How to Contact Congress
Our Best Tips for Effective Communication
Since Congress is regularly in session, I
want to make sure you’re well equipped to effectively contact your Members of
Congress (MOCs) to stand up for the values and principles you hold dear.
Here are some of our best tips for effective communication. Keep in mind that these tips can be applied to your state legislators as well!
FINDING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Every voter will have three members to contact. The two U.S. Senators from your state and the Representative from your district can be found by using the following links:
To save time, many people keep a “cheat sheet” -- one document with all of the names and contact information of their members that can be easily accessed throughout the year.
CONTACTING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Tip #1: Call the Direct Number
If possible, you should learn the
direct number to your representatives’ offices rather than calling the
switchboard. (Then add the direct number onto your “cheat sheet”!)
What’s the advantage? When you call
directly, your number is displayed on caller ID. Staff quickly learn area
codes and are more likely to take the call when they see it’s from their
district/state. Simply put, members care what you think because they need your
vote.
Tip #2: Identify Yourself as Being from the District
No matter how you're contacting your member, always start by giving your zip code so the office knows you are in the district. If you do not live in a member’s district, it’s best to rally your friends who DO live in the district rather than calling them yourself.
If you need to leave a message, don’t hesitate to do so – but don’t forget to leave your zip code. As staffers listen to messages, they will tally the “yeses” and “noes” from people in the district, and the information will be passed on to the member.
Tip #3: Be Specific
Be as specific as possible about what bill/issue you’re referring to and how you want them to vote. Brief is not bad. “I’m John Smith, a constituent in zip code XXXXX, and I’m calling to ask my Congressman to please vote no on H.R.1” is perfectly fine.
In most cases, the reason you oppose or support a bill is not relevant to your member. It’s all about the numbers. Now is not the time, for example, to try to convince your member why they should be pro-life if they aren’t. The goal is for enough calls to come in regarding specific legislation that your member believes his or her vote could affect the outcome of the next election.
Tip #4: Be Timely
Your member's office is fielding so many calls that they have to find a way to prioritize. Call them when a bill addressing your issue is before the body.
To stay informed, I encourage you to follow national and state groups that track legislation in the U.S. Capitol and your state legislature.
Tip #5: Be Courteous!
Remember that you will be speaking with staff or an unpaid intern who might not even share the views of the member. They also may be getting hundreds or thousands of calls. Respect, civility, and even kindness go a long way.
People can rise very quickly in congressional offices. The staffer you talk to today might be the Chief of Staff next time you call, and they'll remember who was nice to them when they were first starting out.
Learn names. Take every opportunity to build a relationship.
Being courteous is also the best marketing any cause can have! Issues and stances are judged according to the people who espouse them. Be a light for your values – and for God.
Tip #6: Say “Thank You”
Don't just call when you’re upset. If a member voted how you wanted them to vote, call back to thank them. We often only use the “stick” to try to motivate our members and forget that the “carrot” goes a long way, too!
Call to say “thank you;” you’ll make someone’s day.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
I hope you find this information helpful as you go beyond voting and hold your elected officials accountable. I’d like to thank former staff of a U.S. Senator, former staff of the House Committee on Administration, former staff of a Texas State Representative, and a current Fair Oaks Ranch councilwoman for their expertise.
