Elected officials prefer to hear directly from their own constituents. Meeting in person and sharing your story helps personalize the issue and give weight to your voice. Currently most U.S. Senate offices are meeting virtually, but you could also call / email if you prefer.
HOW TO DO IT
- Know where your U.S. Senators stand on the issue: Click here for the SJRes6 page to see if your current U.S. Senators are sponsoring SJRes6 so you know whether or not to say thank you.
- Invite diverse constituents to join you: Legislators generally expect supporters of the 28th Amendment (Equal Rights) to be middle-aged, liberal, and female. Show them that constitutional gender equality has wide ranging support from a diverse group. In particular, male advocates are a voice often missing in the gender equality discussion.
- Bring a subject matter expert: VoteEquality US can help you prepare for the meeting and has lawyers who can join you if you need legal support for your meeting. Just drop us a line at hello@VoteEquality.US and we’ll be glad to help!
- Make an appointment: Check the SJRes6 page for contact information to make an appointment with your Senator’s staff. Meetings are generally being handled via Zoom or conference call. When you call to make the appointment, you will want to tell the scheduler the topic and ask if there is a policy coordinator for this issue. You will generally meet with staff and not the Senator, but that is very important since these are the trusted advisors to research and advise on the issue.
- Be disciplined in your messaging: The best way to build support for ratification is to keep communication positive, nonpartisan, inclusive, and single-issue.
- Avoid conflating this with other issues you care about.
- Do not wear, or bring accessories or materials for other groups or issues, when you work on gender equality.
- If you meet via Zoom, be mindful of what is in the frame/background when you turn on your video.
- Encourage Senators to support the 28th Amendment (Equal Rights) rather than dwelling on past votes on related topics.
- Share your story: Explain why this issue matters to you and how it affects you, your family, and/or your community.
WHAT YOU NEED
- Your story: I care about equality because . . .
- I want my daughter to know she is valued as much as my son
- My sister was fired from her job for being pregnant
- I am paid less than my male counterparts for equivalent work
- #MeToo
- The Constitution is more enduring than a patchwork of equality laws
- Key talking points: Our FAQs are very helpful for finding key talking points to weave into the conversation – in particular, “What Changes.”
- Organize your thoughts: You may find the toolkit page, “Writing to Influence,” helpful in organizing your thoughts, particularly if you choose to call or e-mail.
