longer.blue

Rapscallion Wednesdays: It’s that time again to be a politically engaged scamp. A tenacious goblin of democracy. A contact-er of your representatives. “Okay…but how do I actually do this? And does it actually DO anything? And what if I hate talking to people?!” Contacting reps is one of the easiest and most impactful ways of moving the needle on issues. Sustained effort is the key - we don’t want to be paralyzed with choices or to burn out. I need a simple routine and accountability so I actually do it. I am sharing this for myself and inviting anyone who also needs helpful reminders to let out their inner democracy goblin for collective good. Any day is a good day for this, but Wednesdays work for me. If you've already done this before, here's the quick reminder: 1. Go to the “who represents me” website for your state and type in your address and blam-o. Contact those people via phone or email. You can contact all your reps (state and federal) but I try to focus on state level since your voice goes farther. For MN: https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/ 2. We did the thing! See you same time same place? Awesome (high five) If you are new to this and want more detail, here’s what I’ve gathered into my political rapscallion starter pack: 1. Calls and emails are tallied. What matters is the number of each they get. Both “count.” Calls somewhat more than emails, but emails will “count” more if they are clearly in your own words. BUT a copy/forward email is still counting if that’s what you’ve got in you. 2. Since it’s about numbers, the more often the better. KEEP being annoying (but kind). Be so annoying (but kind). I’m aiming for weekly. 3. If you are a scared introvert like me calling after hours is just as effective- I try to call after 4:30 and leave a message. 4. Basic message “Hi I’m [name], I’m a constituent from [state/city]” then if comfortable include your street address so they can verify your rep. Then say what you are calling about briefly. DONE! Pat yourself on the back and continue to call your ol’ pal Representatives again and again. 5. You don’t need to know stuff. Specific demand? Great, but don’t let it stop you from calling if you don’t know exactly what you want your rep to do. It still counts to say you are concerned about [issue] and you would like you rep to be working on it. Or to ask what they are doing regarding [issue] and you will continue to look out for their action. 6. This website has sample scripts on a variety of issues, just pick one of those! https://5calls.org/ 7. Extra points in signing up for your reps’ newsletters so you can follow along with what they are doing and this might inform your calls in the future. 8. There are many forms of activism, it’s okay to do this in different ways. Mold it to fit you so that you can keep up whatever version works for you over time. It really does matter and it’s important that we try. Well I gotta go make a call, talk to you later!