Paid Family Leave Call-In Playdate Saturday 6.14.08

The local grassroots group Parents for Paid Leave is working hard to get this important issue in the hearts and on the minds of our state and federal representatives.  And they need your help!  Tomorrow!  Even if you're at the Laurelhurst Garage Sale, or a T-ball game.  Or driving to the coast.  All you need is a cell phone and the handy call-in script to participate in this "call-in."  Make it a group playdate or just call from wherever you happen to be.   I love this group!  How easy could they make it? 

Come to the play date at 10 AM Saturday 6.14.08 at Urban Grind East (NE 22nd & Oregon St - 2 blocks north of Sandy Blvd).  Bring the kids - they have a great play space full of toys.  And bring your cell phone, if you have one.  We'll be making 3 quick calls, but would love to chat a bit about the progress of paid family leave in Oregon, too, if you're into it.  Details here.

Can't join us?  No worries.  Make a call from, well, anywhere:  We'd love to see your paid leave supporting self, but if you can't make the play date, not to worry!  Because you can call from anywhere.  Just visit this site and get everything you will need to call on your own (a call script and phone numbers).  Best if you can do it sometime tomorrow, but if you can't, any other day will work too.

This is the time mamas.  With a federal bill in committee and one in the works in Oregon, we have a sneaking suspicion that this is finally going to happen! Please, make your calls, show your support, and continue to track the progress of paid leave here.

Read on for the call scripts and call numbers for Oregon Senators and Congresspersons.

We're aiming to call three people each: the Congressperson who represents the district where you live, and our 2 Oregon Senators (Smith and Wyden).  There are two scripts below - one longer and one shorter - so you can decide which one you'd like to use.  Definitely feel free to add your own personal story if you'd like.  Since it's Saturday, you will just be leaving a voice-mail.

Find your US Reps at this site, simply by entering your zip code. 

There are 2 call scripts  - the long & short of it:

Option 1 - The Longer Version:
***Hello, I am calling to speak with [the name of your Congressperson or Senator]. My name is ____________________ , and I’m calling with Parents for Paid Leave.  I live in (city/zip code) _________.  I wanted to let you know that paid family leave is a very important issue for me and I would like you to co-sponsor the Family Leave Insurance Act, H.R. 5873, which is currently in committee in the House.  It is calling for 12-weeks of paid leave for all American families who have or adopt a child or need to care for a sick loved one.  This bill is important because without paid leave it is financially impossible for many parents to take the time off work they need after the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for a sick loved one. Also, an impressive amount of research has shown the health benefits and long-term positive outcomes for parents and children when they have this time together after the birth of a child. I believe this bill is an important step towards valuing and supporting the needs of Oregon families, and I urge you to do all you can to support it. 
(Please feel free to add your own personal story here)
Thank you.

Option 2 - Shorter Version:
***Hello, I am calling to speak with [the name of your Congressperson or Senator]. My name is ____________________ , and I’m calling with Parents for Paid Leave.  I live in (city/zip code) _________.  I wanted to let you know that paid family leave is a very important issue for me. I support the Family Leave Insurance Act, H.R. 5873, that is currently in committee in the House.  It is calling for 12-weeks of paid leave for all American families who have or adopt a child or need to care for a sick loved one.  I believe this bill is an important step towards valuing and supporting the needs of Oregon families. 
(Please feel free to add your own personal story here)
Thank you.

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

Senators (call both):

1) Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR)
Phone: (202) 224-3753

2) Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Phone: (202) 224-5244

Congresspeople (call the one who represents your district):

Rep. David Wu (D-OR 1st district)
Phone: (202) 225-0855

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR 3rd district)
Phone: (202) 225-4811

Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-OR 5th district)
Phone: (202) 225-5711

Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR 2nd district)
Phone: (202) 225-6730

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR 4th district)
Phone: (202) 225-6416

       

   

Find your US Reps at this site, simply by entering your zip code. 

There are 2 call scripts  - the long & short of it:

Option 1 - The Longer Version:
***Hello, I am calling to speak with [the name of your Congressperson or Senator]. My name is ____________________ , and I’m calling with Parents for Paid Leave.  I live in (city/zip code) _________.  I wanted to let you know that paid family leave is a very important issue for me and I would like you to co-sponsor the Family Leave Insurance Act, H.R. 5873, which is currently in committee in the House.  It is calling for 12-weeks of paid leave for all American families who have or adopt a child or need to care for a sick loved one.  This bill is important because without paid leave it is financially impossible for many parents to take the time off work they need after the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for a sick loved one. Also, an impressive amount of research has shown the health benefits and long-term positive outcomes for parents and children when they have this time together after the birth of a child. I believe this bill is an important step towards valuing and supporting the needs of Oregon families, and I urge you to do all you can to support it. 
(Please feel free to add your own personal story here)
Thank you.

Option 2 - Shorter Version:
***Hello, I am calling to speak with [the name of your Congressperson or Senator]. My name is ____________________ , and I’m calling with Parents for Paid Leave.  I live in (city/zip code) _________.  I wanted to let you know that paid family leave is a very important issue for me. I support the Family Leave Insurance Act, H.R. 5873, that is currently in committee in the House.  It is calling for 12-weeks of paid leave for all American families who have or adopt a child or need to care for a sick loved one.  I believe this bill is an important step towards valuing and supporting the needs of Oregon families. 
(Please feel free to add your own personal story here)
Thank you.

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

Senators (call both):

1) Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR)
Phone: (202) 224-3753

2) Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Phone: (202) 224-5244

Congresspeople (call the one who represents your district):

Rep. David Wu (D-OR 1st district)
Phone: (202) 225-0855

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR 3rd district)
Phone: (202) 225-4811

Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-OR 5th district)
Phone: (202) 225-5711

Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR 2nd district)
Phone: (202) 225-6730

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR 4th district)
Phone: (202) 225-6416