Toll-free Number: 1-888-797-8717*
With last week's passage of the Senate Finance Committee's version of
health care reform, the discussion will soon move to the
full Senate and House of Representatives. But what that
reform looks like depends on who has the ear of our
elected leaders. It is up to us to communicate our
Christian and Lutheran values for reform – if not us,
then who?
Today, faith groups are joining with other
advocates to overwhelm the Capitol Switchboard with
100,000 calls during a massive nationwide call-in day.
We will raise our voices with the hope of a
compassionate health care future, and we will tell our
elected leaders that we are praying for moral leadership
from Congress and President Obama. We will lift our
messages of hope, compassion, the common good, shared
responsibility, concern for those who are vulnerable and
faithful stewardship of our abundant health care
resources.
Your Five Minutes Makes a Difference
But we can do that only if you join us in making
your 3 calls: one to each of your Senators and one
to your Representative. Set aside just a few minutes
today to make your voice heard - and ask your family,
friends and colleagues to make calls as well. Don't
assume that your voice isn't needed - every voice
matters at this strategic moment!
If you are new to making these calls, just follow the
simple steps below and adapt the sample messages with
your own words.
Tips for a Successful Phone Call:
1) Dial the toll-free number 1-888-797-8717.
2) Once you are connected with the Capitol Switchboard,
ask for the offices of your Senators or Representative
by name. Click
here if you do not know your elected officials.
3) Once you are connected with the office, ask to speak
with the health care staffer.
Sample Message:
Introduction: Hello, my name is
________________. I am a member of [name of
your congregation/organization] in [city,
state]. |
|
Short message: I am calling
Senator/Representative __________ because I
believe it is a moral imperative that we enact
health care reform, and I urge the
Senator/Representative to do all he/she can to
make that happen. [If you already know he/she is
supportive, acknowledge that!] Thank you! |
Longer message: If the opportunity
presents itself, pick ONE statement from below
and add it to your message, based on what values
are important to you, or what you know about the
Senator's/Representative's views.
I believe that:
- Health care is a shared responsibility that is
grounded in our common humanity. I urge
Senator/Representative _________to support
legislation that demonstrates our care for one
another, promotes human dignity, and shows
compassion by protecting those who are most
vulnerable.
- Humanity is sacred. I urge
Senator/Representative __________to support
health care legislation that contributes to our
health and wholeness, so that we can live out
our fullest potential as individuals and as
contributing members of society.
- We are blessed with the abundant resources
necessary to meet each other's needs. I urge
Senator/Representative __________to promote
legislation that demonstrates good stewardship
and distributes our health care resources
effectively, efficiently, and fairly. |
Conclusion: Further, I urge the
Senator/Representative to [add a particular
policy provision that is important to you].
Thank you! |
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