Advocacy Academy

How to Make Congress
Work for Ukraine

Everything you need to know about how Congress works, why your voice matters as a Ukrainian-American, and how to turn that voice into legislative action.

Your Advocacy Roadmap

Six Steps to Congressional Impact

1. Know Your Bills

Use the Bills Tracker to identify which Ukraine-related bills are in committee and need the most support. Focus on bills where your representative sits on the relevant committee.

2. Find Your Representatives

Enter your ZIP code in the Find My Rep tool to identify your House representative and two senators. Note which committees they serve on, as that determines which bills they can directly influence.

3. Make the Call

Use the Call Center to get a pre-written script tailored to your representative and the bill you're supporting. Call the district office, state your name and ZIP, and make a specific ask.

4. Send a Letter

Use the Write a Letter tool to send a personalized letter to your representative. Physical and digital letters are logged by congressional offices and contribute to the constituent contact count.

5. Request a Meeting

For maximum impact, request an in-person meeting during a district work period. Bring a small group, prepare a one-page leave-behind, and follow up in writing.

6. Track Progress

Monitor bill progress in the Legislative Tracker. Share updates with your community and coordinate group action when a bill reaches a critical vote.

Congress 101

How Congress Works

Understanding the legislative process is the foundation of effective advocacy. These are the most important things to know.

Grassroots Advocacy

Does Contacting Congress Actually Work?

Yes, and here is the evidence and the best practices for making your contact count.

Your Voice Matters

Why Ukrainian-American Voices Are Uniquely Powerful

Whether you are a citizen, green card holder, or visa holder. You are a constituent, and your voice carries weight that no lobbying firm can replicate.

You Are a Constituent

Any person living in a congressional district, regardless of citizenship, is a constituent of that district's representative. You have the right to be heard.

Personal Stakes Are Persuasive

A representative who hears from someone with family in Kharkiv understands the stakes differently than from a policy briefing. Your lived experience is your most powerful credential.

Community Amplifies Impact

A single call is noted. Fifty calls from Ukrainian-Americans in the same district on the same bill in one week is a political signal that moves legislators.

Quick Reference

Key Terms

Constituent

Any person who lives in a legislator's district or state, regardless of citizenship status.

Cosponsor

A legislator who formally signs on to support a bill introduced by another member.

Markup

When a committee meets to amend and vote on a bill before sending it to the full chamber.

Floor Vote

A vote by the full House or Senate on a bill that has cleared committee.

Conference Committee

A joint House-Senate committee that reconciles differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Whip Count

An informal tally of how many legislators are expected to vote yes, no, or undecided on a bill.

District Work Period

Congressional recess when members return to their home districts. This is the best time for in-person meetings.

Leave-Behind

A one-page summary document left with a legislator after a meeting, summarizing your ask and key facts.

Ready to Act?

Knowledge Is the First Step.
Action Is What Counts.

You now know how Congress works and why your voice matters. Use the tools on this platform to turn that knowledge into calls, letters, and meetings that move legislation.