TIPS FOR CALLING CONGRESS
The impact of written correspondence to House members
and Senators tends to be enhanced by follow-up telephone calls made 2-4 days after the
letters are sent via fax or email. Telephone contact can also precede written
correspondence. When calling your Congressional Representative or Senators, keep the
following in mind:
o A little preparation can go a long way. If you are
calling to ask your legislator to co-sponsor Johanna’s Law, be sure you know the
bill’s title, number, and sponsors, what the bill will do and why it’s needed.
Find this information in the summary of Johanna’s Law (click
here). You may want to have the bill summary handy when making your call so you can
refer to it.
o Speak with the health legislative assistant (L.A.). When calling about federal
legislation like Johanna’s Law, contact your legislator’s Washington, D.C.
office. The main switchboard for the House is 202 225 3121 and 202 224 3121 for the
Senate. Ask for your legislator by name. After being connected to his/her office, ask to
speak with the health legislative assistant (L.A.)
o Identify yourself, your cause and organization.Before being transferred to the
Health L.A., you’ll likely be asked, “What organization are you with?”
State that you are a constituent and mention any cancer connection you have. (e.g. I am a
constituent and an ovarian cancer survivor” or “I’m a constituent who lost
a family member to cancer). If you are a member/officer of a group that supports
Johanna’s Law or is related to cancer issues, mention that, too.
o State reason for call. If the Health L.A. takes the call, reintroduce yourself
via the same points. Then state the reason for your call (e.g. I’m calling to urge
Representative Doe to co-sponsor Johanna’s Law, a bill designed to improve early
detection of gynecologic cancers).
o Convey need for legislation. Personalize if possible. In the dialogue that
ensues, explain what the legislation will do and why it is needed. If you, a family member
or friend have had experience that underscores the need for Johanna’s Law, briefly
share it. No personal experience? Find facts/talking points to accent in bill summary (click here) and sample letter (click
here).
o Note breadth of support the legislation enjoys. Mentioning the support
Johanna’s Law has received from organizations representing physicians, nurses, cancer
survivors, and others can add impact to your own support for the bill. For Johanna’s
Law supporting groups, click here. Offer to fax or email the Health L.A. the list of
supporting organizations.
o Say “Thank you” and reiterate request for support. After the L.A. says
he/she will convey your comments to his/her boss, express your appreciation. Then restate
your request as a positive expectation. (e.g. “I look forward to having
Representative Doe join his colleagues in co-sponsoring this important legislation to
improve early detection and save lives).
o Follow up. Fax or email a note thanking the Health L.A. for taking time to discuss
your request. Restate your position and one or two key points from your conversation.
Supply any promised background materials. Limit the letter to a single page.
o Persistence Pays. If your legislator does not become a co-sponsor within 7 - 10 days
(sooner if a sign-on deadline needs to be met), consider a second call. Health LAs have a
myriad of issues vying for their attention. Often a quick "reminder" call is
needed to produce the desired result. Be sure the tone of your call is courteous not
critical. Reiterate how important the bill is to you, your family and friends --- and to
millions of women in the U.S. at risk for gynecologic cancers.
What if your
legislator’s Health L.A. is not available when you call? Ask if there is a better
time to call back or leave a message. Be sure to identify yourself as a constituent in any
message left.
If you don’t get a return call within a week, call again. Be courteous not critical
during that next call and any subsequent calls. Congressional staff are very busy and may
be delayed getting back in touch. |
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