Even during these difficult times, local governments must remain accessible and accountable to the public. With government mandated restrictions on public gatherings, alternatives should be available to elected officials and the public in order to support continued civic engagement and involvement.

Government affairs typically discussed in the public sphere should remain accessible to the public through several options including television, livestreaming online and teleconference. Meetings should also be recorded and made available online for people (with closed captioning in English and other languages) so the public can watch at their convenience.

Government bodies should provide multiple alternatives for people to provide public comment on items being discussed or voted on at regular or special meetings. Specifically, the public should be given the option to give public comment via email, online forms, over the phone or via videoconferencing. Additionally, language access services should be provided so that non-English speakers can listen to meetings, give public comment, and watch recordings of past meetings in their preferred language.

Government business is still being conducted during the pandemic and the public has a right to know and participate on civic matters. Support remote civic engagement!

(Return to our Flatten the Curve of Inequality issue area hub)

TAKE ACTION

Get the word out!

1. Save the graphic(s) below to your device.
2. Copy and paste one of the options below into a new post on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else (or click here for a jump start on a Tweet):
   1. Even during this pandemic, local gov'ts must remain accessible & accountable to us. With public gatherings restricted, alternatives should be available to elected officials & the public in order to support continued civic engagement & involvement. #FTCOI https://actionnetwork.org/forms/flatten-the-curve-of-inequality-civic-engagement
   2. Government business is still being conducted during the pandemic - the public has a right to know and participate on civic matters. Support remote civic engagement! #FlattenTheCurveOfInequality https://actionnetwork.org/forms/flatten-the-curve-of-inequality-civic-engagement
3. Tag whoever you think needs to see your post or take action, including but not limited to your elected representatives! Let them know if you're a constituent or have ties to their district!
4. Don't forget to attach the graphic(s) before you hit the 'post' button!