Wisconsin for Internet Freedom

Top Priority for WI: Set up Meetings

There aren't any public events yet, so the most important thing is to get meetings with Senators. Here's what you need to do:

  • Call John Zapfel in the Milwaukee office at 414-297-4451 to schedule a meeting with Herb Kohl, who is a co-sponsor of PIPA
  • Call 920-230-7070 and ask to speak with the scheduler for a meeting with Ron Johnson.

Be polite and professional, and request a meeting on behalf of Wisconsin for Internet Freedom (the folks in this forum) to discuss the PROTECT IP Act and SOPA.  Make it clear that you want to meet with the Senator during the January recess, and that you'll be bringing others from your group.  Have your calendar open when you call, so you can pick a time that works for you.  When finished, post a report-back. 

For example: "Hi, my name is ________, I'm with Wisconsin for Internet freedom, and I'm calling to request a meeting with Senator _______ during the January recess.  The PROTECT IP vote is happening on January 23rd, and I wanted the Senator to understand my concerns before the vote happens."


IMPORTANT: If you do get a meeting, post another message. That way others can join you in your meeting.  If there's any other specific information we should include in this post, message us and we can add it. 

Comments

  • I left a message for John Kapfel... But the voicemail response said meeting requests should be sent in writing to:

    310 W Wisconsin Ave.
    Suite 950
    Milwaukee WI 53203

    I also did leave a voicemail with my name and number and my request for a meeting.

    Shaun
  • edited January 2012
    Interesting, thanks for letting us know. Often, those requests can be sent via Fax instead of traditional snail mail. If you don't hear back in two days, try faxing a written request t(414) 297-4455 and make sure its "attn: John Kapfel".

    Don't own a fax machine because its an outdated piece of technology? We'll try and set something up to make it easier for you. Meanwhile, you can try this service: http://faxzero.com/
  • I left my message too and got the same response. Will see what happens...
  • i just need to some1 top them 4 me im only 15 and only have my temps lol but i say no
  • Find our Senators on this site.

    http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=WI

    You will also find Telephone numbers as well as an email address
  • I used the Senator's site to contact him 
    http://kohl.senate.gov/contact.cfm with an email sent from his site.
  • John Zapfel: 
    E-mail: jzapfel@gmail.com 
  • I wrote Senator Kohl, Here is what I put up for them.  I was nice.. :-)

    Of course the phone number, you can' schedule anything..

    Sir,
     I am hoping you can correspond with me and a few of my associates on concerning the upcoming SOPA Vote.

    I am hoping you are against this piece of legislation and have actually read and understand what you vote for concerning this vote.

    If you have any questions as to what it means or need some assistance to help understand it, please email me and I will make time to help out the United States Senate.

    Thank you.

    Please Vote NAY on this legislation.

    Your "CONSTITUENT". 

    Da-Chief(Name Redacted)
    HMC(AW) USN (RET).
  • Anybody else send letters?
  • I sent a letter to John Zapfel as well as left a voicemail.
  • I just sent a letter to John Zapfel requestion a meeting. I'll post updates when I have them.
  • All scheduling requests required in writing, to include name, address, phone, email. 

    To schedule a meeting with Senator Kohl please contact the Senator the
    following ways:

    Best way to contact the office is: http://kohl.senate.gov/contact.cfm (received fast response)

    Or via Phone:  414.297.4451 or Fax:  414.297.4455

  • Its like trying to win a vote thats already fixed  When they made the seat belt law in effect How many people fought not to have it Its another way for the goverment to take away our rights.. I will vote against it but dont know how much good it will do
  • I sent an email to Senator Kohl thru the following website http://kohl.senate.gov/contact.cfm
    I've sent him emails before and he does get back to you via snail mail so I urge you to get in touch with him. The important thing here is that they are getting the message.
  • This is the message I sent to senators Kohl and Johnson on their websites.

    Hi my name is _____ and I am with Wisconsin for Internet Freedom. I have concerns that I think you should be aware of before voting on Protect IP Act and SOPA on January 24th. The proposed acts are detrimental to internet security and will be a step backward in securing national infrastructure from cyberattacks, as well as spreading of malware and identity theft. The proposal will conflict with the United States foreign Policy goals by limiting access for American citizens to sites based in other countries, as well as sites that the rest of the world has access to. Another concern is that this bill creates new legal uncertainties and liabilities to web startup businesses which will stifle economic growth in one of our most thriving sectors. I am also fearful of the hold this will place on freedom of lawful expression. I believe in our constitutional rights and this bill is not in line with what the American majority wants. Thank you for your time and I hope you vote with the views of your constituents.
  • Okay, since I possibly could not do anything because I have already broken a law (truency) I may not be able to talk to a state Senate about this. But today, I plan to tell my classmates about SOPA and how stupid the bill is. "If SOPA were to pass, all of the things I have built up on, my anime/manga pictures, my Tokio Hotel pictures, they would just disappear. What is also in the future for our children? Our grandchildren? if SOPA passes, they will never be able to experience life fully as we did. I know I may seem boring, but this is all true information. If we don't do anything and be the laziest people we are, our lives will change." B|
  • We need to show support in numbers. Is anything being planned to go to the capital to go against this bill?
  • keep your hands off the internet
  • People who have submitted meeting requests: please follow up on them if you don't hear back from anyone within a couple of days.

    Everyone: Keep up the good work! We've had a huge impact over the past 24 hours, and we need to use that momentum to reach those Senators (like Kohl) who aren't responding to their constituents' concerns. Call, email, fax, and (optimally) go to your Senators' local offices and ask for meetings, preferably under the banner of "Wisconsin for Internet Freedom." That'll let the Senators' staffs know that there are a lot of you out there, that you're all working together, and that they therefore cannot possibly hope to ignore you. Stay strong out there - we're making progress!
  • Received a response from Senator Kohl!  We are making progress!
  • anyone hear back from Senator Johnson's office?!?!?  I have tried to reachout and have received no response. 
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