Current best practices for contacting senators and congressfolk?

Post date: 2021-06-17 06:10:04

Call instead of email? Single issue per call? What are the best practices these days, and will they change again as offices re-open?

As I understand it, when contacting representatives, it's better to call than to send email (call is better than fax, fax is better than email, postcard may be best of all but is slower), and it's essential to stick to a single issue per contact.

However, since many congressional staffers are working remotely, it's been harder to get someone on the phone, and a lot of times it seems like the local number just rings through to DC (so I don't reach anyone if I call after 2 pm west coast time).

At least one outgoing voice message urges callers to use the online contact form instead of leaving a message.

So I'm unsure about best practices - for right now, and going forward as staffers start returning to the office.

My questions:

1. Is it still better to call instead of using the contact form?

2. Is it still best to limit your call or contact to a single issue? (The Americans of Conscience newsletter seems to urge multiple issues on a single call...)

3. If I'm mainly writing to thank my fabulous congressfolk for positions or votes I support, is it okay to say thank you for multiple things, or should each one be a separate contact?

4. Are there any other best practices I should know about when contacting my representatives (at any level, including city supervisors and school board), especially practices that have changed during COVID or are about to change as things re-open?

Bonus question: Is there any point to signing online petitions aimed at legislators (like petitions from the ACLU, League of Women Voters, etc.)?

Thanks!

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