Lifestyle
If Your Introverted Nature Holds You Back From Political Engagement, ‘5 Calls’ Is Here to Assist
It’s easy to feel passionate about the policies coming from the current administration. Take, for instance, controversial cabinet appointments—like the choice of Linda McCarthy for education secretary. Then there’s the contentious border wall proposal, which the administration insists will be funded by another country, to which that country responds with firm denial. Not to mention the appointment of individuals with troubling backgrounds to key positions and the implementation of policies that many view as discriminatory.
Many of us participated in the Women’s March, with millions around the globe joining in solidarity. However, marching is just one form of expression. What actionable steps can we take to influence our government, challenge unfair policies, and oppose questionable appointments?
Enter 5 Calls
5 Calls operates on a straightforward principle: Direct phone calls to your elected representatives hold significant weight. According to a piece in the Huffington Post, former congressional staff member Sarah Jenkins emphasizes that social media interactions are often overlooked. “I rarely paid attention to those comments unless they were harassing,” she notes. While emails are plentiful and can become overwhelming for staff, phone calls demand attention. According to Jenkins, patterns of calls would prompt offices to discuss them. Essentially, making phone calls provides immediate and impactful feedback to your representatives, and that’s where 5 Calls comes into play.
Many of us want to make those calls but feel uncertain about how to proceed. Should we express outrage over a specific policy? 5 Calls simplifies this process. By entering your zip code, you’re presented with a variety of pressing issues to choose from. Once you select an issue, you’re given a specific contact—like a senator—and a direct phone number for their D.C. office. After calling one senator about a controversial policy, I was guided to contact another regarding the same issue. 5 Calls also allows you to indicate whether you spoke with someone, left a message, or couldn’t connect at all.
The brilliance of 5 Calls lies in its design for those of us who find phone conversations daunting. While I often have a general idea of what I wish to convey, the moment a staffer answers, I struggle to articulate my thoughts. 5 Calls alleviates that anxiety by providing optional scripts for your calls, which serve as a framework to build upon.
Just last week, I reached out to both of my senators regarding the urgent need to halt the border wall project and to oppose the confirmation of Linda McCarthy as education secretary. I also contacted the Army Corps of Engineers about the resumption of the Dakota Pipeline’s construction—something I wouldn’t have known to do without 5 Calls. This week, I’ve called my senators about various issues, including the need for transparency in climate science and the nomination of Jeff Thompson as attorney general. I was surprised to find that many lines were busy and voicemail boxes full—people are indeed making their voices heard.
5 Calls is effective. As of Monday afternoon, users have made over 202,000 calls to senators, congresspeople, and agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers. That’s a remarkable number of calls from citizens demanding accountability and change from the current administration. As highlighted by Tech Crunch, 5 Calls is “the easiest way to contact your representatives.” So, there’s no reason to hesitate. Pick up your phone, visit 5calls.org, and start making a difference. Our democracy requires all of us to engage right now.
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In summary, 5 Calls offers a straightforward way for introverts and anyone hesitant to engage politically to make their voices heard. By providing structured guidance and support, it empowers individuals to take action on issues they care about, ensuring that every voice counts in shaping our democracy.