"Call the Washington Office and the Local Office of Your U.S. Representative and Both of Your U.S. Senators"
One of the most effective ways to make your voice heard in both the U.S. House and Senate is to call the offices of your U.S. Representative and both of your U.S. Senators.
People who think Congress pays little or no attention to phone calls are plain wrong.
Polite, concise, and personal phone calls to your elected officals are one of the most effective ways you have to influence your leaders in Congress.
Keep in mind that members of Congress get many phone calls at their offices every day. Be sure to keep a few simple tips in mind:
1. Calls to your own Representative and Senators are far more influential than those from people who are not their consituents.
2. Plan what to say in advance. Use the talking points on the Stop The Abortion Mandate
Action Guide to prepare what you want to say.
3. Keep it short and simple. You will want to state your purpose right up front when you call: "As a constiuent, I urge you to ensure that language is included in ANY health care reform proposal or bill to explicitly exclude abortion."
4. Find their office numbers (both Washington, D.C., and their home offices in your state)
Here are links to tools that help you look up your representative and your two Senators:
A few final tips...
DO:
Be courteous and respectful.
Clearly and simply state why you are calling: "I urge you to oppose any health care bill unless abortion is explicitly excluded from the scope of any federally mandated, federally subsidized, or federally defined health insurance plans. Please tell me how you intend to vote on this crucial issue."
Tell them who you are, and that you live in their district/state.
Thank the person you talk with for their time.
DO NOT:
- Get angry, use threats, vulgarity or profanity
- Misrepresent yourself
- Demand an immediate response