On August 5, more than 50 people spent their Sunday at Obama for America – New York headquarters for LGBT Camp Obama, a four-hour crash course in organizing the campaign.

Actor and LGBT advocate Wilson Cruz joined us for the event, and spoke about the power of opening up and sharing your personal story:

"I urge you to be vulnerable, which is one of the hardest things that I could possibly ask you to be. This campaign is about our hearts, our feelings and our passions. So when you are talking to people sometimes you are going to be asked questions, and the best possible way to answer those questions is to be vulnerable and to use your story and what it is that changed you and drove you to walk through this door."

Mark B. came with his boyfriend—they wanted to learn what they could do to help the President, and found the training both educational and energizing.

“What I took most from the meeting was that an intelligent campaign is far more effective than a well-financed campaign.”

Pam S. walked away fired up and ready to talk to voters about what’s at stake in this election:

“I gained insight on how to encourage people to volunteer their time and support by linking their own needs and dreams to the goals and accomplishments of the President.”

What are you doing between now and November 6 to make sure we re-elect the President, and continue to build on the progress we’ve made?

If you’re in the New York City area, please join us for the next LGBT Camp Obama on September 9 or find an Obama Pride event near you.