Call in Script for Advocacy Day

February 5, 2007

Below is a suggested “script” for anyone able to call in on Monday, February 5, 2007 in support of the Catholic Charities Advocacy day. Callers may personalize the script, but are asked to stick to the main point which is support for the agenda which will be presented by Catholic Charities Advocates on February 6, 2007.

We are asking you to call the day before because that will alert the staff that constituents are interested in these issues and that the information should not just be filed away and forgotten!

If you do not know your State Senator or State Representative you can find that information on the web by typing in your zip code.

For the Senate go to www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Members.htm#FYI and for the House www.house.gov .

If the staff person asks for any specific information, please tell them that someone from Catholic Charities or the Texas Catholic Conference will contact them with that information. Then contact Barbara Budde at 512-651-6103 or at with the question so I can respond.

Please call on February 5. I will be back in touch with other “scripts” to support other efforts of the diocese.

Hello, my name is ________________________ and I am a registered voter in Rep/Sen.__________________ district. Is it possible for me to speak with the staff person in the office that deals with health and human service issues? (If so, continue as below with that staff, if not continue with the receptionist)

I am calling today because representatives from Catholic Charities of Central Texas will be visiting the capitol on Tuesday, February 6 and bringing information on several issues of concern. I wanted to let you know that as I voter, I am in strong support of the issues they will present to you from the diocese of Austin and from the Texas Catholic Conference. I am particularly interested in making sure that Sen/Rep __________________ understands the importance of access to health care, access to mental health services, access to affordable housing and comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the dignity and contribution of immigrants to our community.

Will you please make sure that Sen,/Rep._____________________________receives this message?

Can I get your name so that I can ask for you the next time I call about these or other issues?

Thank you for your time. Please share with the Senator/Representative that I am grateful for his/her commitment to public service and that he/she and all of you on the staff will be in my prayers during the legislative session.