Taking Action: How You Can Make a Difference- Part 2
By: Deborah Dietz
As part of our ongoing series to help you get more involved in advocacy, we’re breaking things down into four simple steps.
Last month, we started with Step 1: Find Your Elected Officials—because knowing who represents you is the foundation of civic engagement.
This month, we’re moving on to Step 2: Contact Your Elected Officials.
Reaching out to your representatives is one of the most direct ways to get involved.
Whether you call, email, send a letter, or speak at a public meeting, your input matters. Elected officials rely on feedback from voters like you to guide their decisions.
When you share your story and ask for specific action, you’re not just expressing an opinion, you’re helping shape policy and priorities in your community.
Here are three important things to know when you are contacting your elected officials.
- Be Clear and Specific
State your purpose right away. Whether you’re supporting or opposing an issue, ask for a specific action—like voting a certain way on a bill or supporting a particular policy. The more direct and focused your message is, the easier it is for your official (or their staff) to understand and respond. - Share Your Personal Story
Real-life experiences are powerful. If an issue affects you, your family, or your community, sharing that story can help your message stand out and make a stronger impression. Elected officials are more likely to remember and connect with a personal story than a general statement. - Be Respectful and Courteous
Even if you’re upset or frustrated, always stay respectful. Being polite strengthens your credibility and increases the chances that your message will be taken seriously. Thank them for their time and for serving your community—even when you disagree.
Stay Tuned!
We hope these tips help you feel more confident reaching out to your elected officials. Your opinion truly matters, and every message makes a difference.
Watch our video.
Go to our YouTube Playlist to see all the videos in this series.
In the coming months, we’ll continue this series with Step 3: Check Your Voting Status and Step 4: Stay Informed.
These final steps will help you stay engaged and ready to take action when it counts most.
Stay tuned—and let’s keep moving forward together!
