Calling a Member of Congress

Members of Congress pay attention when their constituents take the time to call and express their views.  It is one of the easiest and most effective ways for you to communicate with policymakers on issues of interest.  If an issue is moving quickly, calling may be the only way to deliver your message in time to make an impact.  Take the time to prepare your comments before you call.  If responding to an Action Alert, the Action Alert will provide you with up-to-date information on the specific request and talking points to use.  

Locate phone number.  Click here to find contact information for your Representative or Senators.  You can also call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator and/or Representative’s office.  

Staff is helpful.  Your call will most likely be answered by one of your elected official’s staff members.  It is the staff member’s job to note your comments and share them with your official. 

Take notes.  Write down the date and time of your call and the person with whom you spoke or left a message.  Also, record any notes from the conversation that may be pertinent for possible follow-up calls.

Identify yourself.  Identify yourself as a constituent of your Member’s state or Congressional district and as an advocate with the Parkinson’s Action Network, “My name is [your name], and I am a constituent from [your city, your state], and I am an advocate with the Parkinson’s Action Network.”

Be specific.  Focus your call on one specific bill or issue.  Use the bill number, if applicable, and be clear and concise in your messaging.  For example, “I am seeking the Member’s support for research critical to people suffering from Parkinson’s disease that is being conducted by the Department of Defense’s Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Parkinson’s Research program.  I ask that he/she support full funding for the NETPR program in Fiscal Year 2010.”

Ask for a written response.  Specifically request a written response from the office on the official’s position or action on the issue you addressed.  Make sure to leave your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address so they can fulfill your request and contact you if questions arise.  Response mail from your elected official may take six weeks or more to arrive at your home or computer.  

Be courteous.  Regardless of where your Member of Congress might stand on the issues, always be polite and patient with the staff member or official you speak with.  

Leave a message.  If you receive voicemail, leave a detailed but brief message.  Provide your name, contact information, your specific request, and ask for a call back and/or a written response.