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Communicating
with Legislators By Telephone
- Give
your name and say, "I'm calling to oppose <bill number>."
- Note
the name of whomever you talk to.
- State
that you are a constituent if you are. If not, say why you are
calling Senator XXXX. (because he is a member of the Agriculture
Committee, because he is sponsor or co-sponsor of the bill, or
whatever.)
- Be
brief.
- Focus
on one issue at a time. Concentrate on one or two important facts
- State
your message. Say exactly what you want the senator to do.
- Tell
how the bill personally affects you. Give examples -- they're
much more memorable than statistics.
- Don't
get into party politics or philosphy. You are not going to change
a legislator's basic beliefs. Just state the practical effects
of the legislation.
- Offer
to provide materials about the bill and how it will affect you.
If they do ask to see them, staffers will analyze the materials
- Regardless
of how your call seems to be received, never lose your temper
and never be sarcastic. Emotionalism is seen as very unprofessional.
- Always
say "Thank you" and ask if you can get a written response
to your call.
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