My first time attending Spring Lobby Weekend, I liked the way it was run. I connected with its goals and values. There was an openness to learning and willingness to be in an uncomfortable space.
I’m not Quaker but you don’t have to be Quaker, or religious in any way, to hold their values. The “We Seeks” really resonate with me.
I expected it to be a big learning curve, especially as it was opening me up to the wider social justice world. I’ve been able to learn about what works when you’re working on the Hill.
Change takes time. FCNL emphasizes relationships. If you create a relationship with members of staff and make suggestions and continue to build it, you’ll be that constant voice that’s not going to go away.
You don’t have to have all the answers to be able to tell your story and have a powerful voice. Your truth has so much power. We hope that people can use those voices to push for change.
Susan is from Chatham, NJ and graduated with her B.A. from Penn State in 2017. She studied international policy and French. Susan currently lives in Washington, DC and works as a Program Assistant for Human Rights and Civil Liberties for FCNL. Susan attended Spring Lobby Weekend for the second time in 2018.