There are a variety of ways to go about contacting your Congress member, but calling and talking on the phone has been proven the most effective method of communication and is most likely to induce change. Calling is extremely easy – it usually only takes 30 seconds! Here are step-by-step tips on how to contact Congress.
1. Find your representative.
You have three representatives: two US Senators, and one US Representative from your district. In California, our two senators are Senator Kamala Harris and Senator Dianne Feinstein. To find your local representative, visit this website. If you are from a different state, you can also find your senators through this website.
2. Plan your call.
Go to your representatives’ websites to find the phone numbers to their district offices. Once you have those, decide what you will be calling about! If you are concerned about Trump and his legislation, the website The 65 has a list of issues you can call about, and they’ve included a script to go by if you’re unsure of what to say.
Note: you can also call if you’re satisfied with the way things are! Calling in support of something gives the government a good gauge of the what’s working. It’s like a handwritten thank you note to your government.
3. Call!
Now all you have to do is call! You can either speak freely, or, as stated above, go off a pre-written script. There are a lot of short, simple scripts available online for you to follow. Whether you’re using a script or not, make sure to introduce yourself as a constituent of your representative. If you do not declare yourself a constituent, there is a possibility that you will be ignored. Also, it is likely that the staffer you’re talking to will ask for your address. Be prepared to give it to them.
It’s that easy! Contacting congressional representatives is super important, and it’s the best way to make your voice heard. No matter what side of the political spectrum you lean towards, every American should take up the opportunity to communicate with Congress.