The importance of your voice when you testify at commissioners court

There are so many ways to express your voice when testifying publicly. From artistic expression to written articulation, one way to express your concerns about an unjust policy is to announce your concerns verbally. It's never easy to stand in front of a room full of people to share your most intimate thoughts about how policy has harmed you or your community. Still, when you have a community on your side, it can become manageable to do as an organizer.

I've worked as the Policy Organizer for Grassroots Leadership for nearly seven years. I've testified at the state capitol to board rooms.

It's about the perception of who will be in the room and who I'm speaking to. Learning about your audience over time will support your understanding of how strategic you can be during your testimony.

For instance, over the last few weeks, my team and many community-led organizations have been testifying for the disinvestment of Police funding for Harris County and to invest funds into community-led resources. I've seen so many people from cultural backgrounds and age groups, some with mature organizing experience and people without experience with movement-building, share powerful testimonies that advocate for the rights of the people.

The next part of speaking is being prepared for some time frame you and your group will have to speak. Usually, it's between one and five minutes. It's a time that either goes by so fast or it's a time that goes by quickly. So, it's a moment to think about the "Why" and strategize your comments and thoughts on what you're discussing.

I remember one time I was getting ready to talk about the advocacy of the Hart Program implemented throughout the community. This program has a proven track record of alternatives instead of police. When addressing futuristic conversations that involve abolition practices, it can feel as though you're going to have a panic attack. In some cases, there have been actual panic attacks when speaking to these officials.

The world is in the room.

However, as I said before, it improves and becomes easier as you develop your advocacy voice. One thing that helps me visualize a mock team of my family members and friends and sometimes even a reflection of myself in the mirror. These issues and harmful policies can become overbearing, so staying focused on your goals and keeping the community in mind is essential.

If you ever want to testify with us in court and uplift your voice on issues that matter to you. We are here to support you!