Nebraska Prevention Legislative Day
Joan Peters
Nebraska Prevention Legislative Day
by Mrs. Peters
Three members of JCC's 3-D group, who are also members of the Johnson County Coalition attended a very special day in Lincoln on Thursday, March 8th. In place of the bi-monthly regional coalition meeting at Region V Systems, the regional coalitions had the opportunity to meet with their senators.
A Legislative Aide talked with the coalition members to provide insight and suggestions for meeting with the senators. He gave us pamphlets that explained the jobs of the legislature and how laws are made. After this it was up to each coalition to set up an appointment with their senator. Region V Systems arranged to have a small breakfast delivered to each legislative office to show our appreciation of their support.
It was a short walk to the state capital from the Region V Systems office. Upon arriving on the first floor of the capital we took a short walk around to see the different offices of the senators and to find our meeting room. We were to meet with Senator Lavon Heidemann at 11:00 a.m. in the second floor rotunda. Upon arriving there early we were able to go in on the floor and watch a session of the legislature. The students were introduced as being from Johnson County. Senator Heidemann was busy with this session so we continued to watch the session until he was able to meet with us.
The students had prepared a small folder of information about our Coalition's efforts to give to Senator Heidemann. We also met his legislative aide and found out how important their jobs are. Region V Systems had also provided an informational letter regarding 2010 alcohol and drug abuse data to give to each senator.
Region V Systems arranged a special lunch for us in one of the meeting rooms at the capital. There, we were recognized as one of the groups to have youth as members. The students had a chance to give their thoughts and comments about the day's legislative experience. Legislative Aide, Margaret Kohl talked to us about how to communicate better with our state senators. There was also a talk given by a lady who's family had experienced alcohol and drug abuse.
This day was a great opportunity to see where our government's and local coalitions' efforts could take us in our prevention programs. The students had the opportunity to not only see how the legislature worked but also, the dynamics of what it takes to promote laws to protect Nebraska's youth. It was a great leadership experience for all of us!
