Successful lobbying | Writing your legislators | Phoning your legislators

Tips on phoning your state legislators

To find your state legislator's phone number, you may use our searchable online Iowa Legislature Directory or call the Senate switchboard at 515-281-3371 or the House switchboard at 515-281-3221.

Keep in mind that most telephone calls are taken by a staff member and not the actual legislator. If they are not available, you may also leave a message. If you speak with someone other than your legislator, take down their name.

Upon reaching your state legislator on the phone, it's easiest to follow these four basic steps:

IDENTIFY yourself by name and the organization (if any) that you represent or the town from which you are calling.

EXPLAIN why you are calling: "I am calling to support/oppose HF____/SF____." Be polite and concise. Creating 1 or 2 talking points will focus the content of your message. Too much information may confuse your message. Ask your legislator his/her position on this issue. Don't assume that your legislator has prior knowledge of your issue. Be calm, respectful, and be prepared to educate, using local examples to accentuate your point. If the legislator requires further information, provide it as soon as possible.

THANK the person who took the phone call for their time and consideration.