|
GNOICC has been generously providing financial support for members Geraldine Watkins, Bette Kussmann, Keely Lewis & myself to attend Women on Wednesday, both last year and this one.
WOW is an amazing group of women from all over the state of Louisiana going into our Capitol every week when the Legislature is in session to take part in our democratic process.
This involves a few things:
When a bill is in front of a committee, in-person attendees have the right to put in green cards in support or red cards against the bill. They read these names out loud and they go into the public record.
Folks who attend can also ask to verbally comment to the committee and their testimony is recorded.
I will not lie, sometimes sitting in these committees, listening to folks and legislators who oppose you can be a bit brutal, so lunchtime with WOW is always a welcome respite! Often, we’ll have a featured guest come and briefly discuss a topic directly related to current legislation. We’ve met Rep. Aimee Freeman, Rep. Delisha Boyd, Rep. Mandie Landry and Librarian Amanda Jones, to name a few!
In the afternoon, when the legislators go into large session, you can put in a slip that asks your Representative to come out to the lobby and speak to you regarding a bill. Did you know this is where the term ‘lobbyist’ comes from? It’s true!
I have to mention that Geraldine Watkins is the friendliest person at the legislature when she’s there! If you ever need a lesson in how to network, look to her!
Inasmuch as it’s possible in our singular state of Louisiana, with all its fabulous characters, Women on Wednesday is working to demystify our political process and empower people to be involved. We have faith that the more active we are in this process, the more positive change we can bring!
Thanks so much, GNOICC, for supporting us in this effort!
And fyi, WOW was started by 10,000 Women Louisiana and Lift La., two fantastic orgs here, both working to empower women and those who have traditionally been left out.
10,000 Women Louisiana is a powerful group from all across our state mobilizing to get more women involved in the democratic process and elected at every level of government.
Lift La. is a wonderful not-for-profit that advocates for reproductive rights for all people in Louisiana. They partner with 10,000 Women to get more folks to the Capitol.
|
