Call Banking Script – UN and US Representatives

2 Things and a Quick Heads Up:

1. Thank you for making time to call on our elected officials at the national level regarding our push for peace in Tigray. During these hectic times, everyone’s effort continues to make a tremendous impact in the cause for peace. Your hard work is not in vain. We will prevail.
2. The phone script is a living document, not written in stone. As things change in the political landscape within Tigray, feel free to talk about reported information coming out of east Africa. Also, think of the phone script language as a guide; you do not have to follow it word for word. Feel free to speak from your heart (just remember to be respectful of the listener’s time ☺).

• Most of the offices are working remotely so you may get a voicemail.
• When you do get through to a live person, you most likely will be talking to a staff member and not the elected official.
• Most staff members are friendly, and some are not – do not be discouraged if you encounter someone who is not friendly.
• Staff members are trained to identify constituents so they may ask you a few questions regarding your residence – for example, “what’s your address?”, “what’s your email?”, “do you live in the district/state?”
• You can politely decline to answer these questions, and instead let them know that you are a concerned United States voter.

PHONE SCRIPT GUIDE – US Representatives

Hi, my name is _________. 

As your constituent, I’m calling to urge you to support the Ethiopia Stabilization, Peace, and Democracy Act, also known as H.R. 6600. The passing of this bipartisan legislation is critical given the Ethiopian government violating the humanitarian truce by their recent military provocations against the region of Tigray.

The prospect of renewed fighting will have grave ramifications to the peace and stability of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Furthermore, the violation of the humanitarian truce could cause more human suffering and death in Tigray, which has been under siege for almost two years without essential services.

My family and friends in Tigray truly cannot wait, and so I ask that you please support H.R. 6600. Thank you.

PHONE SCRIPT GUIDE – US Senators

Hi, my name is _________. 

As your constituent, I’m calling to urge you to support the Ethiopia Peace and Stabilization Act, also known as S. 3199. The passing of this bipartisan legislation is critical given the Ethiopian government violating the humanitarian truce by their recent military provocations against the region of Tigray.

The prospect of renewed fighting will have grave ramifications to the peace and stability of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Furthermore, the violation of the humanitarian truce could cause more human suffering and death in Tigray, which has been under siege for almost two years without essential services.

My family and friends in Tigray truly cannot wait, and so I ask that you please support S. 3199. Thank you.

PHONE SCRIPT GUIDE – UN

Hi, my name is _________. I’m calling to urge you to support an independent and impartial UN-led investigation into the genocide in Tigray committed by Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Amhara forces and to demand that Turkey, a member of NATO, stop their military agreement with Ethiopia. Thousands of Tigrayans continue to be  systematically killed by drone attacks, bombings, and extrajudicial killings by these very forces.

Please ask your colleague and organization to release a public statement to:

1. Call on the Turkish government to stop arming the genocidal regime in Ethiopia with weapons and drones;
2. Immediately halt any arms deal U.N member states might have with Turkey and impose a limited no fly zone and an arms embargo on Ethiopia;
3. Officially recognize the Tigray Genocide committed by the Ethiopian & Eritrean governments and its allies by legally designating it a Genocide;
4. Support Tigrayan survivors in accordance with the NATO Conflict-Related Sexual Violence policy.

My family and friends in Tigray truly cannot wait, and so we ask that you please support us in this matter. Thank you.