Public Testimony

In a democracy like ours, civic engagement is imperative. There are numerous ways to make your voice heard by the government: voting, protesting, petitioning, boycotting, or writing to your legislators. But there is another way that many people may not know about or may find too intimidating: testifying at a public hearing for a pending piece of legislation. In this 7 minute video, Ms. Paulson talks to lobbyist Melissa Gombosky and Representative Andrew Barkis about the importance of testifying at a public hearing, as well as tips for what to do with your time at the microphone.

Discussion Questions for the Classroom:
What are ways that students can get engaged in the legislative process?
Why is it important to be “on the record”?
What advice does Melissa Gombosky give to those who want to testify at a public hearing?
How should someone who wishes to testify prepare?
How can people plan to testify as a panel?
Why is showing respect so important when testifying?
Why do legislators want to listen to the public? How does it help with their decision making?

More Learning resources:

📚Check out our other CIVICS CURRICULA for WA middle and high school teachers: https://www.teachwithtvw.org/lesson-plans/
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Other Teach With TVW Civics Videos
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🎬 Civics 101 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SDcy6Oz3plxQCqpfNUb2HGf&feature=shared

🎬 Legislative Navigator https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SD-p5BHx443GTtGBp_DKQVT&feature=shared

🎬 Learning Modules - The Branches of WA State Government:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SBe_62ViakFyBCw4qah7eR7&feature=shared

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SDnVbfKeRWogOX6zU5BWw6b&feature=shared

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCYOl5u2wu52tt3G7sEmNTG&feature=shared

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SAlJXemJj6KtI7saVkFFdM7&si=zodZl_faZv-ePfLH

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

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Other Teach With TVW Civics Programs
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🙋Capitol Classroom - Bring the Legislative process into your classroom: https://teachwithtvw.org/civic-participation-in-the-classroom/

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Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

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