Calling a member of Congress is a powerful way to advocate for issues you care about. Here are some tips to make your call as effective as possible. Have fun, be polite, and remember to make the call your own! BEFORE THE CALL Take a few minutes to gather your thoughts and prepare what you want to say. We have provided a couple example scripts, but make it your own! Identify yourself, and be ready to provide your name, hometown, and possibly your zipcode. Keep the call under 2 minutes. DURING THE CALL INTRO (if speaking to a staffer or leaving a voicemail): Hi, my name is [NAME], and I’m from [CITY/STATE]. I’m calling to strongly urge the Congressmember to publicly oppose H.R. 845, the so-called “Pets and Livestock Protection Act.” KEY TALKING POINTS (choose 2–3 for your message): ·Gray wolves are essential to local wildlife maintenance and rural economies. They support biodiversity, reduce disease in wildlife populations, and bring in millions in ecotourism revenue each year. ·This bill has no scientific basis. Wolves account for less than 1% of livestock deaths. If Congress truly cared about helping farmers, it would address disease and drought, not use wolves as a scapegoat. ·This is a politically motivated bill that wastes taxpayer dollars, undermines conservation, and ignores the public. More than 80% of Americans support the Endangered Species Act and we didn’t vote for our representatives to waste time on bad bills like this one. ·There are fewer than 6,000 wolves left in the lower 48 states. We used to have over 2 million. Stripping protections now would undo decades of progress and push wolves to the brink again. ·Delisting won’t help farmers. Investing in veterinary disease prevention and rapid response systems would do far more than a political attack on an endangered animal. ·This bill blocks judicial review and bans scientists from ever restoring protections for wolves, even if they’re wiped out again. That’s not how we do things in a country built on checks, balances, and facts. ·The ESA was signed by Nixon and supported by Reagan– it’s a bipartisan legacy of responsible environmental leadership. Don’t let that legacy get gutted for political points. ·Protecting wildlife isn’t a partisan issue– it’s an American one. Our future generations deserve to grow up in a country where they’re able to see America’s most iconic species continue to thrive. THINGS TO REMEMBER: If you have a personal connection to the Member of Congress or where they represent, emphasize that. FROM THEIR STATE/DISTRICT: Talk about the animals that you have there because of the ESA and what it will do to your local economy, environment, ecotourism without protection. If you have a personal connection to any of the key issues –– emphasize that. BUSINESS OWNERS: Talk about running a business that depends on outdoor recreation and how it could be hurt by losing ecological resources or tourist attractions. FARMERS/RANCHERS: If you are a farmer or rancher who depends on a healthy ecosystem with strong environmental protections describe how these protections (of species are eliminated it will disrupt the natural balance, if corporations are allowed to develop on crucial land unmitigated etc). Enhance Your Call! Howl! Ask your kid if they would like to call! CLOSING ASK: Please tell [Congressmember/Senator NAME] to oppose H.R. 845 and stand up for science, conservation, and the public interest. AFTER THE CALL Consider going to our toolbox to send an email to these members of congress. Use our toolbox to share your experience and our advocacy on social media. Ask your friends and family to do the same!