Today’s Action: Make plans to take action during congressional recess!

We’re in the midst of another congressional recess, and this time we have just one week before lawmakers return to tackle the myriad challenges and crises facing the nation. But just because there’s a break in the legislative action doesn’t mean there’s not a way to make our voices heard!

Our Members of Congress could be holding town halls, taking meetings, and attending local events — which gives us plenty of opportunities to make our demands face to face. Make a commitment during this recess to get personal with at least one of your congressional reps, in whichever manner you feel most comfortable.

Ask for a one-on-one meeting. Contact your rep’s local office to make your meeting request, and follow up after a few days if you haven’t heard back! Arrive with your three biggest requests prepared, and ask for clear action on each (e.g., cosponsor a bill, make a public statement, join a caucus). Type up your requests in a letter to deliver to your rep at the end of the meeting, just in case they don’t take notes!

Attend a town hall. If your reps are offering a public forum, this is a great opportunity to make your demands with witnesses. Contact their office to ask if any town halls have been scheduled (and if not, why not?), and visit Town Hall Project to search for events near you.

Organize a protest visit. Is your rep refusing to hold a town hall and declining private meetings? No problem. Ask their offices if they’ll be attending ANY public events during recess, and join them there to ask your questions. Be sure to film it and broadcast it on social media! No events? Make the signal loud and clear: you cannot hide from your constituents. Gather your friends, family, and community to protest at their offices.

And the topics? There are so many, but here are a few to get you started:

— Demand they abolish the filibuster so meaningful legislation can be passed

— Call for them to champion strong, progressive climate action

— Fight for crucial voting rights legislation to protect the most marginalized constituents’ right to vote

— Raise the national minimum wage to $15/hour – cosponsor and pass the Raise the Wage Act

— Secure equal rights protections with the Equal Rights Amendment for women and the Equality Act for the LGBTQ+ community

— Pass the PRO Act in support of striking workers across the country

A congressional recess isn’t time off — it’s your opportunity to remind our leaders who elected them and what our communities’ needs are!

PS — Please don't forget to sign the petition to call on Congress to ban police from using phone data to spy on pregnant women, and be sure to follow OD Action on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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