First Lady Michelle Obama received a warm welcome from the packed house in Ft. Lauderdale this afternoon.

Next week is your chance to see the First Lady in Ft. Lauderdale. Say you're coming and learn how to get your ticket ››

Submit your application to be an Obama Organizing Fellow before the Florida deadline this Sunday, August 19.

When I first stepped into my local Obama for America office, I wasn't even aware of the summer fellowship program. I had no idea what campaign volunteering entailed, and I didn't know that it would come to have a lasting impact on my life and place in my heart.

What I was sure of upon my first visit to the office was that I felt a deep connection to President Obama and his policies and beliefs. As a woman, as a Jewish-American, and as a student, I identify with many of the key issues at stake. My background and mindset drove me to get involved in the fight to re-elect our President.

With the start of my fellowship, I immediately knew I was needed to facilitate my community's efforts. The volunteers I met moved me. They worked, and continue to work relentlessly because they sincerely care for our country, for each other, and for the President's progress. The program gave me a chance to experience the dynamic of a movement a million times bigger than myself. At the same time, this is a movement that I made a direct contribution to each day of my summer.

When I first stepped into my local field office, I needed to register to vote. The 2012 election will not only monumental for the rest of the country, but for me as well, because I will be voting for my first time. Each day counting down towards election day is a day any single person can make a difference in the campaign, and, in turn, the lives of others.

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From now until the election, we'll share stories from voters across Florida. Nicole is a first time voter in West Broward and this is her story.

Q1: When was the first time you voted?

In 2008, I was only 16 and wasn't very politically aware. It took me until college and taking a few classes to realize the decisions that are made on my behalf, and why they're so important. I got involved with Students for Obama meetings on campus, and when I came home this summer I started volunteering at the West Broward office. I'll be voting for the first time this November and I can't wait!

Q2: What matters to you in this election?

I'm a woman, I'm a student, and I'm part of the LGBT community—there's too much to lose by not voting. The President has stood up for women time and time again, repealed Don't Ask Don't Tell, and doubled the funding of Pell Grants. All of those things are important to me, and that's why I'm casting my ballot for Obama-Biden this November.

Q3: Why should Young Americans vote this November?

I know people who are my age who feel like they don't need to vote because they don't think their voice matters. I tell them if they don't step up and fight for what you think is right, then you'll watch your future slip away and see decisions made for you that you don't agree with. I can't imagine having a choice—having a vote—that will determine our future and not taking advantage of it.

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Take Eva Longoria's advice—this weekend she urged packed houses in Orlando and Miami that there's too much at stake to sit on the sidelines, so sign up and get involved today.

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Our movement is special because it brings together people from all kinds of backgrounds.

Even registered Republicans like David are volunteering and building support for President Obama in South Florida.

A small business owner in Coral Springs, David feels like the Republican party "isn't what it used to be" and Barack Obama is the only candidate looking out for the middle class.

“As a small business owner, I can't afford to vote for someone like Mitt Romney who will only look out for the exact opposite of my interests.

“All of the things the President proposes and fights for are meant to benefit the American people — all of us — not just big corporations and the super rich.

“I'm a big fan of the President and I think he's extremely honest. I've knocked on hundreds of doors and made hundreds of phone calls for him.

“I volunteer because I want everyone to know that President Obama deeply cares about hard working middle class people like us. If you look at the facts, it's impossible to vote for the Republican candidate in this election.

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President Obama visited Century Village in West Palm Beach last Thursday.

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Energetic supporters in Miami and Orlando hosted First Lady Michelle Obama at jam-packed grassroots events yesterday. Check out our Facebook photo album to see more from these exciting events.

Paula and Malbin have big smiles for a good reason. As the winners of our Backstage with Marc contest they had the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Marc Anthony after his special concert for President Obama last night in Miami.

A student at Florida Atlantic University, Paula is doing her part this summer by being an organizing fellow.

"I'm really grateful to have a President like Barack Obama. I'm fired up to help this time around and put in all the time I can to help him get re-elected. My parents are from the Dominican Republic and we know that President Obama strongly supports our Hispanic community.

Malbin is also active at his local campaign office in Weston. A father of two children, he knows a vote for Barack Obama is a vote for a brighter future for his children.

"I support Barack Obama's vision for America. I trust his decisions. He needs all the support and help he can get and I will do everything I can to get him re-elected. One of my children is going to college this fall and the other will be in a year, a second term for Obama is the best choice when it comes to their educations.

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Yesterday supporters in the Palm Beach Gardens office were paid a surprise visit by a very special guest: Lilly Ledbetter.

Diane, a local neighborhood team leader was in the office and said it was an inspiration to meet her.

"Lilly Ledbetter is the definition of a trailblazer. She told us that change starts with everyone in this room. The time we're putting in organizing our communities today will pay dividends not just in November, but it will lay the groundwork for a brighter future with more opportunity for generations to come.

The President's Record on Equal Rights