Contacting a Representative
Often times, contacting anyone important about a serious topic is a daunting task. However, when you’re really passionate about an issue and want to directly impact your government, contacting your representatives is an important stepping stone. This guide was created in order to help you get in contact with your representatives about the issues near and dear to you!
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While this step may seem redundant at first glance- it may even seem like the entire problem- it’s actually not only one of a number of components, but a key one at that. There are two main ways:
1. Networks. Does someone you know know someone who works in government or with them? Do you happen to know someone who works in or with government directly? It’s a small world, and sooner or later you’re bound to find someone in your own network.
2. Research. Sites like GovTrack, VoteSmart, and more are a great help. If you’re looking to contact local government, this guide may be of help as well, as good relations with constituents is the top priority for local politicians’ constituent offices.
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If you’re writing an email or a text, you’ll have much more agency over what you say, and you can get away with having a very formal kind of script. If you get into contact with a government official by phone though, you can’t fall back on a written script. You’ll need to know what to say. The best thing you can do is to seem authentic; like a concerned citizen ought to be.
To that end, don’t craft an entire script like you would for an email. Rather, come up with a detailed list of bullet points and then “stitch” them together as you’re giving someone a call. You should also talk about how your issue matters to you personally. Be specific about the nature of the issue you’re calling about, and when you get the chance or if asked, discuss the best way to keep in contact.
Often times, especially the higher up you go from the local to the national level, there will be more steps that you have to take and people you have to go through. However, whether you’re directly talking to your intended target or one of their staff members, all of your input goes to the lawmaker themself in the end, so they can more accurately track the various wants and needs of their constituents and help to address them!
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Before you actually contact your representative, get feedback on what you've said! Try asking a friend or a family member who is interested in politics, preferably one who shares your views. It's okay if you can only find someone who has different views than you! If they respect you as a person, they’ll respect your views too, and their input may help you see things from the other side’s point of view.
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If you’re sending an email or a text, all you have to do is hit the send button. If they respond right away that's great! If not? After a week or so try following up by sending another text or email. Your opinion is valued and you want to make sure that it is heard!
Calling someone you don’t know can be scary, but remember you know what you want to say. Keep your list of bullet points with you so you can refer to them if necessary. If you feel like you don’t get you point across, try calling back in a few days!
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Congratulations, you did it! Now you’ve helped bring an issue to light to a government official or representative near you. Think to yourself, what did you do to make an impact? Is the change you want to see on the horizon? What could you have improved? Now that you've officially contacted a representative, don't stop there, make sure your voice is heard!