Resolve

Your Members of Congress keep track of how many calls they get on any particular issue. The more they hear from you, bringing needed attention to the children being victimized by the LRA, the more likely they are to do what it takes to protect them. Ultimately, you have the ability to contribute to the way our country will respond to this crisis, and you don’t have to be here in DC to do it. Pick up the phone and ask that your Member of Congress act on ending the threat of the LRA.

Step 1 - Get informed

Use our Congressional Scorecards to find your Member of Congress and get their contact information. You will also be able to see the grade that your Member of Congress currently has, based on his or her history of action on this issue. Then, read Our Agenda to get an updated explanation of what we need to be asking for right now.

The main message: While the specific requests might change as the situation evolves, here is the constant over-arching goal: You want your Members of Congress to act immediately to help protect children and families from LRA violence and achieve lasting peace for communities affected by this crisis in central Africa.

Key facts: LRA atrocities, which began in northern Uganda and have now spilled over to three neighboring countries (South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic), have been occurring for more than 24 years. This is Africa’s longest running conflict.

Over 2 million people, from four different countries, have been forced into displacement camps as a result of the violence, where they lack food, water, medical treament, and proper shelter.

Over 60,000 children and youth from four different countries have been abducted and used in this brutal conflict as front-line soldiers and sex slaves.

Step 2 - Make the call

To reach the DC office of your Member of Congress, dial (202) 224-3121. This is the Congressional Switchboard, where you can ask to be connected to the office of one of your Senators or Representatives. You'll be transferred to a staffer in the DC office of your Member of Congress.  Then, let them know what's on your mind! The whole conversation may take only a couple of minutes. Here are a few things to remember:

Ask to speak with the legislative aide handling foreign affairs. If that person is unavailable, leave a message with your name, address and phone number.

Make sure to mention that you are a constituent calling to express concern about LRA violence and the crisis in central Africa and to request that your Representative take serious action.

Always ask the name and contact information of the person with whom you speak.

If the person you speak with asks you a question and you do not know the answer, don’t panic! It is perfectly acceptable to tell them you will get that information and send it to them as soon as possible. Feel free to email us if you need assistance (info@thresolve.org)

Need guidance on what to say? Here you go:

"Hi. My name is _________ and I’m calling from _________ to ask you to do more to help achieve lasting peace and recovery for the children and families in central Africa being victimized by the Lord's Resistance Army.

The situation on the ground is deteriorating rapidly and immediate action is needed to stop the violence and protect people from attack and abduction. Much greater investment is needed from the U.S. to make this happen. Now, with the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act passed, I am asking that you continue to urge the Administration to use the mandate that it has been given to help bring an end to the threat posed by the LRA.  I also urge you support the appropriation of resources to help the recovery of war-affected families.

As a constituent in your district, I would appreciate your efforts to bring an immediate end to this conflict. Thank you.” 

Step 3 - Strength in numbers

Get others involved in calling their Members of Congress. You can always coordinate your own calling campaign with friends, classmates, club members, etc.