Offering Personal Testimony
Someone who gives personal testimony at a public hearing (such as school board meeting, government committee hearings, community town halls, school PTA gathering, etc.) describes to decision-makers or the people in power how changes in a law or policy will impact the person’s life. Oregon’s Outdoor School system is a combined effort between state government, school districts, schools, Education Service Districts, universities, nonprofits, and other organizations. Access to Outdoor School, the length of programming, and more are determined by these decision-makers. Luckily, before laws and policies can be altered, public hearings are often held to give the community a chance to voice their support for or their concern about proposed changes. Testimony can be given in places other than public hearings. What we say can make a difference to the success of Outdoor School.
Why Does Personal Testimony Work?
Personal testimony works because it provides a personal, first-hand account of how laws and policies have a real, daily impact on the people of Oregon. Often, policymakers are removed from the effects of their decisions and can't really know the harm or good they cause. Personal testimony gives those who are in power a more "human" perspective on how effective, ineffective, beneficial, or problematic a policy is or could be for a community. Personal testimony can influence the passage, revision, or defeat of policies and regulations proposed by state or local governments or school boards because it shows decision-makers how "average Oregonians" feel about the job elected officials are doing.
How Do You Prepare to Use Personal Testimony?
When you first find out about pending legislation or run up against a policy that you believe or know affects Outdoor School, you have a gut reaction. You feel excited because this regulation may benefit Outdoor School. Fantastic! Or, you may be alarmed because the regulation will make it more challenging for kids to get to Outdoor School. Grrrr! Remember your gut reactions to this policy, because they will inspire your testimony. Before you step up to the podium to say your piece, you need more than just raw emotion. You've got to have substance and proof. You've got to prepare a testimony that talks about the actual or potential effects of a policy, not just about how you feel about it. Answer the following questions to help prepare yourself to face the lions!
Preparing for a Hearing or Town Hall
Friends of Outdoor School is available to help support you before and even during your testimony. Let us know you are planning to testify and please send us a copy of your remarks! We can also help guide you with talking points.
Image Description: Outside of the Oregon State Capitol building
Image Description: ODS Staff, student, and a visitor on water field study
In-Person Meetings
There is sometimes an opportunity to speak to a decision-maker face-to-face in a personal in-person meeting or at site tours.