Citizen Resource Center

Welcome to the Citizen Resource Center, a free service from the Congressional Management Foundation. CMF created the Citizen Resource Center to improve communications, relationships, and the understanding between citizens and Congress. This Citizen Resource Center includes exclusive CMF research, based on surveys of Members of Congress and congressional staff, on best practices of interacting with Congress. 


How Congress Really Works

This section includes articles which may surprise citizens. The news media and Hollywood portray a Congress much different than the REAL Congress. The real Congress is actually a democratic institution primarily responsive to knowledgeable and interested constituents. Surprisingly, Congress is a lot more like “School House Rock” than “House of Cards.” Visit this section to see how the Congress REALLY works. Read more


How to Communicate with Congress

Congress gets millions of communications a year, and Members of Congress track ALL constituent communications which come into their offices...all of them. But some communications are considered more important and valuable than others. Learn here how to make your email, letter, or social media post stand out from the crowd. Read more


How to Schedule and Conduct a Meeting with a Member of Congress

When Congress is in session Members of Congress average 13 meetings a day and work 70 hours a week (see How Congress Really Works for more details). That may sound intimidating, yet scheduling a meeting with your Member of Congress – especially those conducted in the district or state – is actually easier than you think. This section will show you how. Read more


Also, your voice is amplified when part of a chorus. What issue(s) do you care about most? Chances are there's already at least one organization working on it in Washington. By joining such organizations, you'll benefit from their knowledged and resources and they'll benefit from your support.

Get started by getting involved with one of CMF's Partners. By participating in CMF's Partnership for a More Perfect Union, these organizations demonstrate their commitment to engaging in advocacy best practices as proven through CMF's exclusive research. And if you are already invovled with an organization that is not a Partner, urge them to consider joining.


The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress. We do this by enhancing the performance of the institution, legislators and their staffs through research-based education and training, and by strengthening the bridge and understanding between Congress and the People it serves.

Since 1977 CMF has worked internally with Member, committee, leadership, and institutional offices in the House and Senate to identify and disseminate best practices for management, workplace environment, communications, and constituent services. CMF also is the leading researcher and trainer on citizen engagement, educating thousands of individuals and facilitating better understanding, relationships, and communications with Congress. Read more about our mission