Members of the United States Congress don’t know what their constituents actually want unless they are told. Communicating your priorities to Congress and your willingness to vote with them in mind is key to effecting change. Here is what you need in order to make that communication effective.
The Statue of Freedom atop the United States Capitol Building
Identify Your Representatives
For your Senator:
The Senate has a page set up with contact information for each Senator. Select your state from the drop down, and the remaining two Senators both represent you. Record these phone number and contact them both.
For your Representative:
The House also has a page set up to identify your representative. Here you need to enter your zip code. You may further have to enter your address if your zip code is split among congressional districts. Your representative will be shown on the left. Click his or her name and be taken to the individual name. The contact information should appear near the bottom of the page. Record the phone number for their local office.
You’ll note I didn’t say anything about e-mail or writing a letter. Writing a letter is much better than e-mail, but comes with a long delay. Everything I read suggests e-mail is not taken seriously. Use the phone.
Don’t waste your time with other districts’ representatives or other states’ senators. They don’t represent you. Your opinions will be disregarded. It could even negatively affect your cause.
Prepare Your Statement
Write up what you intend to say. “I am calling in support of …” or “I’m calling to object to …” Give a simple one sentence reason. I recommend restricting a phone call to a single issue or related set of issues. If you have another topic, call another day. Identify yourself as a constituent and a registered voter. If you’re willing to, give your name and address, or at least your city, state, and zip code.
Call
Speak clearly. Read your statement. Remember to identify yourself as a constituent. Do not yell. Do not swear. That won’t identify your as passionate. It will mark you as crazy and potentially earn you a visit from the police.