Here's what happened when I called Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's office re: Al Franken

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144. Welcome to DU, NellieStarbuck!

You're a constituent? Well, then, YOU are uniquely qualified to weigh in! And you should! And you did! I have found that seldom do I get any answers with a general email. The only time I do get a personal response is when I'm trying to set up an Indivisible meeting and we need to talk dates and times.

I'd say check out where there's an Indivisible chapter in your congressional district. I understand that there are at least two in every district, as the Indivisible movement has spread across the country. Used to be the boast was "there's one in every district." More now!

One of Indivisible's biggest priorities is the actual physical meetings arranged with our reps. Whether it's the Congressmember or Senator, State Senator or Assemblymember. It's always national and state. It doesn't extend as far down as into the county supervisor or city council level. But the big-time emphasis is on meeting with your reps. On a regular basis. To discuss issues voted upon at the most recent monthly Indivisible group meeting. Ideally, once a month. And as the news and the times and the events change, so do the issues and the "asks" that make the list for bringing up at the next meeting with your reps.

It also occurred to me what other very nice thing this accomplishes: Because you've got somebody in the group who's in regular touch with the folks in the office of Senator or Rep Whoever. I've been the point person for our state assemblyman, for example. And you start with an introductory email and follow up, and they do get back to you. These folks have learned to take high-profile activist groups like Indivisible very seriously. We're active, not passive, and they appreciate being able to deliver their boss's messages and accomplishments and viewpoints. So it's a two-way thing. And since you're contacting them pretty frequently, you're getting to know each other, and that always greases the wheels just a little more. Like when they have two or three calls coming in at once - and they pick you to talk to, and the others have to leave a message. 'Cause they know you. You're building relationships. It's important on SO many levels! DAYUM is it ever important! You've heard the old cliche "it's who you know"? Well, there you are. Operational in your arena, as well.

I highly recommend the Indivisible movement. It's a great way to meet some really agreeable people. Everyone's on the same page, and everyone gives a damn, and if you go to three or four of these things, you start to see the same faces and the same high level of dedication and commitment, and they're all well-informed. Some of them are involved with more than one activist organization and you suddenly realize you have a lot in common. I've made some mighty nice friendships that way - people I enjoy knowing outside of the political activism arena. And they all appreciate your participation whether you come every month or your schedule can't make room for that.

It's made me a better - and more active - citizen activist. And you sure do learn a lot about the issues. And there's so much expertise available and willingly shared.