GOAL Legislative Advocacy

Calling Your Legislators

A phone call is a simple way to communicate with your elected officials. You don't need to be a policy expert or an experienced advocate — you just need to know what you want to say.

Don't Be Nervous About Calling

Many people are uncomfortable calling a legislative office for the first time. Remember that communicating with constituents is a normal part of the legislative process.

You may speak directly with your legislator, but you will often speak with a staff member. Either way, the goal is the same: identify yourself, explain why you are calling and clearly state what action you are requesting.

You don't need a speech.

A short, courteous and focused conversation is enough. Know the issue, know what you're asking for and make your point clearly.

Find Your Massachusetts Legislators

Use the Massachusetts Legislature's official tool to identify your State Representative and State Senator and find their contact information.

FIND MY LEGISLATORS

Before You Make the Call

A minute or two of preparation can make the conversation much easier.

1

Know Who You're Calling

Have the legislator's name and office phone number ready before you begin.

2

Know the Issue

Write down the bill number or specific issue you are calling about. You don't need to know every detail.

3

Know Your Ask

Decide what you want the legislator to do: support, oppose, amend or otherwise act on the issue.

4

Prepare One Reason

Have one or two sentences explaining why the issue matters to you personally.

5

Have Your Information Ready

Be prepared to provide your name, city or town and contact information if requested.

6

Keep Notes Nearby

A few bullet points can keep you focused and prevent nervousness from taking over.

Don't be disappointed if you speak with staff.

Legislators cannot personally answer every call. Legislative staff regularly communicate with constituents, gather information and work on specific policy areas. Clearly explain why you are calling and ask that your position be communicated to the legislator.

A Simple Formula for Your Call

You can handle most legislative calls with these five steps.

1. Introduce
Give your name and tell them you are a constituent from your city or town.
2. Identify
Tell them the bill number or issue you are calling about.
3. State
Clearly state whether you support or oppose the proposal.
4. Explain
Briefly explain why the issue matters to you. Personal experience can be useful here.
5. Ask
Clearly state what action you are requesting and ask for the legislator's position.

Sample Phone Call

You don't need to memorize a script. Use this simply as a guide.

EXAMPLE

Keep it simple and conversational.

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] , and I live in [CITY/TOWN]. I'm a constituent of [REPRESENTATIVE / SENATOR NAME].

I'm calling about [BILL NUMBER OR ISSUE].

I am asking the Representative / Senator to [SUPPORT / OPPOSE / AMEND] this proposal.

This issue is important to me because [ONE OR TWO SENTENCES EXPLAINING WHY].

Would you please let the Representative / Senator know how I feel about this issue?

I would also appreciate knowing their position and what action they intend to take.

Thank you very much for your time.

If You Get Voicemail

Use essentially the same message. Give your name, city or town, the bill or issue, your requested action and a telephone number or email address if you would like the office to respond.

During the Conversation

✓ Good Practices

  • Be courteous.
  • Identify yourself as a constituent.
  • Keep the call focused.
  • Clearly identify the issue.
  • Use your own words.
  • Explain why the issue matters to you.
  • Ask for a specific action.
  • Thank the staff member for their time.

Things to Avoid

  • Personal attacks or insults.
  • Threatening or abusive language.
  • Arguing with legislative staff.
  • Trying to discuss several unrelated issues at once.
  • Making claims you cannot support.
  • Reading a long prepared speech.
  • Becoming frustrated if the legislator is unavailable.

After the Call

A little follow-up can make your communication more useful.

Make a Quick Note

  • Write down the date you called and the name of the person you spoke with.
  • Note anything the office told you about the legislator's position.
  • If staff promised to get information for you, make a note to follow up.
  • If appropriate, follow your call with a short email providing additional information.
  • If the legislator takes the action you requested, consider contacting the office again to say thank you.

Make the Call.

You don't need to know everything about the legislative process. Be courteous. Be concise. Be specific. Then clearly tell your elected officials why you're calling and what action you're asking them to take.