ADVOCACY 101

 

WHO VOTED FOR WHAT?:
Congress.org invites you to sign up for a FREE weekly e-mail called MegaVote that will tell you how your Members of Congress voted on key legislation.

SPEAK OUT - ADVOCATE FOR EQUALITY: JUST POINT AND CLICK to share your thoughts with people in your state, county, or municipality. Here's the page to use to WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR LOCAL MEDIA

WRITE A LETTER to ALL of your ELECTED OFFICIALS at one time:
Members of Congress prefer to hear from their constituents by e-mail. It’s faster, easier to sort and doesn’t present any security risks. Senators and Representatives require people e-mailing them to supply an address and other information before sending an e-mail. Because of these requirements, however, you cannot normally e-mail more than one of your elected officials at the same time through their Web sites. You can write them all through Congress.org, however. Simply click on the link at right which will take you to the home page of Congress.org. Look for this same image on the right hand side of the page and type your ZIP code into the box that says “Join the Conversation”. They’ll help you figure out who represents you in Congress and in your state government and get you started.

SUGGESTION: When you’re writing Congress, DO remember to tell your story — explain how this issue is affecting your life in personal terms. You speak for hundreds of other voters who didn’t take the time to write, so choose your words carefully. And avoid ALL CAPS!


TELEPHONING CONGRESS
To find your senators’ and representative’s phone numbers, you may use the Congress.org searchable online congressional directory or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators’ and/or representative’s office. Remember that telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about which you wish to comment. After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: “Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S.___/H.R.___).” You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your senators’ or representative’s position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call. If you search online, you may also find ways to call Congress toll-free. Some Members of Congress pay for toll-free lines to their offices as well.


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