Home :  Capitol Day, March 2009

One Family's Experience at the March 2009 Capitol Day

Thank you for putting these Capitol Days together.   It has been such a wonderful training tool for my kids and me!     

I wanted to share with you a couple of experiences we had this past month.   After the morning session, we were leaving the building a woman suddenly approached us and asked who we were with.  I was a bit startled but I told her we were with Texas Home School Coalition.   I don’t think she recognized the name or even caught the “homeschool” portion, but she went on to tell us that she has been coming down here for years and had never seen families here.   Out of curiosity, she had been watching us and couldn’t help but notice how well our families interacted together and how well dressed (emphasis place on the dress) and well behaved they all were.  She went on to say, that she wanted us to know that we had restored her faith in America and in mankind ….. she said for her, it was much needed moral boost.     What a pleasant unexpected surprise, that wasn’t at all what I was anticipated…. For us, “she” was a much needed inspiration!!!  

… [W]hat I found most interesting was that several of [the staffers] said that what we are doing actually has huge impact!  When the kids come in all dressed up and make their presentation, even though they are not polished, they are sweet and professional and fun to watch.   Every time they run across that bill, they will remember the kids.    Usually when we leave, because there are some holes in their presentation, they will research it and find out what’s up.   With adults, that’s not always the case.  They are often offensive, rude and pushy ~ not a pleasant experience.

For me, this was very eye opening.   Maybe y’all already know all of this.  But for us, it helped us to see things in a different light.   Prior to our conversations, I had viewed this merely as a learning tool for our kids.   But now I see the effectiveness is much greater when a young sweet child makes a presentation and seems to know something of what he’s talking about even if he doesn’t get it all perfect …. That’s part of the charm.  That charm is an effective weapon in our battle to make our voices heard.    It was also very enlightening to listen to them talk with the kids about the constituent voice.  They will listen to those who come into their office but they want to get a pulse of what their voters think.   Our phone calls, letter and faxes give that pulse.   All of them said it only takes a few phone calls to get their attention ~ 10-15 calls and they are listening.   

… Thank you for making these moments possible.   I know for our family, this has been a wonderful education in the political process and has bridged the gap so that we might become more involved. 

Hope you are as inspired as we were!!

Warm regards,

Diana C. and family

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