What is a public comment: how to prepare for the OTSU’s Downtown Hall

The OTSU is hosting a Downtown Hall on October 4, 2023 at 5 p.m.—an opportunity for you to speak directly to us to let us know your thoughts and opinions on certain topics, and to let us know what matters most to you.

We’re doing this because we want to ensure that our students know they do have the power to effect change, and that they can—and should!—voice their opinions regardless of an organization's size or scale, especially at the OTSU! One of these mechanisms is a public comment (you may have seen the OTSU take a delegation of students to a Durham Region Transit committee meeting on February 8 this year).

A public comment gives members of the public (that’s YOU) an opportunity to express opinions, concerns, or suggestions on various topics or issues within your local community. These are typically organized by various government entities such as mayors, city councils or other elected representatives, in order to engage constituents and gather input on matters that affect the community at large.

Ahead of our Downtown Hall, we wanted to give you a few pointers so that you can be better prepared to bring your ideas forward. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Know the agenda

Learn what topics are being discussed and how your comment relates to the larger conversation. For example, if your goal is to advocate for improved downtown food services, it is suitable to address this issue at a Downtown Hall meeting rather than during a Durham Region Transit delegation.

Understand the difference between anecdotal and empirical evidence

Lived experiences hold power, however, in many spaces, elected officials want to hear empirical evidence that shows a pattern. For example, the Downtown Needs Assessment, as a collection of responses reflecting the average student experience, qualifies as empirical evidence. Conversely, sharing a personal instance of parking difficulty one morning before class is considered anecdotal.

Be open to compromise

The current institution's structure, as well as the OTSU and even the government, imposes constraints on which solutions are considered viable. While slow progress on issues close to your heart may be disheartening, it is more important to establish relationships that uphold fairness for all stakeholders to ensure long-term success and truly effect change, as opposed to quick, band-aid solutions.

Be respectful

Recognize that the concerns being raised, including your own, are important to people and emotions may run hot. However, progress and lasting impact often requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders, therefore, it is essential to maintain a respectful tone and demeanour, even when differing opinions arise.

Follow-up

After the meeting, consider following up with decision-makers or attendees to continue the conversation or provide additional information. This proactive approach can contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the issues at hand.

We hope this helps you to bring a more informed approach to how public comments function, and we hope to see you at the Downtown Hall on Oct. 4 @ 5 p.m. See you there!