Program Overview
Is it possible to change public opinion and behavior with online town hall meetings conducted by Members of Congress? We’ve done it with other issues – and it might work now. Now more than ever, it is critical that Members of Congress use the most effective methods for communicating with their constituents.
The Congressional Management Foundation has been working with Member offices and political scientists for more than a decade to develop online and telephone town hall meetings that lead to civil and thoughtful dialogues on pressing issues before Congress. Constituents learned a lot through these events, and they changed people’s attitudes towards Members and policy, as well as their voting behavior. These now proven methods could be used to help constituents learn about the crisis and change their behavior to slow the spread of COVID-19.
This webinar presented the research demonstrating the influence of high quality online town hall meetings. Presenters also discussed how to enhance the likelihood that public opinion and behavior can be changed through these forums. Participants were instructed on how to:
- Explain how to recruit and prepare constituents for successful remote town hall meetings
- Demonstrate the power of engaging with informed constituents
- Provide guidance on how to change constituents' minds
- Give you the knowledge you need to have great remote town hall meetings
Details
Friday, April 3, 2020
3:15-4:15pm Eastern/12:15-1:15 pm Pacific
Download the slides: 
idea_cmf_onlinetownhalls_covid-19crisis.pdf(1.6 MB)
More Information
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building trust and effectiveness in Congress. CMF does not employ or retain a registered lobbyist. Our programs comply with both House and Senate ethics rules and laws, allowing staff to attend.
