Social media is brimming with impassioned views about the incoming Trump administration. The president-elect’s approach to matters of immigration, reproductive rights, and—alas—torture, has provoked an operatic rebellion against the budding policies that, historically, a majority of Americans do not support.
As cathartic as howling at the moon might be, however, ravings on Twitter and Facebook are unlikely to focus the attention of those elected officials actually empowered to cut short Donald Trump’s nationalistic vision for America. A more direct approach is required.
Fortunately, a useful document is now making its way around Twitter, urging progressives to address their frustrations with lawmakers, as opposed to one another. “We’re His Problem Now,” as it is titled, is an easy-to-use calling sheet providing step-by-step instructions for relaying concerns about Trump’s positions directly to party leaders, senators, and representatives.
The document recommends first the tried-and-true method of contacting representatives at their state and district offices before their Washington D.C. counterparts. This method was emphasized recently in a viral series of tweets by writer Emily Ellsworth, a former staffer in the offices of Reps. Jason Chaffetz and Chris Stewart of Utah.
https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797243585305321474
https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797243719774707712
https://twitter.com/editoremilye/status/797243849798074368
“We’re His Problem Now” offers word-for-word phone scripts on a variety of issues, including healthcare, immigration, civil liberties, marriage equality, police brutality, refugees, climate change, and more—both for progressives who’ve supported or favored more liberal policies in the past, as well as conservatives with a history of opposition.