Conducting and Using a Public Hearing

A Public Hearing may be a formal or informal meeting for receiving testimony from the public on a local issue or proposed government action

Why conduct a public hearing? To open discussions about the issue To communicate and clarify needs To communicate community concern To increase awareness about an issue To attract media attention To recruit new members To counter your opponent's arguments To find a solution to a community problem To gather information

When do you conduct or testify at a public hearing? If you have control over when it happens, conduct it when you really want to attract some attention to your cause When your opposition is garnering a lot of attention Otherwise, you should try to be listed as a witness

How do you conduct or testify at a public hearing?

Before the public hearing Get on the agenda Establish goals for the hearing Find people to testify and prepare them well Book a location and set a date and time for the event Make arrangements to ensure accessibility Choose a facilitator Publicize this event well Try to ensure a supportive audience

At the public hearing Start with a brief introduction Allow each side to offer testimony Take through notes

After the hearing Offer support to testifiers, if necessary Deal with the news media Get together with your staff and discuss the outcome