One of the most important tools we have beyond voting is keeping an open communication line with those who pledged to represent us and our democracy. It’s irrelevant what their political party affiliation is–they pledged their allegiance to our Constitution to represent all their constituents, not just the ones who agree with their policies.
Too often, we feel apprehension against contacting our reps when the truth is and always has been that they work for us. They know it’s true–it’s in the job description. You need to go into every phone call knowing you have a right and a responsibility to communicate your opinions and stances on the issues that affect you and the people around you. And know that your reps have a responsibility to hear you out while making notation of your position.
Here’s where you find every one of your reps with a phone number. If you can find more than one office, then call each office.
Why a phone call? You’d prefer email? They’d prefer you email them as well because it’s lower stress and intensity for the staff. An email is more easily skimmed and dismissed. A phone call has greater impact and this isn’t just opinion, it’s feedback from actual staffers on the Hill.
A few things to keep in mind. Only your own representatives ought to be called. If you are not their constituent, then your opinion is truly irrelevant to them AND you’re potentially blocking the line for a real constituent. The only exception is when a situation/issue comes up that pertains to the entire country. The Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader are fair targets for your calls, but your efforts are best spent on your direct reps.
Begin all your calls with your name and zip code. State you want to share your position on an issue and want your rep to hear about it. They will not be the ones on the other side of the phone. It’s often a young intern if it isn’t a staffer. Remember, all these people work for YOU. Yes, they often don’t act like it, but you needn’t feel intimidated in any way. Your rep made a vow to obey the laws of our country’s Constitution. If they are deviating into lawlessness or bowing to special interest money, you have every right to state you find it unacceptable and demand a change.
Never swear. They have a right to hang up on you if you do. Besides, your point can get lost when you go there.
Be authentic. If that means not being polite, then that’s ok. If it means being very polite, then that’s ok. Try to speak to them as equals, try to keep your cool, but if your child’s life is at risk because of healthcare or gun control, by all means be passionate. Politics affects our daily lives. We have a right to fight for our safety and freedom.
How often should you call? During intensely important legal battles, one can feel free to call every office every single day (once a day) for as many days as they can maintain it. Call volume has been proven to shift votes and outcomes. Here in Wisconsin representatives have gotten away with shocking actions that undermine our state constitution simply because people were too passive to bother calling. Do it!
Don’t know what to say? Well, sometimes certain issues will arise that inspires people on the internet to offer scripts, so a Google search might help. Otherwise, simply stay informed. Visit our issues page to find out about state politics and call about whatever seems wrong that you want to make right. This country’s premise is that We the People get to have a say. It’s not just at the voting booth. We get to try to influence our electeds and keep democracy relevant.