» Placing a Phone Call

If you can’t set up a meeting, try calling the legislator’s office. When you call, ask to speak to the staff member who handles the issue you’d like to discuss. Prepare just as you would for a face to face visit, making sure you know what points you want to communicate. Phone calls are a good choice when a piece of legislation needs to be dealt with urgently. Simply registering your opinion on the issue can influence how your legislator votes.

Before meeting with Members of Congress or their staff, it is helpful to know a few basic facts about the legislator and the district to give you some idea about how to approach your conversation.

Personal meetings in either Washington, DC or home district offices are effective ways to communicate your views and establish relationships with your elected representatives.

Email is another option.

The definition of lobbying is generally considered to be communications intended to influence specific legislation.