WEAN workshop empowers Oak Harbor residents to craft public comments

Whidbey Environmental Action Network hosted a workshop in Oak Harbor on Jan. 13 to help residents craft effective public comments for use at county and local government meetings. The session focused on practical techniques for writing and delivering remarks that are clear, concise, and tailored to the agendas of the Board of Island County Commissioners and other local forums.

WEAN organizers said the workshop builds on earlier Finding Your Civic Voice sessions that produced public comments actually read at Board of Island County Commissioners meetings. Attendees at the Jan. 13 event were given time after the training to deliver the comments they had drafted in a public forum, an exercise aimed at reducing the intimidation many people feel at the microphone and increasing the chance their points influence decision-makers.

The workshop combined guidance on message framing with an emphasis on local facts and procedural timing. For Island County residents, the immediate value is practical: better-structured comments increase the likelihood that commissioners and staff will note specific concerns and incorporate community input into policy discussions. For community groups and individuals who have not previously participated in public comment periods, the training offered an entry point into civic engagement without requiring prior experience.

Organizers provided contact information for registration and questions when announcing the event, and indicated future sessions will continue to prepare participants to speak to local decision-makers. That continuity aims to create an ongoing pipeline of informed, prepared speakers who can represent neighborhoods, environmental priorities, and everyday concerns at county meetings.

The workshop reflects a broader shift toward demystifying local government processes so island residents can make their voices heard at critical moments. For Island County, where land use, environmental stewardship, and community services are decided at public meetings, a more confident public contributes to more accountable, transparent governance.

Our two cents? If you missed the Jan. 13 session, watch for future WEAN events, bring specific facts about your neighborhood or interest, and practice a one-minute version of your comment so your point lands when you get to the podium.