Call your elected officials

Asking an office to “keep something in mind” is dangerously vague. Make a hard, specific ask!

One of the questions I most frequently get right now is “how do I do anything to counter Trump??”

There are lots of answers to that question. As a former congressional candidate, I’ll always tell you to go knock doors come election time and donate money to campaigns. I also believe that volunteering in your community in non-political ways—whether that’s at a food pantry, or at an animal shelter, or in a school—allows you to support those affected by Trump’s policies, and engage with people who may not have voted the same way you did.

But if you want to make your voice loud and clear right now, consider taking a few minutes to call your elected officials.

In my congressional office, every single call from a constituent was noted down. Many offices produce daily or weekly reports for the elected official showing how many constituents called in on each side of a particular issue.

Here’s a really helpful link where you can find out who your elected officials are and quickly see the phone number to call them at: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

When calling your elected official’s office, it’s helpful to make a hard, specific ask. Do you want them to issue a public statement? Sponsor a bill? Host a town hall? Asking an office to “keep something in mind” is dangerously vague.

Don’t feel bad if you only ever talk to staff members. Their job is to report back your opinions and ideas to their bosses.

Many folks don’t realize that you can request a meeting with your elected officials, from your state representative all the way to your U.S. Senator, their website should have a tab that says “request a meeting.” Elected officials love a reason to go on a “field trip.” If you run a business, non-profit, or organization that your elected leader should visit and learn from, let them know about it. Whether or not they agree with you politically, this can be a really great opportunity for them to see firsthand what you and other people in your community experience every day.

Whether your representatives are Democrats, Republicans, or a mix of both, you have every right to make your voice heard. Take a few minutes away from the doom-scroll and give them a call!

(Here’s that link again: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials)

—Katie Porter

In October 2024 I had the chance to go on a “field trip” to Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa.