Public hearings are held on most legislative and public policy issues, and provide a number of opportunities for citizen activists. By encouraging other people who share your views on the issue in question to attend and testify, you can demonstrate broad support for your position to the body convening the hearing. Since the media often cover public hearings, you can display that same support in newspapers and on television. Statements and written material submitted during a public hearing become part of the public record which must be considered by the decision-making body. Hearings also allow you to hear and study the arguments of those who disagree with you on a specific topic. Public hearings can be intense and sometimes intimidating, but they are a vital part of the legislative process and should not be ignored. Remember, the legislators who convene public hearings are concerned citizens like you. They need the information you can provide.

Following are tips to help you make your participation in hearings as effective as possible.

Use Your Time Efficiently
There is often a time limit for speakers at public hearings; especially hearings on high profile issues. Make your point direct. Be concise. If possible, talk with others who share your view and divide the topics that need to be addressed among several speakers so all of your issues are discussed.

Submit Supporting Materials
Though your speaking time may be limited, you will be allowed to submit written material which can include additional personal comments, charts, maps or materials prepared by other experts on the topic. You can also make these materials, as well as news releases, available to members of the media who may be covering the hearing.

Take Notes
During the hearing, try to take notes on the testimony submitted by others to track points that need clarification or reiteration, and arguments that need rebuttal. You can address these issues during your oral statement, or through additional written comments submitted after the hearing.

Be Polite
Public hearings can be very emotionally charged. You may hear accusations or assertions which you vehemently oppose, but it is important to keep your emotions under control and your statement focused on points that will advance your position. Venting your anger or frustration will only cut into the time you have to make your case and distract from more important arguments.

Elected officials tend to be very sensitive to public opinion, and the “Letters to the Editor” section of the newspaper provides an excellent forum for publicizing a representative’s position or actions in support or opposition of an important issue. It also allows you to directly encourage other members of your community to take action on an issue. Many of the tips listed previously apply equally to letters to the editor but there are other points to keep in mind:Address Your Letter Properly
Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Many editors like to call and confirm that a letter they plan to publish was actually written by the person whose name is attached.

Reference a Previous Article
If your letter responds to a specific article or statement reported in an article, reference the title and date of the article in your first sentence.

Make Your Point Immediately
Your most important point or message should be expressed in your first paragraph. If you are writing as part of an organized campaign, be sure the campaign message is contained early in the letter.

Be Brief
Your letter should be between 100 and 300 words long. The shorter it is, the greater the chance it will be printed. Call your local paper for specific guidelines.

Time Your Letter Appropriately
If you are responding to a previously published article or editorial, try to submit your letter within a week of the story’s appearance. If you are writing in reference to specific legislative action, try to time your letter so it can be printed within a few days of an expected vote.

Avoid Threats or Personal Attacks
Using threats or personal attacks are not effective ways to generate understanding and support. Such tactics often distract from a more important message.

Follow Up With the Editor
After submitting your letter, contact the editorial page editor to make sure they received the letter, and to ask directly if and when they plan to print it.

Don’t Be Disappointed
Newspapers simply cannot publish all the letters they receive. Many are also reluctant to print letters from a single writer over and over. If you have recently had a letter published and feel that another issue or article needs to be addressed, try to get a friend to write one.

Writing letters is one of the most effective methods of communicating with elected officials. Writing a letter allows you to carefully form your words and arguments without the pressure of a face-to-face meeting. It also allows the elected official to read and consider your points away from the distractions of the state house or a formal meeting, and shows that you feel strongly enough about an issue to actually sit down and compose your thoughts. Letters also allow you to provide your representative with other written material which supports your point of view.

Clearly Identify Yourself
Make sure you identify yourself as a constituent or otherwise concerned citizen, and whether you are writing in a private or professional capacity. Also include your name and address on the letter itself since the envelope may get lost.

Keep It Brief
If possible keep your letter to one page or less and focus on a single subject.

Get to the Point
Summarize your position or request in the first paragraph, using the rest of the letter for explanation and supporting information.

Be Specific
Ask for specific action — either to support or oppose a specific bill, amendment or other action. If possible refer to legislation by name and number, stating who introduced it, and summarizing what it will do.

Be Factual
Don’t dilute your credibility with arguments that cannot be substantiated.

Personalize Your Message
Explain how the proposal in question will affect you, your family, business or community.

Thank Your Legislator
Thank your legislator for his or her time and attention.

Ask for a Reply
Ask for a reply to ensure that your letter is not ignored.