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- Work with Town Hall Planners.
Before the event, work with those organizing the event and ask for ground rules to be set out at and delivered at the beginning of the town hall, possibly by a member of the Clergy. Also, encourage "Pro and "Anti reform microphones so each side can take turns and be respectful of each others opinions. The goal is to get the majority of people in the room to be on the side of an orderly discussion.
- Turnout Big Numbers of Supporters.
This recess will determine how meaningful reform is. Now is the time to turnout as many supporters who will vocally and visibly support health care reform as possible. We know the opposition will be out in full force, so we should too.
- Make Sure We Identify Our Supporters.Â
We should have at least one of our organizers at the site an hour and a half before the event. S/he should have a petition or sign-in sheet on a clipboard. The organizer should also have pro-reform buttons or stickers for people to wear and rally signs to hold. The paraphernalia will allow all of us, including the speakers, to identify who is on our side.
- Work with Allies.Â
Share information about events, work to crowd-build, and prepare for media outreach with allied organizations on the ground.
- Get Our People There Early.Â
Their tactic is to take the front rows and make it look like their numbers are bigger than they are. By getting there early and taking the best seats we can eliminate their front row presence. We should have at least 15-20 of our people in line 45 minutes to an hour before the event starts.
- Inform the Media about Right Wing Tactics.Â
Provide a memo to press regarding anti-reform tactics and the usual misinformation about reform. Suggest questions for reporters to ask of attendees. Some questions include: "Where are you from? ; "How did you find out about this event? ; "Do you support any of the President s plans? ; "What do you think should be done about skyrocketing healthcare costs? . Send your materials to ocal media in advance and have more copies than you think you need at the event. Make sure you only give your releases to members of the media. Get their business cards or contact information so you can follow up.Â
- Bring Video Cameras.Â
Make sure to have multiple cameras at the event. If there is a microphone where the audience can ask questions, one camera should be trained there. If people scream or interrupt, we should capture that on video. Get as much of their outrageous behavior on camera as possible.Â
- Stay on the High Road.Â
These events are a great opportunity to draw a stark contrast between mainstream Americans who support a healthy debate on health care and bullies who want to disrupt and confuse the public. We should be passionate, but respectful. Let the other side do the yelling. We will not win a debate with them because they don t care about facts. We should cheer and chant when appropriate, and we should do it loudly! But we should not engage the opponents. Let them be the only ones who appear irrational and out of control. Use emotional appeals from activists with compelling stories about how reform will help immediately.
Town Hall Best Practices
Wear Identifying Materials. Show you support healthcare reform by wearing buttons, t-shirts and stickers during the town hall. Â
Bring A Friend. Anti-reform forces promise to attend town hall meetings in force. Help bring balance by inviting a friend to a town hall.Â
Be polite. Enemies of reform are encouraging attendees to get loud and rowdy at town halls. Do not take the bait! Remain calm, coherent and do not engage with folks whose sole purpose is to disrupt the event. Instead, share your real experiences and struggles and why we need reform.Â
Ask A Good Question. You can help drive the conversation in the right direction by asking a question about the benefits of reform. Raise your hand high, maintain eye contact with the host, step right up to the microphone, and ensure your voice is heard about why need reform. Don t be afraid to share your personal story and ask what health care reform will do for you.Â
Seek Out Members of the Press. Members of the press often want reactions from attendees. Be prepared with a short anecdote about your personal struggles with the healthcare system, why you support reform and something you learned from the town hall. Â
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