If I Could Live at the Capitol, I Would

Today was the first day of the legislative session...WOO HOO! Yeah, it's a really exciting day for people like me. Essentially, I get to spend the next 3 months of my life at the capitol. My biggest task is to make sure the social media world knows what we (Twin Cities Habitat) are working on at the capitol, while also making them understand that supporting affordable housing is really important. The thing is, everyone who lobbies at the capitol believes their cause is the most important, so the key is making your cause really stand out. I'm finding out more and more that having a unified voice with others supporting the same cause is really important. Every Tuesday morning we have a meeting with all of the other housing and homelessness advocates so that we stay on the same page. 

The best part is that I get to hang out at the capitol all day, watch the House and Senate in session, cover committee hearings, meet with legislators in one on one meetings, and get other advocates to do the same. Today was a whirlwind day since it was the first day and there weren't too many things to discuss. It's kind of like the "going over the syllabus" days of class in college. I met a couple representatives, Speaker Zellers said hello to me (because that's his job haha) and seeing Amy Koch post-scandal drama was pretty fun too. Some supporters of the occupy  movement came and protested as well with a lot of chanting of "Tax the rich", which I loved and wanted to join in on, but realized I was there for a different purpose haha. But as the Vikings Stadium plays out and some of the constitution amendments are discussed, things are going to get pretty heated. It'll be interesting to see that go down.

Life at the capitol is pretty go go go, so when I got home today and sat down I had a bit of time to reflect on the day. Honestly, I can't imagine my life without politics in it in some way, especially in the form of advocacy. Specifically, advocating for the disadvantaged in our society. I'm reaffirmed all of the time that that is my calling and what God put me here to do. Even though this opportunity is temporary, I am so blessed to be doing something I love and to feel fulfilled and like I am making a difference every day.