Meeting with Rep. Etheridge

Mar 30th, 2009 10:12 AM UTC
By Ian McGroarty

When’s the last time you taught your member of Congress something new? ONE members across the country have been delivering information packets and meeting requests to their members of Congress’s offices, and we are already seeing results! Volunteer Nate Smith recently met with Rep. Bob Etheridge of North Carolina’s second district.

-Ian McGroarty, US Field Intern

My wife Megan and I met directly with Congressman Etheridge this afternoon. The Congressman was very open and friendly during our discussion. After briefly introducing ONE he asked several questions about what types of programs we supported and shared a story of a recent trip he took to Kenya. He was also quite impressed by the membership numbers we were able to quote, especially those related to the second district. We emphasized our thanks for his past voting record and expressed our desire that he become a more vocal supporter of the International Affairs account.

The Congressman shared many of the pressures facing the budget committee especially in light of the recent financial hardships experienced by many constituents. We took the opportunity to explain why we felt the current climate made it even more important for the International Affairs budget to remain intact as the financial situation has had a more severe impact on the poorest of the poor. While we did not receive any commitments, I did leave the meeting with the sense that Congressman Etheridge understood the challenges of extreme poverty, that he was impressed with ONE, and that he was happy to meet with constituents who were passionate for a cause. I sincerely hope we were able to lay groundwork for future in-roads with Congressman Etheridge.

Nate Smith- ONE volunteer, North Carolina

TAGS: From ONE Members