CALL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

It’s Way Easier Than You Think

Calling is the best way to make your voice heard to your representatives — more so than social media, email, or sending a letter.

Once You Have Their Names

The easiest thing is to call their offices directly.

Here’s where to find their contact info:

By saving their contact info, you’ll always have their phone numbers for the next time you’ll want to call.

Capitol Switchboard

If for some reason you can’t get through in the steps above, you can also call the Capitol switchboard. Ask to be connected to your senator or representative. The operator will direct your call to their office.

Simply leave a message when prompted. Typically they'd ask if you need a response, and it's better if you say you don't. That way they can tally you down without having to go through the extra step of adding you to a response database.

Be clear about what issue you're calling about. Why you support or oppose certain legislation is irrelevant. The more people that call the representative's office, the less detail the assistants will write down. Getting straight to the point makes things easier for everyone.

Here's an example of what you could say…

"Hello, my name is Cameron Dingwall. I'm a constituent from New York, zip code 11238. I don't need a response. I’m concerned about the militarization of the NYPD and would like to see those funds allocated to other social programs. I strongly encourage the senator to please vote for a funding package that solves this situation. Thank you for your service!"

5 Calls can help you. You’ll just need to provide your zip code, select the issue that you care about, and they’ll provide you with a script to read.

Maybe you really want to talk to House Speaker Mike Johnson or Senate Majority Leader John Thune, but please don't call the people that don't represent you. Unless you can provide a zip code that proves you're a constituent, your call will be ignored.

Call only your representatives and keep it short and direct. That way the office will answer more calls, which translates into more people being heard. The bigger the total number of callers, the more your representatives will have to pay attention.

Thanks to ANDREA GONZÁLEZ-RAMÍREZ, “Calling Congress Is Easier Than You Think — Here’s How To Do It” Refinery29, January 30, 2017