Calling: How To Communicate By Phone
- Identify yourself. Anonymous phone calls will be ignored.
- State that you are a constituent. It is important that the legislator is aware of which district you are affiliated.
- Be brief. Inform the person you are speaking with exactly what you are calling about within the first 30 seconds of your conversation. If your call pertains to a specific piece of legislation identify it appropriately (House bill: H.R._______ or Senate bill: S._______).
- Focus on one issue at a time. You are more effective when you concentrate on one single issue.
- State your message. Say exactly what actions you wish your legislator to support.
- Stress the personal experiences. Tell how the bill personally affects you, your family, your organization, your community, etc. Give examples. These touch the heart.
- Stay away from a philosophical approach. You are not going to change a legislators life long beliefs in one phone call. Make your case by emphasizing the practical benefits or dangers of the legislation.
- Give facts. Concentrate on one or two important facts that create a solid debate, too many facts may confuse to legislator.
- Offer your services. Offer to provide them with materials which support your position. Staffers will analyze your materials, and they may prove to your benefit in the decision making process of your legislator.
- Always say "Thank You" and always request a written response to your call. By being polite you are more apt to receive an immediate response from your legislator explaining his/her position in writing.
If you would like additional information, please contact our Government Affairs staff by phone at 202.207.3842, fax 202.833.1543, or email: government@artspresenters.org.
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