Among the 300 delegates from Florida in Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention are many familiar faces, elected officials and party activists.

While most of the 150 women and 150 men in this delegation have extensive political experience, some -- like Ray Alfred -- are experiencing a national convention for the first time.

"I've made some of the caucuses yesterday, participated in a number of activities. But I'm looking forward to things getting kicked off today," Alfred told Channel 4's Kent Justice. "I want to hear all of the speakers ... certainly want to be there for the president's nomination."

Ahead of that formal nomination, speakers gave full voice to the Democrats cry of continuing the change, but by not changing the man who lives at the White House.

Those are campaign cries these volunteers are expected to share as well.

"We have to remind ourselves that, 'Yes, we are!' to steal Speaker Boehner's verbiage," Alfred said. "Hell yes, we're better off than we were four years ago ... and we need to be reminded of that, and keep people motivated to get out and vote on Election Day."

Motivating the Florida faithful began Tuesday with two hours of "wake up the movement" speeches at the delegation's breakfast at their downtown hotel.

Among the speakers, Newark Mayor Cory Booker and U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown.

"We have our country on the road to recovery from a Bush economy," Booker said.

"The fact is, what do you think is important? Cuts to head start, education, even to the military?" Brown said. "Everything to give tax breaks to the rich. That is crazy. We need a balanced approach."

Alfred says he'll use the week comparing notes with other campaign volunteers to get ideas on how to best get voters registered and motivated.

When the convention finally closes, he says it's clear where he and his 299 fellow delegates should be: "Ready to roll up the sleeves and go to work."

Florida contingent is the third largest -- behind California and New York -- of the 6,000 Democratic delegates in Charlotte.