Does Your Call Matter? Four Ways to Make Your Voice Heard
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Ever wonder whether your call, email or letter to an elected official will really make a difference? Research shows that citizens have more power than they realize. According to The Alliance to End Hunger, constituents who make the effort to personally communicate with their senators and representatives can be even more influential than lobbyists and news editors. How can we make our voices heard to advocate for better anti-hunger policies and programs?
Here are four of our favorite tips from “The Advocacy Playbook,” developed by The Alliance to End Hunger. Click here to read the full playbook.
- Yes, pick up the phone. In a recent study, 86 percent of congressional staff members said phone calls from constituents can influence a legislator who is undecided on an issue.
- Personalize your letter... In a recent study, 90 percent of congressional staff members said individualized letters from constituents can influence on a legislator who is undecided on an issue. A letter with a personal story, as opposed to a form letter, was seen as more influential. Elected officials usually keep track of the number of letters from their constituents on various topics and whether people favor or oppose an issue.
- …and your email. Individualized e-mails are just as influential as letters. In addition, e-mails arrive immediately and do not require security screenings as letters do.
- Visit in person if possible. According to a recent study, 97 percent of congressional staff members said in-person visits from constituents had the best chance of influencing a legislator who is undecided on an issue.
