Your Story is Your Superpower: How to Testify at the Utah Capitol

Every year, during the 45-day Utah Legislative Session, lawmakers on Capitol Hill make decisions that directly impact behavioral health resources, parity enforcement, and recovery housing. Too often, these decisions are made by people who have never experienced the realities of substance use disorder or mental health challenges.

It is time to change that. Your lived experience isn’t just your past—it is your political power. Sharing your story in a committee hearing is one of the most effective ways to hold lawmakers accountable and ensure our community’s needs are met.

If you are ready to take your recovery story directly to the decision-makers, here is your step-by-step guide to testifying at the Utah State Capitol.

1. Crafting Your Testimony: The 2-Minute Rule

When you testify before a legislative committee, you will usually be given between one and three minutes to speak (two minutes is the standard). You cannot share your entire life story in two minutes, and you shouldn’t try to. Your goal is to be a laser-focused advocate.

Here is the most effective formula for a 2-minute testimony:

  • The Introduction (15 seconds): State your name, where you live (legislators pay the most attention to their own constituents), and your connection to recovery.
    • Example: “Mr. Chair and members of the committee, my name is [Name], I live in [City], and I am a person in long-term recovery.”
  • The Position (10 seconds): Clearly state which bill you are speaking about and whether you support or oppose it.
    • Example: “I am here today to strongly support House Bill X.”
  • The Superpower/The Story (60 seconds): This is where you share why the bill matters, using a brief, specific example from your lived experience. You are there to provide the human impact. How would this bill have helped you? How did the lack of this policy harm you or your family?
  • The “Ask” (15 seconds): Conclude by urging them to vote a specific way.
    • Example: “Because of my experience, I urge this committee to vote YES on House Bill X. Thank you for your time.”

2. Navigating the Utah Capitol: Know Before You Go

The Capitol can be intimidating, but remember: it is your house.

  • Track the Schedule: Committee agendas change constantly. Use le.utah.gov to find out which committee is hearing your bill, what time they meet, and in which room (usually in the House or Senate buildings connected to the main Capitol).
  • Arrive Early: Parking on Capitol Hill during the session is notoriously difficult. Plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the committee begins.
  • Sign In: When you step up to speak in the committee room, there will usually be a clipboard with a paper to sign with your name, title, and organization.

3. Delivering Your Message: Etiquette with Edge

You don’t always need a suit and tie to be taken seriously, but you do need to understand the room’s unwritten rules.

  • Address the Chair: Always direct your opening remarks to the Committee Chair. Start with, “Mr. Chair [or Madam Chair] and members of the committee…”
  • Speak from the Heart, Not the Paper: It is perfectly fine to bring notes, but try not to read verbatim. Look the lawmakers in the eye. Your authenticity is your greatest asset.
  • Be Respectful: You are there to advocate for systemic change. You can be passionate and urgent while still maintaining decorum. Avoid attacking lawmakers personally; focus your energy on the policy.
  • Expect Questions: Sometimes, a lawmaker will ask you a follow-up question. Don’t panic! Answer honestly. If you don’t know the answer, it is completely acceptable to say, “I don’t have the answer to that, but I can find out and get back to you.”

4. The Follow-Up

Your advocacy doesn’t end when you step away from the microphone. Send a brief email to the committee members later that day, thanking them for listening to your testimony and reiterating your stance on the bill.

Ready to Step Up? Become a Recovery Voter!

Lawmakers need to see that the recovery community in Utah is organized, vocal, and watching how they vote. We are building an army of advocates who refuse to be ignored.

Are you ready to use your superpower? Pledge to be a Recovery Voter today. Sign up for our FOR Utah action alerts, and we will text or email you exactly when critical parity, housing, and recovery bills are being heard so you can show up and make your voice heard.

Similar Posts