BEFORE THE TOWN HALL MEETING

► Find out the Agenda or Format of the meeting. If the information is not on the announcement, look at the legislator’s website or call their office.

► Prepare Questions. Focus on a specific subject or piece of legislation. Don’t include a long intro, but be sure to mention your name and town. Practice to make sure you can read it in less than 25 seconds.

► Bring Personal Stories and good data.

► Bring Materials to give to a staff member.

► Research your legislator’s position on the issues by reading his/her latest press releases, Facebook posts, Tweets, and statements.

DURING THE TOWN HALL MEETING

► Arrive Early.

► Sit Near a Microphone if possible. If people start lining up at the microphone before being asked, make sure to get in line.

► Silence your Cell Phone and other electronics.

► Ask Your Question and make sure to ask for a response. However, don’t try to embarrass the legislator.

► Be Professional and Polite.

► Don’t Let Yourself be Interrupted by the audience or legislator. Keep speaking firmly until your question is heard.

► Tweet During the Event. Make sure to include the legislator’s Twitter handle and any official hashtag for the event.

► Leave Materials with a staff member.

AFTER THE TOWN HALL MEETING

► Follow-up with the Legislator’s Office. Make sure to ask for information that the staff promised to find out later. Include your talking points.

► Use Social Media to continue speaking about the meeting.

SPECIFICS FOR ONLINE TOWN HALL MEETINGS

► Familiarize Yourself with the social media platform or virtual forum prior to the meeting.

► Log-on Early.

► Don’t Be Intimidated by the technology. Your voice deserves to be heard.

► Be Just as Prepared for an online town hall meeting as you would for a physical town hall meeting.