Re contacting your representative: you may be asking them to do something they actually want to do. Maybe they're tired of being phoned by well-paid, slick lobbyists, and they'd like to hear from a regular person for a change?
I m o, heartfelt/off-the-cuff is more powerful than reading from a script, but whatever gets you off the sofa...go for it!
In the US, usa.gov/elected-officials has contact information for representatives at all levels of government.
Finally, I think it's a good habit to thank whoever it is about something they've already done, before you start asking them to do this or that. Take a moment to search what they've accomplished since taking office. It lets them know you have been keeping track of what they've been up to. If nothing else, you can thank them for the work they do, and for taking time to listen to people like you (which they do).
Thanks so much, David, for the comment! It’s a great idea to start with thanking your rep for their work, especially if you can be specific. I agree that elected officials would like to hear from more of the citizens they represent. And that sharing your own story will be the most powerful way to reach others, including your rep. 💚
I long ago was influenced by this study showing the superior effectiveness of peer pressure in changing folks' environmental behavior. Driving my optimism for my messaging below is that as more folks embrace the actions being messaged, the peer pressure they exert will entice more and more folks to join them in the actions.
Consumers (individuals, organizations, businesses, governments) must promptly minimize their greenhouse gas emissions to bridge the gap while we work on long-term green technology and infrastructure. Less heating and less cooling (none between 13C-30C/55F-85F, https://greenbetween.home.blog). Less driving. Less flying. Less meat-eating. Less population growth (2 children max). Do it yourself. Tenaciously encourage others to do it.
Hi Kim,
Re contacting your representative: you may be asking them to do something they actually want to do. Maybe they're tired of being phoned by well-paid, slick lobbyists, and they'd like to hear from a regular person for a change?
I m o, heartfelt/off-the-cuff is more powerful than reading from a script, but whatever gets you off the sofa...go for it!
In the US, usa.gov/elected-officials has contact information for representatives at all levels of government.
Finally, I think it's a good habit to thank whoever it is about something they've already done, before you start asking them to do this or that. Take a moment to search what they've accomplished since taking office. It lets them know you have been keeping track of what they've been up to. If nothing else, you can thank them for the work they do, and for taking time to listen to people like you (which they do).
Thank you, David Page
Thanks so much, David, for the comment! It’s a great idea to start with thanking your rep for their work, especially if you can be specific. I agree that elected officials would like to hear from more of the citizens they represent. And that sharing your own story will be the most powerful way to reach others, including your rep. 💚
(that ad is amazing, i loved it!
Not pulling punches!!
https://slate.com/technology/2013/03/opower-using-smiley-faces-and-peer-pressure-to-save-the-planet.html
I long ago was influenced by this study showing the superior effectiveness of peer pressure in changing folks' environmental behavior. Driving my optimism for my messaging below is that as more folks embrace the actions being messaged, the peer pressure they exert will entice more and more folks to join them in the actions.
Consumers (individuals, organizations, businesses, governments) must promptly minimize their greenhouse gas emissions to bridge the gap while we work on long-term green technology and infrastructure. Less heating and less cooling (none between 13C-30C/55F-85F, https://greenbetween.home.blog). Less driving. Less flying. Less meat-eating. Less population growth (2 children max). Do it yourself. Tenaciously encourage others to do it.