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how
to call government officials
When there is no time to write a letter, a
phone call to your legislator's office can be effective in delivering a quick,
simple message. To give your phone call impact:
Plan exactly what you want to say before
you call.
When you place your call to a state or
federal official, ask to speak to that person's legislative assistant who
handles the issue you are interested in. If you get to speak to the state or
federal Senator or Representative directly, that's a bonus.
If you are calling a town, city or county
official, they may or may not have an office staff, depending on the size of the
locality. If they do have a staff, ask to speak to the staff assistant who
handles the issue you are calling about. If they do not have a staff, you will
probably get to speak directly to the legislator.
Make your message short and simple. State
your name and your main point: "Please vote in favor of the amendments to
Code Section 10" or "Please vote against Senate Bill 123." Then
say why in a few sentences.
End by repeating your name, where you live
and/or your connection to the legislator's jurisdiction. Give a phone number and
offer to provide more information if the legislator requests it.
If the person who handles your issue is
not available, leave your name and phone number. If your call is to support or
oppose an upcoming vote, also give your main point as part of the message.
If you don't know a federal legislator's
direct number, call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121
and ask for that Senator or Representative's office.
Look in the telephone book for listings of
government offices to find telephone numbers for state and local officials.
Follow up with a letter if there is
sufficient time.
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