The mission of the League of Women Voters of Illinois is to defend democracy and empower voters. We are seriously concerned about actions currently being taken by our government that violate constitutional freedoms and rights, and which appear to be attempts to intimidate Americans into bending to the will of the government rather than our government bending to the will of the people they are elected to serve. The US Constitution is your tool for empowerment. Be a defender of our democracy! Join our movement on Phone Call Fridays to make your voice heard.

WHAT: A regular, scheduled commitment to call members of Congress and the president regarding the state of our democracy

WHO:  LWV members, partners, friends and neighbors

WHY:  We are in the fight for our democracy together.  What will start with your small voice each week, will grow and grow into a loud chorus including dissent and rejection of government actions that violate the constitution and rule of law, and acknowledgement of support for Congressional efforts to help us defend our democracy and the Constitution.  

WHEN: Every Friday until our Congress listens.

HOW: ACT NOW! ACT TOGETHER!

Make a plan to make outreach phone calls each Friday. 

Pick a time on Friday and put it on your calendar as a weekly recurring event.

1. Call both of your US senators

2. Call your district’s US representative

3. Call Congressional leaders from each chamber (Both parties! Congressional leaders must take your calls even if you are not in their districts.)

4. Call the White House

You can call the same legislators each week, or call on a rotating schedule. And don’t forget to share our Phone Call Fridays with your friends on social media, by email, and any other means to spread the word.

We’ve already done the work!

We’ve compiled the names and phone numbers of the members of Congress from Illinois, as well as our House and Senate leadership and the phone number for the Whitehouse. Use this look-up tool to find your specific representatives if you don’t already know who they are.

We’ve drafted sample statements of disagreement or thanks to get you started. The League of Women Voters is most concerned with issues related to protecting our democracy, upholding the Constitution, and protecting vulnerable and marginalized populations. Examples are below, but as a citizen you should speak to issues that impact you most. You should be clear to state your support of or opposition to the action or inaction of elected officials.

• Equal branches of government, Congressional power of the purse

• Immigration of both illegal and legal residents

• Freedom of speech

• Civil rights, voting rights

• Protecting social safety nets for those who need it

• Medicare and Medicaid, budget cuts and dissolution of government departments

• Ignoring the rule of law and the Constitution

• Personal issues you may have related to the environment, economy, etc.

Sample Message of Disagreement

My name is [first name] and I am from [city only], Illinois [optional zip code]. I am calling to voice my dissatisfaction with how [Congress / the current administration] is handling [insert your issue(s)].

The impact this is having on me [and/or my community/country] is [insert your statement]

• Creating deep concerns about how ignoring the Constitution and the rule of law will impact my kids / neighbors / schools.

• Destroying the reputation of the United States across the world as a beacon for democracy.

• Threatening the welfare of [my family / my business] at a time when costs are already too high.

• Creating anger and disbelief that basic freedoms are being denied

• Creating anger and disbelief that years of protecting equality goals are being dismantled.

Congress is failing to protect America and our Constitution, and that is your most important job. This is not the government I voted for. [add your own closing statement]

Sample MESSAGEs of Thanks

Sample 1: My name is [first name] and I am from [city], Illinois [optional zip code]. I saw your recent [newsletter /Instagram post /news appearance] and I agree with your perspective about the direction our government is taking. I want you to know that I am making an effort to make my views clear to the leaders in Congress, and I hope that you continue to do the same. I am particularly thankful for your support of [insert your issue(s)].

Sample 2: My name is [first name] and I am from [city], Illinois [optional zip code]. This call is to thank you for your positions about the fragile state of our democracy and concerns about the legality of actions of this administration. I am asking you to speak up even more loudly on our behalf because I am concerned that without louder dissenting voices in Congress it will be perceived that there is none. Anything you can do to be more vocal would be wonderful. You have my support.

NOTE: If you are in the Congressperson’s district, please leave your zip code.

The “5 Calls” website may also provide inspiration for issues you are most interested in.  (NOTE: this is not an endorsement by LWVIL of the positions taken by 5 Calls.)