SPEAK UP. MAKE CHANGE.
SPEAK UP. MAKE CHANGE.
To kill these anti-LGBTQ bills, we need more people to speak up.
We want legislators to know that constituents are paying attention. We want them to feel the pressure that voting for these bills is against what the voters want.
We need to pack hearings, get on the phones, and flood inboxes. This pressure makes people uncomfortable and is how we change votes.
Help us show legislators that attacking our community comes at a cost.
Testifying might feel intimidating, but remember: these legislators are just regular Montanans. They work for us. The more we show up, the louder we are, the more power we take back.
Will you join us?
Tips for In Person Testimony:
Check the Schedule: Committee times can change, so for the most up-to-date info, visit legmt.gov and click “Now Streaming” in the top right corner. This page provides live and archived committee footage, and the listed times are the most reliable.
Know the Bill Order: You won’t know the order of bills until you arrive. A printed list is usually posted outside the hearing room, but the most accurate order is announced by the Chair at the start. (If possible: have at least one person in the room tracking the bill order and updating friends testifying via Zoom so they know when their turn is approaching.)
Sign In to Testify: Outside the hearing room, you’ll find sign-in sheets for each bill. Be sure to sign in for the one you’re testifying on.
Seating & Overflow: Room capacity may be limited based on the number of attendees and which bills are up first. If there’s a gallery, you can sit upstairs. If not, TVs in the hallway stream the hearing so you can follow along.
Draft Your Testimony Ahead of Time: Keep them at or under 2 minutes. It is not a bad idea to have an even shorter version in case they limit time. Open your testimony with: “Good morning, Chair, members of the committee, my name is [name] for that record that is [spell your last name]. I am here as a Montanan [any context you want to add for a 1 sentence intro of who you are]. I am here in opposition to [bill number]. [Give your reasons, be concise.] Thank you for your time. Practicing a few times will make you less nervous when you get up to the microphone.
Montana Specific Resources:
Can’t attend in person? Create an account to testify remotely from anywhere in Montana. You can also submit written comments directly to your legislators through your account. Anyone who desires to testify at a legislative committee hearing from a remote location must sign in to Public Participation and register to testify on a specific bill no later than (2) hours before the hearing is scheduled to start. When registered, the user will receive an email containing a Zoom link. Follow the instructions contained in the email.
Testify on Zoom
Zoom Guide courtesy of Montana
Conservation Voters
More Testimony Guides and Examples:
This PDF from The Trevor Project is a guide on testifying against harmful bills, specifically those that impact LGBTQ+ individuals. It provides step-by-step instructions on preparing testimony, including how to structure statements, share personal stories effectively, and stay safe while advocating. The guide also offers tips on handling opposition, managing emotions, and understanding the legislative process to maximize impact.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of testifying in support of trans rights. It covers how to prepare public or virtual testimony, navigate tough questions, and build relationships with lawmakers. Key tips include crafting a clear, concise message, researching the bill, and practicing before the hearing. It also emphasizes safety precautions, especially with online testimonies, and the importance of sharing personal stories. For further details, including templates and examples, visit the full guide.