Tips for Calling Your Member of Congress

Calling your member of congress (MOC) is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard. Here are a few tips for making and effective call.

If calling on a weekend or after hours. You are probably leaving a voice mail.

• Be polite and respectful.

• Limit the message to one issue.

• Be brief.

If calling during business hours. You may or may not reach a person. You can still leave a message or try calling again. You can call any of the MOCs office locations - you do not have to call the location in your area.

• Still be very polite! The staffers who take calls are humans, doing a job and are more likely to take you seriously if you are nice.

• State your concerns and ask that the staffer make a record of your call.

• If you speak to a person, you can address multiple issues. We recommend no more than 5.

• Be brief. The staffers, for the most part, are only tallying how you want the MOC to vote.

What to say.

• You only need to indicate how you want the MOC to vote, but feel free to go off script. This is your call and scripts are only suggestions.

• You can add personal details and say more about who you are and why the issue matters to you. Just be sure to be succinct as you deliver your message

• Focus on impact of MOC actions on you or on Colorado constituents in general.

• Keep your talking points fact-based.

Finally, remember it is as important to show support and give thanks for votes as it is to complain about a vote.