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What happens during the call?

By hrvatica13 - 40 AP
Last edited: 10 Dec 2009 - 7:45pm
in

A staff member will answer the call in a usual way "Senator Durbin's office, how can I help you?" and wait for your message and in 90% of the cases will say, "Thank you, I'll let the Senator know," and just hang up.

Who are the numbers for?

By hrvatica13 - 40 AP
Last edited: 10 Dec 2009 - 7:45pm
in

The 202 area code numbers you will most often see on this site are Congressional offices of each Senator, located in Washington DC. They are the main numbers for all calls for that Senator.

Is it unusual to call?

By hrvatica13 - 40 AP
Last edited: 10 Dec 2009 - 7:44pm
in

Congressional offices receive hundreds if not thousands of calls daily on many matters. There is absolutely nothing strange or unusual about you calling. It may seem like a big deal but it's the easiest call you've ever made. I'm serious about that, it's far easier than any customer service or 1-800 or any kind of a call like that.

Who do I call?

By hrvatica13 - 40 AP
Last edited: 10 Dec 2009 - 7:44pm
in

First call your representatives in Congress.

Is it safe to call if you're undocumented?

By hrvatica13 - 40 AP
Last edited: 10 Dec 2009 - 7:44pm
in

Absolutely! Nobody will ever ask if you're legal or not or put your name or number on any kind of immigration list. Congressional offices have absolutely nothing to do with ICE or any kind of immigration enforcement. It is absolutely 100% safe to call, it's probably safer than starting a new email account.

We've been calling for months, some for years and we're still here. People on this forum have written letters in their own name, still here. Some of them met Senators in person and everyone knew they were undocumented and they are all still here.

Do I need to call?

By hrvatica13 - 40 AP
Last edited: 10 Dec 2009 - 7:43pm
in

Senators very often say they've been receiving calls about something. Calling is probably the single most efficient and effective means of fighting for our cause. People who oppose us call early and often and your calls are needed if you want the DREAM Act to happen. People here contribute so much to this effort and it is your responsibility to both us and yourself to call. Unless you're busy sitting in front of the Capitol building advocating DREAM, you MUST, MUST, MUST call. It is the only way we can win enough support for this to pass.

We were almost there last time.

Interview with Rigo Padilla - ChicagoNow (blog)


Interview with Rigo Padilla
ChicagoNow (blog)
... and are unable to fulfill their potential and become legal permanent residents unless Congress passes the DREAM Act or comprehensive immigration reform ...

and more »

High-skilled immigration to be addressed in Schumer-Graham bill 

Quote:





            A <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/12/high_skilled_immigrants.html" target="_blank">report</a> released this week by the <b>Center for American Progress</b> (CAP) includes recommendations that could serve as a blue-print of sorts for a broad immigration reform bill being crafted by <b>Sen. Charles Schumer</b> (D-NY), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Immigration subcommittee, and <b>Sen. Lindsey Graham </b>(R-SC).<br />

Student scheduled for deportation gets 1 more year - Chicago Sun-Times


Student scheduled for deportation gets 1 more year
Chicago Sun-Times
... reform by then — or approved the so-called DREAM Act granting legal status to many immigrant students — Padilla can apply for a one-year extension. ...

and more »

Strategy chart explained

By Nick - 90 AP
Last edited: 10 Dec 2009 - 7:08pm

These are the basic elements of success, the scaffolding for a strategy. Skip the consideration of any of these elements and you are setting yourself up for failure or worse: illusion of progress.

DAP at a Glance (click to zoom in)

Your goals

176 of target 15 Organizations mapped
98/99 Senators researched
434/437 Representatives researched

Your community

83,660 members
49 recently active
posted 625,196 replies
in 75,573 threads
Join us

Thumbnail of the DAP member map.Map us

Your allies

Ongoing survey needed.

We will approach this need like we approach targeting legislators - by working together with you.

Your targets

4 legislators need research
Take action now
209 support the bill
117 oppose the bill
210 others
show me the list

Your tactics

Tactics are a way to make each target feel the power of our group.

We have some work to do before we can pull this off - for best results, focus on our short term goals.

What are goals?

You need small, if only partial, victories to sustain the long fight, avoid burn out, and learn from your mistakes. Focus on defining your intermediate and short term goals. Our long term goal is a given - passing the DREAM Act.

What about community?

Be aware of your resources and limitations. Recognize and develop community leaders. Give consideration to non-profit marketing and growth.

What about allies?

Your most important asset after community. We probably can't do it alone. Find organizations that share our passion and, at the very least, keep track of and promote their events.

Who are targets?

Name specific legislators who have what you want. Targeting Congress, a whole elected body, with your actions is as useless as doing nothing.

What are tactics?

Any tactic must be targeted at a specific legislator or decision maker. Anything short of that is a waste of time in the context of advocacy.

Tactics are used to make the legislator feel the power of your group. If you don't have any power, your number one goals (above) should be “build power.”