Check out the VOD of our training session from August 20th with Free Transit Ottawa and Ottawa Transit Riders discussing how to speak out against LRT cuts at the September 12th Transit Commission Meeting and see below for more tips on how to deliver a delegation:
Speak out and make a difference!
One of the best ways to make sure the mayor and city councillors hear your concerns is to speak to them directly at a committee meeting. Public delegates can sign up to speak either in-person or virtually over Zoom, and get five minutes to speak to an item on the meeting agenda.
Sometimes it can seem like an intimidating task, but we're here to make it easy with some simple steps!
1. Find your issue
There are many different committees and sub-committees that meet on a regular basis. The schedule, agendas, and minutes can be found on the city's portal.
Agendas are made available as the meeting date approaches, but we'll also keep you updated on upcoming opportunities to speak out on important issues.
2. Register to speak
Once you know the date, time, and item you want to speak to, send an email to the committee coordinator and ask to speak as a delegate on that item. You can find the email address for each committee's coordinator at the top of the agenda:
Once you've reached out to the coordinator, you'll receive a response confirming that you're signed up to speak and letting you know where you are on the speakers list.
3. Prepare your delegation
There is no right or wrong way to tell your story! Some of the most impactful public delegations include personal stories about how these decisions impact your life. For example, a delegation asking for better transit service could recount a particularly frustrating experience or highlight the ways transit access improves your life.
If you're writing out your remarks in advance, 500-600 words is a good target to give yourself enough time to get through everything you want to say. Once you've reached five minutes, you may be cut off, but committee members have a chance to ask you questions afterwards. Committee members are not required to answer any of your questions, so we recommend not directly asking for answers from members.
Got any other questions about public delegations? Reach out to us at [email protected]!
