OPEN continually provides stakeholders with tools to build civic capacity, strengthening your presence and your voice in the education conversation.
Getting involved in the public policy process may seem intimidating, confusing, or just outside the realm of what you do. However, we believe that you will find that having an impact on our state’s policymaking process can be easy, fun, and effective.
As people with an interest in student success and equity in public schools, we understand their importance within the education community. Remember, when you’re passionate about your cause and willing to work for it, advocacy is easy!
We appreciate your interest and thank you in advance for becoming involved in advocacy and education issues.
Exercise: Identify Who Represents You
| Identify Your Policymaker | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policymaker | Website | Your Policymaker |
| State Representative | http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ FindMyLegislators.aspx |
|
| State Senator | http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ FindMyLegislators.aspx |
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| BESE Member | http://bese.louisiana.gov/ about-bese/bese-members |
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| OPSB Member | http://www.opsb.us/board-room/ board-members |
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Preparation Tips for Public Testimony during Legislative Session
• Identify the issue you wish to address. While there are many things you may want to share with the committee, your testimony should focus on just one issue.
• Identify the bill addressing your issue. OPEN will make their members aware of legislation that may positively or negatively impact education as it relates to OPEN’s 2014 Policy Priorities. Action alerts are sent to notify members of the dates and times for public testimony on this legislation. You can find further information on the status of legislation on the Louisiana State Legislature website at www.legis.la.gov.
• Write out your testimony. It is good practice to know what you are going to say ahead of time. OPEN’s staff is available to assist you in emphasizing the most critical elements of your story and offer other advice on how to maximize your impact.
• Practice. While you should have a written copy of what you want to say, try not to read your testimony. Practice until you feel comfortable enough to speak from your heart.
• Print copies of your testimony for the committee. Meetings may last for several hours. Legislators may leave and re-enter a room if they are scheduled to be in multiple committees. It is a good idea to have a written copy to provide to those who may miss your actual testimony or to serve as future reference for those in attendance.
