What:

A town hall meeting is an informal public meeting around a shared subject of interest.

How to do it:

1. Identify who might be a part of the planning process (students and adults).

2. Understand your context and the most helpful information/data to share about the identified topic.

3. Be clear about your objectives for the town hall (e.g. gather information; share information; build for action, etc.).

4. Determine the format of your town hall:

   1. Panel of experts: Two to four panelists bring different viewpoints on an issue (usually occurring as a moderated discussion) followed by a question/answer period from the audience.

   2. Policy panel: students share their opinions with the panel members about how they feel/what to do about the identified topic.

5. Know the location and date - invite panelists, moderator and broader participation.

6. Hold your town hall event and then debrief the experience and next steps

Things to Consider:

• When hosting a town hall meeting, be intentional about making sure students that may not regularly be represented at such events are able to engage. This includes thinking about access to the event (timing, transportation, reimbursement or financial assistance etc.)

• When identifying a panel of guests, think carefully about who you are inviting to speak (or listen) and work to ensure students can see themselves in those on the panel. Look for representatives that hold a variety of identities and beliefs.

• Consider different learning styles and personalities for hearing and providing feedback - questions from the audience can be sent ahead of time, be written and submitted (virtually - e.g. facebook live or in person), and can involve individuals asking questions aloud.

• Be intentional about accessibility for all participants including those who need audio and visual support.

• Sharing of information may include written and/or visual material as well as information shared verbally.

• Recording or using a virtual venue can support engagement beyond the immediate event.

Take It to the Next Level:

Leveling Up Towards the Leadership End of the Spectrum of Student Voice-Oriented Activity

• Engage students in identifying the topic, question, and/or prompt.

• Consider how students can provide leadership from facilitating the activity, making meaning of the data collected, and advising how the data is used.