A new series of workshops titled, “Our Voice, Our Legislature,” begins on Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Newcastle Fire Station, 86 River Road. The public is invited to attend any or all of the free sessions which are organized around topics featuring guest advocates as presenters along with elected officials and other local experts.

Did you know that the Maine State Legislature holds public hearings for each bill introduced? Did you know that the Maine State Legislature relies upon public opinion along with expert research when deciding how to vote on pending legislation? Did you know you can impact lawmaking through your stories?

Each 90-minute workshop begins with an overview of proposed legislation related to the scheduled theme and then concludes with expert instruction on providing testimony at public hearings, contacting legislators, and sharing your voice with friends, family and neighbors through social media or by writing letters to the editor. Attendees are encouraged to bring in drafts of letters or testimony to share for review.

Health care is the first topic in the series to be addressed on April 8. Guest speakers include Cait Vaughan, community organizer for Maine Family Planning, and Kate Ende, policy director of Maine Consumers for Affordable Health Care. They’ll be on hand to talk about proposed bills regarding prescription drug pricing, insurance for pregnant women and access to abortion services. Other speakers to be announced.

Vaughan shared this regarding the importance of citizen lobbying, “Legislators make decisions, big and small, that shape our everyday lives in major ways. It’s critical we all learn how to share our experiences with lawmakers in effective and impactful ways. Our stories matter.”

Attendees are encouraged to visit http://lincolncountydemocrats.com/voice for full details, updated speakers info, suggested reading, and to learn about the workshops scheduled for the rest of April. Topics to include: environment, education, gun safety, and more. May dates may also be planned if there is enough interest. Contact info@lincolncountydemocrats.com with questions.

The next regular meeting of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee is Wednesday, April 18 at the Newcastle Fire Station, 86 River Road. All registered Democrats and unenrolled progressives are welcome to attend. Found out more, including what’s on the agenda: http://lincolncountydemocrats.com or www.facebook.com/lincolncountydems/