Communicating with the people who are supposed to represent you in government may sound like a fruitless task, but it is possible. You just have to remember that they don’t always communicate the same way you do. Here are some of the best ways to reach them.

According to Emily Ellsworth, a writer and former congressional staffer, reaching out through things like Facebook or Twitter won’t be very effective. Staffers check those outlets occasionally, but they’re largely ignored. Sending letters is more helpful, but they also get so many letters that it’s impossible to give them individual attention. The best way to reach out? Phone calls.

As Emily explains in a detailed tweet chain, calls need to be handled as they happen and can’t be ignored. A high volume of calls can be overwhelming for office workers, but that means their bosses hear about them.

The office you target also matters. Members of Congress have offices in DC, but they also have offices in the home districts they represent. Target your letters and phone calls to your local office and you’ll have an easier time getting their attention. And while it should go without saying, only contact your representatives. While there may be a reason to contact certain people who don’t represent you (especially if they’re in a leadership position), it’s always most effective to talk to the person who represents your district. You can read the full tweet chain at the source link below, or check out Emily’s follow-up video with some FAQs here.