GET UP, STAND UP

As a youth, I remember those words of Bob Marley resounding in my ear: Get up, stand up for your rights, get up, stand up don’t give up the fight…And a continuous fight it can be for power concedes nothing without a demand!

January through March presents an opportunity for residents to weigh in on how the District prioritizes its spending and hold its elected and non-elected officials accountable for how DC government is performing. The performance hearings provide an avenue to voice concerns, issues, and accolades to Councilmembers with oversight responsibility as well as agency directors and staff. The oversight hearing schedule is on the council’s website. Check the sked often as it changes.

Budget hearings, from March to May, are a time to provide input on where and how the agencies budget for programs. The hearings also provide the opportunity to discuss public policy options. The budget hearing schedule is on the council’s website. Check the sked often as it changes. Want a refresher on the budget process? Take a look at our DC Budget Process Map.

No matter what you do—organizing letter-writing campaigns, tweeting in a Twitter storm, attending a rally, testifying at an oversight or budget hearing—do something. It’s your duty to participate!