Red Wing resident headed to Democratic National Convention

Ever since her years in the halls of Red Wing High School, Ceri Everett has kept herself well-involved in politics.

She’s been to her fair share of rallies, caucuses and local conventions, but soon she’ll experience something that stretches to a completely different level — a national level.

Everett will join more than 100 other Minnesotans in representing the state as a delegate at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., the first week of September.

She campaigned hard for the position, first earning a spot as a delegate at the state convention and progressing from there. Politics is nothing new to her. The 27-year-old studied political science at the University of St. Thomas, volunteered with campaigns in college and now stays involved as the associate chair of the Goodhue County DFL.

When she isn’t diving head first into all things political, Everett works as a special education teacher for a Twin Cities charter school.

Unfortunately, the timing for her to become a delegate at a national convention wasn’t ideal. The convention runs Sept. 3-6, which happens to be the very first week of the new school year.

“But luckily I have a supportive school,” she said.

After being selected one of the final 107 Minnesota delegates, Everett became part of monthly conference calls that updated her on what to expect at the convention. She’s been getting more details the closer it gets and knows her itinerary is filling up fast.

Everett’s plane will land in Charlotte on Saturday, one day earlier than many of the Minnesota delegates. Come Sunday, a welcoming event for Minnesota and a handful of other states will be held at Discovery Place.

Monday will be busy as Everett gets her credentials and heads uptown for CarolinaFest, an event that officially kicks off convention week activities. A party late Monday night will be organized solely for the Minnesota delegates.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday include their own set of activities, giving Everett a chance to familiarize herself with delegates from other states.

“I’m excited to talk with people around the country,” she said.

Ultimately, there’s one moment in particular for which she can’t help but be anxious — the culmination of the convention when President Barack Obama takes to the stage.

“The moment that he speaks and actually gets up there, there’s a great chance that I’ll be in tears,” Everett said, adding that she’s excited for “all the things leading up to that, too.”

“Being able to be out there and talk about issues that matter to this area — it’s going to be a life-changing experience.”

Aside from the simple memories she’ll take away from the convention, Everett will have some more concrete ways to remember the event as well. She’ll be writing a blog about all of the goings-on each day she’s in North Carolina.

“My goal is at least three posts a day,” Everett said. “I really want to keep my students, my fellow teachers, my friends, my family in the know.”

The blog can be read at www.bluffcountryblue.wordpress.com. Not only will the posts help Everett’s readers follow the details of the convention, but it will also help them follow all aspects of the Red Wing native’s stint in North Carolina.

Democrats didn’t immediately plan on hosting their convention down south. Before landing on Charlotte, they were considering Minneapolis as a potential location for this year’s event. If only Minnesota had secured the spot, “it would’ve been so much easier,” Everett said with a laugh.

“But going to another state — it’s worth it,” she added. “It’s important that we bring people down that way and start the dialogues.”

Tags: politics, government, news, social