I can’t even count the number of times I walked into a city council meeting and bee-lined to the a seat in the back of the room (usually, the world’s smallest room.) As a journalism major, it was usually my job to cover every meeting for the local, student-driven paper.
During these meetings, I avoided eye contact at all costs as I feverishly scribbled notes on a notepad. I did everything I could to not draw attention to myself-suppressing coughs, sneezes-you name it. Avoidance is an especially bad trait to possess as a reporter.
Why am I so morbidly afraid of City Council? I’m not exactly sure, but I think it has something to do with my secret fear of public speaking. Anytime I give any sort of speech, talk, or simply answer a question in a discussion, my face begins to burn and I feel like the floor is moving.
Maybe it’s pity and embarrassment I feel for the poor civic leader, activist or citizen who stands up in front of the Council, notes in hand; hands visibly glistening.
Well, MPACT Memphis is putting an end to this. They are offering a session, absolutely free to their over 750 YP members and $10 to anyone else to teach you how to speak in front of city council. Kenya Bradshaw, the Memphis Director of TN Stand for Children has stood before Memphis City Council her fair share of times and offers attendees advice on exactly what to say and how to say it the right way.
If you’ve ever spoken in front of a city council, wish to, or simply want to learn more about what to say, you really don’t want to miss this event.
I’m going. I’ll be the one in the back of the room, taking notes.
Learn the nuts and bolts of speaking in front of city council about the issues that matter to you most. Guest speaker Kenya Bradshaw, the Memphis Director of Stand for Children, will teach you where to go, what to say and who you need to speak with to get your voice heard. There will also be a Q&A; session to answer your specific questions.
This special event is presented by our Civic Engagement Committee and is FREE for MPACT Members.
$10 for nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at the door, depending on capacity.
