take action: Make Your Voice Heard at a Town Hall Meeting

Members of Congress and other public officials need to hear your voice, and the best way to make that happen is to attend one of their town hall meetings to ask a question. Below are a few tips for effectively making your voice heard at a town hall meeting.

For a list of town hall meetings in summer and fall of 2011, click here. For a printer-friendly version of the tips below, click here.

1. Get there early. You’ll need to be there at least an hour early to have a decent chance of getting in.

2. Briefly introduce yourself by giving your name and any information that roots you in your local community, such as your church, membership in an organization, etc. Then, ask your question. Listen carefully to the response. If you don’t get an actual answer to the question, say so, while standing up. Don’t be afraid to say “Congressman, that doesn’t answer my question,” then repeat it. Remember, these people work for you!

3. Ask questions that tell the story. Often Members of Congress will read the written question out loud. So write down questions that make your point.

4. Come with questions written down on index cards. Some Members will take questions in
writing. If you have yours all ready to go when you get there you have a far better chance of
getting it read.

5. Don’t let yourself be interrupted. Keep talking, even if they are. You have every right to
ask your question. You have every right to be heard. If you still have something to say, by all means, keep talking.

6. Sit by the microphone: If there is one set up, plant yourself near it so you don’t end up on
the back of the question line. If other people start lining up to ask questions before they are
invited to, you should also.

7. If you come with friends, don’t all sit together in a clump: There is strength in numbers,
even perceived numbers. If you are literally all over the place, others will perceive you were figuratively all over the place.

8. Have a few fun facts at your fingertips. (ex. Ronald Reagan raised taxes twice. GE paid no taxes last year. Medicare is actually solvent through nearly 2030. Those are just a few that might come in handy. More to come.)

9. If there is no chance to ask questions, ask them anyway. Raise your hand during the meeting if there is an appropriate place for a question, or even if there’s not. Question the information being presented. If the Member doesn’t respond, stand up and ask the question anyway.

The Poverty Initiative is part of the Justice and Advocacy Commission of the National Council of Churches of Christ.
Your comments and suggestions are welcomed: info@nccendpoverty.org / Phone 202-544-2350 ext. 27/ Fax: 202-488-5639

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