Please check out this event. It is a great way to get out and talk with OR legislators about the work that you are doing. YOU MUST REGISTER WITH NIEKA BY TOMORROW! I apologize for the late notice. Let me know if you have any questions!
Voluntary Action Day at the Oregon Capitol
Monday March 19, 2007
WHY: To learn about the legislative process, to share our service stories with the legislature, and to celebrate volunteerism and AmeriCorps getting things done in Oregon.
WHEN: March 19, 2007
8:00am – 3:00pm
lunch provided
WHERE: 8:00 Registration & Training -- Location near the Capitol TBD
We’ll walk to the Oregon Capitol building after our training and spend the rest of our day there.
WHAT: AmeriCorps members from across the state will gather together for training on the legislative process, view the legislature in action and meet our legislators in person.
Don’t miss this chance to learn about the governmental system and share your experience with legislators from your district. This isn’t lobbying because we won’t be expressing our opinions on specific topics or bills (remember, that’s a prohibited activity). Instead, we’ll be sharing information and stories about how AmeriCorps members and volunteers are making a difference for the citizens of Oregon.
Things to know before you go:
Pre-registration is required. We need to set up legislative appointments for you in advance so you must register with Nieka Rahe, Member Support Coordinator, by the 23rd of February.
If you say you’re going to be there – be there! We will have given your name to the legislator you are scheduled to meet with. Don’t be a no-show; it’s embarrassing for all of us.
We have a busy day and have asked legislators and others to go out of their way to accommodate us – so please be on time and be respectful.
Appointments will be scheduled based on either your home of service site district (we’ll do our best!). Because legislators are very busy we are only able to schedule these for small groups of members at a time. So you may be meeting with your legislator and several other members from other programs.
Appointments will be scheduled for 15 minutes each. This is a standard legislative visit time frame and really all we can ask for out of their busy schedules.
Wear your AmeriCorps sweatshirt. This is our chance to fill the Capitol with gray sweatshirts. It’s quite a site!
Not everyone knows what you’re up to, so come prepared to talk about your service and your program. Bring photos, brochures, etc. Some legislators may not know enough about AmeriCorps so be ready for those questions too.
