Advocacy Tools

Calling a Policymaker

Public officials expect to get calls from the public -- many have staff dedicated to the task. They rely on calls and letters to help them make the best decisions.

• Look up their office or home number. It is OK to call elected officials at their published home numbers - they are listed for a reason. (But don't call late at night.) Legislators' published home numbers and numbers at the Capitol are listed in the blue pages of your phone book.
• Prepare for the call. Write down the issue you are calling about and what you would like the official to do. See Sample Script for phoning a Policymaker.
• Identify yourself - give your name, where you live and why you are calling.
• Ask if this is a good time to talk - if not, when would be a good time to call back.
• Be polite, courteous and respectful of their time.
• Always remember to ask for the action you want.
• Say your piece, then listen. Don't interrupt or argue.
• If they want more information, let them know that you will get it to them.
• If they have questions you cannot answer, say so. Then get the answer and call them back with it.
• Finish the call by thanking them for their time and their support (if they are supportive).
• You may speak to an aide or an answering machine - leave a message with the issue you are calling about, your name, number and the best times to reach you.
• Don't be discouraged if they haven't returned your call in a few days, just call back.

Writing to Policymakers

Letters are an extremely important tool in advocacy. Public officials expect to receive mail from people in their districts. They depend on input from the public to do their jobs. Often legislators rely on letters and calls to help decide how they will vote. Letters are one of the best ways to communicate your message - you have time to be sure you are understood and it is permanent - they can refer back to it as needed.

• You don't have to be an expert, just explain your point of view.  Be brief. You don't get extra points for more words or extra statistics. Try to keep it to one page.
• Be polite, respectful and reasonable.
• Use your own words - do not pull out a thesaurus.
• Personal stories and observations are the most persuasive.
• Be clear - avoid jargon or overly technical language.
• Be specific about your concern and what you want the official to do about it.
• It is best to address only one issue in a letter.
• If you live in their district (they are your elected official), say so in the first paragraph.
• Be sure your letter is legible. It doesn't have to be typed, but it should be easy to read.
• Ask for a response.
• Include your name, address, phone number and other contact information on the letter. Don't rely on your return address -- envelopes often get separated from letters.
• If you don't hear soon, call to be sure the official got your letter. Ask again for a response.
• Share the response with any coalitions or partners you are working with.
• Follow up and find out how the policymaker acted on your issue. Write to thank them, if appropriate.
• You can "recycle" the language from your letter in letters to other policymakers, or to the same policymaker next year.