 |
ARE WE ELIGIBLE?
At a time when an increasing number of Washingtonians are seeking help to weather this economic storm, deep cuts to our safety net threaten the economic security, health and well-being of our communities. That is why POVERTY ACTION is sending out an SOS to Save Our Safety net.
|
"There should be more help for families that are working and trying."
-Jean, PORT ANGELES
Despite increasing demand for safety net programs, such as TANF and Disability Lifeline, recent budget cuts have caused thousands of families to lose all, or a portion, of the support our state provides to keep them from becoming homeless, hungry and malnourished. |
_________________________________________________
5 Ways YOU Can Help Save Our Safety Net:
1. Stay Informed
2. Contact Your Lawmakers
 |
* Call or e-mail your lawmakers.
Click through to send an e-mail to your legislators asking them to save TANF and raise revenue.
Not sure who represents you?
Visit the legislative website to look up your lawmakers.
* Only have 2 minutes? Leave a single message and reach all of your lawmakers by calling the legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000. |
3. Spread the Word
* If you’re working with people who have good stories or are interested in advocating for basic need programs, please send us their contact info or refer them to 1-866-789-7726 or Senait or Danielle.
* Sign-up for one of our weekly phone banks and help us mobilize our statewide membership to contact their lawmakers about the state budget. Contact Senait for more info.
* Help us go viral by re-posting our “Am I eligible?” images on Facebook or put them in your e-mail signature. Images were designed by Mike Buchman at Solid Ground. Thanks Mike! |
|
4. Share Your Expertise
|
* Testify at a budget hearing about how cuts have impacted you or the clients you serve. Interested in testifying? We can help you with drafting testimony, transportation, and other logistics. Contact Kate for more info.
* Schedule a meeting with your lawmakers and tell them about how cuts have impacted your clients. Poverty Action takes people to Olympia every week during the legislative session. Contact Kate to schedule a trip.
* Speak out and share your story. Poverty Action regularly interviews people who are directly and indirectly affected by budget cuts. With your permission, we’ll share your story in our publications, with the media, and with lawmakers. Contact Danielle to share your story.
|
5. Organize
* Plug into the movement by joining Poverty Action and our allies at rallies at events. Contact Senait for more info.
*Join us on Feb. 20 2012, for our Annual Poverty Action lobby day. Download a flyer here and spread the word! Free and open to all!
* Attend Members in Action night, Poverty Action’s bi-monthly organizing meeting, to plan actions and get updates. Contact Senait for more info. | 
|
|
|
|
REAL stories...
Sandra Miller,
“I took out my first payday loan in June 2005 amidst mounting medical bills. I had been through surgery three times on my back.”
Read more»
|
