13 | November | 2016 | The Obama Diary

In regards to Twitter, Facebook, etc., I say use all but accompany them with her other suggestions. All forms of communication can help on the road to change

I worked for Congress for 6 years, and here's what I learned about how they listen to constituents.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

First, tweeting or writing on Facebook is largely ineffective. I never looked at those comments except to remove the harassing ones.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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Second, writing a letter to the district office (state) is better than sending an email or writing a letter to DC.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

But, the most effective thing is to actually call them on the phone. At their district (state) office. They have to talk to you there.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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We repped half a million people, it was impossible to read and respond personally to all letters. Impossible.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

This was something in particular that I cared about as a staffer and worked very hard on, but the sheer volume of emails is overwhelming
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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So, we batched them with computer algorithms and sent out form letters based on topic and position. Regardless of method received.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

But, phone calls! That was a thing that shook up our office from time. One time, a radio host gave out our district office phone # on air.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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He was against our immigration policy and told our constituents to call. And they did. All. Day. Long. All I did all day was answer phones.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

It was exhausting and you can bet my bosses heard about it. We had discussions because of that call to action.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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If we started getting a pattern of calls, I called up our DC office and asked if they were getting the same calls and we talked.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

Also, recognize that your letters and your emails get seen by staffers, just like your phone calls get answered. That's the way of it.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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If you want to talk to your rep, show up at town hall meetings. Get a huge group that they can't ignore. Pack that place and ask questions.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

We held town halls consistently that fewer than 50 people showed up for. And it was always the same people. So, shake it up.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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As always, please be kind but firm with those staffers. They will listen and talk to you. I always, always did.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

If you run an advocacy group, invite local staffers to show up to your events. Let them talk to people you work with and set up meetings.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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I loved getting out of my office and meeting with advocates in immigration, healthcare, education, science, and every type of work.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

Invite staffers on "field trips" and show them what it's like in your communities. Show them the work you are doing. It works.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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Are you noticing a pattern here? The staff are the ones who run the ground game for Congress. Work on helping them understand and learn.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

Because, if the staff knows you, when they have a question about a piece of legislation or amendment, they will be the one you call.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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And, that's the best I've got for you now. I hope it helps. Use your resources the best way you can and get their attention.
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Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016