Name: Michelle Stafford
Location: Baltimore, MD
Alma Mater: Dickinson College Graduate
Favorite HeadCount Band: Furthur & My Morning Jacket
Best HeadCount Experience: It's hard to pinpoint just one experience but awesome times at the top of the list include going on JamCruise 2009 with the HeadCount crew, meeting Colin Meloy at the VERY first show that I volunteered for, Team Leading Virgin Mobile Fest 2008 which brought in over 500 voter registrations and having a friend call me yelling "I just heard you on the radio talking about HeadCount! You sounded awesome!"
What's Your Issue? My issue would have to be Personal Liberty-- I strongly believe that people should have the right to choose for themselves what is best and good-- whether we're talking religion, sexual orientation, personal lifestyle, free speech, etc. In the words of Ben Harper: "My choice is what I choose to do, and if I'm causing no harm, it shouldn't bother you."
Why do you like volunteering for HeadCount? I like helping others get involved in the democratic process. Individuals often feel like their voice is lost or has no profound effect, but by meeting people in their own environment, in a place where they feel comfortable and already take some sort of ownership, they are much more willing to listen and become involved. I have also met countless great friends through HeadCount and have been exposed to so many artists that I would not have otherwise had the pleasure of knowing.
Hobbies: Live music, wine tasting, yoga & patio gardening
Anything else you would like to share: My time with HeadCount has been rewarding, challenging and inspirational. I view my involvement with the organization as a part-time job, not just as a volunteer gig, because it means a lot to me to be a part of such a motivated and impassioned group of individuals who are dedicated to evoking change.