Calling Legislators

1. Find your elected official’s office number here or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator or Representative’s office.

2. Identify yourself: name, state, zip code. Legislators count the number of calls from their constituents.

3. When you call, ask to speak with the staff person over adult education and family literacy issues. Or, leave a message with the receptionist. Express your support or opposition to the bill or issue in question.

4. State your reasons for your support or opposition. You do not need to be an expert on the issues. You can always follow up with more information if you are asked for it.

5. Ask what your legislator’s position is on the issue. Communicate what you learn back to your advocacy network coordinator.

6. Send a quick thank you note; restate the purpose of your original communication.

7. Invite others you know to place their calls. A strong and ongoing response from advocates shows your legislators that adult education and literacy matters to your community.

Resources

Legislator Contact Information Cards (pg. 33)
Use page 33 of the advocacy unit Your Government, Your Taxes, Your Choices to make a pocket card that lists your legislators’ contact information. You never know where you may be when you will need to place that call.

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