The For Every Kid Coalition is focusing on the 2017 legislative session and the fight for dedicated funding for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) education programs and street improvements near schools. Today, we provide tips on how to provide public testimony, more information on ways to show up for SRTS, and background on a SRTS advocate based in Eastern Oregon.
#1 Public testimony: Most people have never given public testimony before; but, this is an effective way to tell your elected leaders what you want them to do…publicly. Time is set aside for public comment at most public meetings—especially during the legislative session, when bills are introduced and voted on. Following are three not-to-forget tips to make you successful at providing public testimony:
- Your testimony should be between one and three minutes long (roughly 10-30 sentences);
- Write out your testimony and practice in advance; and
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- Effective public testimony includes the following components:
- Introduction: Who you are—full name, address, group you represent;
- Passion: Why you’re there;
- The Ask: The action you want elected leaders to take;
- Story: How this issue affects you personally; and
- Conclusion: Repeat your ask and thank the elected leaders.
#2 Ways to show up: We need you and your experiences to help make a safe route to school for every kid in Oregon a reality. Our goal is to train over 100 people to give public testimony! Paul in Eugene said, “I was glad to have learned how to arrange my thoughts, tell my story more effectively, and to hear feedback directly from my state representative.” In Eastern Oregon, KTVT news interviewed Senator Tim Knopp about our Redmond town hall and training.
To date, we have engaged three Oregon state representatives in these meetings—thanks to Representative John Lively, Representative Gene Whisnant, and Senator Knopp for your help and support! Here are more ways to get involved, including upcoming town hall meetings, testimony workshops, and our Lobby Day in Salem:
- February 7 – East Portland Town Hall (RSVP)
- February 9 – Seaside Town Hall (RSVP)
- February 27 – Klamath Falls Town Hall (RSVP)
- March 6 – Lobby Day in Salem (RSVP)
- March 7 – Salem Town Hall (RSVP)
Kim at the Town Hall in Redmond
#3 Meet Kim Curley: Kim Curley is a Safe Routes to School supporter, a member of the For Every Kid Coalition, and an advocate for Commute Options—a transportation alternatives organization that educates and advocates for more ways to walk, bike, and access transit in Eastern Oregon. Kim is a huge supporter of Safe Routes to School, not only for her son Jack but also for every kid in Oregon. Kim and her colleagues at Commute Options hosted the Redmond SRTS Town Hall on January 25, where over 30 people learned to give effective public testimony. For Every Kid thanks Kim and the Commute Options team for supporting Safe Routes to School!
For Every Kid is a growing coalition of community, public health, and social justice organizations that are seeking to ensure safe routes to school for every kid. Coalition Leaders include American Heart Association, Safe Routes to School National Partnership, The Street Trust (formerly the Bicycle Transportation Alliance), Commute Options, Oregon Walks, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, Opal Environmental Justice, Community Alliance of Tenants, the Community Cycling Center, advocates from Eugene and Medford, and many more. Read more about the coalition at ourhealthystreets.org/foreverykid.