Survivor Leadership in Public Policy

There are many ways to engage in public policy advocacy in Nebraska. You can choose the approaches that feel most aligned with your interests, capacity, and comfort level.

Choosing to engage in public policy is a personal decision. If a legislative bill relates to your experiences or the experiences of people you care about, deciding whether and how to get involved can feel overwhelming. Below are some considerations for getting involved in public policy advocacy.

Engaging in public policy—especially around issues connected to personal experiences—can be emotionally and physically demanding. Sharing your story can bring up a range of emotions. Some survivors find testifying empowering or healing, while others may feel vulnerable, exhausted, or emotionally activated. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Thinking ahead about what support you may want before and after testifying can help you care for yourself throughout the process.

Processing and advocacy can exist at the same time, but one should not come at the expense of the other.

Below are some suggestions to support your wellbeing. Take what feels helpful and leave what doesn’t.

Getting Involved in Public Policy

Testifying During Committee Hearings

Providing Written Comments Online

Building Relationships with Senators

Engaging with Organizations & Advocacy Efforts

Sharing Information & Building Awareness

a serious-looking middle-age woman speaks into a microphone as she sits among other middle-age people

About Committee Hearings

All legislative bills receive a public hearing before a committee of senators. After a bill is heard, Senators will vote on whether it can advance to floor debate, another step toward becoming law. If you are considering attending a hearing to observe or testify, the following information may help you prepare.

Additional Resources

  • Lawmaking in Nebraska
  • Search for Legislative Bills
  • Find Your Senator
  • List of Senators
  • Legislative Committees
  • Hearing Calendar
  • Hearing Livestream

Would you like a Downloadable & printer-friendly version of this information?

For your convenience, the information above is also available as a downloadable, printer-friendly document: Survivor Leadership Public Policy Guide.