The Best Ways To Push Congresspeople Into Action

To hear my “pushing congresspeople-to-act discussion” with TYT, double click the red arrow and go to the time market 12:50 (twelve minutes, fifty seconds).

Recently the good folks at TYT Network Media asked me to discuss, as a former congressperson, the “best way to contact and push congresspeople into action.”

Honestly, I receive some form of this question weekly: “What is the best way to contact your House rep or senator to move them into action?” As such, I felt it was time to write about it. The video version is above ( at the 12:50 time marker - double click red arrow).

Or you can read the following…

As a starting point, I always share the same reminder: some members always do their job, some do it sometimes, but when you are in the minority in all three branches of the U.S. government, it makes it challenging to do the job. That said, it is our job as constituents to make it clear, they must work harder and more innovatively to affect change.

Nevertheless, there are important points to note, including a hierarchy of communication methods that work better than others. The following are a series of steps and options.

When advising folks, I remind them: your House representative and senator are just people. Treat them as such—with respect, candor, and passion—regardless of their party (Democrat, Republican, or Independent).

Folks who read my column regularly hear me say, “Tell your story” to your neighbors, community, and elected officials. It really works!

Before you start, make sure you are prepared for the conversation. Every communication should include three components:
a. The issue and your relationship to it.
For example: I’m on Medicaid, and the upcoming cuts are going to ruin my life.
b. Your personal story about yourself, your family, or a friend will be most compelling.
c. A clear ask.
For example: I need you to vote to reverse the Medicaid cuts so I can have healthcare again.
Note: you don’t need to be an expert in policy or legislation. All you need to know is what is upsetting you and be able to tell your legislator what’s bothering you and what kind of solution you’re interested in.

Once you’re prepared, here are the best ways to contact your representatives and establish an actual connection:
Important overarching note: All in-person visits, calls, and emails are documented in a log for members of Congress.

In-person contact is generally the most effective and compelling. Set an appointment at their local/district office or in D.C. If they won’t see you, you can visit their office and ask to speak with your representative. When I was an activist, I often spent hours and days waiting to see either the legislator or their chief of staff. Being visible and present matters—be there.
If a member of Congress refuses to schedule a meeting for you or your group, go to their office or stand in front of their building with signs and music, and let them know you’re not going anywhere until they meet with you.

For some, in-person attendance isn’t feasible. In that case, call their office and speak with a staffer or leave a voicemail. Remember, all in-person meetings, calls, and emails are tracked, so lawmakers know how many people are raising their voices on a particular issue.
If neither in-person visits nor calls are possible, your next best option is email or physical letter. Just clearly articulate your issue and your desired action—no special expertise required.
Social media can also be an effective supportive tool. While it isn’t tracked as officially as calls or emails, it can help emphasize your point. On its own, it is not terribly effective.
Protests can be highly effective on their own or as part of a broader campaign involving the other methods mentioned above.

Similarly, boycotts work well either independently or combined with other tactics.
Op-eds, press releases, and media interviews about your challenges are also valuable. Reach out to reporters and share your story.
Petitions? They may not be as compelling, but some people find them useful.
General strikes can be very effective when they gather enough momentum and critical mass to have an impact.

The key message here is: get out there and do whatever you can, whenever you can.
Direct communication can truly promote action—it’s worth every effort.
Thank you all for everything you do, and KEEP GOING!