Healthcare Senate Meeting Highlights

And we’re off! MomsRising members have started meeting with Senate staff in states across the country, and boy, are we packing a punch!

Here are some highlights from recent meetings:

Texas

“I believe I can speak for the other Moms that attended this meeting that it was energizing in a very positive and effective manner. This meeting gave us all the opportunity to make our voices heard!

Thanks to Momsrising.org for bringing the hidden Activist out of so many of us women!” -- Valerie

Virginia

“I think the Moms Rising members left feeling like we had really been listened to and made a difference. It's critical that our representatives hear individual and personal stories on how their actions will affect us.” -- Suzanne

Nevada

"Though many of us were nervous prior to the meeting, even the most nervous among us found her voice as she described her difficulties paying huge medical bills. The atmosphere was respectful and focused on our goals. Anyone who hesitates to talk with our political leaders and their staff members should get over it and just do it -- this is what our leaders are supposed to do: listen to their constituents. It is a right we have that they take very seriously. Don't be intimidated. You'll be presently surprised by the welcome you receive regardless of the political leanings of your leaders." -- Marcelle

Georgia

“It was actually quite refreshing to be amongst these women...lawyers, nurses, business owners...who were not afraid to speak up. They were a sight to behold. Polite, knowledgeable, smart, courteous...but also firm in what they knew.” -- Barbara

Missouri

"There are chinks in their proverbial armor! Can't wait to hear the bugler sound the trumpet calling us to mount up and ride again!!!" -- Delia

North Carolina

"This week, our Triangle MomsRising group made office visits to speak with Senator Kay Hagan’s staff and Congressman Brad Miller in Raleigh, NC. It was my first Senate office visit and I was blown away by the powerful stories that our members shared.It definitely made an impression on Senator Hagan’s staff that many of us brought our kids along to the meeting. Just getting in the door through security was quite a task, but worth it, to make the point that our kids are their constituents, too. The 18 members of our group, ranging from babies, to moms, grandparents, and a concerned male ally, told striking stories of why we need health care for all families." -- Amy

Massachusetts

"Overall, a very good meeting." -- Ann

"On July 15 we met with Steven Meunier, senator Kerry's staffer responsible for healthcare policy. Present were 14 members of MomsRising along with 6 future members (all under the age of 6). By the time we all piled into the office, there was standing room only. As we went through the introductions, every member contributed a passionate account illustrating how the current healthcare system is an untenable mess when it comes to meeting the needs of our population. A lively discussion followed, and I am confident that the relationships that were started both between Senator Kerry's office and MomsRising and amongst the members will serve us well in our grassroots organizing efforts now and in the future." -- Marya

California

“ The meeting was great! I really felt like we were being listened to. I enjoyed organizing this event and thank Momsrising.org for letting be an important part of Healthcare for all.” -- Marcella

"I think we did a good job and overall, it was fun and interesting--I feel most honored by the other women who participated!" -- Rosalind

Delaware

“Please, if you have a minute, take the time to contact your senators and representatives about the health-care crisis. They want to know, and they need to know. If we all bring enough pressure to bear, we can certainly help bring about change.” -- Laurel

Maine

"This was a terrific event! Senator Susan Collins' staffer listened very attentively to our personal experiences with the American healthcare system and promised to convey our concerns to the Senator." -- Michelle

Maryland

"Our meeting with Mikulski's healthcare aide went well, despite a last minute time change that disabled several women from attending. As the meeting organizer, I made a few introductory comments... Then each "mom" in the meeting took a minute to introduce herself and discuss her healthcare reform concerns and hopes. The aide seemed appreciative of hearing our mom-specific point of view. It was helpful to provide the senator's office with easy access materials. (i.e. one-page fact sheets, the healthcare stories magazine, etc.)" -- Melissa

Michigan

"Chris [Sen. Stabenow's staff member] not only took notes of individual concerns, but, after the meeting, he took the time to help some of the members resolve current health care problems." -- Ewa

New Jersey

"MomsRising provides an easy-to-follow blueprint on how to set up a meeting with an elected official -- what a great learning experience it was for me! Many of those attending our meeting yesterday were participating in this kind of dialogue for the first time -- I think we all found it a great experience. I really have to thank MomsRising for doing such a great job showing me how to set up and conduct such a meeting -- it is so important to establish contact with policymakers." -- Caroline

New York

“I really feel the immediacy of the importance of us having our voices heard.

Just to mention that it was challenging setting up the meeting, I had to call repeatedly and one time showed up at the downstairs lobby. I hope that if people have difficulty setting up a meeting in a very populous state, that can be encouraging re the need to keep asking. It was well worth the effort. The meeting felt very rewarding.” -- Margaret

“I've met with elected officials and staff before, but no one else in our group had had the experience in the past, so in addition to feeling like it was a productive meeting it also was a step forward for participatory democracy!” -- Jennifer

Oregon

"Last week 19 members of MomsRising (along with 8 kids!) met with staff to Senator Merkley. When we introduced ourselves each person shared their own struggles to get and maintain health insurance along with their wishes for reform. A few people shared their experiences having to take or keep jobs they weren't happy with in order to maintain insurance. Others shared that they wished they could retire and that the only thing holding them back was a need to maintain health insurance. Still others felt they wanted to be home more with their kids, or start a new venture, but that they couldn't because of health insurance.

It was a successful meeting and it was nice to have our voices heard." -- Andrea

Utah

"We ranged from young moms to grandmothers, SAHMs, professionals, and retirees. We each shared our frustrations with our experiences with our current health care situations ranging from lack of care for mentally handicapped kids, inability to get coverage for pre-existing conditions, being forced to work just to keep coverage, a disconnect between good health choices and lower cost, and the inequality of care to the underpriviledged in our communities. We urged Senator Hatch to remember that we were looking for an overhaul of the current health care system, not just a bandaid.

It was a great opportunity to meet others with similiar ideals and passions. I hope we get more opportunities to flex our mommy muscles." -- Amy

Washington

"About 20 people, including one dad and two babies, came to talk with King County Outreach Director Nate about our experiences with the failures of for-profit health insurance. Some very moving personal stories were shared." -- Alison

Wyoming

“I would encourage other moms to consider hosting an event like this, especially those who live in "purple" states and states with conservative Democrats or Republicans. It was a simple meeting to set up, required very little time (although plenty of worry for this introverted mom, all of which ended up being 'no big deal'). We all left our meeting feeling hopeful that our Republican Senator will consider our input, and work on this in a nonpartisan manner.

I in particular left the meeting absolutely energized! The meeting was so simple to plan, it went very smoothly, everyone was friendly, civil, and yet clear in their concerns, and our Senator's staff member was receptive and interested.” -- Donna