Lindsay Dahl is the Deputy Director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families
I often wonder what will inspire people to take action on our issue when they’re juggling so many other priorities.
What will it take to empower and excite people to pick up the phone and call their Senators? We’re often bombarded by multiple email action alerts from various causes, all of which we care about. Most of us are motivated by steps we can take to reduce harmful chemicals in our homes and lives. This is an important way to send a signal to the market that consumers are moving away from toxic chemicals.
But as many of you know, shopping can only protect your family to a certain degree. What we really need is a shift in the way we use chemicals in this country and we need an adequate system to decipher which chemicals are safe and which ones aren’t.
This can’t happen until we ask Congress for a fundamental shift in the way we regulate chemicals in this country.
Today is the kick-off to an exciting few months. The Senate is expected to have its first ever vote on the Safe Chemicals Act in the Environment and Public Works committee, and it’s happening this September. Even more exciting is that the possibility of a Senate floor vote is very high for the fall of 2011.
What does this mean?
Starting now we need to create a wave of constituent phone calls, letters, and emails to show support for the Safe Chemicals Act. It means that we’ll be asking more of you in the coming months and your actions are more meaningful than ever.
Today, Wednesday July 20th, our coalition is coordinating a national call in day to generate support for the Safe Chemicals Act, (S.847) recently introduced in the Senate.
Individuals from Nebraska, Delaware, Pennsylvania and states across the country are making calls to tell Congress to put common sense limits on toxic chemicals. Will you join them in making a call?
It will only take two minutes and is an opportunity to engage in something big. Something that will make a difference. In the meantime, please spread the world. Tell your friends, family and co-workers about today’s call in day and encourage them to pick up the phone!
It’s simple; all you have to do is call this number: 1-877-573-7693, where you will be connected with your Senator’s office. Then a friendly staff member will answer the phone and you can leave your message. Please ask them to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act and let them know what city you live in. Call back and leave a message for your other Senator!
Sample Message:
“Hi my name is _______ and I am a constituent. I am really concerned about toxic chemicals in consumer products and their impact on my family’s health. I’m calling Senator ___________ to ask him/her to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011. American families deserve to be protected from toxic chemicals in our homes, workplaces and communities.”
Please join me and thousands of people from across the country in calling for common sense limits on toxic chemicals. Together we can make a difference.