Town Hall Step-by-Step
Find Your Member of Congress (MoC)’s Town Hall:
See a list of all the upcoming town halls at Town Hall Project. You can also find out about town halls by subscribing to your MoC’s newsletter and following them on Twitter.
Assign Roles:
At the absolute minimum, you need one person to ask a question and one person to record the town hall. If you have more members available, assign multiple question-askers to increase your chances of being called on, two recorders, just in case, and other folks to hold signs and cheer or boo when appropriate.
Arrive Early and Spread Out:
Make sure question-askers and recorders are up front, and that protesters are spread out throughout the venue.
If You Are a Question-asker, Dress Inconspicuously:
You’re less likely to be called on if you’re wearing a protest or Planned Parenthood shirt. The most important thing is to ask the hard question and record their answer — so set yourself up for success.
Make It Count:
You’ll probably get one chance to ask a question — so make it count. Make sure your question-askers are prepared with your hardest-hitting question first, and then back-up questions if another member gets a chance at the mic.
Find the Press:
When the event is over, reporters will be looking for reactions from constituents. Make a beeline for the TV cameras and folks with notebooks and get your opinion on the record. Remember, you’re the expert on your own experience, and your reaction to your member of Congress’s positions is important.
Post on Social Media:
Get the video of your question/the town hall up on social media.
- Once you’ve got a video of your MoC’s answer or deflection, post it on social media as soon as possible.
- Explain where you were, what you asked, and what your member of Congress’s response was.
- Use #NoAbortionBan so others in the movement can amplify you.