Emily Ellsworth is on hiatusVerified account

We held town halls consistently that fewer than 50 people showed up for. And it was always the same people. So, shake it up.

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

If you run an advocacy group, invite local staffers to show up to your events. Let them talk to people you work with and set up meetings.

I loved getting out of my office and meeting with advocates in immigration, healthcare, education, science, and every type of work.

Invite staffers on "field trips" and show them what it's like in your communities. Show them the work you are doing. It works.

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.

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.

And, that's the best I've got for you now. I hope it helps. Use your resources the best way you can and get their attention.