Preparing & Presenting Testimony

Why Provide Testimony?

It’s a great way to ADVOCATE!

– Captive Audience– Pre-Planned Oration– Direct Impact

Legislators need to be informed and you are the experts!

Writing Testimony: Pre-Writing

• Research – The issue, any prior legislation on the same topic, similar

legislation in other states– The committee members and political climate

• Consider Multiple Perspectives– Counselor, Member of a Professional Organization,

Constituent– Health Issue, Regulatory Issue, Safety Issue, Civil Rights

and/or Freedom of Speech Issue– What groups will be impacted?

Writing Testimony: Writing

- Organization

- Writing Style: Concise & Direct- Specific Ask- Personal Story

- Editing- Utilize Peers, Friends, ME!

Submitting Testimony

• Submit the day before or day of, prior to the start of the hearing

• Utilize state legislative websites for learning the process and finding email addresses– Each state has a different process but for many, you may

need to send your testimony directly to each member of the committee

– Use the proper titles, express your appreciation for their consideration, attach your testimony (preferably in pdf form).

• Do not expect a response

Attending Committee Hearings

• Arrive with enough time to troubleshoot any logistical miscalculations

• Know the process for being afforded the opportunity to speak– Example: Oregon vs. Illinois

Presenting Testimony

• Dress like a professional• Be respectful to everyone, utilize proper titles• Respect time limitations• Adapt your prepared testimony to previous

presenters, try not to be repetitive

Answering Committee Questions

• Try to identify who is asking the question• Listen carefully• Ask for clarification, re-phrasing, or to repeat

the question when need be• Do not lie; it’s okay to say, “I do not know the

answer”• When a question circumvents the core of your

argument, try to pivot the question back to your point

Post Testifying• If there is a vote at the hearing that day, send

thank you emails to those who voted in line with your testimony

• Report back to interested parties• Make sure to find the answer to any questions

you could not answer or had offered to provide additional information on

Activity: Part 1

• Write a brief statement that includes at least the following:– A statement of your position on the legislation

– A personal experience or experience of someone you know

– One fact that supports your position on the legislation

– A specific “ask”

Activity: Part 2

• Listen to statements and prepare a question:– Group 1: Write a question that is directly related

to the statement you just read.

– Group 2: Write a question that is a regulatory concern.

– Group 3: Write a question in relation to the role of ACA.

Wrap-Up

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Resources

• Your ACA Team!

– Art Terrazas: aterrazas@counseling.org – Kelly Nickel: knickel@counseling.org – Guila Todd: gtodd@counseling.org – Dillon Harp: dharp@counseling.org

• Website and Newsletter

Thank You!!