March 31, 2009 at 2:58 am

I called both of my senators long distance to DC;; this amendment is that important to me. However, local office numbers are also listed. Their e-dresses are also listed. Make a phone call; send an e-mail. It’s very simple and needs your Immediate attention since this MAY be voted on as early as Wednesday – April 1 — and that’s no joke. Maybe 5 minutes to do the whole thing.

March 31, 2009 at 10:54 am

I just called both offices and it took me probably a total of 4 minutes and 12 seconds. Great cause; keep up the good work! Everyone should do this!

March 31, 2009 at 11:16 am

I just called both offices as well, Bill’s line was busy but Mel’s picked up and they took my info. Only took like 2 minutes! Make sure you all call and call again tomorrow and the next day!!!

March 31, 2009 at 11:16 am

I called Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina, took only five minutes! The more we call and voice our opinion about this important cause, they more likely they are to vote in favor of the Kerry-Lugar Amendment.

March 31, 2009 at 11:21 am

I called both Senator Mark Udall, and Senator Michael Bennet. I was able to speak with staffers in both offices, and simply ask them what they thought about the Kerry-Lugar Amendment. I was able to agree with both of them that this was a crucial measure that needed to be supported. This was encouraging … they agreed to pass along my message to their Senators.

March 31, 2009 at 11:29 am

I decided not to call my senators in this instance. How can we with the media screaming out about charity acts to support poor in the Appalachian Mtns. and other places at home during this recession. Pushing for a formal budget looks like a plea for ONE to stay alive rather than for real needs. What about tapping funding sources like Bill Gates’ in complement?

March 31, 2009 at 11:33 am

I called both CA senators and made it clear that if they don’t support this amendment they’ve not only lost my vote but that I will fight to my last breath in favor of whoever runs against them in the next election! The impact of this is too important to remain silent.

March 31, 2009 at 11:42 am

Sheila Schmidt: I would recomend that you visit the “poor in the Appalachian mtns” then those in the disease infested, poverty stricken places that ONE serves and recognize the ignorance behind your comment. I do think that the Bill Gates community could step up.

March 31, 2009 at 11:53 am

One of the comments below falls into the old “charity begins at home” fallacy. I live in Kentucky and my organization works both in Appalachia and overseas. While the poverty in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia is bad, it’s nothing compared to Haiti, Nicaragua, Belize and other places in the Caribbean and Central America. There is no social safety net in those countries, and less and less of one here. More needs to be done in Appalachia but overseas, as well. When one of us is oppressed, all of us are oppressed.

March 31, 2009 at 12:08 pm

We only have ONE Senator (AL Franken WE NEED YOU!) Left Sen. Amy Klobuchar my request for support for Kerry-Lugar. Thanks for the timely notice. Lets make this a slam dunk and remind Kent Conrad who WON the election.

March 31, 2009 at 12:10 pm

I called both Senators, both took my zip code and will pass my request on. I believe just because our country didn’t manage our money very well, doesn’t mean we should make those that have the least suffer. Thank you for letting my voice be heard!

“I allow myself to release the past, take charge of my future, and live in the moment!”

March 31, 2009 at 12:21 pm

Vickie, I lived in Central Africa for 4 years and also did some local work with the Peace Corps. I am not completely ignorant of the situation. In the spirit of help for self-help, I would have assumed that you would want to develop a more sustainable model that translates to other societies – obviously none has even been made for those in the Appalachian Mtns. Take a closer look at home before you point the finger. In these times, Vickie, when we are all struggling (agree some more than others) less donations are being given to the poor here at home and this is becoming blatantly obvious. I do not undermine the global cause but want to raise your awareness of what is right under your nose.

March 31, 2009 at 12:33 pm

Thanks to everyone who’s making calls. We think this vote is going to be close, so these calls are really important.

March 31, 2009 at 12:33 pm

The calls are easy to make. Senator Burr’s office listened to me and promised to pass information on to Senator Burr,to prevent cuts to the international affairs budget- help impoverished nations and help sustain the lives of people.

March 31, 2009 at 12:36 pm

I called both Texas senators and it only took a few moments. I am disgusted by our two Republican senators continuing to act in a very partisan way. They have dug their heels in and refuse to listen to a call for change in Washington and here in Texas. We need to commit to funding for both home and around the globe. We need global solutions. I have lived all over the world and poverty in the USA is not on the same level as that in third world countries. However it is all relative to where you are. Lack of education, healthcare and basic human rights all contribute to this issue no matter where you are.

March 31, 2009 at 12:43 pm

I was able to reach Senator Cornyn’s office but Hutchison’s line was constantly busy. Don’t forget to forward the ONE email to your friends and family!

March 31, 2009 at 12:57 pm

I called both Senators, urging them to support the amendment tomorrow. Both offices listened as I shared why I felt it was critical for them to do so. I reminded them of President’s Obama’s promise to double US foreign assistance by 2012, and expressed how honoring that commitment was critical to our international relationships. I also requested a written reply from each Senator’s office, as was suggested, and was able to pass on my mailing address to the office of Bill Nelson. Martinez, however, required that I go through his website, as they only took “opinions” over the phone. In all, I would say the calls were successful, but we won’t know until the votes come in. I will also be sending emails!

March 31, 2009 at 1:02 pm

I called Amy Klobuchar. Her office promised to forward my call and let them know I object
to a promise. That makes the U.S. look badly.

March 31, 2009 at 1:12 pm

Called Senators Boxer and Feinstein. No trouble getting through to either.

March 31, 2009 at 2:32 pm

I was able to reach Senator Murkowski’s offices and spoke with Rachel regarding the ammendment vote and registered my suport on behalf as a member of the One Organization and as a local Alaska voting constituent. Rachel was kind enought to take my message and stated it would be directly relayed to the Senator and I should expect a response via mail. I did request a call back and registered my number as well.

Senator Begich’s office was not available to speak with, however, I left a detailed message via answering machine in support of the Kerry-Lugar Ammendment and requested a follow up call.

March 31, 2009 at 2:39 pm

I called both of my senators and can’t everybody enough for taking action. Now we need to tell our friends and keep it going!

March 31, 2009 at 2:43 pm

I got through to both Senator Nelson’s and Senator Martinez’s offices on the first try. (Sad) I plan to follow up with emails. This is not just about feeding the hungry, when we have hungry people here, as some seem to suggest. This is also about trying to stop the worst human atrocities imaginable! Sure, times ARE tough, resources are scarce, and we certainly can’t (and shouldn’t have to) do it alone. But, if we in the USA can’t find it in our collective hearts and souls, as a nation, to LEAD the world community’s efforts to stop human suffering, then we have truly lost our way!

March 31, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Made the calls.

March 31, 2009 at 3:43 pm

I know it may seem intimidating to call your senators but I promise it’s one of the easiest you can do. It takes two minutes and can make a world of difference.

Give it a shot.

March 31, 2009 at 4:22 pm

Robert Casey’s personnel said that he is planning on voting for the amendment!

March 31, 2009 at 4:38 pm

I called Sen. McConnell and Sen. Bunning (both KY) and let them know what we think about this. I am NOT optimistic about Bunning but Sen. McConnell has come through in the past. The staffers seemed to be aware of the issue and indicated there was significant call volume. Good news…

March 31, 2009 at 5:05 pm

This was the first time I have ever called a senator. I was nervous and was about to delete the email as usual, but I thought I would try because this was really important. I got in touch with an office staffer from Sen. Schumer and said my two cents too quickly, but I became really invigorated by making that extra step to call someone and do something, rather than just feel worried and wait for something to happen. I tried to call Sen. Gillibrand as well, but the line was busy (a good sign?). I ended up writing her a much more articulate email and hope she will reply.

March 31, 2009 at 5:27 pm

I called Senator Mel Martinez and was greeted by a staffer. I expressed my concern over the Kerry-Lugar Ammendment and asked about what she thought might be done about it. I admit it was a first for me as well and was quite nervous but got through it for the cause and look forward to stepping up more in the future. We are the change we are seeking and it definitely starts right her…right now.

March 31, 2009 at 7:45 pm

CALL THEIR LOCAL OFFICES IF YOU CANNOT GET THROUGH TO THEIR DC OFFICE!!

April 1, 2009 at 9:37 am

I just spoke with the office for Senator Mike Jackson and asked them to pass on to the Senator that I wish him to support this legislation. So far, so good, but when I asked for a follow-up response the person said since this is a Federal issue I needed to call my Congressional Rep.

April 1, 2009 at 9:48 am

I called Senator Hutchinsons office–they say she has not selected a stance on this issue, also they will not send follow up responses to telephone requests.

April 1, 2009 at 10:46 am

Never called a Senator’s office before! I got through to a staffer at Sen. Maria Cantwell, (Wa.), and he said my support would be passed on to her. Left a message for Patty Murray. Will try again later. How do we find out when they voted?

April 1, 2009 at 10:55 am

Called both Senators Cantwell & Murray and urged them to vote to restore funding.

April 1, 2009 at 1:13 pm

I called my Senator, Carl Levin, I talked to a staffer, but didn’t ask if Levin was going to vote for the Kerry-Lugar amendment. Did anyone from MI hear if they heard something different from Levin’s office?

April 1, 2009 at 2:22 pm

I called and added an update on my Twitter page. Thanks for the e-mail alerting me!

April 1, 2009 at 7:29 pm

I called both of my Texas (and Missouri) senators since I have addresses in both states. I didn’t follow the talking points exactly, instead, I framed the issue in terms of future economic benefits to the US. The $4 billion provides a return far beyond the upfront cost. By supporting programs to end poverty, etc., developing countries will then be able to become stronger participants in world markets. The success of anti-poverty programs will lead to valuable economic benefits for the affected countries as well as the developed world. Rising tides raise all boats.. The humanitarian angle is hard to sell in the midst of worldwide economic turmoil, however the economic angle is a slam dunk. (In my opinion..)