Welder at work wearing a mask

Tools for Activists

Photo by Christopher Burns at Unsplash

To effect change, we need to take action. That goes beyond expressing opinion or finding comfort with like-minded friends. Exerting your influence on elected officials and public opinion is where the rubber meets the road. The best tools of influence are showing up in person and making calls.

In Person

Go to town halls, local offices and mobile offices where staff hold scheduled public meetings (usually posted on their websites and likely on our Take Action page). Ask many questions and push for answers. Be loud and vocal.

By Phone

Plan to make six calls a day to your two senators and your representative: one each to their D.C. office and their local office. Phone numbers are on our Take Action page. Consider putting them in your phone, all under “P” for politician: “Politician Murray DC.” This makes it easy to click down the list.

For each day’s calls:

  • Pick one or two things to focus on that day, instead of a laundry list.

  • When calling a D.C. office, ask for the staff person in charge of that issue. If you don't get transferred to that person, ask for their name and keep talking to the staffer who answered the phone.

  • Be clear on what you want. “I want to thank the Congresswoman for ___,” or “I'm disappointed by her vote on ____ because ....”

  • Make it personal if you can. “I'm a teacher and I'm appalled by ____.”

  • Give them your ZIP code.

  • If you're shy, use a script — such as those on our Take Action page.

  • Don't leave a message unless you can't get to a live person.

Helpful Tech

  • 5 Calls gives you call scripts and phone numbers, and lets you log the result of each call. You can use it on a computer, tablet or smartphone.

  • TAN (Take Action Network) has you create a profile, then gives you actions and events matched to your interests, values, abilities and location. These include calling, commenting in writing and attending events. You can sign up as a member of IGV.

If You Can’t Show Up in Person or Call

Email, text and app messaging can also reach elected officials. Some activists express concerns that these are easier for recipients to ignore, especially when content from lots of senders is identical.

  • Democracy.io helps you quickly email your Congressional representatives. It lets you type or paste your own message.

  • Resistbot lets you use text or popular messaging apps to send your Congressional representatives a letter on letterhead with your name and address. For best results once you’ve signed up, follow these instructions for customizing what you send.

For Activists Who Are Immigrants

If you’re an activist and also an immigrant, ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) may be more likely to confront you. The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN, 844-724-3737) has guidelines for asserting your rights, available in English, Spanish and nine other languages.