Sample Call to a Legislator

All calls are different, but yours might sound like the one below. Remember to be accurate, brief, and courteous.

You: Hi, my name is [your name]. I'm a [your profession] from [your city]. I'd like to speak with the staff person in charge of human rights issues or foreign policy. Could you give me that person's name?

Legislative Staff Person: Sure. That is [staff person's name]. I'll transfer you. (Write down the staff person's name.)

You: Yes. Hi, my name is [your name]. I'm a [your profession] from [your city]. I'm a member of Amnesty International and I'm interested in human rights issues. Are you familiar with Amnesty International?

Staff Person: No, I'm not.

You: Well, Amnesty International is a grassroots human rights organization with over one-point-five million members worldwide and 300,000 in the United States. We won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977. We work to free prisoners of conscience - persons imprisoned solely for their non-violent beliefs - and to promote human rights.
I'm calling to express my concern for torture survivors and ask that [Legislator's Name] support legislation to help survivors of torture receive the treatment that they need. Are you familiar with this issue?

Staff Person: No.

You: Approximately 500,000 torture survivors live in the United States. In just a few short years torture survivors have established many new treatment programs within the United States to meet the increasing demand for services. There are now thirty-four programs for victims of torture in nineteen states. With treatment, many survivors have been able to overcome the debilitating psychological and physical effects of torture. Have you heard of the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act (HR 1813 or S. 854)?

Staff Person: No.

You: The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act would authorize funding for domestic and foreign centers and programs for the treatment of victims of torture. Many cities lack torture treatment programs including Honolulu, Miami, Hartford, New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Cleveland, St. Louis, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. The funding would allow for needed centers to be established and would help current centers provide access to trained psychiatrists, physicians, staff, and medications.

Staff Person: I see. I'll pass your concerns on to the Representative.

You: Thanks. When could I hear back whether or not the Representative will sign-on as a co-sponsor?

Staff Person: Well, I'll raise your concerns as soon as I can with the Representative.

You: Thanks. Could I call back in a week to see if the Representative will sign on?

Staff Person: Sure.

You: Thanks.

Staff Person: Thank you.

You: Bye.

Staff Person: Bye.