A Guide To Hearings And Giving Testimony
An important part of the governing process is public hearings. These occur on all levels of government (Federal, State, and Local). Understanding the hearing process and how you can participate will make you a more effective advocate for a more equitable and inclusive creative sector.
What is a Hearing?
As part of the legislative process, every bill filed receives a hearing. Additionally, elected officials will often hold hearings on a specific topic or issue. The goal is to hear from experts, advocates, constituents, and other lawmakers so that they can consider all perspectives. Lawmakers usually offer two ways to submit testimony when a hearing is scheduled.
What is Testimony?
Testimony at a hearing is an excellent way to add your voice and your organization’s perspective to the public record. Testimony can be delivered in person or submitted in writing. All testimony will be recorded and available following the hearing.
Tips for Writing Testimony
The key to successful testimony is to make it focused and brief. Be sure to include data or evidence to support your case when available.
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Start by recognizing the elected officials holding the hearing. Introduce yourself and any relevant affiliation - for example, if you are speaking on behalf of an organization, coalition, or business:
"For the record, my name is (name) and I am (job title, profession, and/or artistic discipline).
“On behalf of (my organization / my business / my coalition), I want to thank you for the opportunity to testify today.”
State your position on the issue or the legislation. Then use examples, data, or stories from your community to support your position. Specificity always strengthens your argument.
Often, especially when testifying on legislation, you might want to suggest changes to the bill based on your experience and work. You can use your testimony to make these suggestions. Again, be sure to support your recommendations with data, examples, or stories from the field.
Finish by thanking the elected officials and offering to answer any questions they might have.
Most hearings limit testimony to only a few minutes. Be prepared to keep your remarks to 2 - 3 minutes or less. Remember, “brevity is the soul of wit” - Polonius in Hamlet.
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Start by addressing your testimony to the elected officials holding the hearing. Introduce yourself and any relevant affiliations - for example, if you submit the testimony on behalf of an organization, coalition, or business.
Like in-person testimony, state your position and then use the remainder of your testimony supporting your position.
Often, especially when testifying on legislation, you might want to suggest changes to the bill based on your experience and work. You can use your testimony to make these suggestions. Again, be sure to support your recommendations with data, examples, or stories from the field.
If you reference data, studies, or other publicly available resources, please link them to your testimony.
Finish by thanking the elected officials and offering to answer any questions they might have. Include direct contact information so they can reach you for follow-up.
Elected officials and their staff receive a lot of written testimony, keeping your written testimony short, less than three pages.
How Do I Know When A Hearing Is Happening?
Hearings are often scheduled with very short notice. The Massachusetts state legislature’s website offers a calendar for upcoming hearings. In the hearing listings, you can find out details on how to submit written testimony, where the hearing will be held, and how to sign up to speak.
Cities and towns also hold hearings. You can look up hearings on your city and town’s website there hearings are posted.
Is Testifying at a Hearing Considered Lobbying?
Yes, if you are testifying in support or opposition to a specific bill, it is considered lobbying. For 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, activities that are considered lobbying must be tracked to ensure they are still within allowable limits. Learn more about 501(c)3 organizations, Advocacy and Lobbying.
No, if you are invited to testify at a hearing by the Chairs of the Committee because of your expert knowledge on a topic or sector, it is not considered lobbying. However, you should refrain from supporting or opposing specific legislation during your testimony.
Individuals who testify and are not representing the position of a nonprofit organization, creative business, or coalition are not bound by lobbying limits. Individuals are allowed to share their positions with elected officials as their right to free speech.
