Feeling helpless after the election? Here’s exactly what to do

If you have a lot of feelings about the election results and don’t know where to channel them, you are not alone. With one candidate winning the popular vote and the other winning the Electoral College, the election may be over, but the debate on who really won is just getting started.

If you are a woman, minority, immigrant or generally decent human being, you are probably feeling confused, with bouts of sadness and sprinkles of helplessness. But instead of being fearful and rolling over to endure a new regime, there are steps you can take to make sure your voice is heard and you and your needs are represented by your local officials. The first step? Getting involved.

Emily Ellsworth, former Congressional staffer of six years, took to Twitter to give her advice on how to get your Congressperson’s attention and help shape your local government. We’ve assembled her tweets and tips below, so check them out and get going!

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1. Get off the computer and throw it back with good old phone calls and snail mail

Remember, you deal directly with the staff when emailing or calling, so be kind to them — they are the ones who pass along your message!

First, tweeting or writing on Facebook is largely ineffective. I never looked at those comments except to remove the harassing ones.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

Second, writing a letter to the district office (state) is better than sending an email or writing a letter to DC.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

We repped half a million people, it was impossible to read and respond personally to all letters. Impossible.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

So, we batched them with computer algorithms and sent out form letters based on topic and position. Regardless of method received.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

But, phone calls! That was a thing that shook up our office from time. One time, a radio host gave out our district office phone # on air.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

It was exhausting and you can bet my bosses heard about it. We had discussions because of that call to action.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

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2. If you want to speak to your rep, get your butt to town hall meetings

If you want to talk to your rep, show up at town hall meetings. Get a huge group that they can't ignore. Pack that place and ask questions.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

As always, please be kind but firm with those staffers. They will listen and talk to you. I always, always did.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

Are you noticing a pattern here? The staff are the ones who run the ground game for Congress. Work on helping them understand and learn.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

Because, if the staff knows you, when they have a question about a piece of legislation or amendment, they will be the one you call.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016

3. Focus on your own district — start with where you are and what you have

Lots are asking if it's useful to call a rep. outside your state/district.

NO. They will ignore you. Use your energy elsewhere.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 14, 2016

4. Figure out the issues you care about

Research, organize and recruit backup if you can.

Pick 2-3 issues you care deeply about, find good orgs to support and get on their lists. Help do their groundwork. Strength in numbers.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 14, 2016

5. Research the officials and their departments — who represents what in your state?

Learn more about how legislation moves through congress and committees and all those issues that back up your opinion with facts.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 14, 2016

You can find their numbers/website/everything here: https://t.co/tM1jyVSP8C. That will link to their official website.

— Emily Ellsworth Coleman (@editoremilye) November 14, 2016

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Now that you have an outline of how to go about getting involved, what are the issues you care about? Below is a list of organizations that need your help now. Donate, volunteer, call on their behalf and get informed.