Call Your Elected Officials

Phone calls - yes, actual phone calls where you talk to someone - are the best way to get your voice heard and counted. You can also email, write, fax, send a physical letter, or even request to meet with them in person.

 

We highly recommend using 5 Calls which is a free app/website that:

• Tells you who your representatives are based on your city

• Gives you an overview of the key issues up for vote

• Provides you with a quick overview of key issues up for vote

• Offers a weekly email to keep you up to date on the issues

 

Click on this link if you are not sure who your representatives are.

Or you can always call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected.

 

What makes an effective call to congress?

• Only call your own lawmakers about a topic that is under their control.

• Give your full name, city and zip code to identify yourself as a constituent.

• Tell them you don’t need a response.

• Plan your script ahead: Be clear, concise, and confident. Is there a specific vote coming up that you’d like to state your thoughts on? Is there another senator or representative whose actions you’d like your congressman to oppose?    

• Use prepared scripts and add your own comments as you feel comfortable.

• Keep calls to 3-5 minutes as there is a high volume and each call counts.

• Nervous about calling? Call after hours and leave a message.

   

Want to make the message more personal?

• When have you been personally affected by this issue in the past?

• What are the most recent instances and how did they impact you?

• Do any of your friends, family members, colleagues know someone who has experienced this problem firsthand? If so, what is their perspective? 

• What are your concerns about this issue?

• How would you like to see change happen?

   

Want more information on calling your representatives? Here's a useful article.

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Want to be notified about what's happening or do more research?

• GovTrack.us: Tracking the U.S. Congress: This incredibly helpful interactive website provides a wealth of information on the different bills as well as very detailed information on all members of Congress.

• RepReport.org will send an email notification when your representative vote and will tell you how they voted, if the bill passed, what percentage of each party voted yea or nay, and if there was any "pork" in the bill. It only reports information on Representatives, not Senators.