By Sanjana Venkittu and Dani Kranchalk When you think about the roles at YAG, it makes sense to think in terms of branches: legislative, judicial, and executive. But there are other groups working to Make Change Happen, and they often go unnoticed and underappreciated. For instance, lobbyists can make a difference in the House and Senate, though they only have one minute to speak for or against bills. Marina Fela-Castillo, Secretary of State, explained her role as a lobbyist:
Q. What do lobbyists do? A. We get a bill from bill authors, distribute it to the lobbyists, and they pick whether they want to write, pro or con, for that bill. They can only work in chambers, not committees. When they present their speeches they only have one minute to speak for or against the bill. Any seconds that they have left can go to the authors or to the floor. They have to get facts and represent an organization, real or made up. They have to be clear and concise and get to the point. Q. What do you like about being a lobbyist? A. We can speak our minds, and we don’t have to sit around the whole day like most of the representatives. I also like how we can shape the minds of the senators and representatives. Q. What’s one thing you wish people knew about lobbyists? A. I wish people knew that we exist! We’re a small tight-knit family, and I like that, but I also wish we had more representation. I feel like nobody takes us as seriously as they take the legislators, and I feel like we are less respected even though what we do makes a huge difference for the bill.
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By Kamille Graham Youth and Government could possibly be the most exciting part of your year yet. However, being prepared is key. Major key. Here are some of the areas where preparedness is most important:
Be Prepared Whether you're presenting a bill, lobbying, or budget analyst, having all of your stuff together is important. Once you have all of your information straight and in order, it will make getting in front of people to present it much easier. Present Your Bill with Confidence Presenting a bill can be terrifying. Especially if you've never done it before. So let's say that you have all of your information together and are ready to go, but the cold feet set in. Keep in mind, everyone is probably just as nervous as you are, so feel the vibes. Let it soak in and know that you will do the best you can! Don't Be Afraid to Speak Up Youth and Government can be scary when you don't know many people. Even members of your own delegation. However, YAG could possibly be the easiest place to make new friends because one category of interests is already checked off, you both like YAG! So take that information, strike up a conversation and you'll be besties before you know it! Most Importantly, Have Fun All of the late night events are designed especially for you to have fun, so do it. When at Friday Fun Night or the Governor’s Gala, don't be so focused on what you have to do the next day that you forget to have fun. Live in the moment! If it was all about work, we wouldn't have even left our home schools to do it, but we’re here in Raleigh, away from all the other stresses in our life, so live it up! |