1. Conducting and Using a Public Hearing

2. A public hearing may be a formal or informal meeting for receiving testimony from the public on a local issue or proposed government action. 2

3. 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

4. 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 4

5. How do you conduct or testify at a public hearing?5

6. 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 6

7. At the public hearing: Start with a brief introduction
Allow each side to offer testimony
Take through notes 7

8. After the hearing: Offer support to testifiers, if necessary
Deal with the news media
Get together with your staff and discuss the outcome 8