Lobbying to Right The Wrong of Poverty

To Right the Wrong of poverty we tackled Capitol Hill.  That process turned into one of the most rewarding and exciting things I have ever done.  Before becoming an Oxfam Action Corps Volunteer, meeting with members of Congress and the Senate seemed out of my reach.  Only professionals lobbied.  WRONG!

On Tuesday April 16^th 2013, the Corps team met with the staff of Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich.  We urged them to support poverty focused foreign aid.  Setting up this first meeting was exhilarating yet intimidating.

The Albuquerque Oxfam Action Corps team Amanda, Kathy and Jasmine. The dream team..

Oxfam prepared us well.  We had several long days of training prior to the appointment.  More senior and experienced Oxfammers accompanied us and that calmed my concern.  As it happened, I connected on a personal level with staffers.  Matthew Padilla grew up down Highway 47 from me.  Both our families farmed just south of Belen, NM.   He understood that farmers from everywhere stand on common ground and have the same needs and concerns.   Our successful meetings made me realize that a small town girl does have the power to effect change. 

In 2014 we visited the lawmaker’s offices in Albuquerque.  We discussed local issues regarding poverty and how to wisely use our scant resources more effectively.  This time I was excited and just a little nervous.  Lobbying gratifies my need to matter and hopefully helps the greater world community.

Looks like we made it. The Oxfam Action Corps team in Washington DC April 2014. I'm the one on the far right in the Oxfam dress made by me from a large Tee shirt.  Maybe one day they will be all the rage.

 

My first time... as a Lobbyist. From left to right Brain, Kalen, Jasmine and Kathy.  The red shoes seemed  like a good idea at the time?

This year with Ane Romero at Senator Martin Heinrick's Office

Amanda and me this year at Senator Tom Udall's office

Jasmine and me partnered with Joy from Bread for the World. From left to right Jasmine, Joy, Ane from Senator Heinricks office. Kathy in the Center.