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Here is an example to understand what calling your representatives will be like: Cory, my roommate from college, returned from the pub one night, triumphant with a slip of paper with seven digits scribbled across it in blue ink. He spent the next hour recounting the tale of how his eye contact made from across the room led him to walk up to the girl as she stood at the bar and end up with her phone number. After listening to him go on for another few minutes about how it was a turn of events he didn’t see occurring to him, I finally asked
“So are you going to call her now?”
“Sure,” he said, “But first I have to figure out what to say”. That was when the panic set in.
“What if I fumble and mess up completely? I don’t want to sound unfunny or like I’m trying too hard!” It went on.
Convincing Cory that the tough part was already over and all he had to do was dial the number remains one of the bigger achievements of my college years.
Volunteers operating patch-through calls for grassroots organizations face a similar dilemma every day. People they call might say they care about the issue or bill under discussion and even be willing to write an email or sign a petition about it, but when asked if they would want to voice their concern directly to the representative’s office, they would say no. There could be a number of reasons behind why people feel reluctant to talk directly with their elected officials.
Understanding these reasons makes it easier for campaign workers to help people commit to the call. When it comes to calling your representatives, many constituents feel unsure or anxious about taking that step. Let’s look at some common reasons for hesitation and how to address them.
Being nervous or having social anxiety while calling your representatives
Understanding these reasons makes it easier for campaign workers to help people commit to the call. When it comes to calling your representatives, many constituents feel unsure or anxious about taking that step. Let’s look at some common reasons for hesitation and how to address them.
A volunteer’s job is to recognize the reluctance the person shows and ask for what concerns them. Explaining to them who they would be speaking to ( mostly a college-aged legislative assistant ) and what they have to say would help them understand it’s not going to be a situation on thin ice. It also helps to prep them on questions the assistant might ask. Usually, it’s just if they expect a response. This is a fine comic by someone who faces the same issues talking about how they confront their fears to advocate for issues that matter.
Feeling unprepared to get the point across
Some people know about the issue, but when asked if they want to be patched through, they suddenly feel unprepared. It’s common to put off important tasks when you feel unsure. Maybe they don’t know what to say or worry they’ll ramble without a script.
When calling your representatives, it’s helpful to know that the conversation is usually brief and straightforward. Volunteers can reassure people that all they need to provide is their zip code, the bill number, and their position (for example, “I oppose the bill and want the Senator to vote NO”). Let them know the staffer will only take down the basics, so it won’t be a long conversation. This also keeps the line open for other callers.
Feeling they are not educated on the matter
Many callers decline to speak with their elected officials because they don’t feel informed enough. They might know about the issue from the news but not the details of the bill or the arguments for and against it. They may think they need to defend their opinion to someone much more knowledgeable.
Volunteers often hear from people who support the organization’s stance but don’t keep up with the bill’s progress. If someone hesitates because they feel uninformed, explain that the staffer is likely an intern whose job is to record messages in a Constituent Management System. They don’t expect a detailed explanation. Sometimes, the staffer won’t know much about the issue either. Even if you don’t know every detail, calling your representatives is still valuable and your opinion will be counted.
Feeling it’s a big commitment on their part
Sometimes the volunteer would come across a working person with a busy schedule who would affirm that they support the cause but say they do not have the time to do anything on their part. When it comes to grassroots initiatives, people often hold the opinion it takes time and commitment out of their daily lives. Many working class people are not open to any extra commitment when they already lead hectic lives.
Calling your representatives doesn’t have to be time-consuming—most calls take just a couple of minutes. Volunteers should explain that leaving a message takes less than two minutes. Walk them through what to say or provide a script. If they’re busy, offer to call back at a more convenient time.
Considering a call would accomplish nothing while calling your representatives
Some people feel their representative is from the opposing party or is a vocal advocate for the other side. Maybe they didn’t vote for the representative and think their view won’t matter. This leads many to decline, thinking it’s a waste of time.
Volunteers should explain that every message left at the representative’s office is recorded and tallied in a Constituent Management System. [Every time you are calling your representatives, your opinion is counted and can influence future decisions.] If enough people call about a bill, the representative will take notice. Even if it doesn’t change their vote, they’ll know the public is watching—especially when re-election comes around.
quick tips for first-time callers
- Write down your main point before calling.
- Keep it simple: state your name, zip code, the bill number, and your position.
- Remember, you’ll likely speak to a staffer, not the representative.
- Don’t worry about being perfect—your message matters.
sample script for volunteers
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your Zip Code]. I’m calling about [Bill Number]. I [support/oppose] this bill and urge the Representative to vote [YES/NO]. Thank you for your time.”
Here is a recap on calling your representatives
These are just a few reasons why someone might refuse to be patched through to their representative. Let’s recap:
- Being nervous or having social anxiety
- Feeling unprepared to get the point across
- Feeling they are not educated on the matter
- Feeling it’s a big commitment on their part
- Considering a call would accomplish nothing
There are many other reasons someone might say no to making a short call. The volunteer’s job is to recognize hesitation, figure out the cause, and talk them through it. Remember, there’s a Cory in all of us who sometimes needs the right push to take the next step.
| PRO TIP: Encourage your volunteers and supporters to start calling your representatives today to make their voices heard. |
FAQs on calling your representatives
1. Why should constituents call their representatives?
A: Calling your representatives is a direct way to share your opinion on important issues. Offices track every call and report the numbers to elected officials. This feedback can influence their awareness and decisions.
2. What should I say when I call my representative?
A: Start by introducing yourself as a constituent. State your city or ZIP code, then clearly share your position on the issue or bill. A short, direct message is best.
3. Who answers the phone when I call a representative’s office?
A: Most calls are answered by staff members or interns. They record your message and make sure it reaches the representative.
4. Do I need to be an expert on the issue to call?
A: No, you do not need to be an expert. Just state your opinion and, if possible, mention the bill or topic. Staffers do not expect detailed arguments.
5. What happens when you call 202-224-3121?
A: So, you may end up dialing the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.
