Phone call template

Use this script to call your MLA 

A quick phone call to your MLA is often the most effective way to communicate about the issues you care about. Phone calls are more memorable and show that you have knowledge about gender-based violence, family law, and access to justice. If you do not get through to speak to your MLA, speaking to a member of their staff is also effective.  

How to make a call: 

  1. Look up the phone number for your MLA on the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia website here by: community or by searching your post code. 

  1. Introduce yourself and identify yourself as a constituent by providing your postal code or address. 

  1. Ask to speak directly to your MLA, but don’t be surprised if you are only able to speak to their staff. 

  1. Give the reason for your call, focus on the issue at hand and try not to deviate into other political concerns.  

  1. Ask clear and pointed questions that require and explanation and ask for a commitment to action. 

A sample script: 

Introduction: “My name is [your name] and I am a constituent in [MLA’s name’s] riding, I live at [your address or your post code]” 

Speaking directly: “Am I able to speak directly to [MLA’s name]” 

Reason for your call: “I am calling about your plan to address gender-based violence in BC, and if you have read Rise Women’s Legal Centre’s most recent report on improving the family justice system for survivors in BC? Gender-based violence is a very important issue to me.”  

(the report is called Building Inclusive and Accessible Family Justice and you can direct them to go to our website to read it if asked: womenslegalcentre.ca) 

Potential questions (ask 1- 2):  

  • “Do you have an existing plan on gender-based violence?” (and if so, what is it?) 

  • “Are you planning on reading Rise’s recommendations for improving the justice system for survivors?”  

  • “Will you be allocating more funding to expand family law advocacy services and to increase the number of support workers available in family court?” 

  • “Will you work collaboratively with the Law Society of BC, Legal Aid BC, and the BC courts to enact positive changes for women and gender diverse people across the province?” 

  • “Will you be investing in reliable cellular networks and internet services in rural and remote areas so people there can ask for help and access legal services?” 

Commitment to action (use 1):  

  • “Thank you for speaking with me. Will you now work towards creating a more comprehensive plan of action on gender-based violence?” 

  • “Thank you for speaking with me. Will you read Rise’s report and enact their recommendations?” 

Tips: 

  • Tell the MLA the issue will matter to you in the next election. 

  • Be as brief as possible to show you respect their time. 

  • Remain as calm as possible, and respectful. 

  • Follow-up at a later date to find out what actions were taken as a result of your call. 

 (These tips were adapted from the Citizens for Public Justice advocacy toolkit, which has a guide on speaking to you MP https://cpj.ca/calling-your-mp/)