Howie Kent

Name: Howie Kent Location: Colorado Springs, CO Deaf, Gay, Liberal, FDR Fan Living in Deep Red El Paso County, Colorado.

A little about me

I was quite active in Democratic politics earlier in my life. Got my start at age 15 volunteering for Dawn Clark Netsch in IL/1994. Then worked for Durbin in 96, Was a blogger for Deaf Americans for Dean in 2003 and volunteered for him. Founded the first College Democrat s for Gallaudet University (Deaf college) and was Disability Caucus Chair for College Dems of America. (Many More)

I would describe myself as a

lurker

Why I deserve a Netroots Nation Scholarship

I want to get back in - this time trying to spearhead a nationwide effort to get Deaf people involved. Theyre usually an apathetic group but with their votes we could get closer to a majority. I can't do this without the help of people like DailyKos. This would be a strong effort and campaign. Will you help me please? I am unemployed and can't afford the trip.

What first inspired me to get involved

Being at home all the time as a kid, a Deaf closeted kid, I felt left out all the time. I was reading an article about Dawn Clark Netsch and I really liked her so I signed up to volunteer for her campaign for Illinois Governor in 1994. Ever since that I found my place in politics and found myself accepted. I've been involved with 15+ campaigns and I am 32 years old now.

How I've gotten others involved

I was the founder of the College Democrats of America at Gallaudet University and was their first President. I was also the disability caucus chair for the College Democrats of America National Committee (Under President Ashley Bell). I spearheaded a very successful voting record drive on campus. I wrote a blog for Deaf Americans on how to support the Dean for America campaign and was featured on the DFA Blog!

Why I think participation in the blogosphere is important

It helps people interact with each other in ways that they couldn't before. It helps organize rallies and voting drives. It is the best way to be involved

More about my involvement with DFA and local work

Since Dean's campaign for President. See 2nd question here.

More about my volunteer work

A simple resume; all volunteer work unless indicatedL

1994: Dawn Clark Netsch for Governor of IL
1995: Mayor Daley '95
1996: Dick Durbin for U.S. Senate
1998: John Schmidt for Governor of IL
1998: Carol Moseley Braun for U.S. Senate
2000: Al Gore for President (Bloomsburg, PA)
2002: Intern, Tom Harkin's DC Senate offices
2003: Founded College Democrats of America at Gallaudet University
2003-2004: National College Democrats of America Disability Caucus Chair
2003: Howard Dean for America
2003: Founded Deaf Democrats for Howard Dean
2004: Mary Squires for US Senate from GA
2006: Ed Fallon for Iowa Governor
2006: Chet Culver for Iowa Governor
2008: Ed Fallon for Congress (IA)
2008: Delegate to the Polk County, IA Dem Convention for Hillary Rodham Clinton
2008: Obama for America

My Twitter manifesto on online activism

It works because we get the message out from California to Maine. We give each other support and motivation. The Wisconsin protests is a perfect example. Another great example is the 2006 CT Senate Primary.

My suggested bumper sticker slogan

Vote Democrat: Your Voice will be HEARD.

My idea for a cool new online action

I want to make a blog that will bring together Deaf voters all over the country and make us one powerful voting bloc.