[COMM-ORG] health care organizing update

[Discussion list for COMM-ORG]

[ed:  with the election in Mass., health care organizing has been dealt 
new challenges.  Here are a series of messages from PICO.]

From: "PICO National Network" <news at piconetwork.org>


Dear PICO Supporter,

The PICO network has worked hard for health reform over the past year
because of the stories we've heard in our congregations and the moral
urgency of losing tens of thousands of lives each year unnecessarily.  
We're driven by the needs of our families, not politics.

Just last week PICO leaders led a big national day of action for health
care affordability, and we understand this helped push through an
agreement to significantly increase subsidies for lower-income
families.

Yesterday's election result in Massachusetts is likely to complicate,
but not prevent the passage of health reform.  It does not change the
urgency of making health care work better for families.  Both the House
and Senate have now passed bills that put in place a framework for
universal health coverage in the United States.  The White House and
Congressional leaders remain committed to passing final legislation
that can be signed by President Obama and they have several possible
options for accomplishing this goal.  Over the next few days we will
get a better sense of which process they choose, but based on what
we've heard and read it is clear that health reform is alive and
kicking.

In the meantime, we want to continue to stay focused on the urgency of
reform and the consequences for our families and communities if we fail
to act.   It is important that our elected officials hear from us so
they remain rooted in the needs of the families and communities they
represent.

As always, we strongly encourage people to check in with their own
denominations and faith traditions as they express their views on
reform.

And if you have a moment, listen to Gloria Cooper, a PICO leader from
the San Diego Organizing Project on a great National Public Radio story
about last week's Affordability Summit.
http://www.piconetwork.org/admin/documents/files/2010-01-19-Health-Care-Affordability-NPR.mp3

Sincerely,

Gordon, Angela and Tim, PICO national staff

********************************

From: "PICO National Network" <news at piconetwork.org>


Dear Friends,

Thank you for the incredible spirit and action that you've shown during
this difficult week for health care reform efforts.

With our leaders in D.C. wavering, something incredible has happened. 
People of faith across the country have began to call on Congress and
the Administration to stand up for families and finish the job on
making health care more affordable for millions of Americans.

As the week closes, we want you to know that our message is getting
through!  We've heard from many offices that they are hearing the
message that Congress should not put off or give up on the goal of
comprehensive health reform.

On Monday, we will amplify our voice once again when we join with over
a dozen other denominations and religious organizations for a massive
faith-based call-in day to tell Congress that we need them to stand up
for families and pass health reform now.  You can make the call Monday
via PICO's toll-free hotline at 866-279-5474.

Please also send a message directly to the Chief of Staff of your
Representative and Senators.  To download the contact list, go to
http://www.coverallfamilies.org/admin/documents/files/Congressional-Contacts-hc.xls

One day, we hope to be able to look back on this week as the moment in
the struggle for universal health coverage when people of faith truly
showed up in force.  We just might be the difference at this crucial
moment for reform.

God bless and have a wonderful weekend,

Gordon, Angela and Tim, PICO national staff

***************************

From: "PICO National Network" <news at piconetwork.org>

Dear Friends,

  Stand with tens of thousands of people of faith today and tell your
Members of Congress to stand up for families and pass health reform.

  Call PICO's toll free Congressional hotline NOW at 866-279-5474

  Suggested points to tell your Members of Congress include:

     * The election in Massachusetts has changed nothing for the many
families in our community who are still struggling to afford and access
health care
     * Please let Rep./Sen. _____ know that I, and many other people in
our district, are still very supportive of health care reform
     * We are so close to this victory, and we need to see this
through. Our families, and future generations, are counting on this.
Please ask Rep. /Sen. ____ to support health reform

At this key moment, the lives of millions of Americans are at stake. 
As PICO clergy Rev. Heyward Wiggins so eloquently wrote in the
Washington Post this past weekend,

  "We have the best opportunity in our lifetime to create a
framework for bringing everyone into our great health care table of
plenty - we cannot let fear derail this moment. We must not abandon the
millions of Americans who stand so close to getting access to
affordable health coverage.  We must 'be not afraid.'"

  Please "be not afraid" to call your Members of Congress now
at 866-279-5474

  As always, we strongly encourage you to check in with your own
denomination and faith tradition as your express your views on reform. 
  And thank you for putting your faith into action and being part of
this historic fight for justice.

  Sincerely,

  PICO National Network