Over 1.5 Million people have contributed to this campaign. That can be a daunting number, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that each of these donations came from an individual American. All of whom have their own, unique reasons for becoming a part of this movement.

For Melissa, a social worker from Nebraska, it was Senator Obama’s stance on the gas tax holiday that inspired her to contribute.

When [Obama] thinks a plan is a bad idea, he’s more likely to do what he thinks is right, rather than what he thinks is the best political answer. He is a leader.

That strong belief has propelled Melissa to encourage others to get more involved in the political process, whatever their beliefs may be.

I’m very careful not to push people towards a particular candidate, but it’s been rewarding to be able to talk to people about the primaries and about the importance of voting. A lot of the people I work with have never voted before, and there’s just this mental roadblock to actually taking part in the process—no one’s ever asked them to participate before, so they haven’t.

Ellie, a youth program developer from Missoula, Montana, has been similarly inspired. Barack’s message of unity and empowerment resonates so deeply with her that she sets $25 aside from every paycheck to donate to the campaign.

I wanted to be a part of this nationwide community—large numbers of people are giving small amounts and ordinary people are making big change. Donating $25 a paycheck is one way I can contribute to this movement.

She hasn’t stopped there. Not only is she helping to organize a Rally in Caras Park this Saturday, but she also makes phone calls and knocks on doors. Her reasoning for becoming so involved is simple…

I have been watching the campaign for months now and was relieved to hear what Barack had to say—his message is positive and it makes me believe that WE have a choice to make things right again.

Barack’s campaign is built on the support of individual people like Ellis and Melissa. With the May fundraising deadline coming up this Saturday at Midnight, there’s no better time to make your voice heard. Join them and contribute today.