Contacting Your Senator Or Representative

[KRYPTON INC.]

Has anyone here ever engaged either your Rep. or Congressional Senator in any way shape or form? Have you ever contacted their office to let your concerns be known or seek help on something important to yourself?

How did that turn out? What was the issue? Would you recommend others to do the same? Do you think we should have more of this kind of participation with our elected officials or do you have a another view on the matter?

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

Yes, I've called my senators offices (Toomey and Casey) on a few issues, the most recent one being DeVos's nomination. You usually speak to a staffer who is required to write down your comments. Be concise and to the point, give them your contact info and don't take your anger out on the poor schlub that has to answer the phone. Most times you'll get some correspondence back acknowledging the official was presented your concerns, in the form of a letter or email.

Same process for your Congressman.

I've also written and emailed them on occasions, and you typically get some confirmation back from their office. From what I've been told from people in government, the phone calls and handwritten letters tend to have more impact than emails.

I recommend for anyone to do this. Let the officials know where their constituents stand on important issues and even less important ones. If they generally defy that, use it as fuel to get them voted out next election.

Also dont just focus nationally. Share your concerns with your state and local officials as well. Most change that happens in government comes from a groundswell that starts at a local level and works it's way upwards.

 

[mclay18]

I've left voicemails for my two R-Senators and left them my mailing address. They have not sent back mail acknowledging my concerns.

 

[Thundercrack85]

If you live in either a blue or red state I imagine your letters go right into the shredder.

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

Yes, I've called my senators offices (Toomey and Casey) on a few issues, the most recent one being DeVos's nomination. You usually speak to a staffer who is required to write down your comments. Be concise and to the point, give them your contact info and don't take your anger out on the poor schlub that has to answer the phone. Most times you'll get some correspondence back acknowledging the official was presented your concerns, in the form of a letter or email.

Same process for your Congressman.

I've also written and emailed them on occasions, and you typically get some confirmation back from their office. From what I've been told from people in government, the phone calls and handwritten letters tend to have more impact than emails.

I recommend for anyone to do this. Let the officials know where their constituents stand on important issues and even less important ones. If they generally defy that, use it as fuel to get them voted out next election.

Also dont just focus nationally. Share your concerns with your state and local officials as well. Most change that happens in government comes from a groundswell that starts at a local level and works it's way upwards.

Thanks.

 

[summerteeth]

Not me personally, but I knew someone whose dad got deported a few years back because of a case of mistaken identity. ICE just picked him up and deported him. Family was freaking out and was getting nowhere with immigration services and called Darrell Issa's office. Issa's office got on it immediately, and he was back in the States the next day.