CALLING CONGRESS

Adding Your Voice to the Debate

A We Work For Health

Advocacy Webinar

April 17, 2009

Get Ready for Next Week

WWFH is holding a Virtual Town Meeting on Biosimilars Legislation, followed by a call-in activation.

Here’s how to get ready to call Congress in supportof the establishment of a science-based, Biosimilarsregulatory approval pathway with substantial incentives for innovation that ensures patient safety and does not reduce incentives for the developmentof future medicines.

“I prefer to learn about issues from constituents. They trump everything else.” ---

House Chief of Staff

“I always would rather hear from constituents. Unlike lobbyists, they aren’t paid to

raise their issues.” ---House Chief of Staff

“If they hear a lot from one side and not from the other, they assume that the

balance lies with the first side….intensity does count for something, and they

consider communication to be an index of intensity.” ---Preeminent Policymaking

Scholar John W. Kingdon

Your Call Really Is Important to Them.

The Call Alert

The Virtual Call Sheet

Call Sheet, Part II.

Preliminary Essentials

1. Identify yourself as a constituent: state your name and where you live and/or work.

2. Briefly explain the purpose of your call:

“I’m calling to urge [Name of Member] to support…“I’m calling to thank [Name of Member] for co-sponsoring…

3. Next, you’ll be transferred to a district or legislative specialist. (Maybe the Member; it happens!)

Talking Points TimeOnce connected, prepare to talk for no more than 30 seconds.

1.Repeat who you are and why you have called.

2.Ask for the name and title of the person you’re speaking with.

3.Make the case in 3-4 sentences. Explain why this matters to you and many other constituents who will be affected.

4.Pause.

The district/legislative specialist will either thank you, or talk with you for a while longer.

(If you reached voice mail, request a call back.)

Discussion Time

Have a cheat sheet ready in the event you have a conversation. But don’t venture beyond what you can verify on the page.

There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know.” In fact, it’s a chance to re-connect: “I’ll find out. What’s the best way for me to get back to you?” Try to get individual (as opposed to office) email addresses and phone numbers.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO smile as you talk. Listeners respond favorably.

DON’T pretend there is only one side to the issue.

DON’T mention campaign contributions or the nextElection.

DO remember to close with a thank you for the opportunity to convey your views to the Member.

After The Call

Describe how it went in the feedback box.

Complete the round of calls.

TELL A FRIEND…or a few!

Thank you.

In our system of government,everyone benefits

when a citizen communicateswith elected officials.