Since President Donald’s Trump inauguration a month ago, Congress has been under pressure. The president’s appointees, executive orders and much more have combined to trigger public pressure on the senators and the representatives of Capitol Hill.

Many people have voiced their concerns to their respective Congress members over the last couple of weeks through conventional modes: phone calls and emails.

The assistants of the Congress members take care of the calls and emails, and they are supposed to deliver your concern to the elected official. But in the transition of an idea, its vitality may be lost.

Although it’s important, and most convenient while Congress is in session, to call your Congress member and send emails, there is a more effective way of reaching out this week. During the week of Feb. 20, Congress members go home to their states for “District Work Week.”

They usually host town hall meetings to discuss issues with the public and answer questions.

Congress members talk about their positions on certain policies and answer questions related to issues that matter to their constituents. This is an excellent opportunity to make sure your representatives are representing you. It’s also an excellent way to voice your concern, share your thoughts and talk to Congress members directly.

In Iowa, our senators and representatives will be around this week for you.

Sen. Chuck Grassley hosted two town hall meetings on Tuesday. The first took place in the morning in Iowa Falls, while the second took place in Garner. His third town hall meeting will be Thursday morning in Charles City. Joni Ernst hosted her town hall meeting in Maquoketa on Tuesday afternoon.  

U.S. Rep. Rod Blum will have local office hours Wednesday and Friday in four different locations around Iowa.

These are only a few of the meetings that will take place throughout the week. Many more will take place in the future, and they will be no less important.

To make the most of your attendance, go prepared. Knowing your elected official and some of their background is always helpful. Also, make sure to understand the format of the meeting and the agenda or the topic. If the announcement does not include further details, go a step further and check their website or call their office. During the meeting, speak your mind concisely, clearly and politely.

Finally, always keep up-to-date with your respective senator or representative. This is everybody’s civic duty.