Minichan

I worked for Congress for 6 years, and here's what I learned about how they listen to constituents. First, tweeting or writing on Facebook is largely ineffective. I never looked at those comments except to remove the harassing ones. Second, writing a letter to the district office (state) is better than sending an email or writing a letter to DC. But, the most effective thing is to actually call them on the phone. At their district (state) office. They have to talk to you there.

We repped half a million people, it was impossible to read and respond personally to all letters. Impossible. This was something in particular that I cared about as a staffer and worked very hard on, but the sheer volume of emails is overwhelming. So, we batched them with computer algorithms and sent out form letters based on topic and position. Regardless of method received.

But, phone calls! That was a thing that shook up our office from time. One time, a radio host gave out our district office phone # on air. He was against our immigration policy and told our constituents to call. And they did. All. Day. Long. All I did all day was answer phones. It was exhausting and you can bet my bosses heard about it. We had discussions because of that call to action. If we started getting a pattern of calls, I called up our DC office and asked if they were getting the same calls and we talked.

Also, recognize that your letters and your emails get seen by staffers, just like your phone calls get answered. That's the way of it. If you want to talk to your rep, show up at town hall meetings. Get a huge group that they can't ignore. Pack that place and ask questions. We held town halls consistently that fewer than 50 people showed up for. And it was always the same people. So, shake it up.

As always, please be kind but firm with those staffers. They will listen and talk to you. I always, always did.

If you run an advocacy group, invite local staffers to show up to your events. Let them talk to people you work with and set up meetings. I loved getting out of my office and meeting with advocates in immigration, healthcare, education, science, and every type of work. Invite staffers on "field trips" and show them what it's like in your communities. Show them the work you are doing. It works. Are you noticing a pattern here? The staff are the ones who run the ground game for Congress. Work on helping them understand and learn. Because, if the staff knows you, when they have a question about a piece of legislation or amendment, they will be the one you call.

And, that's the best I've got for you now. I hope it helps. Use your resources the best way you can and get their attention. Sounds trite, but speak from the heart. Ask good questions and be kind. It doesn't need to be a long call. Lots are asking if it's useful to call a rep. outside your state/district. NO. They will ignore you. Use your energy elsewhere. Also, don't call your representatives about the Steve Bannon thing. Separation of powers means congress has no control over WH staff.

If you don't know what to call about, get in touch with local advocacy groups. They have legislative priorities for the session and can help. Pick 2-3 issues you care deeply about, find good orgs to support and get on their lists. Help do their groundwork. Strength in numbers. Before you call, stop, take a breath, and do some research. Know who your representative is and what committees they are on. Be focused. Learn more about how legislation moves through congress and committees and all those issues that back up your opinion with facts.

You have one House of Representatives member and two Senators. Know who they are and put their numbers in your phone. You can find their numbers/website/everything here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ That will link to their official website. Know the difference between what your House of Reps member does and what your Senator does. They have different, but similar, roles. I obviously can't stop you from calling to rant about the election or electoral college, but I want you to target your energy. Spend your time on the things that matter and focus your voice on the people who have the power to make that change.