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Notes from the Field
Nervous, but More Empowered than Ever - Advocating on Capitol Hill in 2008
Deesha Dyer is back in D.C. for CARE's 2008 National Conference as one of more than 400 participants who've come to Washington to tell policymakers why fighting poverty should be a U.S. priority.
It's been a whole year since my first CARE National Conference, and what a year! As I pack my comfy shoes for shuffling between Congressional visits in 2 days, I reflect on what brought me back to DC for another year. In 2007, I was a regular participant and was not too clear of exactly what I was doing at the CARE conference. I was recruited by a friend (Katie Campbell, Michigan group leader) and after reading an article about CARE president Dr. Helene Gayle, I figured that this organization was right for me. I knew I had a passion for helping people, especially women, and I wanted to educate myself on humanitarian topics while passing along the blessing and good vibes within me. After taking the train early from Philadelphia, I attended the "newbie" session. I looked around and felt a little out of place, to be honest - until I heard other volunteers speak.The workshops I chose to attend that first day were HIV/AIDS, human trafficking and gender mutilation. The last two topics I had always been interested in, but never had the chance to digest much about them. Both workshops were amazing, informative and such a glimpse into a world unlike my own. I managed to make the workshop experience - despite the grim reality of the subject matter – a positive experience. I gained tools of motivation, focus and purpose. Fast forward to the next day…the anticipating, but dreaded, Congressional visits day. I was totally out in foreign territory and confused. Really…I was supposed to go in to the Capitol and speak on such sensitive issues to politicians? Really? What? Do I really have to speak? Ahhh, my nerves! I was nervous to bits, but something inside of me knew that I had to do this. This is what I wanted to do. This is what I had to do. So, I took up one of the most controversial of subject matters (removing the abstinence earmark from the HIV/AIDS plan) and spoke from faith and belief. Our 10 person group took turns stating CARE's position on education for all, AIDS, and foreign assistance. And, after 3 visits, including meeting with staffers from Senator Bob Casey and Senator Arlen Specter's office – I survived. A big portion of that is credited to the preparation from the CARE staff, peers and group leaders. What came over me when I spoke was a sense of urgency, as if I had to get out what I had to say or the politicians would never know. It was a natural high knowing I was advocating on behalf of families that could. That lil' ole' me vocalized in our Nation's capital how much this meant to me. The conference reception also allowed me to listen to the various stories from other participants about their visits. I wasn't alone in my initial hesitation and fear. So now…I am excited to be back in 2008. And not only back, but back in a leadership position as a District Chair for Pennsylvania and group leader. I am looking forward to seeing fresh and familiar faces that have joined me in this fight. I am still nervous, but I am still empowered. Bring on 2008!
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