National Nutrition Month - Lobby Day Experience

In typically American fashion I take my freedom for granted. Until yesterday, when I looked it up, I had no idea who my representatives in state government were. I had no idea that nutrition bills were even being considered in the state capitol.


Yet I found myself with a group of other dietitians, in Springfield, lobbying our legislators on behalf of our children, sick, and elderly. In a shockingly fast metamorphoses I went from completely ignorant to informed and motivated.


It all started when I got an e-mail from the Illinois Dietetic Association (IDA) asking us to join them for Lobby Day.  There we would speak with our local representatives about matters affecting Illinois. I decided to do it. Why not?


In order for us not to look like idiots, the IDA sent us summaries of the bills to read. Then I went to http://www.congress.org/ and popped in my zip code. Viola, I had the names I needed.


Armed with directions, the issues, and the names of my representatives, my friend and I left from my house at 6am.  We drove down to the capitol, arriving a little after 9am. Once there, we met a group of other dietitians. During the meeting they made sure we knew who our representatives were. They also had a couple of speakers speak on the issues. The goal was to prepare us to lobby on matters that dietitians care about. After that it was time for lunch, and for us to find our representatives.


Here's what was so eye opening about the experience. When I wandered into my representative's office she and her secretary thought I was another lobbyist. She was very busy and had no time for me. When they realized I was one of her very own constituents her attitude changed dramatically. She suddenly had time, and wanted to listen to me, and wanted to know what I cared about.


I have always thought of my representatives as so far removed from me that they don't care for my thoughts or feelings.This experience taught me that it just might be worth my time to write to my representatives on issues that I care about. They might just listen. Time to write a thank you note! We were told it was very important to write thank you notes.
It will be interesting to see which way she votes on the issues I presented.

Please stay tuned for the issues that brought me all the way to the state capitol.