The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to build an SMS chatbot using Twilio Autopilot, Twilio SendGrid, Twilio Functions, TwiML Bins, and JavaScript to engage in local civic issues. The bot can be used to contact decision-makers such as representatives of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority about issues like cutting bus lines and free bus rides for youth. The chatbot uses a collect flow to gather information from users and then sends an email or makes a phone call to the relevant representative using Twilio Functions. The code is customizable, and users can add more tasks to provide additional information such as resources on helping keep Muni funded or facts about public transit.