I heard about a CAS rally that would take place on 1/11/11, Human Trafficking Awareness Day, at the California state capitol. The night before the rally, I asked my husband if he wanted to take a drive on his day off to Sacramento from the East Bay to drop me off at the capitol while he and our son enjoyed the train museum or old town Sacramento. He agreed, so on 1/11/11 we did just as we planned.
Upon arriving at the ornate Capitol building, I didn’t really know what to expect, since it was my very first time at a CAS rally. I was ready to carry a sign or yell Stop human trafficking! or something like it. Until meeting wonderful volunteer Rosario that morning, I didn’t know that we would actually be speaking with assemblymen. I felt intimidated upon hearing what the plan was for our time there, but was willing to give it a shot. I didn’t know any of the other CAS volunteers at the rally, but coming together to help make leaders aware of human trafficking made strangers seem like long time friends. Our team agreed to a short prayer before we started, so I enjoyed leading out in that. Each of the four members on the team I was on took turns approaching politicians at their offices, letting them know that the day was Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and CAS' goal of getting an initiative on the 2012 ballot. We left copies of letters which we all individually signed, and also a pic of the reality of modern day slavery.
After talking with the first assemblymen, I was no longer fearful, and I was pumped to share with any and everyone! After speaking with assemblymen, chiefs of staff, assistants, etc., two of my new friends and I had lunch downstairs in the cafeteria and had the opportunity to engage in conversation about human trafficking with the nice guy behind the counter. Oh, the first politician we spoke with was on the elevator. I think a lot of important conversations and decisions take place in elevators, hallways, and lobbies in the capitol! Speaking of lobbies, I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience as a lobbyist. I know that our efforts that day made a positive difference.
After talking with the first assemblymen, I was no longer fearful, and I was pumped to share with any and everyone! After speaking with assemblymen, chiefs of staff, assistants, etc., two of my new friends and I had lunch downstairs in the cafeteria and had the opportunity to engage in conversation about human trafficking with the nice guy behind the counter. Oh, the first politician we spoke with was on the elevator. I think a lot of important conversations and decisions take place in elevators, hallways, and lobbies in the capitol! Speaking of lobbies, I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience as a lobbyist. I know that our efforts that day made a positive difference.
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| California State Capitol, Sacramento |
Leah, it is absolutely wonderful to have your passion in this fight. You and all the volunteers made and left a lasting impact on everyone listening that day. CAS is grateful for compassionate abolitionist like yourself. Keep the FAITH!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anonymous! :)
ReplyDeleteAbolitionists, unite!
Neat post Leah! Sorry that I taken so long to go to your blog here. :( Reading it brought back good memories of that day we made a little difference in our start for Justice for every victim! Nice for the lunch time with you and Chuck as well! Aloha! :)
ReplyDeleteMahalo for reading, Dean!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great day!