Take Action Toolkit
There are several different ways to TAKE ACTION and advocate for or against bills in the Ohio Statehouse. The most important place to begin is to educate yourself about the legislation, and why honest education must be a priority in Ohio. From there, you can: 1) Submit proponent or opponent testimony 2) Submit a letter to the editor or an op-ed to your local paper 3) Contact Ohio legislators letting them know why the issue matters to you and your family 4) SPREAD THE WORD to family, friends, schools, colleagues, and communities We've provided helpful resources below to get you started. Select one or do them ALL! |
STAY INFORMED!
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EDUCATE YOURSELF
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Legislation
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SUBMIT TESTIMONY
SUBMIT TESTIMONY
Testimony Toolkit
Review this testimony toolkit for tips and information about preparing and presenting in-person and written testimony.
Quick Tips
Request Committee Hearing Notices
It's important to track and monitor bills in their committees and Statehouse sessions. You're encouraged to join the bill's committee mailing list to receive hearing notices and agenda updates -- simply email the committee chair and ask to be added to the mailing list.
Testimony Resources
Review this testimony toolkit for tips and information about preparing and presenting in-person and written testimony.
Quick Tips
- Learn about the bill before preparing your testimony (read the Honesty bill page, original text of the bill, and LSC Analysis)
- Prepare your testimony early so it's ready to submit when the hearing is announced (some committees only provide 1-2 days advance notice of a hearing)
- Testimony Template HERE - your testimony is public record, carefully consider your points, word choice, and tone
- Submitting Testimony:
- Do NOT submit your testimony until the appropriate hearing is formally announced (many committees will reject testimony if submitted too early)
- Testimony is due at least 24 hours ahead of the scheduled committee hearing
- Email this completed witness slip and a PDF of your testimony to the committee chair (find the committee chair HERE)
- In your email, indicate the bill number and type of testimony you are submitting (proponent/opponent and in-person/written) and ask for a confirmation of receipt
- Presenting In-Person Testimony:
- Witnesses have five minutes to present testimony
- Be prepared to answer committee questions (it is OK to respond, "I do not have that information, but I'm happy to forward those answers in the coming days.")
- Arrive at least 30-60 minutes early for parking and seating
- All committee hearings and Statehouse sessions are televised LIVE and recorded on The Ohio Channel
Request Committee Hearing Notices
It's important to track and monitor bills in their committees and Statehouse sessions. You're encouraged to join the bill's committee mailing list to receive hearing notices and agenda updates -- simply email the committee chair and ask to be added to the mailing list.
- Ohio Senate Committees HERE
Testimony Resources
SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR OR OP-ED
SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR OR OP-ED
Tips and Suggestions for Writing LTEs & Op-Eds HERE
CONTACT OHIO LEADERS