Hearing Etiquette 101

 

The No NAIS WA movement has been working very diligently to bring awareness of the dangers of NAIS to the public and to our Legislators. We have built a foundation of honesty and integrity which we would like to maintain during the legislative process in Olympia. We are requesting that you adhere to these guidelines. If you have concerns or comments regarding these please contact me at elisheva@w-link.net. Our portion of the hearing will be approximately 15 minutes, we then can leave, quietly.

 

Please dress appropriately for Olympia. Men usually wear a suit and women- skirts or a nice dress. If you prefer dress casual.

 

Please be organized before entering the hearing room.

 

During the hearing please respectfully be silent and listen to the testimony. Talking during testimony is distracting to others who are listening.

 

When entering the hearing buildings it is appropriate to use a more subdued tone.

Cell phones and pagers must be turned off during the hearing.

 

Outside the hearing room oftentimes you will have opportunity to talk with committee members, media, or others interested in your issue. If you have business cards make sure you bring them as they are often swapped at this time.

 

Only three people will be allowed to testify. You may however bring a written testimony or Memorandum: For the Record. You should bring a copy for yourself, each Agriculture Committee Member, and the appropriate number of Agricultural Staffer’s.

 

Please sign in over on the left side facing the Committee. You will find copies of the bill, digest, fiscal notes and a sign in sheet. Feel free to take a copy of these documents if you will use them.

 

When signing in over at the left. Please print your name, address, whether you favor or oppose our proposed legislation, and whether you would like to testify. Please put down that you do not wish to testify as those who are testifying have already been chosen. It is important that you SIGN IN and put whether you are for or against the bill. This document will be passed around to each committee member who will have opportunity to see who is for and against the bill.

 

When addressing the Chair you would say: Mr. Chairman. If the Chair is a woman you would address the Chair as: Madam Chairwoman.

 

When addressing the Agricultural Committee you would say: Distinguished Committee Members or Committee.

 

No signs are allowed in the hearing room.

 

Children are welcome as long as they can adhere to these guidelines. This is a good educational experience in our legislative process.

 

Only comment verbally if you are called to testify.

 

You will be called when it is your turn to testify.

 

When approaching the committee hand any written testimony, For the Record, to the Committee Staffer who will then pass it to the Committee members.

 

Then proceed to the presentation table. (Three persons to the table).

 

This table with have a microphone so please be prepared. You may also be on TV depending upon the hearing. The hearing will be achieved for viewing later through TVW.

 

Limit you testimony to three (3) minutes.

 

Be prepared to ask questions. The more questions the more interested the committee is in the issue.

 

Thank the committee members at the conclusion.

 

It is appropriate after the testimony on your issue is completed to quietly pick up your things and leave. You may also stay through the entire hearing.

 

Thank your for participating!