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LaTonda Simmons, longtime city clerk, shared some of her tips for people who want to attend city council meetings for the first time.
We were so inspired, we asked for your tips on participating for the first time.
Here's a list of city council pro tips
[THREAD]
We were so inspired, we asked for your tips on participating for the first time.
Here's a list of city council pro tips
[THREAD]
Don't let the amount of time you have get in your head. "It's the duty of this government, the policymakers and the administration, to listen." – @LaTondaSimmons
Write out your thoughts. "Make sure you illustrate what the impact is to you. You have a right to be vulnerable, but I also don't want you to feel as though you are really gutting yourself and you're losing your dignity by telling a story." – @LaTondaSimmons
Logic is good. Use empathy and emotion too. "Come in with either a script or a general idea of what you'll say. Always infuse your comments not only with logic, but with empathy and emotion as well." - @CarboneLukas in Walnut Creek
Be yourself."Speak your truth and be authentic. It doesn't have to be perfectly set and it's OK to stumble. You're there to inform your city council about your perspective as a person that they represent." – Megan Leonard in Martinez
Find out how long public comment is – because the time frames can vary. "And empathy, sympathy, stories and compassion do more to move folks than stats, efficiencies, and general anger." – @ACMelendrez in San Mateo County
You have a right to speak. "Know that regardless of your status, your residency, and your stake in life, you have as much right to make comments and be at that public meeting as anybody else." – @ACMelendrez in San Mateo county
Speak your truth."You know what you feel. And just know that's the best you can do. You probably won't change everyone's hearts or minds, but you're getting your side out there and that's how change starts." – @Moxanne_Marsh addressed city council for the first time in 2020
Listen to the full episode for more on these tips with @LaTondaSimmons and all the people who called in.
Got a city council tip? Leave us a comment! https://www.kqed.org/news/11852506/by-the-people-oaklands-longtime-city-clerk-on-how-to-make-use-of-city-council-meetings
Got a city council tip? Leave us a comment! https://www.kqed.org/news/11852506/by-the-people-oaklands-longtime-city-clerk-on-how-to-make-use-of-city-council-meetings
