Guide to Effective Public Testimony and Advocacy
Learn how to speak up effectively in public meetings and influence policy decisions. Understand the importance of your voice as a concerned citizen, student, taxpayer, or consumer. Get tips on researching issues, addressing committee members, and submitting written testimony to make a lasting impact.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Constance J. Brooks, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor, NSHE
Board of Regents NSHE Campuses and System Offices North and South State Legislature Las Vegas: Grant Sawyer Building Carson City: State Legislative Building School Board County Commission City Council Campus Improvement Authority UNLV Campus Public Utilities Commission Gaming Control Board
Public Comment Before and after the meeting Only 2-3 minutes Testimony During Committee Meeting Specific bill / legislative measure Specific agenda item
Your voice is important as a concerned citizen / student, taxpayer, consumer You, the people, elect officials to these committees, they would rather hear from you than lobbyists You have the power to influence critical policy decisions You bring life to the impact of their pending decisions
Study the issue and its impact Research the elected officials Call the offices of the public entity ahead of time with questions If possible, view a meeting online before actually attending one
Address chairperson and committee members Full name and spell last name Organization you represent or district, city, county, ward or NSHE institution if testifying as a concerned citizen or student State subject Support or oppose the measure / topic Why? very succinctly, try not to ramble End with: "I urge this (board / council / commission / committee) to (support / oppose) this measure."
Ok to use notes -Avoid reading the entire testimony if possible -Always end with thank you .
Avoid reading it in its entirety if possible Submit written testimony to the staff so it is permanently added to the record You may turn in supplemental materials (i.e data, reports, etc.) to be submitted to the committee and for the record
