How to Lobby Congress

Legislators do listen to their constituents, so you truly can make a difference. Many members of Congress have changed their votes due to constituent input.

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The most important aspect of communicating with your representative's office is preparation. When you call Congress, you must be prepared to state specifically why you are calling, what your position is, and what you would like your representative to do.
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Politeness is key to successful communication with Capitol Hill staff. When staff members receive multiple calls about the same issue, they realize an advocacy group is probably at work behind the scenes and they form opinions about the group or the advocates of the issue based on those conversations.
*
Make sure to state your name and tell the staffer that you are a constituent. You may need to provide your address and telephone number (which is a standard practice). Don't worry, the office will simply use your contact information to send you a response about your representative's position on the issue.
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After identifying yourself, state what issue you are calling about.
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Be brief and specific. Tell the staff member the topic you are calling about and the specific name of the legislation or amendment you want your representative to support.
*
As tempting as it might be, avoid straying from the single issue you are calling about.
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If you approve of your representative's stance, be sure to commend him/her. If you do not agree, politely tell the staff member that you hope your representative will take another look at the issue (keep in mind that if you are not polite, the staff member's view of the issue could be negatively affected).
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Thank the staff member for his/her time and for considering your views.


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Sample script

"I'm a medical marijuana patient calling _________________ [name of rep or senator] I would like to meet with a staff member to discuss Federal marijuana policies and interference and their affections on individuals and communities in California (or whatever state you're in). I want _________________ [name of rep or senator] to support John Conyers letter to the DEA.

[MSmarter]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

How to Lobby Congress

Legislators do listen to their constituents, so you truly can make a difference. Many members of Congress have changed their votes due to constituent input.

*
The most important aspect of communicating with your representative's office is preparation. When you call Congress, you must be prepared to state specifically why you are calling, what your position is, and what you would like your representative to do.
*
Politeness is key to successful communication with Capitol Hill staff. When staff members receive multiple calls about the same issue, they realize an advocacy group is probably at work behind the scenes and they form opinions about the group or the advocates of the issue based on those conversations.
*
Make sure to state your name and tell the staffer that you are a constituent. You may need to provide your address and telephone number (which is a standard practice). Don't worry, the office will simply use your contact information to send you a response about your representative's position on the issue.
*
After identifying yourself, state what issue you are calling about.
*
Be brief and specific. Tell the staff member the topic you are calling about and the specific name of the legislation or amendment you want your representative to support.
*
As tempting as it might be, avoid straying from the single issue you are calling about.
*
If you approve of your representative's stance, be sure to commend him/her. If you do not agree, politely tell the staff member that you hope your representative will take another look at the issue (keep in mind that if you are not polite, the staff member's view of the issue could be negatively affected).
*
Thank the staff member for his/her time and for considering your views.


Get Local
US Map

MPP tracks marijuana policy in all 50 states and at the federal level.
Member Center

Sample script

"I'm a medical marijuana patient calling _________________ [name of rep or senator] I would like to meet with a staff member to discuss Federal marijuana policies and interference and their affections on individuals and communities in California (or whatever state you're in). I want _________________ [name of rep or senator] to support John Conyers letter to the DEA.

Thanks for posting this letter, now I can send my reps and senators this letter. Awesome !!!

Thank you for posting this...

Now let's see all of our WT'rs send this and let us unite and WIN!!!!

[sandyacres]

Many thanks for posting these good tips!

During the Congressional recess in August, a lot of Members of Congress are home in their districts holding public meetings or town halls. You can call your Representative's office and ask them if they have any town halls or public meetings you can attend.

It's good to "lobby" them in person as well as on the telephone and in the mail.

FYI - To find your Congressional Representative, visit www.house.gov, and enter your zip code in the upper left hand corner of the Home Page. It will give you a link to your Representative's Website with contact information, etc...

Peace.

[OakSmokeMJA]

Thanks for those tips herbalicious, they are excellent.
MMJ community, lets make our voice heard!

We will not be silent.