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Indivisible Colusa County
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HOW TO CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Calling our Representative and two Senators is how we influence their positions and votes on federal legislation.  While you're here, take a few minutes to add the phone numbers for Colusa County's three Members of Congress to your phone. That way, when you want to make your voice heard about an important bill or issue, it will be easy to make a quick call. 


Click here to check out our FAQs for contacting your MoCs.

Headshot of Congressman John Garamendi

Congressman John Garamendi

Congressman John Garamendi

Congressman John Garamendi

Washington, DC  (202) 225-1880

Davis  (530) 753-5301

Fairfield  (707) 438-1822


Email: garamendi.house.gov/contact

Website
Headshot of Senator Dianne Feinstein

Senator Dianne Feinstein

Congressman John Garamendi

Congressman John Garamendi

 Washington, DC  (202) 224-3841 

San Francisco  (415) 393-0707

Fresno  (559) 485-7430

Los Angeles  (310) 914-7300

San Diego (619) 231-9712


Email: feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me

Website
Headshot of Senator Alex Padilla

Senator Alex Padilla

Congressman John Garamendi

Senator Alex Padilla

 Washington, DC  (202) 224-3553

Sacramento  (916) 448-2787

San Francisco  (415) 981-9369


Email: Go to his website and scroll down for the "Contact Alex" form. 

Website

Don't live in Colusa County? Look up your Members of Congress at the nonpartisan website govtrack.us.

FAQS ABOUT CONTACTING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Who are my Members of Congress?

Colusa County’s MoCs are Representative John Garamendi and Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla. They’re all Democrats — but that doesn’t mean they have the same priorities you do. If they don’t hear from you, they won’t know what matters to you.  

Should I call MoCs in other Congressional districts or states?

No, only call your own representatives. Calling other MoCs that aren't yours can be counterproductive. They don't care what you think if you're not their constituent, and they can point to outside calls to discredit calls from their own constituents.  

Why should I call? Can't I just send an email or a letter or sign a petition?

Digital communications like emails and online petitions are easy to ignore, but phones ringing off the hook grab attention. 


Remember, your Members of Congress work for you, so don’t be afraid to give them a call. It’s one of the most effective ways you have to influence their positions and votes. But if you're not comfortable making a call, then sure  —  go ahead and send an email. We don't recommend mailing a letter; because of security concerns, all mail to Congress goes through an extra screening that can significantly delay delivery.


Signing a petition is not an effective way to influence your MoCs.  

What issues should I call about?

Focus on a single issue per call. Keep it simple. Your question (or “ask”) should be about a live issue — for example, a vote that is coming up, a chance to take a stand, or some other time-sensitive opportunity.  


Remember that Members of Congress are lawmakers who deal with federal legislation — not local or state laws. 

What should I say?

During business hours, your call will likely be answered by a junior staffer or intern. Tell them your name and zip code to show you are a constituent. State your concern or “ask.” Talk about just one issue per call.


Indivisible Colusa will sometimes put sample call scripts on our Take Action page. If you follow other organizations, also keep an eye out for their sample scripts. You can use a script, but don't feel confined by it. Talk about why the issue is important to you. Telling personal stories is good, or a simple sentence urging your Congressperson to vote “Yes” on issue X (or whatever) is sufficient too.  

What if I get voicemail?

No problem  —  just leave a message. Say your name and zip code and briefly state your ask (for example, “I urge Congressman Garamendi to support H.R. 51, the DC statehood bill. Thank you.”)  

What if I can’t get through on the phone?

Keep trying or call another one of their offices. If you are calling with a simple message (such as “I urge Congressman Garamendi to vote Yes on X”), it is equally effective to call any of their offices. If you would like to have an in-depth conversation about a bill or issue, such as immigration policy, your best bet is to call the MoC's Washington, DC office and ask to speak to the staff person in charge of that issue. 

What if I’m nervous about talking on the phone?

You can call after business hours or on weekends and leave a voice mail message. Be sure to include your name and zip code so they know you are a constituent.  

What if my MoC already agrees with my position on an issue or bill? Why should I bother calling?

It's important to let them know you support them and to thank them for doing the right thing. Positive reinforcement tells them what's important to their constituents and stiffens their political spines when they face tough votes. You can also ask them to be more outspoken about their position to help influence public opinion and their colleagues’ votes. 


Tips adapted from the Indivisible Guide, Indivisible Yolo, Indivisible New Orleans and Indivisible Ventura.  

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