Inspiring

As a resident or representative of an organization or institution, you can approach council members in a variety of ways. Do you have a question, wish or suggestion? Would you like to draw attention to an issue you are concerned about? Then you can speak at meetings of the city council or council committee.

Is speaking up the best option for you?

Before you sign up as a speaker, you may want to consider whether there are other opportunities to bring attention to an issue, for example. Of course, you can always contact a council member directly. Details of City Council members can be found on the City Council website at .

How do I register?

Please report to the Municipal Clerk’s Office Office@wassenaar.nl no later than noon on the day of meeting . Clearly state your name, address and telephone number and the subject on which you wish to speak. On the day of the meeting, you will receive a notice from the Municipal Clerk’s Office regarding the speaking time, information on how to speak and the time. 

What topics can I speak on?

As a speaker, you can speak on almost any topic. But there are also some exceptions to that rule. For example, the municipal law states that you cannot speak on: 

  • A decision of the municipal government that is or has been subject to objection or appeal.
  • Appointments, choices, nominations or recommendations of persons.
  • Conduct about which a complaint under Article 9:1 of the General Administrative Law Act can or could be filed.

Rules of engagement

To get you started, here are some ground rules for speaking up:

  • If you speak in, you will be given the floor for a maximum of 5 minutes. But pay attention! Because in the interest of the meeting, this speaking time may be shortened if necessary.
  • It is not possible to make a presentation if you are speaking in.
  • Would you like to make information available to the council? You may email speaking materials and/or attachments to Municipal Clerk’s Office Office@wassenaar.nl. These will then be placed with the agenda/meeting documents after the meeting. You cannot hand out "information" during the meeting.
  • If you speak in, only the chairperson of the meeting may interrupt you (= interjection).

Rules of conduct in the council

As a speaker, you are a guest of the council committee or city council. Please note that in the council and committees there are rules on how to deal with each other. These rules of conduct (rules of order) also apply to you. The rules of conduct are there to prevent the personal relationship from influencing the substantive discussion and vice versa. So this is also in your interest. If the
chairman deems it necessary, he or she can intervene to maintain order. The rules of conduct imply that:

  • You are addressing the City Council or committee; therefore, it is not your intention to address individual council members, committee members or college members or refer to their ancillary positions.
  • You must not offend anyone or say unbecoming things.
  • You may not address council members or board members by their first names. 
  • Basically "through the chair" is spoken. This means that the chair indicates which of the participants in the meeting may speak at that time.

4 tips: get the most out of your speeches 

  1. The 5-minute speaking time is short and over in no time. Therefore, put what you have to say on paper as a reminder during your speech.
  2. Health make sure you always have a concluding sentence ready to end your speech feeling good. 
  3. We recommend that you use no more than 650 words for 5 minutes of speech. That's about an A4 piece of paper. 
  4. Because your speaking time may be cut short by the chair, it is best to choose to give your main messages at the beginning of your speech.