Updated: 4:40 p.m.

The grass-roots arm of the Democratic National Committee is stepping up its efforts to back lawmakers who support health care reform — and pile more pressure onto moderates still on the fence.

Organizing for America sent an e-mail to supporters Thursday announcing a new volunteer pledge bank aimed at building support for candidates and lawmakers in favor of health care reform. The OFA outlines a goal of 1 million pledged hours for activities including volunteer work for local campaigns, letters to the editor and phone calls “into critical districts where health reform champions are in jeopardy.”

Within hours of sending out the e-mail, the OFA locked in 1.5 million hours pledged, which led the group to increase its goal to 2 million pledged hours. The OFA is planning to publish the total hours pledged in USA Today.

The OFA says the initiative, “You Fight, We’ll Fight,” counters efforts by opponents of health care reform who claim that Members who vote for it will suffer at the polls.

“Many Members of Congress are already working hard by his side to get the job done. But for those on the fence about whether or not to proceed, knowing you are there to back up a courageous stand can make all the difference,” the e-mail states.