Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

It's arrived! Download Call the Halls: Contacting Your Representative the Smart Way >>  http://callthehallsguide.com 

Wed, Nov 23 2016 22:12:00

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/801548882177978368

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Wed, Nov 23 2016 22:12:00

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

I worked for Congress for 6 years, and here's what I learned about how they listen to constituents.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:03:37

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797243415922515970

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:03:37

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

First, tweeting or writing on Facebook is largely ineffective. I never looked at those comments except to remove the harassing ones.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:04:17

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797243585305321474

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:04:17

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

Second, writing a letter to the district office (state) is better than sending an email or writing a letter to DC.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:04:49

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797243719774707712

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:04:49

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

But, the most effective thing is to actually call them on the phone. At their district (state) office. They have to talk to you there.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:05:20

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797243849798074368

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:05:20

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

We repped half a million people, it was impossible to read and respond personally to all letters. Impossible.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:07:31

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797244398870269952

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:07:31

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

This was something in particular that I cared about as a staffer and worked very hard on, but the sheer volume of emails is overwhelming

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:08:05

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797244542554501120

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:08:05

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

So, we batched them with computer algorithms and sent out form letters based on topic and position. Regardless of method received.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:08:38

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797244682006765572

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:08:38

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

But, phone calls! That was a thing that shook up our office from time. One time, a radio host gave out our district office phone # on air.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:09:09

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797244810994167808

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:09:09

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

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.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:09:43

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797244952883277825

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:09:43

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

It was exhausting and you can bet my bosses heard about it. We had discussions because of that call to action.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:10:19

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797245103001640960

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:10:19

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

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.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:10:42

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797245201332850688

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:10:42

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

Also, recognize that your letters and your emails get seen by staffers, just like your phone calls get answered. That's the way of it.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:11:11

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797245322376249345

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:11:11

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

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.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:11:36

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797245428567674880

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:11:36

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

We held town halls consistently that fewer than 50 people showed up for. And it was always the same people. So, shake it up.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:12:17

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797245599393320960

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:12:17

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

As always, please be kind but firm with those staffers. They will listen and talk to you. I always, always did.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:13:30

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797245903979495424

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:13:30

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

If you run an advocacy group, invite local staffers to show up to your events. Let them talk to people you work with and set up meetings.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:14:10

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797246072066166784

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:14:10

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

I loved getting out of my office and meeting with advocates in immigration, healthcare, education, science, and every type of work.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:14:42

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797246205159829504

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:14:42

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

Invite staffers on "field trips" and show them what it's like in your communities. Show them the work you are doing. It works.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:15:32

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797246415114113025

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:15:32

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

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.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:18:35

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797247183506419712

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:18:35

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

Because, if the staff knows you, when they have a question about a piece of legislation or amendment, they will be the one you call.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:19:53

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797247509898743808

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:19:53

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

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.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:27:10

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797249344684498944

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 01:27:10

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

I've been called out a few times for my suggestions being ableist, and I'm listening to that feedback, but I have suggestions.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 16:16:34

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797473170206826496

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 16:16:34

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

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.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 16:17:02

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797473286451908608

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 16:17:02

Emily Ellsworth@editoremilye

Also, if you can get involved in local advocacy groups that have people who can do the in-person meetings or phone calls, that's good too.

Sat, Nov 12 2016 16:17:41

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https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797473451866869761

— Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye)Sat, Nov 12 2016 16:17:41