Get Involved

1. Be clear about your ask: State upfront whether you support, oppose, or suggest modifications to the item.
2. Introduce yourself: Provide your name, your neighborhood or address (to show you are a resident), and any organization you represent (if applicable).
3. Stay personal and concrete: Share your lived experience or local impact. Facts are good but anchoring them to “what this means in my block/neighborhood/work” makes them compelling. For example: curb cuts for accessibility, rental pressures, and transit gaps.
4. Keep it concise and organized: Many meetings are long; you’ll make the strongest impact if your remarks are succinct, ideally ~3 minutes. Resources advise preparation and practice. Write down your thoughts, record yourself making the statement, play it back and adjust.
5. Respect meeting protocol: Address the Council or board respectfully, speak when recognized, and avoid applause or outbursts.
6. Bring or submit a written version: Having a one-page or less written summary is helpful. Even if only speaking, your written statement strengthens your message.
7. Link to the agenda item and supporting data: Use relevant documents, reports, or maps that are included in the Council packet as reference.
8. Follow up if needed: After your testimony, you might send an email to your Councilor, ask for next steps, or join relevant committee meetings.

• Check the agenda in advance on the Portland City Council website.
• If you plan to speak, arrive early, and be prepared to wait in line when the agenda item is called.
• Arrive early or join virtually.
• When your item comes up, step forward when recognized, introduce yourself, and deliver your remarks.
• Respond briefly to questions from board members.
• Afterward, you can leave materials with the clerk or send follow-up emails.

• Visit a meeting once just to observe how it runs and what kind of testimony is effective.
• Practice your remarks out loud and time them.
• If others have made similar points, you can say “I agree with the remarks of X and would add…” so you don’t need to repeat at length.
• Be respectful and professional; your credibility matters.
• Insert visuals or a map, if helpful, into your email or written comments.
• Know who your ward or district Councilor is and consider talking with them informally before the meeting.
• Be sure to be heard, but also try to listen and observe what other testifiers are doing, and adjust accordingly.

Volunteering on a board or committee is an outstanding way to engage with civic governance, build relationships, influence policy, and serve your community beyond occasional testimony.

• The City Clerk’s office manages the volunteer lists for many of the city’s boards and committees.
• The official “Boards & Committees” page lists current openings, applications, and appointment processes. https://www.portlandmaine.gov/603/Boards-Committees
• When there are open seats, the city issues a “call for applicants,” and interested residents must apply by the posted deadline.
• Generally, after the application period, the Council or the appropriate appointing body reviews candidates and votes to fill the seat.

1. Visit the Boards & Committees page of the City of Portland website.
2. Review the list of boards/committees, see which have open seats, and note the application deadline and any required materials (resume, cover letter, references).
3. Discuss the opening directly with your District Councilor and earn their support.
4. Choose a board or committee whose subject you care about (e.g., housing, environment, public safety, transportation) and that fits your availability and interest.
5. Prepare your application: highlight your interest, relevant experience, and what you hope to contribute.
6. Submit by the deadline. If selected, you’ll be contacted, appointed, and begin serving (often with an orientation).
7. Attend meetings regularly, participate actively, read materials ahead of time, and serve as a solid voice for your community.

According to the city’s website, several boards and committees are currently seeking volunteers. (Please check online for the most up-to-date open/filled seats and appropriate links.) Getting involved in a Board/Committee is a good way to learn more about current activity, process, and for those with higher political aspirations, a good place to start being engaged. https://www.portlandmaine.gov/603/Boards-Committees

• Explain clearly why you want to serve and what you bring.
• Attend one or two meetings of that board (if open to the public) before you apply to better understand how it works.
• Make sure your time commitment matches the board’s meeting schedule.
• Commit to being an active member: read agendas, ask questions, engage respectfully.
• Think of this as a leadership role; your voice represents your neighborhood as well as yourself.

Running for public office is one of the most significant citizen actions you can take. Whether for a city council seat, school board, county office or state legislature, each follows a set of steps and rules.

• To directly influence the policy/decision-making process and represent your community.
• To bring new perspective, energy, and accountability to government.
• To raise issues that matter locally (housing, transportation, environment, etc.) and ensure they get attention.
• Important note: With Together Portland’s training sessions, you can access candidate-prep resources, networking, mentoring and communications support.

1. Eligibility & filing: Determine the office you want, qualify (residency, age, etc.), file the nomination papers by deadline, and gather signatures if required.
2. Platform development: Define your message: why you’re running, what you will focus on (e.g., housing affordability, transit investment, climate resilience).
3. Budget & fundraising: Create a campaign budget, define fundraising goals, comply with campaign finance rules, and track contributions and expenditures.
4. Communications strategy: Craft your story, use local media, social media, meet voters, attend community events, send mailers, and build a website.
5. Get out the vote (GOTV): Connect with voters, build your base, and ensure supporters turn out. In Portland municipal elections, local turnout can be low; grassroots matters.
6. Team & volunteers: Even a local campaign needs help; consider volunteers, neighborhood captains, doorknockers, and phone banks. In local races, personal connections can be the difference maker.
7. Election day operations: Get your supporters to the polls, monitor results, and follow rules.
8. Post-election service: Whether you win or lose, engage in your community, stay visible and constructive.

Interested in running for office? Join our next Together Portland candidate training session. We cover: campaign planning, fundraising compliance, messaging, media strategies, and community engagement.

This guide is intended as a starting point. For residents of Portland, Maine, stepping into public testimony, board service, or electoral participation can seem daunting, but with preparation, clarity, and commitment, it becomes a powerful tool for change. Together Portland can serve as a resource hub: link to the city’s official pages, past meeting materials, our training sessions, and local data sources.