ZOOMing the Maine legislature in session- HOW TO's

What to expect when joining a virtual Public Hearing held by any of Maine's legislative committees 

1. When you receive an email invitation to a Zoom meeting  of  the Maine Legislature  you will be asked to click a link to register.  Once you have registered, you will receive another link generated by Zoom to join the meeting.  Wait until the day of the meeting to click the link to JOIN.  If you have difficulty finding the invitation on the day of the meeting don’t worry.  A reminder will be sent on the morning of the meeting with the link attached.
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3. When you click the link to join the meeting, you will be in a WAITING ROOM. You will be able to see and hear the committee members who have joined so far, but you will not be seen or heard.  The host will be watching who is in attendance in the waiting room (we will know you are here even though you cannot be seen or heard at this time).
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5. When it is time for your testimony: The Chairs have a list of all who are scheduled to testify.  They will indicate to the clerk to admit the next in line to testify.  (2 or 3 at a time will be brought into the meeting). During the transition from the waiting room to the meeting, you will see a box with a blue spooling circle and a message saying “Joining”.  BE PATIENT!  This may take 5-7 seconds. When you can see the participants again, you will be in the meeting and will be able to see yourself on screen. 
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7. Please remain muted until you are called on to speak.  After you have given your testimony and answered any questions the committee may have, you will be returned to the waiting room.  Expect the same 5-7 second delay on your return.  When you can see the participants again, you are back in the waiting room.  You can remain there for the rest of the hearing or leave by clicking the red END button in the lower right hand corner of the screen. 
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CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY GIVEN YOUR FIRST VIRTUAL TESTIMONY!!

If you have any questions about this process, please contact me at mar@legislature.maine.gov or by calling 207-287-1337.