Last Tuesday evening, Washington College hosted environmental lobby training. Members of the Student Environmental Alliance (SEA), as well as students who care about the environment, came to understand what they can do.
Andrew Hunt and WC sophomore Adrienne Nash hosted the training. Hunt is the Maryland Sierra Student Coalition state coordinator and a senior at St. John's College in Annapolis, while Nash is the president of the SEA and an overall environmentally conscientious student.
"Andrew Hunt is an excellent trainer because his knowledge of political issues, the history of Maryland environmental practices and networking skills are amazing," commented Nash.
The SEA decided to hold a training session at WC after attending similar lobby training days in Maryland. Nash and sophomore Kim Moore attended the Maryland Sierra Student Coalition lobby training day.
In addition, Nash and sophomore Erica McDaniel went to a Maryland legislative summit sponsored by the Maryland Conservation Council and The Sierra Club. Also, Nash had been involved with the training at the Maryland Sierra Student Coalition lobby day and network meeting.
What is lobbying? Many people see lobbyists as men who run around in suits getting paid to bother state representatives. However, the lobby training that WC hosted tried to clarify this false perception of lobbying.
Nash stated, "Lobbying is having an intelligent, educated conversation with someone about issues you care about."
The training included discussing the legislative system, a variety of approaches that one can take when lobbying, concerns in different environmental areas and role-playing.
The SEA has been focusing on many current environmental issues. One example is oil drilling in the Arctic. They raised the question if any students had noticed the postcards for Valentines Day that many students signed to send to their representatives?
Also at the training, the topics of global warming, transportation issues and the Arctic were discussed.
Time was also allocated to use the newly learned lobbying skills in a role-playing activity. Students formed small groups of two to three people and then proceeded to imitate a meeting between a student lobbyist and a representative.
"The overall training was fun. My favorite part was role-playing because you have the opportunity to practice your skills and think quickly," said Nash.
Many of those who attended felt that the lobby training was helpful since many members of the SEA wanted to know how they could become more involved in the government and environmental policies that directly affect them.
Nash concluded, "It was nice to have SEA, Campus Greens and FORCE members, as well as other students from the college, because lobbying can be used in various aspects like service and business as well as in environmental lobbying."
There are many students at WC that are environmentally conscientious, and the lobby training day has helped to improve student's knowledge of their role in the Maryland state legislature.
Nash agrees that the event went well: "I think it was definitely successful. We had people who wanted to learn and came with open minds. When people come together to work on one cause, their energy is inspiring."
Freshmen Alana Wase, a member of the SEA, thought that the lobby training was interesting and well worth her while to attend.
"The lobby training was very helpful; we are always taught that anyone can make a difference within our democracy and lobbying, but now I finally have an idea of how to go about doing that," Wase stated.
She added, "It's really amazing to see how much of an impact we all can have once we put a little effort into it."
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