9. Get to the Hearing Room Early. Make Sure There is a Press Table in the
Room.

10. Be Prepared with a Typed Statement, Questions, and Have a Clear Idea of What You Want to Accomplish.

The Staff Director will fly to the hearing site the day before the hearing to help with last minute details, but you will have to do the ground work with whatever help you can organize in your local community. You must also make sure the witnesses are prepared and show up. You must also cultivate a relationship with the press to make certain.that they show up. People often assume that one has only to issue a press release and reporters are somehow obligated to come. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It is up to you to convince the press that your hearing is newsworthy and serious. The staff will help you in every way possible, but only you know your com¬munity and most of the preparation will inevitably be on your shoulders.