#mail them

January 1, 2025

Honorific, Senator/Representative Name Street Address City, State, ZIP code

RE: Dissolution of the USAID

Dear Senator/Representative [NAME]:

I am writing to express my extreme concern over the current administration’s actions regarding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). I urge you to speak against the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to dissolve or control the agency, as I and many of my colleagues are deeply invested in both the reality and the reputation of our nation’s humanitarian ethos, and believe that the effort to dissolve an independent agency is illegal on several fronts.

I do not believe that the United States can call itself a “defender of freedom” if we choose to openly place our own capitalist interests above the physical wellbeing of civilians, especially those put at risk through our actions. Our consistent support of Israel throughout this conflict and many before it have directly impacted the ability of civilians in Gaza and the surrounding areas to live in peace and safety, and we should take responsibility for that.

Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to seeing what solutions you and your colleagues propose.

In Hope,

[NAME] Pronouns Profession

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Phone Script for speaking to a Congressperson about the dissolution of the USAID

Note: You will very likely be speaking to an aide or secretary, not directly to the elected official in question. This is acceptable and is not cause for concern.

Hello, this is [name] and I live in [city]. I’m calling with some concerns about the recent events around USAID. Who am I speaking with?

You may want to write down the name and position of the person to whom you are speaking. Then when you follow up via email or contact portal, you can say specifically whom you spoke with and on what subject.

I would like to express some very serious concerns about the current administration’s attempts to dissolve USAID and cease its humanitarian efforts. It seems to me that such actions are illegal according to the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, in addition to being unconstitutional. What actions will [Senator/Representative Name] be taking to speak against this?

If the response is unsatisfactory, vague, or negative, you may skip the following paragraph and proceed to the next.

I’d like to suggest that it would be seen positively by the voting public if [Senator/Rep Name] were to make a public statement concerning the issue. I understand that there are active legal challenges already in place, and that waiting for those to move through the courts will take time, but public support for those challenges and open criticism of the administration’s flagrant disrespect for due process would inspire a bit more trust from constituents.

It's a scary and uncertain time. We don’t know what’s going to happen and we don’t know who to trust. But a firm stance and public statements of support for respecting the law and what it stands for – that will go a long way toward addressing people’s fear. I look forward to hearing [Senator/Rep Name]’s stance on this issue in the coming days.

Thank you for your time.

You will be asked for your full name, address, and phone number, so be prepared to give those. Be as calm and polite as possible, but make note of any rudeness or push-back you may encounter during the call and include that in your follow-up email.