The group that I’m here with did a series of town hall meetings called “Advocacy Fridays” based on last year’s training. It inspired me to come learn how to expand those initiatives.
My end goal is to be a senator. I’m here because I want to see it from all angles because hopefully one day I’ll be on the other side.
I’ve learned that politicians and staffers are people too. One of our representatives told us that there are not many coming with this issue—and they are still voting on it. It made me think that there are too many people staying quiet. But I say, go big or go home. It’s up to people to do the job to influence them. That’s why I want to be a senator. Spring Lobby Weekend has made me want to continue the journey.
As a child I was always very quiet and shy. But here we practice speaking. One of the instructors encouraged me to elevate my body, which will help elevate my voice. He gave me a pep talk: You are strong. You can do this! I don’t think he knows what that means to me. It’s really something to have our peers encourage each other.
Back home, I want to hold more forums. Your representatives are there to represent you and you need to hold them accountable. Where I live there is a myth that my vote doesn’t matter. Here I’ve learned how much power is in a vote.
Brianna Skinner lives in New Orleans, Louisiana where she works at Liberties Kitchen as a career development associate helping youth. Brianna attended Spring Lobby Weekend for the first time in 2018.