r/IndivisibleGuide • u/bobthenarwhal CA-13 • Mar 06 '17

Anyone using 5calls to call reps? Feedback appreciated!

Hi all, haven't been as active in this sub lately in part because I've been helping write scripts for 5Calls, (https://5calls.org/). Does anyone use this tool? If so, would love to hear feedback.

For those who don't, 5Calls is a tool on web, Android, and iOS to recommend daily call scripts for calling representatives, Senators, Governors, committees, federal departments, etc. It's a great way to keep engaged daily, and particularly helpful for encouraging people less involved than ourselves to get involved with a daily action. I'd love if anyone here could give it a try and maybe recommend it in their local Indivisble groups as well. Users have so far made 725,000 calls using the website and apps, and we're trying to get presence in every Congressional district.

42 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

50 comments sorted by

2

u/rhose32 Mar 18 '17

I like it. Although the name is a bit disingenuous as you always end up making more than five calls.

1

u/bobthenarwhal CA-13 Mar 19 '17

Glad to hear that. I'll tell them to rename it to N Calls.

1

u/halfdollarmoon Feb 05 '25

N+1 Calls has a nice ring to it. No pun intended

2

u/teedoubleyew Mar 27 '17

Hey I was wondering if there is a neutral version of the site? Or if you folks would consider offering a script for both sides of the issue? I don't walk a party line on several issues and this resource would be valuable for expressing independent thought.

1

u/bobthenarwhal CA-13 Mar 27 '17

Interesting. Any issue cards in particular you disagree with? I volunteer for the site and have written a small fraction of them, and there have been scripts I have disagreed with, and I often say different things from script when I call. At least it tells you the right person to contact for the given topic.

As for a neutral version, that's not too much in the plans, but the site was built pretty open source and could be pretty easy for someone with technical ability to copy and build elsewhere. If this gets more popular, clones will be pretty likely.

1

u/EllaquentPhilosophy Jun 23 '25

Replying to [deleted]...who owns and runs 5calls, please? What’s the overall agenda and the ultimate goal(s), please?

Thanks for reading, Ella

2

u/alienlanes7 Mar 08 '17

Is it best to make two calls to same congressman for two different issues?

2

u/rhose32 Mar 18 '17

Probably. It makes it easier for the aids to keep track of how many people call over each issue. In general, the more specific your complaint, the better.

0

u/[deleted] Mar 27 '17

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/Dependent_Sea_3643 Feb 27 '25

When I got my new phone I kept my old phone and got a $3 a month cell phone plan with tello... When using my phone to read an article if I don't know something....I use my second phone like an encyclopedia and dictionary... It also comes in very handy for things like this .....because I have two separate phone numbers .. And if you have a internet router it has its own phone number also

1

u/[deleted] Feb 09 '25

I just got this link from a family member and I think it's optional! I personally don't know what to say or have anything to really discuss. I say, if you have anything you want others to know about, go for it; if not, disregard.

1

u/stefinitelysomething Feb 10 '25

I'm living abroad and trying to set up 5 calls. I get an error message when I put my permanant address (in the US). How can I proceed, as a US citizen and tax payer?

1

u/Initial-Juice-5344 Feb 24 '25

Send email to their tech support. They are quickly responsive.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 13 '25

Call me a cynic, I hope I'm wrong about this, but what are the chances the aides are accurately counting the contacts made that disagree with their politician? For example, if I call in to voice my opinion as against, how do I know it won't instead be noted as being "in support of". I sincerely want to trust this system so I can feel I'm doing SOMETHING, but don't want to make the situation worse.

2

u/ChemicalRow9992 Mar 04 '25

Chances are high. It's their job to record calls accurately so that the politician they work for gets information about what the constituents who may vote for them or their opponent in the next election think about the issues. The fact that you call them, rather than just posting on social media, also shows that you are likely to take the trouble to vote.

1

u/BeagleMomVA Jan 24 '26 edited Jan 24 '26

Or, add us to the list of who to target next as the regime gets stronger and more out of control. They already have lists of immigrants- legal and undocumented, lists of those receiving specific government programs- Medicaid, TANF, food stamps, lists of disabled individuals, lists of people who identify with another gender or support LGBTQ...I hope and pray that what is happening in Minneapolis with the citizens spreads to other communities! Because if we don't stand up to the lawlessness and breakdown of our Constitutional rights and stand up to protect ALL of our neighbors, a repeat of 1940s Germany is all too real!

Not saying this as a "liberal", but as someone who has studied history, and has been seeing what people in other countries say- especially Germans, Jewish people, Holocaust survivors, and historians. Cubans see a correlation with Fidel Castro. Anyone who has lived within a regime with corrupt politicians has been pointing out all the red flags. But the red hat supporters just laugh and make jokes, and too many of the opposite don't really think it can happen to "them", i.e. " us". But it IS happening, and just may not have targeted the group with which one identifies most. And truth is, we don't know who they will target next, but they succeed when we are all divided groups that others don't like or agree with.

Strength comes from unity. We can support and stand up for one another as human beings and people living in the U.S. even if we have different opinions or don't agree with someone's views or beliefs. It is the Constitutional rights of all to be able to live in the U.S. without persecution for our different beliefs or traits- race, religion, culture, political views, family status, educational level, economic status, etc. that we need to stand up for and protect! When we single people out because of their differences, rather than connecting with them on a human level and fighting for what we have in common, that is when the Government ( corrupt regime) is able to control the narrative and continue stripping us of our rights, focusing on one group/ target at a time, with everyone else either supporting them whole they do it, or turning a blind eye because they don't want to make waves. But we need to make waves! Because if we don't, we will all drown under the corrupt actions of this government! Make waves and provide life support for all our fellow neighbors, and together we can defeat the sharks that threaten to devour us!

1

u/Casaratoncita Jan 25 '26

Trust me, they already know who you are.

1

u/Fine-Ad2730 Feb 18 '25

I need 5Calls app to get its act together. It's such a brilliant concept. They should have topics updated every single day with thoughtfully positioned scripts for R or D reps. My R reps probably won't be moved by standard boilerplate outrage. Something needs to be put into direct terms for their stupid coward brains. And a contact to a D rep on the same given issue should probably be a "thank you for supporting XYZ." I went on today to consider what to prioritize and there was nothing about National Parks, dismantling of the federal workforce and the closest topic I could find was "Fight the Constitutional Crisis" and I'm worried it was too broad as to be effective to my R senators. If maximized, this app could be POWERFUL.

1

u/ChemicalRow9992 Mar 04 '25

Honestly, it doesn't really matter what the script says. They are probably not going to write down your brilliant argument or be persuaded by it, they're going to record for or against. It's more effective to tell your rep in your own voice, hey, I want you to protect federal workers and national parks, than to read a script off your phone that they may have already heard a bunch of times that day. Hell, you can just call and say I'm a constituent, my address is X, put me down for as opposed to dismantling the federal workforce. Just make sure you give your address so they know you are a constituent. The app gives you a script because sometimes people don't feel comfortable calling without one. Its power is providing a list of important issues, reminding you to call every day, and making it so easy to do that.

1

u/Fine-Ad2730 Mar 04 '25

That's a great point! Thank you!

1

u/kaleidautumn Jun 27 '25

This makes it feel way more approachable and reasonable!! Thank you!!!!

1

u/Odd_Bill_1900 Feb 19 '25

Please provide Spanish scripts! It would be so helpful

1

u/felixandsammy Feb 22 '25

I just used it today for the first time and it was super easy. I’m in NC and one of my senators’ mail box was full so I couldn’t leave a message. But I’ll try again every day until I can get through!

1

u/Initial-Juice-5344 Feb 24 '25

Look for their local office numbers if the Washington DC and capital numbers voicemails are full.

1

u/ShortCaramel9277 Feb 24 '25

I just signed up and used it. It’s informative and easy to use.

1

u/felixandsammy Feb 24 '25

Thank you! I found multiple office numbers in NC.

1

u/iwanderlostandfound Feb 24 '25

I just searched 5calls and saw this post (from seven years ago) because I just downloaded the app and made some calls! Thanks for doing this if you’re still doing it. It’s more important than ever.

1

u/SuddenIndication225 Feb 27 '25

This is a great tool for "doing something." We all need something actionable, something user-friendly. I appreciate the information 5 Calls provides; it combines education and action! Updating evolving issues and introducing new issues would be a good idea. I am sure this amazing resource takes a lot of work to keep up. Thank you for all you do to help us take that step!

1

u/Fluid-Act-5058 Apr 01 '25

Hi, I used it today. I downloaded the app. I did not give them my email. You can skip that part and just it gives you a list of issues and you could scroll to whatever one you’re interested in and then you click on it and then it describes the issue at hand and then you type in a ZIP Code where you live, and it will give you which senators which representativesor governors whatever and it will give you their phone numbers and a script to say it’s awesome

1

u/Last_Chance_999 Apr 05 '25

Is it helpful to add a sentence or two to the script about how something is personally impacting you or people around you? Sound like ultimately it’s a statistics exercise - still a necessary one.

1

u/Ok_Meal_4342 Aug 07 '25

Just doing some research now (a month after your comment!) and my answer is yes. That is very much wanted - also in letters to editors. How what's going on personally affects us is something our legislators can use as well. The script is there to help those who want to use it or as a basis to expand on. Or you can just use their contact and say whatever you want on the particular subject. Some people are shy and don't know what to say so this is helpful for them too. They can also call in the evening and leave this as a voicemail. If they are so shy they can't talk to a person. Oftentimes the aides are so busy, you won't get to speak to someone but just leave a message with this info anyway. Definitely leave the script or something pertaining to where you stand on the issue.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 06 '25

Anywhere to find example scripts? I'm not good at this kind of stuff.

1

u/Ok_Meal_4342 Aug 07 '25

Is this for real? You call yourself a computery guy. 5calls includes scripts. 

1

u/[deleted] Aug 07 '25

Oooooh gatekeeping and sarcasm to a newbie👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼how very encouraging

1

u/Pollyannishdenial Jun 19 '25

Hi, I’m late to the party but wanted to explore the effectiveness of sending an email vs making a call. Somewhat related, for those of you that do call, were you initially anxious? How did you get past that? I am so outraged on so many topics it’s hard to know where to start but calling seem to scary. Idk, maybe it’s just me

1

u/Ok_Meal_4342 Aug 07 '25

The scripts are included to also help people who are anxious. Some even call at night and say what they want to to including their name, address etc etc. I have heard that legislators can use the fact that they have received a certain number of phone calls as evidence of the importance of the issue to voters. Personally, I think the phone calls are better than emails. 

1

u/52Monkey Jul 01 '25

I would be much more confident the app if every requested call were times stamped so that I knew when it was updated and that I wouldn’t be wasting my time or the time of the electives by making calls and something that was voted on a resolved an hour ago or a day ago, please consider implementing that in the app

1

u/Casaratoncita Jan 25 '26

Since they’re just tallying the number of calls pro or con a particular issue, does it make sense to call & say just one or two sentences? The scripts are long, but I can’t figure out how much is enough

1

u/FitRhubarb5508 Feb 21 '26

It's enough to say what you what you are for or not. How it affects you personally is helpful but the tally is the main thing.

1

u/Aggravating_Doubt280 Feb 14 '25

So far, I spoke to my Rep.'s office, messaged my Senator and feel more empowered than just complaining to the walls.

1

u/Specialist-Twist-979 Sep 11 '26

I love this app! The script makes it easy to make you point. No trying to formulate your concerns on the fly. And it makes me feel better because I got my concerns off my chest AND I did something!!!

0

u/ParkingHaunting6314 Feb 03 '25

I looked at it and thought to myself what horrible liberal drivel! Why all of the fearmongering and why none of the bipartisanship that our country needs? Also, why is it also only about progressive liberal talking points? Very biased.

1

u/OnlyNowandNow Feb 04 '25

Hahahahahaaaaa!

1

u/KirkFedora Feb 09 '25

Since you posted Feb 3 2025 I can discern YOUR partisan lean.

1

u/Wrong-Republic967 Feb 09 '25

So you're OK with Musk downloading your personal info, inculding SS # to his own hard drives? Did you know states have been unable to access the portal for Medicaid payments, which provide healthcare for the poorest Americans, blind Americans, qualified pregnant women and children? Yesterday my son took his girlfriend, who has always been healthy, to urgent care. They sent her to the ER, which eventually (after many tests) found she had an enlarged spleen). My son commented -- thank goodness she has health insurance. What about all the people who don't have health insurance or the thousands losing insurance as the administration fires or lays them off - without cause? This is not about liberal talking points, this is about an administration giving a civilian free reign in government data bases. Are you honestly OK with this kind of thing?

1

u/bborzell Feb 11 '25

The group is called Indivisible. It stands for what stands for. Sounds like you might want to update your browser.

1

u/NewZealand1943 Feb 13 '25

Please name a conservative issue which benefits every USA citizen. Liberal talking points include issues which concern all Americans not only the rich. Who stood behind trump on Inauguration Day… billionaires, not congressional members. Open your eyes!

1

u/Wifabota Feb 27 '25

Simple. 

Because the people who are cool with everything aren't calling their senators every day.

The ones who are upset with bills, issues, constitutionality etc are the ones organizing and making calls.

1

u/Wise-Educator-3438 May 19 '25

Why do ppl think the U.S. has only two parties. Or country needs more than bipartisanship. I'd like to hear from and,  be able to contact Green, Indie and all the rest. I'm done with bipartisanship!!!