Chop Wood, Carry Water 2/1

Yes, times are tough, but we are tougher.

—Robert Hubbell

Hi, all! Happy Tuesday and happy Black history month!

Someone new to this list wrote me yesterday asking whether it was better to call or email our reps. I’ve answered this here before, but because we have lots of new subscribers I thought the answer bore repeating: calls are the ideal form of outreach, but emails sent through a representative’s official website portal are, as far as I understand, about equally weighted.

The rule of thumb I’ve been taught by those in the know is essentially: the more uncomfortable/inconvenient our outreach is, the more effective. So going to the representative’s office and meeting with a staffer is the gold standard—as are sit-ins or protests in front of their office when they’re not doing what we want, or attending Town Halls when they’re available—followed by calls, then emails, then Resistbot letters (ideally personalized), and finally petitions, which are basically worth pennies on the dollar from an effectiveness standpoint. (I occasionally post a petition to a company, public figure, or Cabinet member in this newsletter, as those can be more potent, but ones to Congress are generally pointless.)

Oh, and a voicemail left at your rep’s office is just as effective as speaking to someone directly, provided you clearly state your full name and zip code when you leave the message. And always remember, if you aren’t a constituent your message will likely be discarded. That’s why we call our reps, not someone else’s.

So there you go. Hope this helps.

And please know that whatever you’re doing is wonderful, and important, and meaningful, compared to doing nothing. You may think your calls aren’t making a difference, but trust me—they are. Years of persistence and constant outreach with my own representative—combined with public praise when he does well and the occasional batch of cookies for his staff—have brought me to the point where he called me a few days ago and asked for my support in his re-election bid.

Remember—I’m no one special. I’m a middle-aged mom and a former sales professional. I have zero political training. I’ve just persisted. I’ve shown up. I’ve decided to be a voice in my district, and now he’s decided I’m person worth keeping in his corner.

You can—and will—have a similar impact in your district. You already have the power—you may just not know it yet.

So let’s get to using that power right now. Before you know it your Congressmember will be asking for your support, too. 😁

Call Your Senators (find yours here)

Please call ALL Senators — GOP and Dem—about the below!

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.

I’m calling the Senator to express my strong support for Gigi Sohn for FCC Commissioner. I know the Commerce committee vote is tomorrow, with a floor vote right after it. I hope to see strong bipartisan support for this excellent nominee.

I also want the Senator to vote to confirm President Biden’s nominees to the Federal Reserve Board: Sarah Bloom Raskin, Lisa Cook and Philip Jefferson. [optional add:] These are people who care about families and communities like mine, take climate change seriously, and can tackle real issues we’re facing like racial and economic injustice. Thanks. [H/T]

Call Your House Rep (find yours here)

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.

I’m calling because legislation has recently been introduced—HR 5389 the REDUCE Act—that will force plastic makers to pay a fee for using virgin plastic and create a fund to reduce plastic use, and increase recycling. This is great, as I’m really worried about our plastic pollution crisis—and I want the Congressmember to support it. Thanks.

Get Smart!

An organization mentioned a few times in yesterday’s article about Secretary of State races is The States United Democracy Center. They’re a nonpartisan group advancing free, fair, and secure elections. They focus on connecting state officials, law enforcement leaders, and pro-democracy partners with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard our democracy. Their mission is “to make sure every vote is counted, every voice is heard, and every election is safe.” Pretty unassailable, right?

I’m on their email list, and their updates and calls to action are invaluable. Consider signing up to get them here!

Win Races! 🗳

Remember how critical municipal races are? Well, there are important ones coming up in New Mexico, and Early Voting has already started!

Join EVP to call low propensity environmental voters in Rio Rancho, NM ahead of the March 1st Municipal General Election! Their next phonebank is tomorrow at 5Pm PT/ 8PM ET. No experience necessary! Sign up here.

Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)

[to all 3 reps] [H/T] [Quicksend—although copying the below and pasting it into your Resistbot text field so you can personalize before sending is always best—text SIGN PJAMSO to 50409]

I’m writing to say that it’s time to give the IRS the resources it needs to do two important jobs: effectively serve law-abiding taxpayers and stop tax cheating by billionaires and big corporations.

The IRS warns that refunds will be delayed and taxpayer questions will go unanswered, as they struggle with their lowest workforce in over 40 years. Meanwhile, the U.S. lost $600 billion in revenue to tax evasion and noncompliance in 2019—most of those unpaid taxes were owed by the wealthy and corporations. The answer to both problems—poor customer service for working families and lax enforcement against the rich—is a bigger budget for the IRS.

Congress must provide the $80 billion in the Build Back Better plan the IRS needs to do its job. Please. this is common sense, and it’s only fair. Thanks.

---

OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.

Talk tomorrow.

Jess