1. Preparing & Presenting Testimony

2. 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!

3. 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?

4. Writing Testimony: Writing -Organization -Writing Style: Concise & Direct -Specific Ask -Personal Story -Editing -Utilize Peers, Friends, ME!

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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”

11. 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.

12. Wrap-Up Questions? Comments? Concerns?

13. Resources Your ACA Team! – Art Terrazas: aterrazas@counseling.orgaterrazas@counseling.org – Kelly Nickel: knickel@counseling.orgknickel@counseling.org – Guila Todd: gtodd@counseling.orggtodd@counseling.org – Dillon Harp: dharp@counseling.orgdharp@counseling.org Website and Newsletter

14. Thank You!!