Make 1 “real constituent” contact per week (2–5 minutes). Pick one
___​​Phone call to the DC office (or district office) or
___Individualized email (not a form template)
 

​Personalize the message (this is the magic ingredient)
Include at least two of the following:

___A specific ask (“Please vote YES/NO on ___” or
___“Please co-sponsor ___”)
___ Local/district impact (“This affects Salt Lake families by…”)
___Your reason for supporting/opposing the measure
___A short personal story (2–3 sentences)

Why: Staff report it’s not the delivery method, it’s the content; personalization and local impact are particularly helpful.
 

​Show up where Members feel gravity: district office hours, town halls, public events.
Do one per month:
___Attend an in-person town hall / public forum
___Go to district office hours
___Ask a clear question and repeat your specific ask

Why: In-person constituent visits are among the highest-impact advocacy strategies in staff surveys.
 

If you can, request a meeting with staff (it counts)

___Ask for the district director or relevant legislative aide
___Bring 1–2 neighbors (small is good)
___Leave behind a one-page summary of your ask

Why: CMF’s research emphasizes the power of constituent engagement and relationships with offices.
 

​Use a “formal, respectful” tone, even when you’re furious...
___Polite + firm beats spicy + chaotic
___Short, clear, specific

Why: Research on government communications finds formality can increase perceived credibility and effectiveness.
 

​Follow up once (this is how “one contact” becomes a relationship)
Within 48 hours:
___Send a brief thank-you
___Re-state the ask
___Ask for the office’s position

Why: Congressional offices treat constituent communications as a high priority, and sustained constituent engagement is a core influence pathway.
 

​Social media: use it to amplify, not as your only tactic.
___Comment publicly only if you clearly identify as a constituent
___Then do #1 (call/email) anyway

Why: Staff use social media to understand views, but it tends to be less influential on undecided Members because offices often can’t verify commenters are constituents.