National In-District Lobbying Day was a Success!
We’re incredibly proud of everyone who showed up on Tuesday to speak their mind at the National In-District lobbying day. All 50 states showed up at their representatives offices, and at least 110 individual representatives heard from their constituents.
The power is truly with us, the people, when we show up. They can hear us, and they don’t want to. People are fired up, putting their representatives on notice for their lack of action. We will do this again (more on that soon – keep an eye out for our next day of action and new tools!). Speaking out and demanding action, first on impeachment and then on policies like abolishing ICE, is how we restore a responsive government by and for the people.
National In-District Lobbying Day Results:
It’s hard to overstate constituents showing up rattle congressional staff. Even the most peaceful and polite constituent appearing in person is deeply concerning. They are used to working in isolation and their go-to move is to deny and delay. They are hoping you’ll go away. When constituents actually show up and demand to be heard, it changes the power dynamic completely. Here are some events that we know about:
- SC-01: Constituents showing up to talk with staff rattled Nancy Mace so much that she posted about the “radical left” with scary music.
- FL-13: Constituents were forced to talk through the intercom at Anna Paulina Luna’s office and ended up in a confusing conversation about Charlie Kirk for some reason
- MD-08: Jamie Raskin’s staff refused to open the door for one constituent. The constituent waited patiently though, and six more people showed up for the National In-District Lobbying Day. At that point, the staff unlocked the door and they had a conversation. 6 people, that’s all it takes.
- MO-07: Constituents leading the event took the day off of work to table outside of the office and walk in with any constituent who wanted to meet with the rep. Curtis Jared, the private property owner of the congressional office called the police on them three different times (the sheriff showed up in his personal vehicle!). Since the constituents had every right to be there, the police couldn’t do anything. It turns out that Curtis already has several political contribution violations – oops!
- NC-07 & NC-09: Constituents delivered articles of impeachment and a petition to their representatives’ staff and gained some media coverage about the impeachment movement and the partners pushing it forward.
- NY-04: Constituents called ahead to Laura Gillen’s office and were told they did not need an appointment. When they showed up, staff denied them an appointment. Clergy visiting the rep that same day advocated for them, but the doors remained closed. You can read the full story here.
- RI-02: Seth Magaziner held a morning session with his constituents. They were glad to hear that he would continue voting for no funding on ICE and were encouraged that he said yes to impeachment inquiries for Donald Trump. (We want to see votes on impeachment resolutions, but it’s a start!)
Ignoring us isn’t going to work. Share your stories and tell us how the offices listened to you (or didn’t!). this is how we figure out how to turn up the pressure. We’re here to advocate for impeachment as long as this President and his enablers continue to violate the Constitution and harm the American people.
Thank you for fighting for this democracy!
–Citizens’ Impeachment Team and FLARE USA, with special thanks to the Sons of Liberty for their tireless effort in identifying constituent leaders for this event!