Democracy depends upon our informed and active participation. It’s your members of Congress’s (MOCs) job to represent you, so it’s important to share how their actions or inactions impact you, your family, and your community. Here are a few ways to hold them accountable. 

Congressional Recess 

During congressional recess periods, US Senators and Representatives usually return to the state or district they represent for a state/in-district work period. When your MOCs are in your area, you can speak directly with them or their staff by visiting or calling their district offices or attending scheduled “town halls” or community events. This helps your MOCs understand their constituents’ interests and concerns, shows them that their constituents are paying attention, and compels them to put a face to their decisions, which can be much more effective than just reading stories or statistics. 

What Can You Do? 

During congressional recess, to ask questions or share your opinion, concerns, or story, you can: 

• Visit your MOC’s district office for a scheduled meeting or to drop off a printed or handwritten note.
• Call your MOC’s district office.
• Attend your MOC’s town hall or other community events. 

To find the next congressional state/in-district work period, visit the House schedule  (unhighlighted dates) and Senate schedule. Then, contact your MOC’s local office to request a meeting or find out if your MOC is participating in a town hall or other community event. You can find your MOC’s local office information on the LWV Elected Officials finder and a non-exhaustive list of upcoming congressional community events. 

Best Practices 

• Look up the local office’s policy or call to find out:
  • If appointments are required, or if you can drop in.
  • What hours the office is open for drop-ins or material drop-offs
  • If there are restrictions on what you can bring to the office or a community event.
• Identify yourself as a constituent and share your name and contact info:
  • When calling to request a meeting.
  • When sharing your perspective on a note for drop-off.
• If the office can't schedule a meeting with the member, request to meet with a staff member.
• Attending can be powerful if you don’t feel comfortable speaking at a community event. If you feel comfortable, come prepared to ask questions and/or share how recent or forthcoming government actions directly impact you, your family, or your community.
• Learn more about Town Halls, specifically, by checking out our guides in English and Spanish. 

How Do I Know What to Say? 

Whether you are visiting or calling your local office, or attending a town hall or other community event, it can be intimidating to know what to say. Remember, these are your elected officials, and they're responsible for representing and responding to your needs. Writing down your main points can be helpful so you don’t forget what you want to share. 

You can start by visiting the League’s Take Action page to see our priority issues and how we’re talking about them. Remember, the most compelling story you can tell is how you, your family, or your community have or will be affected. Below are some of the League’s action alerts accompanied by hypothetical anecdotes to get you thinking: 

Tell Congress Not to Gut Medicaid 

"My name is Allison Paul, and I’m a resident of Mount Laurel, New Jersey. I’m urging the Senator to oppose Medicaid cuts. When my sister lost her job while pregnant, she enrolled in New Jersey’s Medicaid program, and it was vital in covering her prenatal care and hospital stay when she gave birth to my nephew, Eric. Eric was born with cerebral palsy and now relies on Medicaid for his many doctors’ visits and long-term care. I don’t know what my family would do without this health coverage. Please protect my family's health care." 

Urge Congress to Stand Up for Democracy 

"I’m Jim Farmer, and I live in Amarillo, Texas. I’m here as a constituent asking the Congressman to stand up for our democracy. I am particularly concerned about the Administration’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, and what that could mean for our neighbors and friends in Amarillo. Our community is home to people from all different backgrounds, including people who came from Mexico and built their lives here. We work together, and our children go to school together. Many of them were born right in our local hospital. What will you do to end the Administration’s overreach and protect your constituents?" 

Tell your Senators to Oppose the SAVE Act 

"My name is Carri Chapman, and I live in Charles City, Iowa. I’m here today to urge the Senator to oppose the SAVE Act, which requires documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. I was born Carri Clinton Lane and legally changed my name when I married my husband, Leo. Because the name on my driver’s license and birth certificate don’t match, this bill would require me to get updated documentation to register to vote. Most of my married friends have also changed their names, and this legislation threatens all of their ability to vote. You must oppose this bill." 

What if My MOC Isn’t Hosting an Event? 

If your MOC doesn't have a scheduled town hall or other community event, or has cancelled one, you can: 

• Engage with the district office as specified above.
• Post on your MOC’s social media asking your questions or sharing your perspective.
• Call your district office or post on their social media requesting that they host a town hall during the next recess.
• Send an action alert.
• Let us know if your MOC has cancelled their in-district event by filling out this form. 

No matter where you live, what issues you care about, and what questions or stories you have to share, your members of Congress need to hear from you!