Tips for Testifying
Prepare for the Hearing
Prepare for the Hearing
- Find out the bill number and download a copy from the legislative website.
- Read the bill carefully. The language is specific to serve a purpose.
- Determine which committee will be hearing the bill and find out who the members are.
- Decide what you support or oppose about the bill.
- Call or write members of the committee to let your views be known and that you will see them at the hearing.
- Be friendly and respectful- legislators are happy to hear from constituents.
- Introduce yourself- give your name and your town.
- State your reason for contacting them:
- “I am asking you to support or oppose this bill.”
- Be sure to mention the bill number, sponsor and bill title
- Briefly tell your story- how the bill will impact you.
- Thank them for their time and attention, their support, or their vote.
- Check the legislative calendar for date, time, and location of the hearing.
- Be prepared to stay longer for shifts in the schedule.
Testimony
- Type out your testimony and if possible, bring enough copies for each committee member.
- Keep your presentation to five minutes or less. 2-3 minutes is even better.
- Salutation should be to Committee Chair and Members of the Committee.
- First sentence should introduce yourself and tell where you are from.
- Second Sentence should state whether you support or oppose the bill.
- Remainder of testimony should discuss why you want the committee to support or oppose the bill and the impact it will have on your family.
- Committee members may ask questions, be honest. If you don’t know the answer, defer a response until you have the information they are looking for.
- Bring a picture of your family to go along with your testimony. Children are welcome, however the wait to testify maybe long.
- Follow up with members you contacted. This is important in helping to establish a relationship and strengthen future advocacy.
If you have any questions about Community Bridges’ advocacy or how you can get involved, please contact us at info@cbinnh.org.
