MARIETTA - As House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered her Democratic National Convention speech on Wednesday night, assuring voters that "Democrats trust the judgment of women," one group of area women was hard at work making sure that area residents take that message to heart.
"I think that President Obama has enough respect for our gender that he knows very well that we can make decisions regarding our personal health care choices, that we have that right to do that," said Mary Finley, of Marietta.
Finley and other area female residents were part of Wednesday's women-to-women phone bank, held at the Plumbers & Pipefitters building in Marietta. Women's Wednesdays, a part of Obama's Organizing for America project, focus on the importance of women voters and women's futures in relation to the upcoming election.
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Photo by Jasmine Rogers
Marietta residents Marcia Roach, 52, and Anna Prince, 79, make phone calls during Wednesday’s Women-to-Women Phone Bank, as part of President Barack Obama’s Organizing For America project. The focus of the weekly event is for female volunteers to reach out to area women to discuss campaign issues most relevant to women voters.
The volunteers at Wednesday's phone bank reached out to have conversations with their fellow area females.
"We women are a force for this election in November, and we are trying to take advantage of that," said Finley.
Participant Sharon Farnsworth, of Fifth Street, Marietta, also participated in last Wednesday's phone bank. Farnsworth said she feels undecided female voters respond better to discussing pertinent election issues with other women.
Fact Box
Who: Female campaign supporters reaching out to fellow female voters.
What: Discussing the election issues most relevant to women voters.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday from now until the Nov. 6 election.
Where: Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Union, 201 Front St., Marietta.
To volunteer: Visit http://www.barackobama.com or contact local Organizing For America organizer Charles McMahon at 740-341-3155.
"This has been a positive experience, calling women voters," said Farnsworth.
A big topic of conversation during Wednesday's phone bank was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
The act, which redefines the statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit, signifies Obama's strong commitment to equal gender rights, said Finley.
"I think you have to look at what President Obama's first act was right after inauguration. It was his signature on the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and I think with that signature he indicated to women across this country that he was going to be our advocate," said Finley.
Health care was also an important talking point for Wednesday's volunteers.
"There are points in the Affordable Care Act that specifically benefit women," said Farnsworth pointing to preventative health care measures that the bill supports.
For Finley, a retired teacher, Obama's plans for education are a significant factor in the upcoming election.
"I appreciate what President Obama is doing for the classroom. He is trying to put more teachers back in the classroom," said Finley.
Also significant is Obama's support of Pell Grants, said Finley.
According to campaign statistics, about 363,000 Ohio students received Pell Grants in 2010, helping them cover the cost of college.
Volunteer Barbara Jackson, 58, of Marietta, has felt the positive impacts of the grant in her family.
"If it was not for Pell Grants, my son would not be able to go to college," said Jackson.
With the election two months away, Wednesday's callers are hoping not only to sway voters, but to encourage others to volunteer their time.
"There are eight Wednesdays left. We have got a lot of work to do," said Finley.
Volunteer opportunities are available every day of the week for men and women. Those interested in participating can visit www.barackobama.com or contact local Organizing For America staff at 740-341-3155 for more information.
