I don't know about you, but there is a little voice in my head asking: "Really, what can I do to influence health care reform?"
I am passionate about health care. I am currently not one of the 47 million uninsured, but I am also not totally confident that I won't be some day. And even though I am insured, the one major time I needed coverage I was denied over and over until finally, after a nine month battle, they covered the procedure.
I can't afford to travel to DC, the chances of me getting in to see the President are slim, and my little ol' voice is going to be drowned out by the screaming and shouting of the very passionate on both sides.
So how am I going to be heard above the noise? The answer is to join together with others just like me and together we can be heard.
In 1791, the First Amendment of the US Constitution gave all of us the right to "petition the Government for a redress of grievance." Today, it is easier than ever for millions of us who want to be heard and sign a common petition. The more people who sign, the louder our request becomes.
The petition is simple:
"For decades, Congress has put off dealing with our nation's health care crisis, ever-spiraling costs, insurance industry traps that put profits over people, and too many uninsured that drive up all our costs. I expect you to finish the tough work on health reform this year, and commit to giving all Americans access to affordable, reliable health coverage."
Then, in the month of November, volunteers from around the country with personal health care stories will deliver the petition to Congress. Suddenly, your voice is amplified!
Pound the pavement!
Another way to make a difference is to volunteer to deliver materials door to door for health care reform. It's easy to sign up and have them sent to you. Then, you don't even have to knock, just hang them on all your neighbors' doorknobs.
Together we can make health care reform possible this year!