Here I am, writing my first dairy with sweaty palms, because I am not even sure if my question is worth a diary. On top - the majority of all the other diaries I read before show profound knowledge and insight so I feel kind a silly to ask this question or for that matter any question. But I am brave and will do it anyway. I hope that my diary will get lots of “lurking” people (like me-Member since 2008) to come out of the wood work and that lot of young or inexperienced citizen like me will get the information they need to make a difference in a forum like a town hall meeting.
In 1999 I married an American and moved from Germany to the States. And let me tell you, this was not easy. I was no spring chicken anymore when this took place. My views on the United States went beyond the beautiful red white and blue image as well as it was hard for me and my hubby to learn each other’s ways.
In 2008 I got my American citizenship to take the most important right into my hands – the right to vote. I was always a political oriented person and was able to voice my thoughts and opinions in a constructive way. Now I am dealing with a foreign language, a complete different way of approaching or voicing opinions and a knowledgeable forum as this one.
So I blame my friend and member of this forum high uintas who talked me into becoming a member, just in case I make a fool out of myself. Although she seems to be the only one who understands my gibberish, she thinks it is time to stop bothering her with my questions and step into the light.
So I take a deep breath and go.
How should I prepare myself for a town hall meeting?
• I know date, time and place of the meeting.
• I know who the politician is.
• So far I have read already a lot about this particular senator and his political views when he got up for election and I know what he has done so far.
• I know what he voted for.
• I see what effect his political tactics have and I don’t agree with them.
• I know out of experience, that I should ask only one question and not a group of questions so that he can’t pick the easiest to answer.
• I have already five questions I would like to ask this senator.
What I do not know is…..
• How long do town hall meetings normally last?
• Should I arrive more early?
• How do I get the chance to ask/say anything?
• Do I have to present my questions maybe before hand to a staff member maybe?
• Do I have to state who I am? (I would not have a problem with that – this is more a general question)
• Can I ask my question again if I feel it has not been answered?
• Can I be thrown out if my questions don’t fit this senator agenda?
• How many questions should I prepare?
• Is there more that I need to know?
• What kind of experiences do you have and what kind of advise could you give me?
It is done! I wrote my first diary and can’t wait for your comments and I can promise you that each constructive advice and idea will be followed as good as possible. I will post my first town hall experience at the end of this month for everybody to view and to critique. But mainly for all the people like me who might need just the right information or a little nudge to take part in a basic right.