Ask a Question at a Community Meeting or Candidate Forum
Going to an event where your elected official or a key decision-maker is speaking and asking them a question is an excellent way to thank them in public for something good they may have done, call them to action on a particular issue, or ask them to take a leadership role.
The media are often at these events and cover the questions. Media coverage will help influence your target, educate the people in the room, and get coverage by a local paper — a super triple play!
Tips on Attending a Town Hall or Candidate Forum
1. Do your homework.
Find out when and where your target will be speaking or holding a candidate forum. Learn more about your target in advance to help craft your question.
2. Prepare questions ahead of time.
Be confident, considerate and persistent about getting an answer to your question.
3. Work in teams whenever you can.
- Sit in different areas of the room to maximize your impact.
- Designate a note taker to jot down all info and promises made by the target.
- Seek out media after the meeting to talk about our issues if they were not covered.
- Seek out the target after the meeting to introduce yourself and follow up on your question, or ask it if you were not able to ask the question during the meeting.
- Leave the event with a clear plan to follow up with their staff.
4. Stay on message.
Don't get distracted or angry if your question is blown over. Be forceful in repeating the question and asking for an appropriate response.
