GUEST BLOG! Updates from our New Guy Joe!

Our New Guy Joe with his new lady friends that joined ONE
Originally uploaded by Brande Jackson

Our new guy Joe gives us his version of this past week - we're pretty glad he didn't run away crying like some of the other new guys have!

From our New Guy Joe:

Westward from PA for the show in Noblesville, IN. We drove through
the night and I rediscovered just how wide Ohio is. We arrived to the venue at about 8 am and could tell it was going to be a hot day. We got the booth set up, hooked up with our two volunteers, and in no time doors were open and we were underway. The kids were very responsive, and it was nice to see that people all around are genuinely interested in the issues we are facing. The day flew by, and by the time KillSwitch was Engaging our ears without mercy, it was time to load out and hit the road back to PA.

Ohio didn't get any thinner, but night time driving, coffee, and ipods gave us the gusto to reach Burgettstown, PA where we got some sleep before the days show. The heat hadn't subsided yet, but it beats shivering any day, and the kids at the show still had plenty of energy and interest in the ONE Campaign while we floated the crowds and competed with the roars of the Warped. Volunteers brought added enthusiasm and through a great team effort we had another successful day.




Back to the open road chasing that white line to Mansfield, Mass. The weather broke and we were presented with a 79 degree day that gave us a huge boost in energy. Unfortunately, the tour truck that had our gear (and the gear of many others) had gotten not only delayed, but lost on the 10 hour drive from PA. A new challenge. We reserved our energy until it arrived and did a quick set up before 2pm, and hit the surrounding pavement to spread the word. The energy level was definitely up all around since the heat wasn't so intense. The bands were ripping, the kids were responsive and positive, and I couldn't help but be grateful for being able to be a part of it all. Despite our late start we were able to talk to a lot of fans, and in all the day was a success.

One more stop for me on the Warped adventure, so up to Darien Center, NY we went to Six Flags and the open air venue attached to it. The continued positivity of the fans, the awesome weather, and the overall opportunity of being part of the outreach, made this a great finale to my Warped week. The day went by quick, as usual, we got a lot more people signed up, and I was even lucky enough to have a quick but fully entertaining lesson in a new conspiracy theory from one friendly fan. Always an entertaining occurrence. So the day wrapped up, and Brian and I hit the road back to Chicago and while on the way finally discovered (by accident) that the rental car actually did have cruise control! I guess our expertise doesn't lie in cars. The outreach experience on tour is exciting, challenging, and something I would recommend YOU get involved in! I can't wait for the next adventure.