Stand Up. Speak Out.

Your story has the power to inspire real change. By sharing your personal experience, you can help shine a light on the need for police accountability and push lawmakers to take action. Your voice matters—join us in the fight for justice by providing your testimonial. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@wcforpa.org.

Sample Script (Optional)

If you need help starting, feel free to use this sample as inspiration for your testimonial:

*"Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m from [Your Location]. In [Year], my [friend/family member] was impacted by police violence. Since then, I’ve been fighting for accountability because I believe no one should experience this kind of injustice. Our communities deserve safety and fairness. That’s why I’m asking lawmakers to take action—so that no one else has to live with this pain."

Guide for Filming a Personal Testimonial

1. Set Up Your Phone

Film Horizontally: Hold your phone in landscape (horizontal) mode. This format looks better for videos shared online and on most social media platforms.  

Use a Stable Surface: Prop your phone on a stable surface to avoid shaky footage. If you don’t have a tripod, place it against books, or a stack of pillows. Try to keep it at eye level for a balanced, natural shot.

2. Find Good Lighting

Natural Light is Best: Sit near a window or outside where natural light is abundant. Ensure the light is in front of you, not behind, to avoid shadows on your face.

Avoid Backlighting: Don’t stand with your back to a window or light source—it will make you appear as a dark silhouette.

Indoor Lighting: If you’re indoors, use lamps or overhead lights. Ensure the light shines towards you from the front, not from behind.

3. Sound Quality

Find a Quiet Space: Background noise can be distracting. Choose a quiet room, close windows, and turn off fans, TV, or other noisy devices.

Speak Clearly: Talk at a comfortable pace and volume, directly into your phone’s microphone.

4. Framing and Background

Position Yourself in the Center: Sit or stand with your face centered in the frame. Leave some space above your head, but try not to have too much empty space.

Neutral Background: Choose a simple background that won’t distract from your message. A plain wall or uncluttered room works best.

5. Content Guidelines

Keep It Concise: Aim for a video between 1-2 minutes. Speak clearly and focus on the most important points of your story.

Tell Your Story from the Heart: Be genuine. Share how police violence has affected you, your family, or your community. Emotional, personal stories are powerful and impactful.

Suggested Questions to Answer:

  •  Who are you, and what is your connection to the fight for police accountability?

  •  How has police violence affected you personally or someone close to you?

  •  What message do you want to send to lawmakers or others about the need for accountability?

6. Camera Position and Eye Contact

Look Directly at the Camera: Speak as if you’re talking to someone face-to-face. Make eye contact with the lens—it helps viewers connect with you.

Eye Level Angle: The camera should be at eye level. Avoid angles that are too high (which can feel less engaging) or too low (which can feel unflattering).

7. Tips for a Professional Look

Take Multiple Takes: If you make a mistake, don’t worry! Do as many takes as you need until you feel comfortable.

Avoid Zooming: If you want a closer shot, move the phone or yourself closer rather than using the zoom feature, which can reduce the video quality.

Keep It Steady: Avoid moving your phone around during filming. Keeping it steady will give the video a cleaner, more professional appearance.

8. Submitting Your Video

Format: Please record the video in .mp4 or .mov format. Most phones will automatically do this, so you shouldn’t need to change any settings.  

Check for Quality: Before submitting, rewatch the video to ensure the sound, lighting, and framing are clear.

Send Your Video to Us: Once you're satisfied with your recording, upload it via the form above.

Additional Support:

Please let us know if you have any questions about the filming process or need assistance. We're happy to help!