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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 7:52 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Local 12 Spotlight: “Connect to Congress” – Bridging the Gap Between Citizens and Their Representatives

In a climate where political engagement has slipped to an alarming low, a new initiative that has already begun to turn heads in the community is “Connect to Congress.” Launched last month by the State of Texas’ Office of Civic Engagement, the program is designed to put the power of representation back in the hands of ordinary residents. The effort is not just a digital campaign; it’s a multifaceted partnership that brings together local government, community leaders, non‑profit organizations, and technology firms to create a seamless, user‑friendly experience for constituents who want to have their voices heard.

The Core of the Initiative

At its heart, “Connect to Congress” offers a two‑tiered approach. First, the program has rolled out a brand‑new website—connecttocongress.com—that aggregates contact information for all Texas federal and state legislators. The interface lets users filter representatives by state, district, or even by policy issue, providing the precise phone number, email address, and social media handle for the appropriate office. The site also features a calendar of upcoming town‑hall meetings, congressional appearances, and public hearings.

The second tier is the “Community Hub” phase. Local libraries, schools, and community centers across the state are receiving “Connect to Congress” toolkits. These toolkits include training modules for volunteers, printable informational packets, and access to a dedicated hotline staffed by a mix of government staffers and trained citizen advocates. Through these hubs, residents can attend “Ask‑Your‑Representative” workshops, practice their messaging, and even schedule phone calls or video chats with their legislators.

Why It Matters

In a recent survey conducted by the Texas Institute for Civic Studies, 68 percent of respondents said they never call or email their representatives, citing a lack of time or knowledge as the main barriers. “The lack of a single, trusted source for contact details and an organized path to action has been a real issue,” said Dr. Maria Lopez, the program’s project lead. “We’re hoping to lower the friction so that people feel empowered to get in touch.”

The initiative’s proponents argue that the new model could directly address the “voice‑to‑policy” gap that has been widening since the 2010s. “You can’t change what you can’t talk about,” Lopez notes. “By making the conversation easier, we’re putting policy-making back into a democratic context.”

In Practice: A Day in the Life of a Local Resident

Take the case of 32‑year‑old Austin resident, Jordan Reyes, who had been frustrated with a lack of response from his district representative on affordable housing. Using the new website, Reyes identified his office’s phone number, found an available slot for a call on Thursday, and booked the appointment. Two days later, he spoke with his representative’s office, expressing his concerns and receiving a commitment to bring the issue to the next committee meeting.

Reyes says the experience was “surprisingly straightforward.” “I went from being unsure about how to reach my representative to having a scheduled conversation. It felt like a win for democracy,” he told Local 12.

Community Champions and Partnerships

“Connect to Congress” has also leveraged partnerships with several civic tech firms. One such partner, CivicTech Solutions, provided an API that integrates the contact database with existing constituent relationship management platforms used by local nonprofits. This integration enables organizations such as the Austin Housing Coalition to send targeted messaging to representatives based on constituent concerns.

The program has also attracted the attention of local business leaders. “When a city‑wide initiative like this is backed by technology and data, it signals a serious shift in how we do public service,” says Kevin Patel, CEO of a regional logistics company. Patel added that his firm will sponsor the upcoming “Congressional Hotline” events at major libraries, offering on‑site support for residents navigating the new platform.

Upcoming Events and How to Get Involved

To celebrate the launch, the Office of Civic Engagement will hold a series of webinars and in‑person workshops in the coming weeks. Key dates include:

• May 15: “Getting Started with Connect to Congress” webinar featuring live Q&A with Dr. Lopez.
• May 22: Town‑hall event at the Downtown Community Center, featuring local representatives.
• May 29: “Ask Your Representative” workshop at the City Library, open to all residents.

Participants can sign up on the website or via the hotline. The program also invites local volunteers to become “Community Connectors,” who will help residents schedule meetings, write letters, and track legislative updates.

Measuring Success

The Office of Civic Engagement has set a clear metric: a 20 percent increase in constituent contact with legislators within the first year of the program’s launch. Preliminary data from the first month shows a 12 percent uptick in call volumes to representatives, a promising start.

“We’re just getting off the ground, but the data is encouraging,” says Lopez. “If we can sustain the momentum, we’ll see measurable changes in how constituents engage with their elected officials.”

The Road Ahead

“Connect to Congress” is still in its infancy, but early feedback suggests it is meeting a genuine need in the community. The program’s blend of technology, education, and on‑the‑ground support could set a new standard for civic engagement across the state and possibly beyond.

As residents like Jordan Reyes begin to experience direct, meaningful interactions with their representatives, the initiative’s underlying promise becomes clear: that an engaged citizenry is not just a theoretical ideal but a tangible reality, achievable through deliberate design and shared commitment. For those eager to know where their voices are going, or to make sure their concerns are heard, the “Connect to Congress” portal is the place to start. And with its growing network of community hubs, the effort is poised to turn a one‑off experiment into a lasting civic asset.