An email fit for forwarding
Gruesome Details
I wrote this email to some friends and family today, but I wanted to share with you folks. I have another email coming this week so! Double email week!
Hi all,
If you're receiving this email, you either know me or you have been forwarded this email by someone who knows you. Hello! Either way, however you received this email, it is because you care about others.
There may not feel like there is a lot you can do on a day-to-day basis to reach for a better world, one in which you want to live. I am writing this email to encourage you to reach out to your representatives every day. If you save their numbers in your phone, it will take you 10 minutes tops. I promise, as someone who does it all the time.
Find one issue you are passionate about. Is it LGBTQ+ rights? Is it abortion access? Is it rights for immigrants? Is it the absolute idiocy of Democrat messaging? Find your issue and call about it every day. (You can easily track your reps’ votes using GovTrack. You can get weekly emails about how your reps have voted and upcoming bills. No work needed on your part, outside of signing up!)
Call when your rep has done an absolutely terrible job. Call when your rep has done a good job. Thank them/berate them. But call each day.
Here are some sample scripts AKA things I've said on the phone.
For my congresswoman, who is largely doing a good job:
Hi, I'm constituent in Congresswoman Friedman's district. I'm calling to thank her for voting no on the Laken Riley Act. I have noticed her continued support for immigrant rights. This is one of the most important issues for me. I encourage her to continue to obstruct the fascist GOP agenda that seeks to dehumanize American citizens and undocumented American residents. Do you want my contact information? [Giving your zip code and contact information lets your rep know you live in their district and want to keep in touch/get emails about the issues over which you berated/congratulated them]
For Adam Schiff, my frenemy:
Hi, I'm a constituent of the Senator's. I'm calling to remind him to continue to obstruct the GOP agenda. I've seen on his website that he released press releases dealing with issues XYZ but not issue A, which is the issue most important to me. I do not want bipartisanship on this issue. I want Democrats to hold the line and stand firm against the GOP's agenda. This is what will make me vote for Schiff again. Do you want my contact information?
For Chuck Schumer, who is not my rep:
Hi, I'm not a constituent of the Senator’s, but I am calling him as he is a top Democrat. I want to express my anger at the Democrat messaging during this time. The system is not working for anyone. Republicans may want to change the system to further line their own pockets, but at least they understand it is not working. Democrats need to offer an alternative for the United States that doesn't hinge on an America I've never known. I'm 37. All I've known is a post-Reagan US and, although the party is controlled by the oldest skeletons known to man, I need the Senator the recognize the future of the party lies with people who do not remember 1970. Do you want my contact information?
For my local city councilmember:
Hi, I want to make sure XYZ gets on the legislative agenda for the city. It is important for Angelenos that we have firm rent protections across the board. Whether or not we were directly impacted by the fires, we will all face the onslaught of price gouging and evictions that come in its wake. It is important to set a renter-friendly agenda for all Angelenos, not just those who were directly impacted by the wildfires.
Make your own script, based on issues you care about! But I thought this might be a good jumping off point, since I often tell people to "call their reps" and they look at me with confusion and fear.
Let your elected officials know you are paying attention and you hate everything happening. This is the only thing that will cause them to change.
Please forward this to anyone who cares but doesn't know how to get started on making daily calls to vent their spleen at elected officials.
xoxo,
Katie