Action Guide to Visiting Your Member of Congress

The challenge to re-power 100% of America's electricity from wind, solar and other clean energy sources within 10 years should be at the forefront of our representatives' and senators' minds. This month, you and thousands of others across the nation will rally to visit our members of Congress in their home states and districts to talk about the importance of America's new energy challenge. Visiting them in person is important because it ensures that you are heard, it allows you to determine their stance, and it provides information that you can use to hold them accountable.

We've found  several events around the country where members of Congress will be meeting with constituents. Click here to look for an event near you.  If you know of a local event with your senator or representative, please share it here!

Here are some tips to guide you in making a successful visit:

What to bring:

• Note to your member of Congress, signed by you

• The fact sheet

• Lots of friends

General Tips:

1. Power in numbers
The impact is always greater when a large group shows up. Call your friends and coordinate with other members in the area. Join the We Connect groups in your area to stay informed and involved in the future.

2. Read the facts
We've put together some facts that will give you background information behind our call for 100% clean electricity in 10 years.

3. Familiarize yourself with the elected official
Check their website and look for their stance on issues of energy and environment.

4. Be polite!
The We campaign is trying to raise awareness about this urgent problem, but we are also focused on working together to produce real solutions.

5. Tell us how it went
We want to know about your success! Send pictures or videos to fellows@climateprotect.org!

Event-specific instructions:

Coffee session/visiting a district office

Introduce yourself and your party: Say your name and introduce the people you are with.

Explain what the We Campaign is about: The We Campaign is a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. The Campaign has over 1.4 million members nationwide committed to solving the climate crisis.

We want 100% clean electricity in 10 years: We are supporting a bold and concrete proposal that is gaining massive public support. We want 100% of our electricity from renewable and clean sources in 10 years from sources like solar, wind and geothermal. Engage the elected official by taking them through some of the major talking points: economy, national security, environment, urgency, solvability, and the need for political will. See our fact sheet for details.

Thank them for their time!

Social Event (BBQ, Picnic, etc.)

Get the group together: Before talking with the elected official, be sure to gather the group together.

Approach the elected official: Be respectful in your approach. Don't interrupt an ongoing conversation. First introduce yourself and your group to the elected official.

Explain what the We Campaign is about: The We Campaign is a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. The Campaign has over 1.4 million members nationwide committed to solving the climate crisis.

We want 100% clean electricity in 10 years: We are supporting a bold and concrete proposal that is gaining massive public support. We want 100% of our electricity from renewable sources in 10 years from sources like solar, wind and geothermal. Engage the elected official by taking them through some of the major talking points: economy, national security, environment, urgency, solvability, and the need for political will. See our fact sheet for details.

Some representatives will want to talk; others may be too busy. Engage in conversation for as long as is reasonable. Do what you can with the time you have to make the case for 100% clean electricity in 10 years.

Thank them for their time!

Town Hall

Get there early: Arrive early to ensure that you have the best seats at the venue. If you are part of a group, be sure to position your members throughout the hall and near the microphones that are usually placed in the aisles -- this increases the likelihood that somebody from the group will be called on.

Prepare your questions: Come up with some concise and pointed questions. Take a moment before the event to research where your member stands on the energy crisis (his/her website is a good place to start) so that you can better prepare your questions. Try to make it personal.

Sample questions

• The technology exists today to make our nation energy secure, and yet Congress seems unable to make any progress on this issue. What is preventing us from taking the action we need to meet this goal, and what are you planning to do about it?

• Scientists say that our growing climate crisis requires immediate action to prevent catastrophic consequences. What steps are you taking to prevent this from happening?

• Many countries provide incentives for long-term investment in wind and solar power. What will you do to help the U.S. regain its leadership in clean, renewable energy?

Raise your hand high and look interested: Appearing engaged and enthusiastic will improve your chances of getting called on.

General public appearance

Get the group together: Before approaching the elected official, be sure to gather the group together.

Locate the elected official: Get a sense for where they will be during the event. If the representative is making a speech, wait nearby the stage to approach it when he/she is coming off. If the congressman is making a walking tour, see if you can intercept the route.

Approach the elected official: Be respectful in your approach. Don't interrupt an ongoing conversation. First introduce yourself and your group to the elected official.

Explain what the We Campaign is about: The We Campaign is a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. The Campaign has over 1.4 million members nationwide committed to solving the climate crisis.

We want 100% clean electricity in 10 years: We are supporting a bold and concrete proposal that is gaining massive public support. We want 100% of our electricity from renewable sources in 10 years from sources like solar, wind and geothermal. Engage the elected official by taking them through some of the major talking points: economy, national security, environment, urgency, solvability, and the need for political will. See our fact sheet for details.

Some representatives will want to talk; others may be too busy. Engage in conversation for as long as is reasonable. Do what you can with the time you have to make the case for 100% clean electricity in 10 years.

Thank them for their time!