From Oxfam America's Raymond Offenheiser

Dear friend, We need your help. It takes just 3 steps and 2 minutes. · Call the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and tell the operator your name and where you are calling from. · Ask to speak to your senator – the operator will connect you. · When they connect you, tell the staffer: I’m calling because it is absolutely critical that we tackle climate change head on, this year. Addressing the oil spill is important, but it is not enough – the world’s poorest communities can’t wait any longer. Please report your call to us! Outraged. Influenced by big oil and coal, senators are leaving for the August recess without taking action on climate change. Last week, the climate and energy bill, the one that we have been working for years to pass, was decimated by oil and coal special interests. Although the bill critically addresses the Gulf Coast oil spill, the fundamental issues of climate change and real energy reform were eliminated. We cannot let the Senate get away with this – and we need your help. If we don’t do this today, it could take years to get this critical legislation passed. In those years, those living on the front lines of climate change will be fighting even harder to live and maintain their livelihoods. Do you have just 2 minutes to make a phone call? Here is all you have to do: Call the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and tell the operator your name and where you are calling from. Ask to speak to your senator – the operator will connect you. When they connect you, tell the staffer: I’m calling because it is absolutely critical that we tackle climate change head on, this year. Addressing the oil spill is important, but it is not enough – the world’s poorest communities can’t wait any longer. Once you have called, if you could just take 30 seconds to let us know you made your call, it would be greatly appreciated. Waiting another year to tackle climate change, and its effects on the world’s poorest communities, is unconscionable. Now is the time, and your leaders need to hear from you. Please just take 2 minutes to make a phone call today – it could make a huge difference in the lives of those who are suffering the effects of climate change already. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Raymond C. Offenheiser Board of Directors Oxfam America Advocacy Fund