Get Involved

Become a Texas Rail Advocates volunteer

Volunteer your time and your talent – either remotely or in person. We’re the largest grass-roots non-profit organization in Texas and the Southwest that focuses on rail transportation issues.

Drop us a line telling us about yourself, location, phone and email address and your level of volunteer interest. How much time each week or month are you able to help?

• Administrative work
• Local outreach (identify your city/county/town)
• Public speaking or social media outreach skills
• Previous government service
• Previous rail industry background
• Website or internet skills
• Membership or sponsorship building skills
• Able to attend local transportation meetings and report on issues

To contact us, click here.

Contacting Your Local, State & D.C. Elected Leaders

City, County:

• If you have an issue at the local level it’s important to make your city, county and regional elected representative aware of your views. Elected leaders work for us and serve to pay attention to their constituents.
• Identify yourself, where you are from and what you do. It’s especially important if you reside in the city/county/district because you have a stake in the outcome.
• Address the elected official with their title i.e. “County Judge Adams” “Councilwoman Jones” “Representative Smith”
• If it’s in person or by phone, email or mail always state your issue up front and be professional Have ONE specific request about a single issue.
• If you are referring to an issue before the council, there may be a name and docket number State reasons in support of your position. Be concise and include any personal facts that are relevant.
• Ask for their support.
• Establish a relationship with your elected leader and their staff, then work toward achieving a goal by presenting potential solution.
• Have a plan of action that includes any follow up, additional information requested or a meeting with someone from Texas Rail Advocates staff.
• Let Texas Rail Advocates know about your contact. Email taylor@texasrailadvocates.org and also let us know if you receive a further reply.

State and Federal office:

• If you have a time sensitive issue, it’s best to phone or email the elected official. Due to security concerns there may be delays by mail.
• Use this link to identify your elected officials: https://fyi.capitol.texas.gov/Home.aspx By email or mail use the proper address: The Honorable (State Representative / State Senator / U.S. Representative / U.S. Senator).
• Proper greeting is Dear Representative or Senator (state) or Dear Congressman/woman (federal) A chairperson of a specific committee should be addressed as Chairman or Madam Chair If you can not talk directly to the official ask for the staffer in the office that handles transportation issues.
• Identify yourself, where you are from and what you do. It’s especially important if you reside in the city/county/district because you have a stake in the outcome.
• Have ONE specific request about a single issue.
• Identify a bill by its specific name and number since elected state and federal officials deal with lots of legislation.
• If it’s in person at their district office or by phone, email or mail always state your issue up front and be professional.
• State reasons in support of your position. Be concise and include any personal facts that are relevant.
• Keep your call to under 5 minutes or letter to one page.
• Ask for their support.
• Establish a relationship with your legislator and staff and then work towards achieving a goal by presenting potential solutions.
• Have a plan of action that includes any follow up, additional information requested or a meeting with someone from Texas Rail Advocates staff.
• Let Texas Rail Advocates know about your contact. Email taylor@texasrailadvocates.org and also let us know if you receive a further reply.