HOW TO CONTACT YOUR 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.  

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.  

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.  

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. 

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 website. 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.  

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.”)  

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 an issue or bill, 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. 

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

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.