RYV! Advocacy during the 87th Legislature
2 minute read
This session took place December 9, 2020 2:00 - 3:00 pm CT.
Our advocacy team explored the question on everyone's mind: what is the 87th legislative session going to be like during the COVID pandemic?
Recording
In progress
Transcript (.rtf file, click to download)
Notes & Chat
COVID Restrictions at the Capitol (click to download)
Strategies, needs for advocating in 2021 (chat notes)
- Our group likes updates on key dates, like committee hearings and talking points. Action alerts are helpful that summarize an issue or bill.
- Look at ways that previous hardships can be resolved by using technology during the session.
- Access to technology and training for older adults, engaging those in SSLCs, social media advocacy for younger population. Great suggestions from our group!
- Opportunity for prerecorded testimony
- I learned that phone calls and letters are more effective than emails.
- My group talked about exchanging emails if people want to, to stay informed
- Our group mentioned a dashboard to track all the bills important to our community. Accessible ways to provide testimony. Sharing up to date information so people can register positions, etc.
- Our group also discussed whether registering a position would be an option outside the capitol.
- Let's use theater / creativity ides for virtual presentations with legislators. maybe weekly talk show formats. They'll remember us better.
Agenda
This session will be closed captioned. We will be using Zoom polls.
1:45 Zoom Room opens for new Zoom users to check their tech, get oriented
2:00 Tech Intro: Some accessibility notes, review of Zoom features we'll be using
2:05 Welcome: Who is CTD, What is Raise Your Voice!
2:10 What we know about 2021 (and don't know), and our projections
2:30 Your Voice: What are some strategies we can all use to make our voices heard this session, whatever it looks like? Is there anything CTD can do to support you in these strategies? breakout rooms (groups of 4-6)
2:50 Poll: Is there anything you'd like us to cover in our 2021 RYV sessions?
- Basic advocacy, mechanics of the legislature
- Writing testimony/ comments
- Just whatever’s current that week
- Something else
2:55 Close
3:00 Texas Legislature Online (TLO) demo