On Wednesday, I joined a group of about 15 of my neighbors at a phone bank event sponsored by Organizing for America, the grassroots network dedicated to mobilizing support President Obama’s policy initiatives. Armed with our cell phones and a friendly greeting, we called other voters in our district and encouraged them to contact their Senators and Representatives in support of the President’s Health Care Reform agenda with a strong public option.
Events like this happened around the country yesterday, with astounding results. According to a representative from OFA California,
Supporters across the country tallied over 300,000 calls to Congress that were either placed or committed to in a single day. Congressional staffers said they had never seen anything like it and that our efforts made a difference.
Considering that the original goal was to have 100,000 calls into Congress, OFA really kicked some ass!
I had a wonderful experience. There is something really special about communicating with someone you’ve never met before, connecting on an issue like health care that you both care about, and giving them the information and the encouragement they need to take action to help create change.
So, I encourage everyone to get involved with Organizing for America or any other grassroots organization working to guarantee affordable health care access for all. The time for action is now and with tools like the internet, cell phones and a well-organized grassroots campaign, making a difference has never been easier.
As President Obama said,
I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe in yours.
