Calling Your Legislator

Checklist for Phone Calls

 Four Keys

• Be brief.
• Be timely.
• Rehearse.
• Be prepared to leave a one-sentence message.

Strategy

If you cannot say what you need to say within three minutes, write a letter.

Dos and Don’ts

• Do make notes and practice what you want to say.
• Do identify yourself.
• Do use bill numbers if you have them.
• Do be prepared to leave a short message such as, “Please support House File 100, the Hunger Reduction Bill.”
• Don’t insist on a call-back.
• Do make phone calls before key votes. Respond quickly to organization “alerts.”
• Do report back to your organizations on your phone conversations.