Action

We want reform this year, which means we have to start pushing for it a lot stronger than we have been. This means writing letters, making phone calls getting the word out to everyone. If you want to help out there are local groups all over the country. Go to reformimmigrationforamerica.org to sign up for updates, and contact me if you are in the SoCal area and want to get involved in our movements.

We cant let a few of us do the work for the millions of us.

I live in SoCal. What do you do to get involved? Maybe we can gather a group from here.

It would be amazing if we could get a large group from here to get involved.

what if we started a call tree in the lounge. just people making a pact to call schumer and boxer and reporting what they said, and doing it every day. Maybe nick would let us put it there even though its action..? since its read more? this sounds funny by they do it in groups for grad students. they call them accountability pacts. you both promise to do some goal.

or, we could meet up and set up a "phone booth" and ask people to call, having scripts on hand and loaning cell phones or even at a place with pay phones... its hard bc LA is all spread out...

I've been meaning to call a Senator, but I've never done it before and I don't really know what to say. Any scripts out there that I can go off of?

i think those are great ideas, we should work on them.

there are scripts out there for the most part I've been calling Boxer's DC office and i get a machine so what i say is: Hi my name is.... and I am calling to ask senator boxer to contact senator Schumer and ask him to introduce an immigration senate bill this month, and also to meet with California table organizations and help them strategize on how to push Immigration reform this year, Thank You."

If you would like to send me your emails i can be sure to send out information for any local actions that we have planned, and send out scripts and numbers of the congress-people.

When you call, you get like staff person, or even an intern. You can say: "Hi, I was calling because I have a question about XX's position on immigration reform. I believe immigration reform must:
[include the DREAM Act]
[include a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants]
[must support family reunification]
[institute smart and humane enforcement policies]
and/or [promote professional and effective border enforcement.]
(say whatever is most important to you!!)

Will Senator XX support immigration reform that has these elements?"

And then see what the person on the line says. They might actually put you on hold and go find out the Senator/Congressman's position, which is great. It's why I usually as a question instead of just saying what I think. It makes them engage more.

So then, they eventually give you an answer, usually a pretty general one.

So YOU SAY:

"I am calling to urge Senator XX to support immediate introduction of an immigration reform bill because it’s the right thing to do, and because it will help the U.S. economy, benefiting immigrants and native-born alike.
THANKS!"

They might ask your name and address. You can say you don't want to give you address, but you should give them a zip code at least. Congressman care a LOT more about calls from people in the areas they represent. Senators, especially ones who are expected to take the lead on issues, seem to be interested even if you aren't in their state, though in state calls are, in their mind "voters" so they still matter a bit more.

That's my suggestion of what you could say. I hope you decide to call. It's a real important part of getting the rights we all deserve!

Trying to get people together on this forum will never work.. I guess we are all just happy posting and reading articles...