I’m not Quaker but I have been involved with Quaker fellowship.
I’ve had five visits on the Hill so far. It’s engaging but hard because the future is not bright for the community that I work with. This issue is something I see and feel every day.
Change can happen. It’s one piece of a bigger puzzle (that also involves talking to family and friends). Engaging everyone is important whether they agree with you or not.
It’s empowering to be here. I get to speak about experiences that impact me as a human. To say these things to people who have power is incredible.
What I’ve learned from the panels has broadened by understanding and I’m taking it back to my office. I’ve learned from experts the language to use when talking about the issues.
It’s been incredible to see the intersection of other issues I hadn’t considered and how they all connect. This weekend has demonstrated to me that as long as I hold the nuances and the intersection of issues in my heart, I have a center to draw from for my future work. It’s reminded me of the end goals.
Toetie lives in Seattle, Washington and works at the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project as an intake coordinator. Toetie attended Spring Lobby Weekend for the first time in 2018.