You’ve picked up the phone and called your Member of Congress (MoC), and maybe spoken at a town hall  — great work! But how can you take it up a notch and turn those calls into momentum that your Congressperson can’t ignore? It’s simple: Lean into what you know.

There’s no denying that there’s an onslaught of headlines demanding your attention. It can feel like there’s always a new fire to put out, and worse, you need to know about everything all at once. But that’s the mentality that leads to burnout. The truth is, we’ve all got a head start about something — whether that’s a cause you’re passionate about (like climate, education, or public health) or a part of the world you love (like the community you’re from). 

In this piece, we’re breaking down how to speak up on the issues you care about most, and how they directly affect you or your community. Think of it like this: every fact, every bit of knowledge and story you share, and every partnership you build turns your advocacy into concrete action that impacts the policies you’re passionate about. 

Well, enough said. Here’s how to do it.

• Tell Your Story and What You Know, Loud and Clear
  Nobody knows your story better than you. Sharing personal experiences or knowledge on a specific issue and how it impacts you puts you in the driving seat. You’ll be surprised how many people in your community face the same problems. Connecting with your community gives your voice power, making it impossible for your MoC to ignore.

• Back It Up with Cold Facts
  Clear, irrefutable facts give your advocacy credibility. Spend time diving deep into current data and citing trusted sources in your story. Whether you're quoting statistics, reports, or studies, showing you’ve done your homework sends a clear message: You’re informed, prepared, and down for serious business.

• There’s Power in Collaborating
  Collaborating with local leaders, organizations, or community members who share your view not only amplifies your voice but also demonstrates that it has broad support and demands attention.

• Publish Your Perspective (It’s Possible, We Promise!)
  Write op-eds, letters to editors, or blog posts, or start a podcast. Publicly sharing your perspective positions you as a recognized voice on the topic, raising both visibility and urgency around the issue.

• Keep the Conversation Alive
  Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Regularly attend town halls, hearings, and community meetings, or host your own. Ask insightful questions, offer thoughtful comments, and stay actively involved — this will prove you're dedicated, informed, and determined to drive change.

An example of impactful storytelling happened when New Jersey resident Catherine Baker shared her experience with the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on her social media and with her congressional office. Her Senator, Cory Booker, then read her moving account out loud during his historic 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, enabling her story to reach hundreds of thousands of people.

P.S. Here are some pro tips you need to know: 

• Social media is a pathway to get the word out and get the world to listen. Use it — but use it wisely.
• Follow reputable news sources, subscribe to newsletters, and set alerts to stay informed.
• Rehearse your message before meetings or video recordings. Remember, nothing’s perfect, but practice makes you powerful.

Now, you’ve already got all the tools you need to become the expert advocate your community needs — and that your Congresspeople can't ignore. Remember, your voice matters, your knowledge is powerful, and every step you take brings us closer to meaningful change. So go ahead, speak confidently, act boldly, and inspire action. Your Congressperson — and the world — is listening, and it’s your time to lead the conversation.