Make A Call

Members of Congress keep track of how many calls they get on any particular issue. The more they hear from their constituents about their concern for the children being victimized by the LRA, the more likely they are to do what it takes to protect them. So if you have 20 people together to screen a film on northern Uganda, have them pick up their phones and call their Senators as well. Aware and engaged is the goal here!

To make the call, 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 Members of Congress. Then just let them know what you think!

Here's an example of what you could say (the shorter the better for calls like this): 

"Hi, my name is ________ from ________. I'm calling today about the
children being attacked and abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army. Just recently, the rebel army has kidnapped more than a hundred children, and forced them to be child soldiers. I would like to ask Senator/Congressman ________ to act immediately to stop this crisis, and to help the children affected by this war."

How to Organize a Call-In Day

  • Pick a place with lots of people traffic: outside dining halls, libraries, or student unions are good locations
  • Choose a time when lots of people will walk by—between classes, lunch period, or after an assembly work well
  • Set up a table with call-in instruction sheets and phones on the table for people to use
  • Set out factsheets and brochures about northern Uganda and a donations jar—you can use this as an opportunity for education and fundraising as well as advocacy!
  • Attract people’s attention—Put up a colorful sign or banner or set out food (you can talk to local restaurants about donating). Be creative!
  • Make sure that the people calling in know what to ask their representatives for. They should not only express their concern for the situation in northern Uganda, but should ask their representative to take specific actions to end the war.
  • Be ready to answer questions they might have about the situation in Uganda or the process of calling their representatives
  • Remember to thank the people who stop and call, and take down their contact information