How to Speak Up for Change

Public policy is a powerful tool for change. The decisions our elected officials make, whether at the federal, state, or local level, can have a positive or negative impact on the lives of hundreds, thousands, or millions of people. From the quality of our air and water, to the accessibility of housing and healthcare, to the health of our economy, public policy impacts our daily lives. That is why your voice matters, and why it is so important that you speak up for the change you want to see for yourself, your community, and the world. It’s not as hard as you might think!

Federal, State, or Local?

Before you speak up, it is important to know who you need to speak to. Different levels of government handle often handle different kinds of policy. Local governments - Cities, Towns, Counties, and School Districts - deal with things like police, firefighters, recreational facilities, libraries, roads and sewage treatment plants, and schools. State governments deal with large range of issues like education, housing, transportation, environment, and economy, but their laws only apply within that particular state. The federal government handles things that are too big for an individual state to handle, like national defense, international diplomacy, interstate transportation, immigration and social security. That said, there is significant overlap and federal programs, such as food assistance, are often delivered and administered at the local level.

Speaking Up at the State Capitol

Since COVID protocols went into effect you can testify on a bill that is being heard in committee either remotely, in person, and/or by submitting written testimony. Be sure to sign up ahead of time and please note whether you have been asked to testify behalf of Good Business Colorado on the signup form as well as in your testimony.

SIGN UP

• You will need to be available until you are called on to speak.

• Plan on being limited to 2 minutes, or about 250 words.

• Your time slot may be unpredictable, depending on how many bills the committee is hearing, how many people sign up to speak, how much discussion the committee chooses to have, and whether earlier meetings at the Capitol run late.

• If you are testifying on behalf of Good Business Colorado, the Policy Director will monitor the proceedings and give you a couple of minutes notice when your turn is coming up. Please be sure to advise the Policy Director if you have time constraints.

You will receive a Zoom link if you sign up for remote testimony. When you join the meeting, you will be muted and off camera. You will be promoted to “panelist” status when it is your turn, at which point you can turn on your camera and unmute. You are welcome to stay on or leave the Zoom meeting after your testimony. If you plan to testify in person, be aware of the 2022 General Assembly safety protocols: "Masks are available to all who attend the session in person. It is encouraged that masks be worn at all times while in the Capitol or anywhere in the Capitol Complex. Legislative staff, the press, and the public are encouraged to wear masks while in House and Senate space, including chamber floors, galleries, lobbies, and committee rooms and hallways." Whether you testify remotely or in person, you may also submit written testimony of any length.

Additional Resources: Click here for the daily schedule of committee hearings (subject to change) and lastest daily agenda.

What to Say

Whether you are writing a letter, sending an email, or giving testimony, try to get your message across effectively and use the proper protocols.

writing a letter or email

Since federal legislators usually have an online contact page, and state legislators primarily use email, you will rarely need to format a formal letter. But if you do, be sure to include your return address, the date, and the name and address of the legislator.

Your Full Name
Your Address
City, State Zip Code

Date

Honorable [Insert Legislator’s Full Name]
Legislator’s Mailing Address
City, State Zip Code

Begin a letter or email with the proper Salutation, using the person’s title and last name.

Dear [Insert Title] [Insert Last Name]:

1. Introduce yourself and state your purpose. Include your full name, the name of your business or organization, and your address, city, state and zip code. This is important because it shows you live in the state or district they are representing. Tell them why you are writing or speaking.

2. State your position. Indicate what bill or idea you are supporting. Tell a compelling personal story about why you support the bill or idea, and back it up with facts. 

3. Make the ask. Ask for a specific action and, if writing, indicate whether you would like a response. Thank them for their time and consideration.

Sign off respectfully, using your full name and (optionally) contact information.

Sincerely yours,

[Insert Your Full Name] 
Phone number (optional)
Email address (optional)

giving testimony:

Begin your testimony by thanking the Committee Chair and Committee.

Thank you Mr./Madam Chair and Members of the Committee, I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you about this bill.

Use the same guidance as the body of the letter or email for your testimony.

End your testimony within the time you are allotted (3 or sometimes 2 minutes), and let them know you are available for questions. If the Chair or a Committee Member asks you a question, begin each response formally by saying:

Thank you Mr./Madam Chair.

Don’t worry about being perfect - the important thing is to be authentic and respectful. Most legislators want to hear from their constituents, and you have a right to participate. Democracy works when we all show up, so go ahead - speak up for change!