1199's “Weekend Warriors” were back in the streets of Eastern Pennsylvania on July 28 educating and registering voters in preparation for the upcoming national election in November. Pennsylvania is one of the key battleground states for the election, so the work of the “Weekend Warriors” could be pivotal in the campaign to re-elect President Obama.

Last weekend, 246 1199SEIU members from the New York metropolitan and Maryland/D.C. areas went to Philadelphia. In only two weekends, the “warriors” have knocked on close to 30,000 doors.

In the process, the teams of union volunteers increased the number of contacts to 3,961 and identified 3,513 voters. Last week, they persuaded residents to sign 1,006 pledge cards and 113 voter registration cards.

Starting on Labor Day, the Weekend Warriors will ramp up efforts in Pennsylvania and other key battleground states by sending battalions every week. 1199 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 had a huge presence 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 or Organizer or sign up here.