Tell Your Senator to Stand Up for Global Hunger Programs Today!

For millions of smallholder farmers around the world it comes down to this moment. Over the next few days the Senate will take a critical vote that could cut funding for vital global hunger, climate change and poverty alleviation programs that are saving lives.

Your Senators can take a stand to protect these programs but they will only do that if they know that their constituents are behind them. This is why we need you to raise your voice today and urge your Senators to defend global hunger, climate chagne and poverty alleviation programs.

These investments in anti-hunger programs, which focus on long-term food security by investing in smallholder farmers, especially women, are already beginning to have a big impact around the world. Without additional funding, however, these investments and the promises the U.S. has made to poor farmers would be cut short.

Instructions:

Making a call is really easy and it only takes a few minutes! When the office receptionist answers the phone, follow the basic call script below. The receptionists' job is to make sure messages from constituents are relayed to their boss, so make sure you give them your name and address so they can officially log your call into their database.

Call the Capitol switchboard (855) 393-4546 and ask for your member of Congress. If you aren't sure who your Senators are, go to: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Call-In Tips

  • Introduce yourself to the receptionist and make sure that he or she take your name and address so that your message can be logged. Insist they take your information if they forget to ask for it.
  • Tell the receptionist that you want your Senator to oppose all amendments that would cut international affairs, including cuts to global hunger and poverty alleviation programs.
  • Feel free to share why this issue is important to you and let the receptionist know if you are active in your community. It helps when members of Congress know that people across that their constituents care about protecting global hunger programs. Feel free to refer to additional talking points below.
  • Say thank you! Receptionists often have many duties, but saying thanks is a great way to let them know that the delivery of your message is important to you!

Sample Call Script

Please feel free to add any powerful facts or stories you want to share.

Hi, my name is ______, and I'm a constituent. I'm calling to ask [Senator's name] to oppose all amendments that would cut international affairs, including cuts to global hunger and poverty alleviation programs. I'm a volunteer with ActionAid.

The U.S. spends a fraction of 1% the federal budget on global hunger and poverty programs - but with food prices rising and the population growing it is critical to fight global hunger by supporting smallholder farmers today. By making small investments to give people the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty, we are saving lives, protecting our national security, and helping to ensure our economic future. The current Senate levels will allow these vital programs to continue and the Senator should oppose all amendments that would make cuts to these programs.

Please take my name and address so I can hear back from [Senator's name] on whether he/she takes action to protect poverty-focused foreign aid. Thank you.

What Else Can I Do?

  • Spread the word via Twitter using the common hashtag #cutscostlives. It is important to name your Senator in your tweet. If you are uncertain of your Senator's Twitter handle, find it HERE.  The following are some sample tweets:

I just told @NAMEOFSENATOR to oppose cuts to global hunger programs, & u can too. (Click HERE for more details) #cutscostlives

Tell @NAMEOFSENATOR cutting foreign assistance is a bad idea #cutscostlives (Click HERE for more details)

@NAMEOFSENATOR now is not the time to cut food programs in a food crisis. #cutscostlives (Click HERE for more details)

Tell @NAMEOFSENATOR not to balance the budget on the backs of the poor (Click HERE for more details)

Tell @SENATOR cuts to foreign aid while worst famine in decades kills more than 30,000 children = #FAIL #cutscostlives (Click HERE for more details) 

Tell @SENATOR, don’t balance the budget on the backs of the poor #cutscostlives (Click HERE for more details)

Tell @SENATOR SAVE THE 1%—THE 1% THAT GOES TO FOREIGN AID HUNGER PROGRAMS #cutscostlives (Click HERE for more details)

75 percent of Americans think that it is important for the U.S. to provide foreign aid. I am one. If you agree, call your Senator today. #cutscostlives (Click HERE for more details)

  • Spread the word via Facebook by posting a message on your facebook page. Here are some sample posts:

ACTION ALERT: Senators will vote on budget cuts to lifesaving global hunger programs, even as the famine in the Horn of Africa rages on and food prices remain volatile across the globe. These cuts could destroy critical U.S. investments in programs to fight hunger. Call your senator and let them know we shouldn’t balance the budget on the backs of the poor. (Click HERE for more details)

I just told @NAMEOFSENATOR to oppose cuts to global hunger programs, & u can too. (Click HERE for more details)

  • Email your friends and family members and ask them to make a call.
  • Write or email a letter to your Senator in addition to calling them.
  • Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper.
  • Make an appointment with your Senator's local office and visit them to talk about these issues.