Phone Tree

A phone tree is a network of individuals who agree to make a couple of phone calls, usually one to an elected official, and one or two more to others on the phone tree. Phone trees can also be used to alert activists about urgent issues, such as legislation moving to a vote, a public hearing on one of our issues, or a protest.

There are different ways to construct a phone tree. Usually, one person is designated the tree coordinator, while everyone involved in the issue identifies and recruits potential phone tree participants. People who have expressed an interest in an issue but who don't have time for regular meetings are often happy to be part of a phone tree.

Typically, when a phone tree is utilized, the coordinator contacts one or more activists in the network and conveys information about the action that needs to be taken (for example, "Please call Senator Miller and urge him to support the bill that would repeal spousal notification for abortions. After you place your call to the Senator, be sure to call the next two members of the phone tree"). Each activist calls others until everyone in the network has been reached. The last contacts on the phone tree then report back to the coordinator to ensure he or she knows the process has been completed. This "loopback" mechanism is important, as is regular updating of contacts in the tree. If a phone tree is missing "branches," you may have the illusion that action is being taken when, in fact, your message is not getting out.

Keeping Informed: Make it easy for phone tree participants to keep up to date with issues. The more information you can provide the people on your phone tree on national, regional, state, or local issues, the better informed and more confident your callers will be when it is time to get phones ringing.

Keeping It Simple: When calling legislators, keep your message simple (for example, "Please oppose prohibiting the use of public funds for abortions"). Lawmakers' offices will tally these calls, just as they do letters, as either "pro" or "con" on an issue.

Get the Word Out: Don't forget to thank your callers whenever appropriate. If possible, use the phone tree to alert your callers to the outcome of an issue; they'll appreciate knowing that their work paid off. Don't overuse your phone tree, but don't let your callers get rusty either. Using the network once or twice per month is a good average.

The telephone is a well-established, speedy tool for getting messages out. Many volunteers find it easier to make a phone call and voice their opinion than to write and mail a letter.