Get Organized.
Add Your Voice.
The national civil rights record is built from individual voices. Testify at a public hearing, engage with an active campaign, or use NCRRRI's data and education resources to strengthen local advocacy. Every contribution matters.
Four ways to add your voice
Participation doesn't require legal expertise, organizational affiliation, or prior experience. Choose the path that fits your situation.
Testify at a Public Hearing
Your firsthand account becomes part of the permanent national civil rights record. Testimony is accepted in person, by written submission, or via video statement. No legal expertise required — lived experience is the record.
Find a hearing near youRegister as a Hearing Participant
Register as a witness, community observer, organizational representative, or legal advocate. Registration ensures your participation is documented and that you receive hearing materials and updates.
Register nowBuild Your Civic Knowledge
Understand the laws, agencies, and processes that govern civil rights enforcement. Our plain-language literacy guides and youth curriculum give you the foundation to participate effectively.
Explore civic educationUse the Data Portal
Access NCRRRI's national civil rights data — disparity indices, city profiles, trend analysis, and agency scorecards. Use the data to support local advocacy, journalism, legal filings, or community presentations.
Open the data portalHow to testify: a step-by-step guide
From finding your hearing to receiving updates on how your testimony is used — here is the full process.
Find your hearing
Browse the 15-city national schedule. Hearings run September 2026 through September 2028. Filter by city, date, or issue area.
Choose your role
Testify as an individual witness, represent an organization, observe as a community member, or provide legal or research support.
Register
Complete the hearing registration form. You'll receive a confirmation, hearing materials, and logistical details by email.
Prepare your statement
Oral testimony is typically 3–5 minutes. Written submissions have no length limit. NCRRRI staff can answer preparation questions.
Attend and testify
Your statement is recorded, transcribed, and entered into the permanent national civil rights record. You may also submit supporting documents.
Stay connected
After the hearing, NCRRRI publishes findings and submits the record to relevant federal agencies and legislative bodies. You'll receive updates on how your testimony is used.
Specific actions for each campaign
Each NCRRRI campaign has concrete actions you can take right now. Select the issue area most relevant to your experience or community.
Protect the Vote
- Submit testimony documenting ballot access barriers
- Contact your state legislator with NCRRRI's findings
- Volunteer as a hearing witness coordinator
End Housing Discrimination Now
- Report a housing discrimination incident
- Attend a local public hearing
- Submit supporting documentation to the record
Decarceration & Reentry Rights
- Share a reentry experience at a public hearing
- Connect with local reentry organizations
- Submit written testimony on sentencing disparities
Environmental Justice Documentation
- Document environmental hazards in your community
- Attend a hearing in an affected city
- Submit data or research supporting the record
Frequently asked questions
Ready to add your voice?
The national civil rights record is built one testimony at a time. Register for a hearing, submit a written statement, or engage with an active campaign — every contribution strengthens the record.