How to Engage Your Local Representative
(in 5 easy steps)
1. Call them
It might seem easier to just send an email or letter, but it’s shown to be much more effective to call your representative. And why are phone calls important? Because they hold your representative accountable to those they represent.
And what should you say on a call? Check out this helpful template and guide.
2. Call the District AND the DC office
If you look on your local representative’s website, you can find the information for the multiple offices they have. To really get any concerns or views heard, call both of their offices.
3. Attend town hall and public meetings
There are many events that your local representative will attend, most likely from Friday to Sunday while they are back in their district. These are opportunities to meet your representative face to face, and ask them any questions about their plans or activities.
You should be able to find a list of events that your representative is attending on their website, or social media channels.
4. Engage on social media
A recent report found that members of Congress give weight to as little as 10 comments on the same subject. Meaning that if you and your fellow community members share your concerns on social media more than 10 times, your local representative WILL take notice.
Just don’t become verbally abusive or border on harassment otherwise their staff members will ignore, and most likely block you.
5. Write to local media
Negative press is not a representative’s best friend. In fact, most office staff will collect mentions in the media about their representative on a daily or weekly basis. And if you’re able to raise a concern that gets printed, they are going to be very motivated to prevent future negative press.
Try sending letters to the editors of your local (or national) newspapers and magazines to either shame or praise your local representatives choices.
