 503-233-3018.

Nitty Gritty

Gearing up

Wear: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and/or gore-tex.

Bring: Water bottle, charged phone, old friends. (All optional, but all encouraged.)

Food: No worries. It’s provided. (Including breakfast!)

Dollars: It’s free, friend. However, American-made ‘Volunteer’ t-shirts (highly useful regalia) are sold at our cost ($10) on Bus Trip days.

Fine print: Any work for candidates are sponsored and funded wholly in an appropriate fashion by 501(c)(4) and PAC groups. Any in-kind contributions are duly reported to the Secretary of State. Donations to those groups are not tax deductible, but Oregon tax filers get a free $50 per calendar year to give to the political group of their choice. Hint hint.