MOAA’s 6 Tips for Engaging Congress

 MOAA’s 6 Tips for Engaging Congress
Photo via Architect of the Capitol (www.aoc.gov)

By MOAA Staff

Interested in helping MOAA accomplish its 2020 legislative mission? Here are six ways to get involved; if you have a specific interest or question about a legislative matter, contact MOAA’s government relations team at legis@moaa.org.

[RELATED: How Your Voice Can Help MOAA’s Advocacy Mission]

1. Identify your congressional representatives. A quick Google search can usually tell you who represents your congressional district, but if you aren’t sure, reach out to MOAA staff directly. And if you’re an active-duty servicemember or spouse living outside the district you vote in, make sure to engage with your representatives at your home and in the district where you currently live.

2. Choose a specific issue. Identifying a targeted topic and outcome can help focus the conversation with your representative. It’s even better if you can share your personal connection to the issue.

3. Call your representative’s offices directly. MOAA provides a direct number to the Capitol Switchboard, which will connect you directly to the office of your members of Congress.

4. Use the MOAA Take Action Center. MOAA provides email and letter templates for engaging on timely issues of importance to our members, as well as a system to submit them directly to your representatives. Visit takeaction.moaa.org.

5. Start a social media campaign. Engage with your representatives on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms, and encourage your friends and family members to do the same. The greater the number of comments on an issue, the more likely it is to grab the attention of a congressional office and encourage staffers to respond.

6. Show up. If your representatives are at home in your district, attend their town halls and other public events, and make sure to do your homework. Also, even if you can’t attend the annual Storming the Hill event in March, be sure to participate from home by calling, emailing, and posting on social media using #MOAAStorms.

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