How to:...

Hi, I just found this forum and I've been calling a few Senators for some time now. I think a lot of people won't call or email because they just don't know what to say or write. I know this kind of info is all over this site but the Sticky threads mostly list numbers and not what to do. For the sake of getting even a few new people to call or email can everyone (once again) share their method of expressing their support over the phone and email?

I usually just say "Hi, my name is _____ and I just wanted to express my support for Senator _____'s efforts on passing the DREAM Act."

Please write what you say or email and what kind of questions you've encountered so that maybe fewer people will think that they'll get deported for calling. I apologize for repeating this question but many people are shy and afraid and we desperately need to make this process as easy as possible for them.

http://www.dreamact.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1673

I know but ...

...is a little brief and perhaps it would benefit us if we showed a more diverse range of statements. If we all call in with the same generic statement they'll just start to ignore us the same way they ignore thirty emails all with the same subject and text.

Staffers don't really care what you say; they care about what you support [supposedly lol]. You can be as thorough as "What are the Senator's current feelings on the DREAM Act?" or "Do you know how he will be voting?", etc.


Not to the poster but for the record: There have been a lot of posts about this question and they are crowding the forum. We don't have a SET question or comment you could ask your Senators; be creative if you want to know more. This was the whole purpose of the FAQ.

The first time it was too . Yet, it is quite exiting! you have the adrenaline pumping and it feels like doing some extreme sport thing. By the third call you are going to sound like a pro and a truly concern resident, which you are. Take it as a challenge. How many things you had overcome to get to this place and this point? are you going to stop just because you are afraid? Yet, after meeting a challenge you always feel like a million bucks inside because you prove yourself that the past limits were wrong and that you are smarter and stronger than you thougth you were. Remember what does not kill you makes you stronger!

Actually, I do find this helpful. :P I have a bad habbit of getting nervous when calling someone I don't personally know, and when I'm nervous I babble. Hasn't stopped me from making the calls (and pestering family and friends into making the calls) but it's a little embarassing to suddenly catch yourself rambling to a secretary who probably stopped caring somewhere around "I think the senator should support the dream act".

Yeah. You should hear me when I get an answering machine. . . even if it's my own *mothers* answering machine, the babble button starts. . . sigh.

I just know that there's probably dozens of people who might browse through this site and never do anything because they're scared or lazy. I know it's unfounded but many illegal residents may not think calling any representative of the government is a good idea.

To many calling Senators sounds like a big deal and I just want to make it as easy for people as possible. If it's easy maybe some of those sixteen year olds who never called anyone with an issue like this will pick up the phone and give us that one vote that may keep that one problematic senator from arguing against this.

So to all those who may read this and aren't doing anything:

Please call, it's simple, it's short, you won't get deported, you won't be reported to ANY agency, the only thing your call will do is maybe help pass one of the few laws that are truly based on merit.

Start by calling your local senator, you'll see how easy it is. Then call the senators from other states in your area. Then call others.

If other forum members can confirm this it may give someone enough confidence to call.

I am brown and geeky. I also babble while calling. Yes, start with your own senators, it is how I started. The office staff has probably listen to all types of people. Some may be offensive or weird. The Staff are for the most part really nice and kind, thus if you are nice and polite you are going to be just perfect. It is also easier to take it like a challenge rather than a choir. A choir is changing a baby's diaper. If this is really hard for you and you do it, my friend, YOU ARE INVINCIBLE.

Another thing to note, is that I've yet to be asked for my name. I've offered it under babble mode, but even when I don't say my name, it's never asked of me. And I sat down earlier this week with a telephone and one of those really long lists of Senator phone numbers floating around here.

They don't need to know who you are, only that you support DREAM, and are living in the 'States.

How often do you get asked for anything?

I have been asked for my zip code but that's about it.