Writer and editor Emily Ellsworth has been earning a lot of attention for her incredibly helpful Twitter thread on how best to contact your Congressional representatives. A registered Republican who campaigned and voted for Hillary Clinton, Ellsworth has formerly worked for both Utah Reps. Jason Chaffetz and Chris Stewart. Here's her advice:
I worked for Congress for 6 years, and here's what I learned about how they listen to constituents.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
Second, writing a letter to the district office (state) is better than sending an email or writing a letter to DC.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
We repped half a million people, it was impossible to read and respond personally to all letters. Impossible.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
So, we batched them with computer algorithms and sent out form letters based on topic and position. Regardless of method received.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
He was against our immigration policy and told our constituents to call. And they did. All. Day. Long. All I did all day was answer phones.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
If we started getting a pattern of calls, I called up our DC office and asked if they were getting the same calls and we talked.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
If you want to talk to your rep, show up at town hall meetings. Get a huge group that they can't ignore. Pack that place and ask questions.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
As always, please be kind but firm with those staffers. They will listen and talk to you. I always, always did.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
I loved getting out of my office and meeting with advocates in immigration, healthcare, education, science, and every type of work.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
Are you noticing a pattern here? The staff are the ones who run the ground game for Congress. Work on helping them understand and learn.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
And, that's the best I've got for you now. I hope it helps.
Use your resources the best way you can and get their attention.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
Sending a personal letter to your congressman's state office is absolutely effective. If you can't call on the phone, try to do that.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
But, ultimately, no matter what you do, if you communicate with your member of congress at all, you are ahead of most people.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
I think most people know that I'm speaking in generalities here and that not everyone's representatives are the same.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 13, 2016
But, I promise you (fellow citizens) do have a voice, especially if you can combine it with local advocacy groups on issues you care about.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 13, 2016
It worked for me. I have completely shifted my political views since I started working for Congress. And it was because I listened.
— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 13, 2016
You can also hear Ellsworth talk more about her experiences on this episode of This American Life.
