Your group can have a huge impact on local and national laws. A fun and interactive way for your group to be involved with the discussion of upcoming legislation is through town hall meetings! Town hall meetings are a way for local and national politicians to meet with their constituents, either to hear from them on topics of interest or discuss upcoming legislation. Each town hall meeting is unique and usually focuses on a few issues. Contact your Regional Coordinator so they can help you plan accordingly.
Steps:
- Contact your SFLA Regional Coordinator for talking points specific to the Town Hall you are attending. Your group members will need to be prepared with 1-2 questions to ask during the event. Memorize your questions in case you’re not allowed to read off any notes.
- Do your research on the event (where to park, who will be in attendance, know what time the doors open, etc.). Research the Town Hall speaker, their voting record, and statements on issues in the past. Embed some of their views into the questions. For example, “You’ve said before XYZ, but what about…”
- Bring your student ID (or whatever is required for check in).
- Dress professionally and strategically. Your outfit should draw attention to you (in a good way). If you wear bold colors, you will most likely be called on for a question. If the event is televised, wear bold solid colors, for example, a solid red dress if you are female). Wear colors that compliment you. To show off how many people are with you, everyone should wear the same color.
- Pack light. In case there is heightened security for the Town Hall event, only bring the essentials. All you need is your cell phone, ticket (if applicable), a notepad and pen, and yourself!
- Don’t forget to smile! If the Town Hall event is recorded on local or national television, your face could be on the screen at any time, so it is best to assume you are always on camera.
- Be involved! Plan for multiple people from your group to be confident and ready to ask questions since they can cut you off or only accept a few at a time.
- Get on social media! You can be live-tweeting the event and capture any crazy statements on the abortion issue, or any inconsistencies stated. Then, Tweet statements at the representative. For example, “Hey @CongressmanX, you said “Human Rights for All” – what about humans not yet born?”
- Record everything! If they let you record in your state and did not make any statements about not recording, then be ready to capture any related content on video. You never know what they’re going to say, especially when answering your questions!
Important to remember:
- Follow the event rules, buffer in extra time, come prepared, dress professional, and smile!
Questions? Contact your Regional Coordinator at [yourstate]@studentsforlife.org for more information.