In most cases, the congressman and his staff will conclude that you are just acting at the behest of some organization inside the Washington, DC beltway, and that you may not be very firm in your views. Most congressional offices do keep track of such correspondence, but weigh them much less than personalized letters. Telephone calls establish a more personal rapport than do letters, although congressman and their aides realize that picking up a telephone takes little effort compared with sitting down and writing out a thoughtful letter. But because many people who have lots of time on their hands call their congressman's office on a regular basis, a telephone call will weigh somewhat less than a thoughtful letter. This is especially the case if you are not able to speak directly with the congressman or don't have a strong relationship with one of the top aides.
Telephone calls are generally more effective when they are kept brief and to the point.
Local offices are listed in your telephone directory. Personal visits establish the best personal rapport among the methods of communicating with your congressman. Most congressional offices try to accommodate constituent requests for an appointment with the congressman. Telegrams emphasize your concern about an issue and the urgency of your message. Sending a telegram is becoming a less common form of communication with congressman, but these written forms of communication are still timely and usually more effective than form letters and phone calls.