Schedule a visit with your elected officials
The names and phone numbers for the Florida Congressional delegation are listed here. All of them have local offices, and one is likely near you. Staff members in these offices are responsible for meeting with constituents, and they report constituent concerns to the members. It is never a waste of time to meet with staff if the member is not available.
Local council members may also play an important role. At least 100 city councils around the country have voted to call for a ceasefire. A sample ceasefire resolution is available here. These local initiatives can be important in reaching decision makers at the national level.
For in-person meetings, remember a few key points:
Be prepared and organized with what you want to say. The time of the staff and Members is limited, and you will find them more likely to listen if you make your points clearly and concisely.
Show how your request relates to the official's district. This is critical. The US Campaign for Palestinian Rights has published an excellent calculation of costs to each US town for military aid to Israel. Talk about what that money could be used for in your local area. Another great resource is "Visualizing Gaza". Following instructions on the site, you can illustrate just how small the Gaza Strip is in relation to your town or congresional district. When you discuss the number of Gazans crowded into the area compared to your own population, and describe the numbers of dead and wounded in that space, the comparison adds urgency.
Mention people you know locally who are affected by the situation, especially any who have family or friends in Gaza or the West Bank.
Mention the many Jewish voices calling for equality, an end to Israel's occupation, and a ceasefire.
Mention the Palestinian Christians as well as Palestinian Muslims who are suffering under the current bombing and dispossession.
Be respectful. You may be frustrated with a Member's position or actions, but you will never bring about a change of heart or vote with vitriol. Try to find a way of starting with a positive: ie., I know the Congressman (or Congresswoman) is concerned about ____ (the budget, human rights, American security, or other category), and I want to share a concern that is directly related to that. If you need help tying your concern to any of those areas, let us know and we'll be glad to help.
Ask for follow-up. Tell the staff member how you can be contacted and request a response once your information has been considered. Offer to provide resources and documentation that support your point of view. Thank the staff person for their time.
Write a thank-you note for the meeting with a summary of your points and requests.
