Easter Seals Disability Services

Success on the Hill: A Public Policy update from Washington, D.C.

A public policy update from the June 2008 Goodwill Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota joined about 50 other Goodwill Industries International staffers, leaders and volunteers.

By Deanna Smiley Gulliford
Director of Community Affairs
Goodwill/Easterseals Minnesota

Wednesday, June 25, 2008, evening

Michael and I had an eventful (and long!) day on Capitol Hill.

We called on seven members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation with a message about supporting full funding for the Second Chance Act (opens Web site for this act in new window)  and for the Workforce Investment Act (opens Web site for WIC act in new window). Our message was generally well received and met with pledges of support. In most cases, we met with staff members who follow labor issues for their respective member.

We did, however, manage to track down two of our actual members of Congress. Representative Michele Bachmann, (Minnesota, Sixth District) was breezing by in the hallway and we caught her for a few minutes.

During this impromptu meeting, Michael Wirth-Davis, our CEO and president, explained how Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota worked with the state Department of Corrections and another nonprofit to develop a three-year re-entry program for male ex-offenders to get them back on their feet through employment and other services. So far, that program has served 250 men.

I shared one of my favorite participant success stories with Representative Bachmann -- that of a father who moved to the U.S. from Liberia. Four of his seven children died before he emigrated. He came here for a better life but struggled to find work. Goodwill/Easter Seals staff taught him a variety of soft skills and job skills that helped him land a job at an assisted living center. He has since opened his own assisted living facility and is now a potential employer for other graduates from our program.

Michael commented, “We love the fact that a Workforce Investment Act recipient gained from our investment in him and went on to help others.”

Interestingly, Congresswoman Bachmann ended the conversation by telling us about her recent visit to Stillwater, Minn. She mentioned that she and her family have been to the new store in Stillwater and LOVE IT!  The Congresswoman said it was a real "destination" spot and that there is a "buzz in the Stillwater community about the new Goodwill store." This is great, because donations to and sales at the stores support our mission to help individuals find and keep employment.

Thursday, June 26, 2008, morning

With each legislator or legislative staff members we were able to share how Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota helps our participants overcome barriers to achieving their goals for employment, education and independence. Some barriers are institutional while others are much more personal. Some require soft skills training, while others require time to heal and adjust to new circumstances. That's why we're here in Washington, D.C. this week.

We need our elected officials to know how many people, particularly Minnesotans, are impacted by their decisions, current economic realities, poverty and changes in the laws. That's why we're in Washington, D.C. this week. Together with other Goodwill staff members, leaders and volunteers from around the country we are making a large impact on behalf of the people we serve. 

Of our activity here so far, Michael Wirth-Davis said, "It is always good for us to bring messages to our congressional members and hear they are supportive of our work. Members are beginning to see us as a resource on workforce development issues."

Thursday, June 26, 2008, evening

We're heading home tomorrow morning after a very busy week of meetings. Being here reminds me of how important it is that in addition to voting, we must also contact our elected officials about the issues we support and let them know why. These elected officials listen. They track the number of constituents in their districts who support or oppose upcoming bills. They want to hear from us.

I'm more convinced than ever that we need the support of Minnesotans to preserve and improve laws that affect independence and work for people with barriers. The more people speaking out on behalf of those with barriers, such as disabilities and economic or cultural disadvantages, the greater the impact we'll make. It doesn't matter who you are -- whether you're rich or poor, young or old, we need your voice.

Please join us in support of programs, funding and laws that protect the rights of every American to achieve his or her goals for independence through the power of work. Together, we can help more people find and keep jobs. Sign up for Public Policy e-mail news and alerts today (link leaves this site and goes to our other site).