Before You Make that Phone Call to Congress Today...

Bread for the World advocates and supporters around the country were asked to make phone calls to Congress as a way to support the nearly 500 Bread members who are visiting Capitol Hill today.

Before you rush into your three phone calls (to your U.S. House members and two senators), please pause for a minute or two and connect with our Creator. Take a few long and deep breaths and enjoy the silence.

Then say this prayer from Bread for the World's Offering of Letters booklet.

Heavenly God, in these days of anguish and despair, of hunger that is both spiritual and physical, we ask you to be the living expression of your love and charity for all. We ask that in a hostile climate, we plant your peace and love; that we may be your light during the darkest days; and that in serving the neediest we are a living reflection of your compassion and mercy. We ask that these phone calls arrive with the blessing of your Holy Spirit and that they touch the hearts and minds of our leaders. We also pray in solidarity with our fellow Bread members who are visiting Congress today. We thank you, beloved God, for allowing us to serve as the voice of your people. 
 
Use this toll-free number to call your Members of Congress. 800/826-3688  The Capitol Switchboard will connect you to their offices.  (This, of course, applies to Bread members anywhere in our country)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Once you are connected,introduce yourself and where you’re calling from. The office will want to know your zip code to make sure you’re a constituent! Congressional staff take hundreds of calls a day. Make your points clearly and succinctly.Remember, you’re not expected to be an expert. Share your concerns clearly and briefly and then follow up with an email or le tter if you wish to share additional resources with the office.

Virtual Lobby Day Script 

Hi, my name is __________ and I’m calling from __________ as part of Bread for the World’s lobby day. My zip code is __________.

I urge Senator __________ /Representative __________ to:

• Oppose any budget cuts that would increase hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. Worldwide, nearly 800 million people are hungry, including 20 million at risk of starvation in Africa and th e Middle East due to famine.
• Fully fund domestic safety-net and international development progra ms that end hunger and poverty. This includes providing at least $60 billion for international affairs in the fiscal year 2018 budget and adequately funding programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and summer EBT.
• Oppose harmful structural changes to SNAP , Medicaid, and international development assistance.

Thank you for relaying my message to Senator __________ /Representative __________.