Public Testimony
At the Colorado State Capitol
Why Testify?
Testifying before your state legislators is crucial because it provides a direct channel to influence policy-making. Your testimony offers personal insights and expertise that can inform and potentially shape legislation to better reflect the needs and concerns of your community. It also holds lawmakers accountable, ensuring they are aware of the real-world impacts of their decisions, and it empowers citizens by giving them a voice in the democratic process. By testifying, you participate actively in governance, advocating for changes or supporting initiatives that matter to you, thus directly contributing to the legislative outcome.
You can testify in person, remotely by Zoom, or you may submit written testimony.
In person testimony will make the biggest impact on Legislators. However, if it's not possible for you to be in person at the Capitol do what you can.
What To Expect (Public Testimony)
It may be a long day
Public hearings can run late into the night and may be delayed, or rescheduled. There also may be a lot of people testifying and you don’t know when you will be called up.
Plan for parking
Meter parking around the Capitol is limited to two hours. Denver uses an app PayByPhone where you can remotely pay. Parking lots are nearby at Lincoln and Colfax, 14th and Logan, and 12th and Sherman. There are also parking apps for lots and meters you may want to look into such as SpotHero.
Capitol Security (airport-like)
Enter at ground level on the south side or north side of the Capitol . Security is similar to the airport although you may bring in liquids and leave your shoes on. The line usually moves pretty fast.
The room may not be in the Capitol
It is possible that the room you're testifying in won’t be in the Capitol but rather one of the nearby legislative or judicial buildings. Look it up ahead of time.
Get there early
Due to the points mentioned above give yourself time. And not that a scheduled time of "upon adjournment" can be broad, meaning after the State Legislature adjourns (finishes and is released).
Be Prepared For Changes
The public testimony may change locations or times. Access the email you used to register to testify to keep up with changes, as they should notify you. Also, check the State Legislative website for additional updates.
Bring water, a snack, and a book
Since you may be there for a while bringing water and a snack may be helpful. At the lower level of the Capitol, there is a small store where you can purchase a drink and/or a snack. Also, a book or something to keep occupied while waiting may be a good idea as well as pen and paper for notes. However, there's plenty there to keep you entertained at the Capitol and in the hearings.
Visit the Representatives
If you have time stop by and see your Representatives. Let them know why you're there and share your viewpoints with them. Also, visit Legislators you think are doing a good job and let them know they have your support. They'll appreciate the encouragement
Make friends and have fun!
Despite the effort and time it takes to testify at the Capitol, you'll find it extremely rewarding to know you're making a difference and your voice is being heard. And, you'll meet many like-minded people and leave with new friends and connections. It's well worth it!
How A Bill Becomes A Law In Colorado
How Do You Sign Up To Testify?
Signing up to testify whether in person, remotely, or giving a written statement is easy!
Go to the Colorado General Assembly sign up page and answer a few questions that will guide you to the bill/committee you're looking for.
Once you find the bill your looking for you'll fill out a short form. Make sure you enter your email correctly. If testifying via Zoom this is where they will send you the link to join the meeting. If testifying in person this is where they will send information on times and locations of the hearing.
You will receive a confirmation email. Now you're good to go!
What To Say
You will typically have 2 or 3 minutes to testify, and note they may change the time allowed on the day of testimony.
Make sure your testimony accomplishes your goal.
Tailor your comments to the audience you are speaking to.
Here is a basic format to follow.
My name is [State Full Name] and I'm representing [Myself/Organization].
Thank you [Committee Name] and [Chairman/woman] for allowing me to speak today.
[Testimony Body] Make an argument for the stand you are taking.
[Conclusion] In one sentence give a direct statement of the action you want taken.
For a more in-depth look at how to develop a testimony scroll down to "Writing A Testimony".
How To Say It
Give a professional impression both in word and appearance.
You don't have to dress like a lawyer but present yourself in a professional manner respectful of the occasion and people involved. Your words will be heard and taken more seriously this way.
It's best not to wear shirts lobbying for a political group. They probably will not be allowed in the committee room.
You may read your testimony directly from the paper.
Don't worry about memorizing your entire testimony. You may read it word for word directly from your notes. However, being familiar with it and practicing it several times will help you give a clear delivery.
Know your material and rehearse your testimony.
See above and below.
Be familiar with your facts, you may be asked questions.
Have a good understanding of the facts you present. A fact sheet for reference may be helpful. After your testimony, the committee may ask you follow-up questions. However, most likely they won't. But be prepared.
Email testimony/handouts.
To increase the impact of your testimony you may want to email it to members of the committee in advance. You also may email it to your Representatives and/or other/all Representatives. You also may prepare a printed handout to give to members of the committee. When you give your testimony let the Committee Chair know you have a handout for them and they'll have someone collect it from you and distribute it.
How To Find Out What's Going On
To testify you need to know what bills are being considered in committee. And with Colorado's fast-paced legislative session, it can be hard to keep up with what's going on. Here are a few ways you can find out what's happening.
Go to the Colorado General Session Season Schedule and search the calendar for upcoming bills that will be heading into committee.
On that same page, you can also scroll down to Find A Bill if you're looking for a specific bill. You'll see the most accessed bills and you can browse by subject. You may also search for a bill by number, sponsor, or keyword.
Every Sunday night, at 7:30 pm, through the Legislative Session Free State Colorado will be doing a live broadcast from their YouTube Channel discussing what's coming up that week down at the Capitol. It's a MUST WATCH! Free State Colorado is a great source of information. Follow them on all social media and keep up with the latest news on their website.
Social media isn't everyone's thing. However, X (Twitter) has become a great public square where political ideas and happenings are being discussed. And a great source of real-time information on what's happening at our State Capitol. Having an account, even just to keep up with local politics, can be very helpful.
Follow your State Representatives as well as Representatives you trust to keep up with what they're saying about the activity down at the Capitol. They may put out a call to action on upcoming opportunities where you can get involved.
Also, follow organizations in Colorado that specifically watch issues you may be concerned with such as the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners or the Colorado Parental Advocacy Network.
RESOURCES
Free State Colorado - Website - YouTube - X Handle @FreeStateColor1
Free State Colorado's page "How To Testify At The State Capitol"
Sign up for updates on Colorado Bills at ColoradoCapitolWatch.com
Advance Colorado - Website - X Handle @AdvanceColorado
Rocky Mountain Voice - Website - X Handle @TheRMVoice
Independence Institute - Website - X Handle @i2idotorg
Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition - Website - X Handle @CoFOIC
Colorado Union of Tax Payers - Website
Complete Colorado - Website - X Handle @CompleteCO
Legislative Directory for 2025
LIVE Feed of Committee Hearings
Colorado Parental Advocacy Network - Website - X Handle @CPANColorado
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners - Website - X Handle @RMGOColorado
X (Twitter) post by Alicia Garcia "How To Testify in Public Hearing"
Writing A Testimony
Use this template as a tool to guide your own voice. Write a draft of testimony for a hearing on an issue you feel passionately about supporting or opposing. Your draft should be about 350 words. Introduce yourself and goal; make a convincing argument: present your opinion, clearly support your opinion with a relevant personal story and evidence or facts, and ask for support
The Prompt
Your story is powerful. Tell your story to make a connection and ask for support.
Key Content
Who is the audience?
What is my purpose?
What are the key ideas I must address?
Structural Elements
What kind of speaking is required?
Be Persuasive
Formal Speech
Make Connection
Elicit Emotion
What specific components do I need to include?
In TWO to THREE Minutes:
Introduction
One Goal
One Opinion
One Story
Conclusion, ask “Can I count on you to vote YES or NO for this?”
Your Introduction
Begin by formally addressing committee members.
Thank them for the opportunity to speak to them today. If they are your legislator, mention you are a constituent.
State your Goal.
Language of Introduction
Good afternoon Senator________. My name is __________, and I am representing myself.”
I am a constituent of Representative ____________. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today.
I am here to talk to you about why it’s important to me that you vote YES or NO on bill # XXXX.
The Body of Your Testimony
Your Support
Express Your Opinion
Narrate a short personal experience, or Story
BONUS: Provide support for your opinion with
Evidence or examples
Data
Comparisons
A cause and effect relationship
Language of Support
A personal experience that supports my position is ____________________________.
My experience confirms that________________________.
This example shows ____________________________.
This is true because ____________________________.
According to ____________________________.
Evidence can also be found in the article/book_______________.
Acknowledging Opposition
Acknowledge opposing points of view by
Summarize opposing position
Restate your opinion
Compare viewpoints
Elaborate your position
Show a cause and effect relationship
Language of Counterargument
Although some people think __________________________.
My own view is ____________________________.
_________________argues that ___________________________.
Nonetheless, ____________________________.
Despite opposition, I am convinced that ______________.
The point remains ____________________________.
Your Conclusion
How will you powerfully close your story?
Restate your opinion
Summarize your evidence
Elaborate
Ask:“Can I count on your support for this?”
Language of Conclusion
I am convinced that ____________________________.
It is essential to recognize ____________________________.
It is my strong belief ____________________________.
The facts clearly indicate____________________.
It cannot be denied that ____________________________.
Items to Include in Testimony:
Your name, affiliation (ie. representing myself, constituent, member of group, etc) and position on the bill
1-2 key points explaining why you support or oppose the legislation
A personal story to illustrate your perspective
Evidence or facts to support your opinion
A call to action for legislators
Edit and Revise: Ask a peer, friend, or family member for constructive feedback, including strengths and suggestions for improvements, like making it more clear, logical, or persuasive. Actionable feedback provides helpful suggestions to improve your advocacy skills. Be open-minded in considering recommendations from others. Revise your draft based on the feedback you receive. Submit your polished letter to your legislators (and committee members) before the legislative hearing.
Tips for Testifying: Time your delivery aloud to be 2-3 minutes maximum. Practice reading your testimony confidently in front of a mirror. Make eye contact with yourself. Speak slowly, loudly, and clearly. Submit your testimony in writing or read it aloud to the committee during the legislative hearing’s time for public comment.