Call Representatives

To call a representative from the Central California Coast, dial one of these numbers:

Staff people for Senators, Congresspeople & State Legislators keep careful tabs on calls & faxes received regarding the work of those who represent us. Generally speaking, those at all levels are more influenced by views of actual constituents than by those of the public at large. But they need to hear from everyone when their votes have a significant impact on the interests of the country or state as a whole.

Calling the President is worthwhile for the same reasons, even when it seems unlikely he'll be influenced by opinion opposed to his policies.

It's invaluable to legislators as they negotiate with each other, to be able to point to figures on the calls & faxes they've gotten about an issue. Often they're influenced in their own voting by a changing climate of public opinion as expressed in the volume of calls.

When representatives cave to the pressures that always surround them, & vote in ways we see as contrary to the public interest, it's important to remind them that an informed public is watching & disapproves.

When representatives take bold stands for peace & justice, or put through bills that actually benefit the public at large, it's important to give them appreciation & support.

Frequent short calls & faxes -- something we can all do from the privacy of our homes -- are an important kind of political work. They should express views on a single issue each time, politely & in a non-confrontational fashion. Calls from California to Washington are cheap before 8:00 am.

If all the peace & justice activists in the Bay Area alone would make it our business to place such calls or faxes once a week, year in & year out, that fact alone would change the context for decision-making in Washington. If progressive activists all over the country got into the habit -- as those of the Christian Right did a few years back -- there's no doubt we could turn this country around!

To call any member of Congress, dial 1 (800) 768-2221, ask for the representative by name, & get connected.