SAMPLE PHONE CALL
(best to put in own words & be natural)
Staff: How can I help you?
You: Hi, my name is [Name] and I’m a constituent of [Reps Name]. I’m calling today because I’m really hoping that [Reps Name] will support the “Kate Puzey Peace Corps Protection Act” that is being introduced by [Insert either House/Senate Sponsor, depending if you are calling House or Senate].
Can I please speak with the staffer responsible for that issue? (in order: 1. Peace Corps, 2. Foreign Affairs, 3. Women’s Issues)
Relevant Staffer: Hi this is [name]. How can I help you?
You: Hi [their name], my name is [Your Name] and I’m a constituent of [Reps Name].
I’m calling today because I’m really hoping that [Reps Name] will support the “Kate Puzey Peace Corps Protection Act” [HR 2337 for House & S 1280 for Senate] that is being introduced by [Insert either House/Senate Sponsor, depending where you are calling].
Have you heard about the bill yet?
Relevant Staffer: Yes / No
You: [Provide further information & any personal connection]
EXAMPLE:
- This bill will help:
- Better protect Peace Corps Volunteers serving abroad
- Better support Volunteers who are raped or otherwise become victims of violent crime
- Help better identify problems beforehand to prevent attacks from occurring in the first place
- Better protect the confidentiality of Peace Corp Volunteers who become whistleblowers of misconduct
- I knew Kate (/other Volunteer) and if this bill had been in place before, it is possible she/he might be alive today (related story)
- The Peace Corps is also in support of the bill
- CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL TEXT OF BILL
[Wrapping up – be careful not to take too much time]
You: I sure hope we can count on [Rep’s Name] for this very important bill. Thank you so much for your time and have a good day!
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Final Notes:
- If you cannot reach the relevant staff, it is okay to just leave them a voicemail, or leave a message with the person you speak with about your support for the bill
- Remember: Always be polite and respectful!!!
- It is great to include personal connections and make clear how much you care about the bill - but also be careful not to ramble on for too long (you want them to remember your call but not be annoyed – staffers are very busy people)
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SPECIFIC HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE OF PHONE CALL
From ‘John Doe’ to ‘Representative Doe’
Staff: How can I help you?
You: Hi, my name is [John] and I’m a constituent of [Representative Doe]. I’m calling today because I’m really hoping that [Representative Doe] will support the “Kate Puzey Peace Corps Protection Act” that is being introduced by [Representative Ted Poe and Representative Sam Farr].
Can I please speak with the staffer responsible for that issue? Perhaps the staffer that handles foreign affairs, or violence against women?
Staff: One moment, let me see if she is available, or
Relevant Staffer: Hi this is [Diana]. How can I help you?
You: Hi [Diana], my name is [John Doe] and I’m a constituent of [Representative Doe].
I’m calling today because I’m really hoping that [Representative Doe] will support the “Kate Puzey Peace Corps Protection Act” - HR 2337 - that is being introduced by [Representative Ted Poe and Representative Sam Farr, bill number HR 2337].
Have you heard about the bill yet?
Relevant Staffer: No, not really
You: Well this is very important bill actually named after a family friend of ours who was murdered while serving in the Peace Corps.
It would help better protect Peace Corps Volunteers serving abroad, and make sure that Volunteers who are raped receive the support they need and deserve.
As someone who strongly supports the Peace Corps myself, I want to see it passed to make the Peace Corps a stronger organization, and I am glad to hear that the Peace Corps has been working to develop the bill and supports it.
Also, as we knew Kate (the volunteer the bill is named for) it is possible that she might be alive today if it this law had been in place, so it is very important.
[Wrapping up – be careful not to take too much time]
You: I sure hope we can count on [Representative Doe’s support] for this very important bill. Thank you so much for your time & have a good day!
