Contact Your Legislators

Contact Your Legislators

Members of the United States Congress (comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate) have the power to create and recommend U.S. policy necessary to end genocide.

Additionally, Congress has control over federal spending and must work to provide the funding necessary to ensure civilian protection.

 

Make the Call

Dial 1-800-GENOCIDE to be connected directly to your legislators.

  • Simply call the toll-free hotline (1-800-436-6243)
  • You will be asked to enter your zip code
  • Choose whether you would like to speak to one of your senators or your representative (select 1 for representative or 2 for senator)
  • You will receive updated talking points before being connected directly to the office

Sample introduction: Hello, my name is __________. I am an constituent calling to urge the representative/senator to...

What to know before calling

What to expect

  • Your call will most likely be answered by an office assistant who will be able to take down your comments. If you would like to have an extended conversation with the office, ask to speak to the legislative assistant who handles international affairs. Ask to leave a message if they are unavailable, and don't be afraid to call back to follow-up.
  • Be prepared to give your name and address if asked. This information is used to confirm that you are a constituent.

 

Write to Your Elected Officials

Use your pen or grab your keyboard.

  • Get the contact information: find the district address or the electronic comment form for your elected official. Go to www.congress.org.
    • Enter your zip code and then select which official you would like to send a message.
    • The "contact" tab will give you the district address and the ability to send an email through the web form.
  • Compose your message.
    • Keep your message short, direct and focus on one specific ask.
    • Include information about the Darfur Scores grades of your elected official. Grades are available at www.DarfurScores.org.
    • When writing a letter, handwritten communication is the most effective.
  • Send or mail your message. If you are mailing your letter, it is most effective if you send it to the district office.

Face to Face Meeting

An in-person visit with a member of Congress or their staff is the single most effective way you can advocate for an end to genocide.

You can meet your legislator or their staff in Washington, D.C., or in their district office near your home.

How to schedule a meeting

  • Find the office phone number for the district or Washington, DC office of your elected official. Go to www.congress.org.
    • Enter your zip code and then select which official you would like to send a message.
    • The "contact" tab will give you the phone numbers of both the district and Washington, DC offices.
  • Chose which office you would like to call based upon where you will be meeting (if you are meeting in-district call the district office closest to you).
  • Call the office and ask to speak to the scheduler.
  • Schedule your meeting. Let the scheduler know that you are a concerned constituent interested in meeting with your representative/senator. Be prepared to describe what you would like to talk to your legislator about.
  • If your representative/senator is not available, ask to meet with the legislative assistant who handles international affairs.

What to expect

  • It may be difficult to meet with your elected official in person. However, you can always meet with a member of your elected official's staff. Oftentimes meeting with the staff member who handles international affairs is the best person to talk to about your issue.
  • Don't go alone. It will be easier to get a meeting and have greater impact if you have a group of people and/or represent a group of people.

What to bring to your meeting

  • A printed copy of your legislator’s report card from www.DarfurScores.org.
  • Basic talking points on the conflict and your specific ask. If advocating for a specific bill, bring the bill’s name and number with you. Need help figuring out what to ask? Check out the legislation page.
  • Other members of your community concerned about the issue.
  • If available, information about your efforts, your organization and any related local news coverage.
  • A camera to document your visit.
    Got pictures? Send them to info@genocideintervention.net.

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