Each year, Congress negotiates how to spend U.S. taxpayer dollars through a process called appropriations. Catholic Relief Services and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops advocate on priority accounts to ensure the U.S. government provides robust assistance to eliminate hunger and poverty around the world. 

• The Appropriations and Budget Backgrounder and Talking Points provide information to help you communicate with your members of Congress.
• The annual Chart of Budget Accounts for Congressional Offices details what the USCCB and CRS advocate for addressing global poverty. 
• The leave behind/send ahead document can be shared in English with Congressional offices either before or after a visit on appropriations.

Use the Congressional Champion Scale to assess your legislator's support on key issues. Knowing their position helps you plan how to improve collaboration.

Research shows that constituent communications can significantly influence congressional members' decision-making. Emails or letters tend to be more effective when the message is personalized by including a story or illustrating the impact of an issue within a specific district or state. For additional tips, download the how-to PDF guide or watch the training video.

If a bill requires momentum or a vote is anticipated, phone calls can capture the attention of your congressional members. Text ADVOCATE to 677-68 to join our mobile network and stay informed about when your voice is critically needed.

Opinion-editorial articles and letters to the editor in local publications enhance awareness of important issues and cultivate support within the community. Congressional offices closely observe local media, making this an effective method to present matters to your representatives. For more tips on how to spread the word, download the how-to PDF guides or watch the training video.

Social media platforms are powerful tools to contact Congress. Research shows that 30 posts or comments on an issue can capture the attention of congressional offices. For more tips, download the how-to PDF guides or watch the training video.

Attending town halls sponsored by your members of Congress is an opportunity for you to listen to their viewpoints, learn about their focus areas and raise your voice on pertinent issues.

For more tips on attending events, download the how-to PDF guide below.

In-person meetings with your members of Congress are highly impactful. They provide an opportunity to build relationships with your legislators and their staff, share your concerns and advocate for issues that are important to you and your community. 

Ready to get started? Head to our Congressional Visits page to learn more about our current issues, review resources for effective meetings and register to participate in meetings alongside other CRS partners. 

This annual planning tool includes key dates and moments for you and your community to join in action with other Catholic parishes, schools, dioceses and communities.

Our impact grows with community involvement. Encourage your community to join the effort to end global poverty. Use our sample messages, photos and videos in the Communications and Social Media Kit to inspire action for a better tomorrow.