Hello loyal readers and do gooders!
My last post was dedicated to some ways people who were unaffected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma could help victims of the storms. I discussed donations and hosting shelterless victims. However, I know that some people may not have either the means or the ability to donate money or to open their homes. But, have no fear! There are other very simple ways that everyone can help the victims of Irma and Harvey.
Do you have a phone? Who am I kidding, it’s 2017, of course you do! You were probably checking instagram two seconds ago. (Speaking of, you should go follow SpreadLove on instagram @spreadlovetm). Instead of using your phone for stalking your ex or looking at cat memes, you can now use it for good! Pick up and dial your senator!
“One call is worth 100 signatures on a petition” Source: nando-online.com
Disaster relief is not cheap. I got a $35 parking ticket the other day for the damage I did to the grass that I parked on (oops). Irma damaged a lot more grass than my dainty Honda Civic, along with roads, houses, buildings, and infrastructure. I think she would probably rack up a ticket of a couple hundred billion dollars for the amount of time she was “parked” over Florida and other states. Unfortunately, Irma will never pay her metaphorical ticket, since she has dissipated into nonexistence, so it’s our job to foot the bill.
I don’t know if you noticed, but president Trump has some pretty expensive plans on his “agenda”. Though the FEMA relief fund should cover the immediate damage of the hurricanes, we know from past hurricanes, like Sandy and Katrina, that long term investment is crucial to restoring affected areas. Call your senators to encourage them to prioritize hurricane relief over other expensive projects, like building the wall. The following is a script I borrowed from TogetherCville, a civil activist group in Charlottesville that encourages people to contact their representatives on important issues.
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY].
I’m calling today to ask [REPRESENTATIVE / SENATOR] to set partisan issues aside to pass a robust Hurricane Harvey and Irma disaster relief fund as a high priority legislation over other issues currently on the congressional agenda. It would be unconscionable to prioritize funding for other projects over hurricane relief aid for thousands of Americans.
Thank you for your hard work answering the phones.
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
If you’re a weirdo (ahem I mean enthusiastic) like me and have your senators’ or representatives’ numbers saved in your contacts, then you’re good to go. If not, you simply have to call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be directed to the right office.
Source: US Senate Website
The great thing about calling your congressional delegates is that it’s not only a great way to use up those rollover minutes, but you also literally get to make your voice heard!.This is what democracy is all about people!
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. Do you have any other ideas how to help the victims or Irma and Harvey? I’d love to hear them! Have any loved ones in the storm zones, or experiencing the storm yourself? Share your story below!
Xoxo, SpreadLove™
