On July 21st, 1199's “Weekend Warriors” from hit the streets of eastern Pennsylvania to work in preparation for the upcoming national election in November. Two hundred and fifty-five 1199SEIU members from the New York City metropolitan area as well as the Maryland/D.C. Area traveled to Philadelphia in six busloads and to register local residents in this key battleground state in this year’s presidential election.

An additional three busloads of members from SEIU 32BJ joined the effort and collaborated with 1199ers as they canvassed neighborhoods across Philadelphia. They warriors knocked on a total of 13,451 doors and collected 3,126 contacts. In addition, the teams of union volunteers collected 3,079 Obama IDs, persuaded residents to sign 1,021 pledge cards and managed to attain 135 voter registration cards.

The number of members joining the Weekend Warriors program continues to rise with just over three months to Election Day. This coming weekend, 500 members have already signed up to travel to Philadelphia to urge residents to participate in the electoral process.

Starting on Labor Day, the Weekend Warriors will ramp up efforts in Pennsylvania and other key battleground states by sending battalions every week: members in Massachusetts will travel to New Hampshire, Maryland and DC members will be on the move in Virginia, and Floridian members will continue to do vital work for the union's campaign to re-elect President Obama in that crucial battleground state.

The Weekend Warriors program made a huge impact during the 2008 presidential campaign, and the union hopes to make an even greater difference this time around. For information about becoming a Weekend Warrior in your region, contact your Delegate, Organizer or signup online.