Last updated 16:07, Wednesday, 24 September 2008

TWO former St Benedict’s School students have embarked on an amazing journey to work on Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, in the USA.

Martin Parlett, 20, and Lydia Graves, 21, currently reading English Literature at Oxford University, left their lives behind to become full time volunteers for the Democratic candidate’s campaign in the state of Virginia, at the end of August, this year.

Martin and Lydia said that they have always been involved in politics at local level and are now delighted to be working on a campaign that has captivated the international community and inspired a renaissance of youth political engagement.

Lydia explained just why they felt compelled to commit their time and effort to the campaign, saying: “Politics now operates on a world stage. The result of the upcoming election will have a rippling impact on the direction of British and European Politics in years to come, and so we decided to roll up our sleeves and play our part.”

Martin added, “In a world where international problems and opportunities require the resources of an international approach, the luxury of political isolation is dead. As citizens of Cumbria it is important that we recognise this personal responsibility. We must hold dear our local and national heritage, but no longer be afraid to reach beyond the conventional bounds of community.”

And fearful they were not.

On arrival in the States, the young couple went straight to work, making phone calls, persuading voters, canvassing on the doorstep and organising political events and rallies.

After three weeks of a committed internship, they were promoted to deputy field organisers, taking on larger responsibilities with equal energy.

“Words cannot describe the sensation and atmosphere of this campaign. There is a real sense that history is being made here and to be involved in that process is one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.

“We have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people including vice-presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden and Virginia’s previous governor and senate-hopeful, Mark Warner.”

When asked how Virginians responded to a British accent, Martin said: “It hasn’t proved to be an issue. If anything people are excited to know the reach of their political process. We have been welcomed with open arms by the people here.”

Martin and Lydia will stay until Election Day, on November 4 and hope to use their experiences to inspire other young Cumbrians to engage in the political process here.