Agree and while it seems hopeless contacting our Congress people etc, we still gotta do it. At least we know we made the attempt and it went ignored. I almost never get a response sadly.
You are right. Few responses, and when you get them, they are form letters whose contents reveal that NO ONE actually read what you wrote. Lately, IтАЩve been composing phone scripts that I use to call legislative offices (often after or before hours, so the message is recorded). I then follow up via email with the same content as the phone scripts, but also including links if relevant.
IтАЩve heard that phone messages are more impactful тАФ and if enough people place calls, especially in a limited time frame, the calls get attention if only because they are a nuisance. Text messages also might work, though I donтАЩt use them.
Another helpful strategy is to personally meet as many elected officials (or their staff) as possible. Sometimes you have to do it more than once, and it doesnтАЩt have to be in a formal setting тАФ even a post-meeting parking lot chat can be incredibly effective.
Personal connections тАФ meeting people as people and getting to know them тАФ can be super helpful. Of course, that wonтАЩt work for officials who are far away, but often they have local staff. The staff are the gatekeepers, so knowing and understanding them could be important too.
All great ideas! I just moved to a new state and IтАЩm in the process of getting things registered here and I just might try some of those ideas. IтАЩm hearing impaired, but I can still do the text messages and try to meet some of these people in person. Thank you for the great tips.
Congratulations on your move. We moved twice within 18 months, with the first move being to a new state. Super stressful and soooo much work!
The best thing we did in both places was to meet like-minded people, get to know them well, and work together to help our communities. Local, local, local! And, of course, read and comment on Substacks to help others; you may never know how many people you reach, but youтАЩll know that you tried.
IтАЩm sure having a hearing disability makes life more difficult, but if youтАЩre open with folks, they will appreciate your efforts to communicate even more.
Also overcoming natural shyness and being humble about what you know and donтАЩt know can work. ItтАЩs difficult at first, but once you do it, each subsequent effort is easier. тАЬI am new here and I would love your adviceтАЬ is a great icebreaker.
You are so welcome! The first step is knowing the problem. The second is doing something about it as best we can.
Agree and while it seems hopeless contacting our Congress people etc, we still gotta do it. At least we know we made the attempt and it went ignored. I almost never get a response sadly.
You are right. Few responses, and when you get them, they are form letters whose contents reveal that NO ONE actually read what you wrote. Lately, IтАЩve been composing phone scripts that I use to call legislative offices (often after or before hours, so the message is recorded). I then follow up via email with the same content as the phone scripts, but also including links if relevant.
IтАЩve heard that phone messages are more impactful тАФ and if enough people place calls, especially in a limited time frame, the calls get attention if only because they are a nuisance. Text messages also might work, though I donтАЩt use them.
Another helpful strategy is to personally meet as many elected officials (or their staff) as possible. Sometimes you have to do it more than once, and it doesnтАЩt have to be in a formal setting тАФ even a post-meeting parking lot chat can be incredibly effective.
Personal connections тАФ meeting people as people and getting to know them тАФ can be super helpful. Of course, that wonтАЩt work for officials who are far away, but often they have local staff. The staff are the gatekeepers, so knowing and understanding them could be important too.
All great ideas! I just moved to a new state and IтАЩm in the process of getting things registered here and I just might try some of those ideas. IтАЩm hearing impaired, but I can still do the text messages and try to meet some of these people in person. Thank you for the great tips.
Congratulations on your move. We moved twice within 18 months, with the first move being to a new state. Super stressful and soooo much work!
The best thing we did in both places was to meet like-minded people, get to know them well, and work together to help our communities. Local, local, local! And, of course, read and comment on Substacks to help others; you may never know how many people you reach, but youтАЩll know that you tried.
IтАЩm sure having a hearing disability makes life more difficult, but if youтАЩre open with folks, they will appreciate your efforts to communicate even more.
Also overcoming natural shyness and being humble about what you know and donтАЩt know can work. ItтАЩs difficult at first, but once you do it, each subsequent effort is easier. тАЬI am new here and I would love your adviceтАЬ is a great icebreaker.
Good luck in your new state!