1) NBC News Anchor Ann Curry just returned from Darfur, and reports that the crisis is worsening. Her series on Darfur is airing THIS week on "Today" and "NBC Nightly News."
2) The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this week on an amendment to the President's emergency supplemental funding bill which would add critical funding for Darfur peacekeeping.
3) The Million Voices for Darfur Campaign has recently been launched by the Save Darfur Coalition. Its timing could not be better nor the need more urgent.
The world is waking up to the nightmare in Darfur, and we need your faithful voice as never before. Here's what we are urging you to do:
1) WATCH Ann Curry's report on Today and NBC Nightly News. Watch with people in your community of care if possible, and share this information with as many people as you can. Check your local listings for times or go HERE to read the story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id
2) CALL! Tomrrow (March 15) is the NATIONAL CALL-IN day in support of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.s amendment to add $100 million for African Union peacekeepers in Darfur within the FY06 supplemental spending bill. Here's the number for the U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 202 224-3121. If you don't know the name of your Representative, you can find it here: http://www.house.gov/, A sample "talking script" is at the bottom of this letter.
3) SIGN the Million Voices for Darfur postcard campaign. Many of you have already done this (thank you!) - but we are a long way from our goal of a MILLION VOICES. Please take this final action by going here: http://www.millionvoicesfordarf
We realize this is more complex than the simple click-to-send request, but you know more than most just how critical this issue has become. With the NBC News story, the Jackson amendment on the floor of the House, AND the collective voices of a Million Americans, we have an opportunity to move a mountain and, more importantly, save countless lives. You, as a FaithfulAmerican, can make it happen.
With deep gratitude and blessings,
Vince Isner and your FaithfulAmerica.org Team
PS; Here is a sample script to help you in your phone call to the U.S. Capitol:
Sample call script: Hi, this is [NAME] calling from [CITY/TOWN]. I'm calling to ask Congressman/woman _____ to support full funding for peacekeeping and humanitarian aid in Sudan within the supplemental appropriations bill currently under consideration.
Do you know if [HE/SHE] will support the expected Jackson amendment to add $100 million dollars for critical funding to protect the millions of innocent men, women and children in Darfur?
If yes: That's great news. Please thank [HIM/HER] for me and let [HIM/HER] know that I'll tell my friends and family that [HE'S/SHE'S] supporting this important cause.
If no, or don't know: [ONLY IF NO] Do you know why not? [EITHER WAY] Please let [HIM/HER] know that these programs are keeping millions of families alive and safe.
Please ask [HIM/HER] to do everything [HE/SHE] can to ensure that humanitarian aid life support system remains intact.
Thank you for your time.
