Congressional Management Foundation Survey
The CMF found that communications with Congress have increased dramatically. In 2004, Congress received four times more communications than in 1995, with “all of the increase from Internet-based communications.” Increased use of “identical form communications” is a major factor in the increased volume. This, the CMF concluded, has led to skepticism among Congressional staff:
Many congressional staff doubt the legitimacy of identical form communications, and want to know whether communications are sent with constituents’ knowledge and consent. – CMF report
Validation of Winning Connections’ Approach
If there is one theme that clearly came through during every step of our research, it is this: thoughtful, personalized constituent messages generally have more influence than do a large number of identical form messages. – CMF report
This conclusion confirms what Winning Connections already knows from its own experience and research. WC focuses on customizing high-volume communications to Members of Congress. When we patch-through constituent calls to congressional offices, our callers do not deliver identical messages. The constituents are recruited with language customized to their individual concerns, and when they are patched-through to their lawmaker’s office, they are armed with one of at least several messages developed by our staff in consultation with our client.
Phone Calls Authenticate Constituent Communications
Half of congressional staff surveyed believe identical form communications are not sent with constituents’ knowledge or consent. – CMF report
Since patched-through phone calls from constituents have a “live” person on the line, they automatically provide the authentication sought after by congressional staff.
Informed Callers are Influential Callers
Messages that convey knowledge of specific legislation, the Member’s stance on the issue, and the impact the legislation will have on the Member’s constituents, district, or state tend to be much more persuasive than generic messages. – CMF report
Winning Connections programs ensure that callers patched-through to legislative offices not only urge their lawmaker to vote yes or no on a bill but also express the reason for their position on the legislation.
Coaching Callers is Important
The CMF report warns grassroots organizations that “facilitating phone calls without adequately preparing constituents” can have a negative impact. Winning Connections places great emphasis on informing constituents about how the patch-through process works and coaching them on delivery of the message.
Timing is Critical
The actions a Member can take are different at different points in the legislative process, so it is important for a grassroots organization to know the status of a bill, understand the possible actions a Member can take at each stage, coordinate its campaign around an appropriate action, and craft its message accordingly. – CMF report
Winning Connections always has calibrated its programs to make sure that communications are delivered to Congress when they will have the most impact. We work closely with our clients to determine the likely sequence of events in the legislative process and to establish an appropriate timetable for applying pressure at key junctures.