How to make sure Congress hears you

How to effectively talk to your member of Congress. 

Emily Ellsworth explains:

First, tweeting or writing on Facebook is largely ineffective. I never looked at those comments except to remove the harassing ones.
Second, writing a letter to the district office (state) is better than sending an email or writing a letter to DC.
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.
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.

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.
We held town halls consistently that fewer than 50 people showed up for. And it was always the same people. So, shake it up.
As always, please be kind but firm with those staffers. They will listen and talk to you. I always, always did.

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.
Invite staffers on "field trips" and show them what it's like in your communities. Show them the work you are doing. It works.
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.
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.
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.
Another FAQ: how do I know if my representative is having a town hall meeting?

Sign up for their email list and you'll get notifications.