Last week, I had two very different experiences at our State Capitol, each powerful in its own way.

First, on Wednesday, I participated in my first ever personal lobbying of an elected official. Through ISAIAH, I signed up for Healthcare Access Lobby Day, and was granted an appointment with my state senator, Bobby Jo Champion, who is also the President of the Senate. I was mildly nervous as I prepared for the meeting, but the actual experience was empowering. Senator Champion was very friendly, receptive to hearing what I had to say, and is generally in agreement with the positions ISAIAH advocates with regard to healthcare justice issues.

Second, on Saturday, I was one of the estimated 25,000 (though some say the count is probably much higher) people who attended the Hands Off rally at the Capitol.

At both of these events, at least one other person from UUFM was also there—thanks to those who made the drive to St. Paul to have your voices heard or to be counted among the impressive turnout at the rally!

Let’s keep making “good trouble” together at every opportunity.

In gratitude,

Rev. Diana