The Palm Sunday Path encourages both clergy and laity to engage in coordinated local action at town/city and county commissions advocating around issues of food security, healthcare access and equity, and the rights of all of our neighbors. Public leaders need to hear the concerns of their communities.  Our voices matter in shaping community decisions and policies.  Elected and appointed community leaders are also fellow neighbors, citizens, and children of God who welcome conversation on what’s important to their constituents. 

Many of us are not familiar with speaking with our community and civic leaders.  It can feel daunting to speak in a public meeting.  Here are some tips for communicating about issues that connect with our values:

• Know the layout and format of the meeting. Attend one or two meetings in advance or view them online.

• Introduce yourself clearly and deliberately before you being your comments

  • Example 1. Good evening, Mr./Ms. Chairman, Commissioners, I am Pastor/Reverend Mary Smith and I live in Parchment, MI.  I am speaking on my own behalf.

  • Example 2. Good evening, Mr./Ms. Chairman, Commissioners, I am Pastor/Reverend Mary Smith and I live in Parchment, MI. Tonight I am speaking on behalf of myself and the Kalamazoo First United Church of Christ church council.

  • Example 3. Good evening, Mr./Ms. Chairman, Commissioners, I am Ms/Mx  Mary Smith and I live in Parchment, MI. Tonight I am speaking on behalf of myself.*

• Keep it short and simple [KISS]

  • Typically, public comment is limited to a few minutes per person

  • Avoid technical language, acronyms, and detailed personal stories

• Have a clear objective/message - state it immediately and in a way that is actionable

• Know your subject: '

  • Provide brief background on the topic (avoid too many statistics)

  • Cite local and national news media or statistics to contextualize 

  • Cite any relevant personal experiences (avoid hearsay and too much detail)

• Anticipate possible questions

  • Feel free to bring background information to address questions (research your issue)

  • If they ask a question you don’t have the information to answer, don’t guess. Respond by saying:

    • “I don’t have that information with me, but I can get that to you by email tomorrow.”

    • “Can I research that for you and get you the information by [day/date]?

• If speaking as part of a group making comments on similar issues

  • Understand and focus on the main message/focus

  • Each speaker focuses on a separate component of the issue

  • Coordinate the order of speakers

• In the event of combative response from commissioners

  • Remain calm and formulate your response before you respond

  • Counter with solid information

  • Avoid engaging with the emotion or becoming argumentative; absolutely no name-calling or ad hominem attacks

• Thank the commissioners for allowing you to share your concerns

• PRACTICE speaking before

*Some folks in certain occupations (i.e., education)  may want or need to differentiate remarks made on behalf of themselves from those made as a representative of their employer