Greetings!
What do you say when people ask, "What do you do?"
Whether on an airplane or at a barbecue, my quick answer is usually the same; I tell them I'm a lobbyist.
Their response is often surprise and confusion. "You don't look like a lobbyist." I take this as a compliment. This ritual conversation gets more interesting when they ask: "What do you lobby for?" This is my opening.
(Another word for lobbyist is advocate. Lobbying, i.e. the act of trying to influence a legislator's vote, is something I spend the least amount of time on. But advocating, that's the meat of my work.)
"Food stamps and school lunch." I reply. And at that point the conversation is on!
People invariably share their opinions about the programs I advocate for (and often the people who use them). It's not always easy to hear. But
we share a common value: we don't want people to go hungry.
Next comes a common riddle, "Why do we have hunger in Oregon, a state with such bounty?" I share with them what I believe to be true: Hunger exists when there is insufficient income, not a lack of food production. I illustrate how good public policy, like food stamps and school lunch, are effective at making lasting change- preventing millions of people in every small corner of Oregon and the country from going hungry.
Thankfully, the next question is often "What can I do?" I ask them to call their legislators, but I've also gotten into the habit of asking a little more. "Support us."
Now I ask the same of you.
Preventing hunger through policy change is a hard activity to raise money for. We rely on individuals, like you.
As someone who cares about hunger,
will you advocate for hungry Oregonians by making a donation of at least $25 today?
"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." - Frederick Douglass
During the 2013 legislative session that ended in June, I am proud to say that we had success on most of the bills we advocated for, and against.
As a result, Oregon prioritized millions of dollars to help prevent poverty and hunger! More food, much of it directly from Oregon farms, will be available to people who cannot afford it.
Our voices, together, made these changes happen. Your donation will help continue this advocacy. We simply can't fight for change without it. I hope you'll make a gift today, and invest in a hunger-free Oregon.
Thank you,
Robyn Johnson
Public Policy Manager
