Telephone calls to a member's local or Capitol Hill office are another effective means of communication, especially when speed is essential.

Tips for an Effective Phone Call:

• Clearly identify who you are and what you wish to discuss.
• Write out your main talking points so that you are sure not to miss anything.
• If your call is regarding a specific bill, give the bill number and subject matter.
• If you have developed a relationship with a staff member, ask to speak to him or her.
• Briefly state the action which you would like the representative to take (i.e.: cosponsor a measure, vote “yes” on a bill).
• Refer to any previous correspondence by date. 
• Restate key facts supporting your position.
• Explain any recent developments that provide a “fresh angle” of support for your argument.
• Ask the representative or staff member to reply to your phone call and to state the representative’s intended action.
• Remember to be courteous and express thanks at the end of the call.
  

Sample Phone Script

You can use this sample phone script to get started when you call your Member of Congress:

• “Hello, this is (name) and I am from (town/city). I would like to please speak with your Health Legislative Assistant.”
  • If you can only reach that person’s voice mail, just leave a message.
• Once connected say, “Hello, this is (name) from (town/city). I am calling to ask Congressman/woman (name) to support…”
• Briefly describe your personal connection to Alpha-1.
• Then to end the call, you may say: “Thank you very much for your time, and I value your efforts for the Alpha-1 community.”

Please contact the Alpha-1 Association by either calling at (305) 648-0088 or e-mailing: advocacyaction@alpha1.org to let us know how your call went.