Top 10 Ways To Make Your Message Stick on a Legislative Visit

Recently, my teammate Zach Hamilton and I made a visit to our nation’s capital to meet with our legislators and advocate for agricultural issues important to our state. We started with a day-long training to help better equip us with the tools and knowledge we needed to be successful on our visits. We started the next morning in the wind and rain for our visits on Capitol Hill! While the weather was less than desirable, we will were able to make the most of our visits and share the messages of National Ag Day with our legislators. We met with Senator Joni Ernst and discussed how the Iowa FFA was doing and some of our recent happenings. She was happy to see familiar faces from home, and was very welcoming and receptive to our request for her continued support of agriculture. Later that morning, we walked over to Congressman David Young’s office. While he was in a hearing, we still got to meet with a member of his staff and pass our message along! Between a couple of flights and long layovers, I had the chance to reflect on just what makes a visit with our legislators successful. Having worked in state government, I have had the chance to see a lot of successful visits, but also quite a few visits that didn’t pan out as well. As the legislative session in the Iowa General Assembly is wrapping up, there still is time to reach out to your legislators and advocate for your message! Here is a list I compiled of the top ten ways to make your visit to the Iowa State Capitol worthwhile! 

1. Contact your legislator or their clerk beforehand to set up a time for your meeting.

 

Your legislator’s email and phone number should be listed on the Iowa Legislative website. You can start at this link here: Contact your legislator! 

Keep in mind that our legislators have extremely busy schedules, and it may be difficult to find a time that works! The next week’s schedule often does not come out until Thursday of the previous week, but do not let that stop you from emailing them a week to two weeks ahead of time to make sure you are on their radar. Once they have their official schedule for the next week, they will often try to reschedule if a conflict as come up. 

2. Give them your name AND where you are from! 

One of the most important things to tell your legislator is that you are a constituent! Especially when session is in full swing, they always appreciate seeing friendly faces from their home district. 

3. Be flexible!

It is hard for legislators to gauge exactly what their schedule for the given day will look like. Sometimes they will have free time in the day either earlier or later than expected. Plan to spend a bit more time at the Capitol than just your scheduled visit. While you are there, don’t be afraid to schedule a tour to see all of the beautiful parts of the building! 

4. Once you have a scheduled meeting, plan out what message you would like to share.

Knowing exactly what you want to share with your legislator ahead of time will be extremely helpful when it comes time for your visit. They hear from a lot of different people about a lot of different issues! Make yours stand out. Be sure to include why it matters to them and the people of their district. Prepare your “ask”, which is the one thing or idea you want to leave them with. 

5. Make your message thorough, but brief. 

Time is precious, and so are your words. Make sure that you can come up with a good balance of the two! Most of the time, your legislator may only have five to ten minutes in between meetings or voting. Make the most out of the time that you have to meet with them!

6. Add a personal touch to your message. 

Telling your legislator that you would like something to change is nice, but you want your message to really resonate with them. Do you know someone that has been impacted by the issue you are bringing up? Does it personally affect you? How many of their constituents are affected by it? This can help make your message much more effective. 

7. Wrap it up and reiterate your ask. 

Summarize up your message before you get ready to leave. Reiterate what your “ask” is, and remind them how it applies to their district! 

8. Leave behind some useful material.

Infographics, annual reports, or important facts are all information sheets that you can pass along. More often than not, they already have a folder in their desk made for the given topic you are there to discuss. They can hold onto this material and reference it as needed. That being said, make sure that the information you pass along is accurate and fairly portrays your topic. 

9. Thank them for their time. 

Our state legislators have a short amount of time to get a lot of legislation researched, proposed, and passed. Thank them for their time and ask for their business card so you can keep in touch in the future. If you have a business card, it would be a good time to give it to them! 

10. Follow up after your visit.

Send them a thank you card. A handwritten note goes so far! That applies for not only a legislative visit, but for so many other circumstances in FFA. True thanks can be shown through a handwritten note, and they will appreciate the effort you took! 

Cassie Bond

SC State Vice President

Lessons Learned

Spring break- a time when every student becomes giddy about summer and decides to spend what little money they have traveling  the world. However, for me it meant spending a few quality days at home on our family farm! Although this might not sound like the greatest spring break trip ever, it was for a few good reasons. They are as follows: friends, dogs, family, dogs, good food, and again seeing my lovable furballs, my dogs.

When you think about it, It’s actually kind of funny,  in high school all you want to do is leave and go to college but when you’re going to school 3 hours away from your  best friends and family all you want to do is spend one more day at home. During my time at home I spent time with my family but I also got to reminisce about the good ole days with my pals Mallory and Lucy. As we sat and chatted for hours about life It got me thinking about our “neighborhood” when I was younger. Growing up in rural Iowa was a treat and as I grow older and experience more of life it becomes easier to acknowledge how great the lessons I learned on the farm were.

So,  here is my rendition of the five best lessons I learned while growing up on our family farm.

1. Being a female does not limit you.

Growing up with no brothers meant that pulling the “I’m a girl” card was out of the picture. Whether it was scooping poop or stacking bails my sisters and I never limited ourselves based on our gender. We simply did as we were told (most of the time without trouble) and never thought much about it.  As I experience life at college it becomes evident that not everyone understands this. Whether it’s someone who suggests I cannot do as great of a job because I’m a female or another woman who I see limits herself because of her gender, it’s something that is very evident in our society today.

2. Take the time to do it right the first time.

Washing tractors was not a chore but an art form on the Zumbach farm growing up. And, if you didn’t do it right the first time, you must have time to do it twice.  My dad not only instilled in my sisters and I a hard work ethic but the idea that you should ALWAYS do things right as well. We knew that we were better off to wash our tractors thoroughly because if we missed even the smallest spot we were going to be redoing it later that afternoon, and ain’t nobody got time for that!

3. Your livestock come first.

Whether it was Saturday night or Monday morning we always fed our livestock before ourselves. Papa Louie always said my stomach may be grumbling but my animals were hungry too and it wasn’t fair to keep them waiting when they can’t feed themselves. My livestock taught me the difference between involvement and commitment.  To be involved was to own them but to be committed was to take care of them to the best of my ability, even if that meant being hungry till after chores were done.

4. Always have fun!

Between picking up sticks in the yard to pulling volunteer corn in the field,  my sisters and I made everything into a competition. This made the long days and hot summers worth it and some of my favorite memories growing up. Chores became more enjoyable and they quickly became activities of fun rather than a drag.

5. Build a strong foundation.

There is nothing quite as special as the bond I had with my animals or the love I have for my family and friends. These relationships instilled in me the drive to do what I do and support system I need to keep going. Thanks to all of them I am able to be Independent as I thrive at college because of the strong foundation and support system I have at home. Wherever you go know that connecting with others and asking for help enables you to build a strong foundation.

These lessons I learned growing up may be different than yours. However, they helped make me the person I am today. I encourage all of you to write down a few lessons you’ve learned over the years and reflect on how they have shaped who you are!

Rachel Zumbach

Northeast State Vice President

How to (Try to) Survive College

Whether you’re ready for it or not college is coming up. If you’re like me I ALWAYS over pack or forget something. Here is a short list of some things that I found have been important to me throughout the year:

·      You do not need all 75 t-shirts that you have in your closet…trust me you don’t!

·      Try to avoid eating your weight in ice cream at the dessert bar.

·      Hangout with your parents now, you’ll miss them next year.

·      Hit the gym, the freshman 15 is real.

·      SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS

·      Meet with your academic advisor! They are super cool people and care about you and your future.

·      Thermometer- lots of people=lots of germs

·      Coordinate with your future roommate. See what you guys are okay with sharing and who needs to buy what.

·      TVs are optional, some of my best memories are hanging with people on my floor as well as watching the Bachelor with my roommate (ugh Arie).

·      Only keep in season clothes. When it turns to fall take home your shorts over Thanksgiving Break and bring back the warm clothes!

·      Water proof gear! You will be caught in more than one rain storm.

·      Wait to buy your books. On the first day of class you will find out from your professor if you actually need it or get the correct book.

·      Make sure to check out what clubs your college has. There are some awesome things to get involved in.

·      GO TO CLASS…

·      Extra seating in your dorms is optional such as bean bags or futons, but remember you have a small space to live in and you have a roommate so keep that in mind when looking at furniture.

·      Come with an open mind, there are going to be a lot of new experiences throughout your time in college.

·      Professional clothes- there are several times where business attire is required, it’s easier to bring it from home than going out to buy new dress pants, shirts, and blazers. (I know from experience)

·      Try to attend some sporting events throughout the year! The atmosphere is welcoming and who doesn’t love to rock their school colors.

·      Check out an intramural! 

·      Take a fun one credit class

·      See if your dorm air conditioning, if not you might want a fan. Even if so you still might want a fan.

·      Bring office supplies, you actually have a desk! (that includes beet jokes…ha ha)

·      Meet your CA! They are there to help you succeed and make your transition from home to college easier.

·      Seriously you don’t need all of your T-shirts!

College is incredible and I hope this list not only helps you but also excites you! Don’t forget to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. There are so many opportunities offered and people to meet!

Annie Wallin

State Reporter

Reppin' the Blue Corduroy: National Policy Seminar

On Sunday, I was up bright and early at 4:50 a.m. to head to the airport for a flight to Washington, D.C. Now, although I did get to see some of the fascinating historical sights while I was there, I wasn’t going for a vacation. I was packed and ready to attend the Association for Career and Technical Education’s (ACTE’s) event called National Policy Seminar. I had the opportunity to travel with a group of three other students, each of us representing a different Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).

When my flight arrived in Washington, D.C. I headed to the hotel, and that evening we attended a “First Timers” session, where those who were attending the conference for the first time got to learn about just what the next few days would entail. From educators and advisors to business professionals and administrators, there were people from across the country in attendance. We all had one important thing in common: we were passionate about Career and Technical Education and the impact it has on the lives of students. As we heard about the best strategies to relate to legislators and share our stories, I got so excited for what the next few days had in store.

That evening, the group of students and chaperones from Iowa ACTE met and developed our plan for our legislative meetings which would take place over the next few days. We each had prepared a story of our own about a way we’ve experienced the incredible impact Career and Technical Education has on students. Between finding our passions and deciding our future profession to developing leadership and career skills, it was extremely evident that we were serving as advocates for an incredible cause.

We also reviewed what main concerns we would discuss in our visits. One of the biggest struggles CTE is currently facing is inadequate funding. While CTE and many CTSOs have seen a significant amount of growth in the number of students and programs, we haven’t seen an increase in Perkins funding to accommodate them. Perkins funding, established through the Carl D. Perkins Act, is usually where the majority of the financial support for these CTE programs comes from. An increase in Perkins funding would be incredibly beneficial to students across the nation, and we hope to see this happen in the future. We also encouraged our legislators to be involved with the CTE Caucus, which allows them to collaborate with other legislators in support of Career and Technical Education.

On Monday morning we had our first meeting with Representative David Young. Next, we had some free time to see a few sights. We visited the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress, and went and saw the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While experiencing all of this history was incredibly fascinating, I would be lying if I told you traipsing all over Washington in official dress (high heels and all) was the most comfortable. While my feet were suffering, it was well worth running into a few random strangers who recognized the blue jacket. During my time in D.C., three different people told me how great it was to see the FFA there in Washington. It was incredibly inspiring to be reminded that I am a part of an organization that is known and respected by people across the country.

Tuesday was jam-packed with visits. The day started with a meeting with Senator Joni Ernst. Next, we met with Representative Dave Loebsack, followed by Representative Rod Blum and Representative Steve King’s staff. At the final visit of the day, we met with a member of Senator Grassley’s staff, and got to have a tour of the United States Capitol. That evening, the leaders of the CTE Caucus hosted a reception. We got to meet fellow CTSO students from around the country as they represented their respective programs, and network with congressmen, professionals, and educators interested in supporting CTE. I even had the opportunity to meet Dr. Steve Brown, the advisor for the National FFA Organization.

Wednesday wrapped up with a few more conference sessions. These focused on ways to gain support within our communities for Career and Technical Education, and the ways that programs are appealing to more and more students. They had two different panels, all comprised of experts in CTE from a variety of backgrounds. It was interesting to hear from so many different perspectives and learn about the variety of experiences and opportunities that CTE provides for students. It was soon time to head back to Iowa after a busy few days.

I am incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to represent FFA and CTE students at the 2018 National Policy Seminar. My time in D.C. was a great reminder of the truly amazing impact that Career and Technical Education has on students across the nation. Through our involvement in these courses, and in CTSOs, we become well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the future. Career and Technical Education provides students with the opportunity to discover their niche. There is only so much which can be learned from a textbook, and these courses go beyond the limitations of an average classroom setting. The skills learned in CTE classes, and the opportunities offered by their accompanying organizations, allow youth to graduate as employable, competent young adults.

             Many times, students graduate from high school without having any idea what profession they’d like to pursue in the future. CTE courses provide students with insight that can guide them when deciding on a career path. In school, I never found the place I belonged until I was able to start taking agricultural courses and become involved in FFA. This is an opportunity that is made available to each student in a school which offers these types of classes. These programs will be essential to overcoming the skills gap and having a hard-working and knowledgeable workforce. It was a privilege to interact with and learn from so many people who share my passion for CTE and its impact on students. I encourage everyone who has been involved in Career and Technical Education courses and Career and Technical Student Organizations to share your story. We need support for these programs, and the most powerful way to communicate our message is by demonstrating exactly how CTE has benefitted you. I thoroughly enjoyed representing FFA in our nation’s capital for a few days, and having the opportunity to advocate for a cause so significant to me.

Peyton Schmitt

State Secretary