• To collect and make available stories of real people about what they need from government and how they have benefited as a result of government resources or programs.
• To show in "real life" what the numbers (unemployment percentages, appropriations, program cuts or increases, tax cuts or increases) really mean and bring attention to what priorities ought to be met.
• To educate and influence legislators and the media. Congressional staff, media, and national organizations can search the database for stories that are relevant to a particular concern and (if permission is given) contact the storyteller to get more information or arrange for an interview or appearance.

• You will be a part of a long-term project with the goal of getting more state and federal resources for more effective programs that will insure a strong social safety net. A broad range of issue areas is included, so that the collection can demonstrate the breadth of the needs and priorities that exist.
• Have you ever wished that someone who was able to do something about it could know a story? Have you ever been frustrated that policymakers in DC don't seem to understand the problems of real people? Contributing to "Face on the Numbers" is a way to communicate real life experiences to media, policy makers, and national advocacy groups.
• Your name will be listed on the site as a contributor to the project.
• When we have a useful number of stories, we will make the "Face on the Numbers" public and hope to get media attention. If congressional staff, media, or a national organization wants more information, you will be contacted.
• WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU. To make this project successful, we need to fill the database with stories from across the country. We can only do that if nonprofit groups are willing to help.
• You can join our budget or nonprofit email lists, get a subscription to the semi-monthly OMB Watcher, and/or become part of our long-term tax and budget effort.

We hope that you will be part of this project so that we can draw a picture of the many needs and issues that exist through the words of actual people. Given budget cuts at both the federal and state levels, it is important to begin to influence how budget resources are allocated so that the people's needs can be met--basic needs as well as increased opportunities and improved quality of life for everyone.

Nonprofit Contributors Residents' Journal, We the People Media Carole Robertson Center for Learning Open Door PreSchool California Disability Alliance New Horizons, Independent Living Center No Walls Catholic Charities of Spokane WA California Institute of Mental Health Welfare Reform Project

To begin, click on a link under "Getting Started" to the left.