Phoning is a quick and easy way to lobby your member of Congress. It is also particularly valuable when time is short and an important legislative vote is near.
Before you call
Check FCNL’s congressional directory for the phone numbers you need. Have a printout of the action alert with you, or at least have the correct bill name and, ideally, the number (ex. HR 652 or S 210). Be clear on your key points about the bill, pro or con.
Making a quick call on a pending vote
Tell the receptionist your name and address. Let them know the bill number or amendment you are calling about, and then state your position.
Making informational calls
When you call, ask for the aide who deals with your issue. Tell the aide who you are and where you are calling from, identifying yourself as a constituent. Briefly state why you are calling and ask what the congressperson’s position is on the measure. Then explain what action you are asking your congressperson to take: co-sponsor a bill, vote for or against a measure, etc.
Here are some common scenarios:
- Aide does not know the member’s position: Explain why you want the congressperson to support or oppose the measure, and ask the aide to get back to you. Giving a time when you expect to hear back (or saying when you will call back) helps keep things moving. Example: “Thanks for looking in to that. I will be in touch next Monday.”
- Aide does not know the bill: Briefly fill the aide in and ask for a response.
- Congressperson has already taken the action you seek: Tell the aide how pleased you are to hear this, and consider asking for an additional step. For example, if the congressperson has decided to vote for a bill, ask them to speak in its favor on the floor.
- Congressperson holds the opposite view that you do: Politely and succinctly explain your position to the aide, asking that the congressperson reconsider. Offer to send some more information, and ask the best way to do that (email, fax, etc.).
Leaving a message
If the aide is not in, leave a brief message with your name, address and phone number. Briefly state why you are calling and what action you are requesting. You can request a written response.
Sample message: “Hello, this is Mary Friend calling from Quakersville, Ohio about the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act. This bill would ban the use of cluster bombs in or near civilian areas and ban the use, sale, and transfer of any cluster bomb with a failure rate of more than one percent.
“I am calling to ask Senator Swift to cosponsor this important bill, which is numbered Senate Bill 594. I would like a written response, please. Again, my name is Mary Friend, and my address is 123 High Street, Quakersville, Ohio, 44134. Or you may reach me by email at maryfriend@quickaction.com. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Follow-up and organize further action
Be sure to follow-up as needed, whether sending a thank you for positive action or checking on a request you have made. If you do not get a response, be persistent. Invite other constituents to call or take other action as well. Let your congressperson know that informed, active voters are paying attention!
Reviewed:
08/09/2007
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