LOBBY POWER
Elected officials are eager (or obligated!) to hear from you — the voter — regarding your concerns. You can put this power to use standing up for wild Alaska! Build a relationship with new or returning members to help them understand the value of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other special places. Below, find information and tips for getting to know elected officials and building connections with them. On our Get Informed page you will find the most recent information on our campaigns, and the Fact Sheet page is home to information sheets you can leave with offices — use these to educate your member about wild Alaska.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR MEMBER'S POSITIONS
- Find your representative's website and contact info here;
- Register for their online newsletter;
- Enter their phone number into your speed dial so you can call them and express your views;
- Bookmark their website comment portal;
- Follow them on social media. For a full list of helpful social tips, click here.
ARRANGE A DISTRICT MEETING
District meetings are a highly effective way to let your representative and senators know that their constituents are concerned about keeping Alaska wild. Many members of Congress come home each weekend and have time available to meet with constituents on Fridays and Mondays. In addition, Congress schedules recesses throughout the course of the year in February, April and August, as well as over the Memorial Day and Independence Day holidays. Click here for step-by-step instructions for a successful appointment.
ATTEND A TOWN HALL
Many representatives and senators host public town hall forums or meet your member events when they are back in their district or state. This is a great opportunity to let them know about the issues you are passionate about. We have heard from offices that this is a very important way for them to get a sense of the priorities of their constituents.
Visit our Town Hall Forum page for detailed information on how to be most effective.
MEET WITH YOUR MEMBER IN D.C.
Just as powerful as meeting with your representatives in district is a meeting on Capitol Hill! Whether in D.C. on business or vacation, taking some time out from your busy day to stop by their office shows them how much you care about an issue. Follow the same steps you would in the district — contact their D.C. scheduler (find on their website) and request a meeting. Many members hold constituent coffee events each week. If your member does try to be sure to stop by. We have heard from offices that this is a very important way for them to get a sense of the priorities of their constituents.