At Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA), we understand the power of grassroots advocacy in protecting public land access for responsible users — especially off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. One of the most direct and impactful ways to make your voice heard is by calling your elected officials in Congress. However, a phone call is only as powerful as the message it delivers. Here are some tips to help you make your calls to Congress more effective, ensuring our collective voice is loud, clear, and impossible to ignore.
- Know Who to Call
Generally, you need to make 3 calls.
- Your U.S. Senators (two per state)
- Your U.S. House Representative (one per district)
You can find your representatives and their contact information easily at https://www.congress.gov/members.
Your call will likely be answered by an Intern. You should expect that they will take your name and address to verify that you are a constituent, then record your position on the subject you are calling on. They will record your position and provide a summary to the Congressional Representative at the end of each day.
If you would like to have an in depth conversation, when you first call ask to speak to the LA (Legislative Analyst) for Natural Resources or Public Lands. Most often you’ll need to leave a message for them to call you back.
Tip: Focus your efforts on your own elected officials. While contacting others may feel useful, Congress prioritizes calls from constituents — the people they were elected to represent.
- Be Prepared with a Clear, Focused Message
Before you dial, jot down the main points you want to make. A good call should:
- Identify yourself as a constituent (include your zip code)
- Mention the specific issue or bill by name or number
- Clearly state your position (support or oppose)
- Request action (e.g., “Please oppose H.R.XXXX as it would restrict public land access for responsible OHV users.”)
Example Opening: “Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I’m a constituent from [City, ZIP]. I’m calling to ask Senator [Name] to oppose [Bill Number] because it threatens responsible access to our public lands for OHV users like me.”
- Keep It Brief and Respectful
Staffers taking your call have limited time. Stay focused on the issue:
- Avoid long explanations or unrelated issues
- Speak respectfully, even if you disagree
- Thank the staffer for their time
Remember: You’re representing not just yourself, but our community of responsible public land users.
- Personalize Your Call
If you have a personal connection to the issue, share it briefly:
- How does OHV recreation benefit your family or community?
- Do you rely on access to public lands for your business or lifestyle?
- Have you volunteered for trail maintenance or education programs?
Personal stories make your call more memorable and impactful.
- Follow Up and Stay Engaged
After your call:
- Send a quick thank-you email to the office summarizing your request
- Share updates with fellow UPLA members and encourage them to call
- Watch for responses or statements from your representatives and hold them accountable
- Don’t Be Discouraged by Voicemail
Offices are busy — voicemails still count! Leave a clear message with the same points as a live call. Some offices track voicemails as part of their daily reports to the member of Congress.
Your Voice Matters
Every call helps shape the narrative on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers keep tallies of constituent contacts — especially on hot-button issues like public land access. When enough of us call, our message becomes impossible to ignore.
At UPLA, we believe responsible OHV users deserve a seat at the table. Let’s make sure our voices are heard loud and clear. When the time comes, make that call — and make it count.
For updates on pending legislation and action alerts, follow Utah Public Lands Alliance at www.utahpla.com or on our social channels.
Please email me with results from your call , and if you speak to a Legislative Analyst, please provide their contact information to me.
Together, we protect access, but we can’t do it without You!
Loren Campbell
President, Utah Public Lands Alliance
