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For someone who has never called a politician to lobby for something, what do you say when you call them up? Is it as simple as "I'd like for you back this bill

For someone who has never called a politician to lobby for something, what do you say when you call them up? Is it as simple as "I'd like for you back this bill?" Honest question.

pyrocat 13y ago
Pretty much. "This issue is very important to me and as your constituent I would like you to support this bill." You can either leave it at that or continue on with why you think the bill is important.
sinak 13y ago
"Hi, My name is ____, and I'm one of Senator/Representative ____ constitutents from ___. I'm calling to tell my Representative/Senator that I think the Digital Millenium Copyright Act is affecting my freedoms as a consumer by preventing me from unlocking or jailbreaking my phone or tablets without fear of legal repercussions. I'd like to urge representative/senator ____ to join in supporting the Unlocking Technology Act, H.R. 1892. Not only would it grant greater consumer freedoms, but it would also empower security researchers, documentary filmmakers, remix artists, and archivists to do their important work without facing legal threats." Make sure they catch and make a note of "the Unlocking Technology Act - H.R. 1892" part, as that's what they'll note down and use in their own counts of how many calls they've received.
dennish00a 13y ago
Yes, it is that simple! I have found the experience of calling my congresspeople to be very rewarding and impressive. In general I have been connected to a very knowledgeable and intelligent staffer with minutes of calling. I explain why I am calling and say that I hope the Senator will support my position and the staffer generally replies with a few questions, clarifications of the Senator's position, etc., and says that he/she will relay my comments. Truly, I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. Call! It only takes a few minutes and you'll be glad you did.
malandrew 13y ago
What about influencing local politics like the SF Board of Supervisors? I am curious as to the best way to influence zoning laws in San Francisco.

For someone who has never called a politician to lobby for something, what do you say when you call them up? Is it as simple as "I'd like for you back this bill?" Honest question.

pyrocat 13y ago

Pretty much. "This issue is very important to me and as your constituent I would like you to support this bill." You can either leave it at that or continue on with why you think the bill is important.

sinak 13y ago

"Hi, My name is ____, and I'm one of Senator/Representative ____ constitutents from ___. I'm calling to tell my Representative/Senator that I think the Digital Millenium Copyright Act is affecting my freedoms as a consumer by preventing me from unlocking or jailbreaking my phone or tablets without fear of legal repercussions. I'd like to urge representative/senator ____ to join in supporting the Unlocking Technology Act, H.R. 1892. Not only would it grant greater consumer freedoms, but it would also empower security researchers, documentary filmmakers, remix artists, and archivists to do their important work without facing legal threats." Make sure they catch and make a note of "the Unlocking Technology Act - H.R. 1892" part, as that's what they'll note down and use in their own counts of how many calls they've received.

dennish00a 13y ago

Yes, it is that simple! I have found the experience of calling my congresspeople to be very rewarding and impressive. In general I have been connected to a very knowledgeable and intelligent staffer with minutes of calling. I explain why I am calling and say that I hope the Senator will support my position and the staffer generally replies with a few questions, clarifications of the Senator's position, etc., and says that he/she will relay my comments. Truly, I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. Call! It only takes a few minutes and you'll be glad you did.

malandrew 13y ago

What about influencing local politics like the SF Board of Supervisors? I am curious as to the best way to influence zoning laws in San Francisco.