CALLING CONGRESS Adding Your Voice to the Debate A We Work For Health Advocacy Webinar April 17, 2009

Get Ready for Next Week WWFH is holding a Virtual Town Meeting on Biosimilars Legislation, followed by a call-in activation. Here’s how to get ready to call Congress in support of the establishment of a science-based, Biosimilars regulatory approval pathway with substantial incentives for innovation that ensures patient safety and does not reduce incentives for the development of future medicines.

“I prefer to learn about issues from constituents. They trump everything else.” ---House Chief of Staff “I always would rather hear from constituents. Unlike lobbyists, they aren’t paid to raise their issues.” ---House Chief of Staff “If they hear a lot from one side and not from the other, they assume that the balance lies with the first side….intensity does count for something, and they consider communication to be an index of intensity.” --- Preeminent Policymaking Scholar John W. Kingdon Your Call Really Is Important to Them.

The Call Alert

The Virtual Call Sheet

Call Sheet, Part II.

Preliminary Essentials 1. Identify yourself as a constituent: state your name and where you live and/or work. 2. Briefly explain the purpose of your call: “I’m calling to urge [Name of Member] to support … “I’m calling to thank [Name of Member] for co-sponsoring… 3. Next, you’ll be transferred to a district or legislative specialist. (Maybe the Member; it happens!)

Talking Points Time Once connected, prepare to talk for no more than 30 seconds. 1.Repeat who you are and why you have called. 2.Ask for the name and title of the person you’re speaking with. 3.Make the case in 3-4 sentences. Explain why this matters to you and many other constituents who will be affected. 4.Pause. The district/legislative specialist will either thank you, or talk with you for a while longer. (If you reached voice mail, request a call back.)

Discussion Time Have a cheat sheet ready in the event you have a conversation. But don’t venture beyond what you can verify on the page. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know.” In fact, it’s a chance to re-connect: “I’ll find out. What’s the best way for me to get back to you?” Try to get individual (as opposed to office) addresses and phone numbers.

Do’s and Don’ts DO smile as you talk. Listeners respond favorably. DON’T pretend there is only one side to the issue. DON’T mention campaign contributions or the next Election. DO remember to close with a thank you for the opportunity to convey your views to the Member.

After The Call Describe how it went in the feedback box. Complete the round of calls. TELL A FRIEND…or a few!

Thank you. In our system of government, everyone benefits when a citizen communicates with elected officials.