Your Voice Is Important

Have you ever wondered about the true requirements for getting your voice heard? Until I had my first Advocacy Day, I did too.

I entered feeling anxious, uncertain, and, to be honest, a little intimidated. But I came away feeling energized, inspired, and eager to accomplish more. I had the honor of standing up for persons affected by problems that keep people from thriving on that particular day. I thought my voice mattered for the first time, and it does.

Each of us selected the subjects we wished to delve deeper into. My top three choices were:

1. Issues with the social work workforce (such as paid internships and loan forgiveness)

2. Medicaid expansion

3. Preventing gun violence

I discovered some painful facts during these sessions. For starters, I might incur greater financial, emotional, and mental expenses than I anticipated if I decide to continue my social work major in Wisconsin. I discovered that Wisconsin does not provide social work students with loan forgiveness, which would be very beneficial in motivating students to continue in the industry. In order to make ends meet, many students labor excessive hours, receive little compensation, and work multiple jobs. Even though they are almost done with their majors, some are dropping them. It's devastating.

Paid internships are essential, not just something "nice to have." We must look after our students if we want them to look after others. It shouldn't be a luxury to have time to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy life. Next up is Medicaid. The sheer number of people who aren't getting the care they require, particularly elderly folks and postpartum mothers, astounded me. That is a community failure rather than merely a systemic issue.

Given that our friends, family, and neighbors are impacted, how can we accept this as the norm?

I also hope that more people understand the gravity of the problem of gun violence. The goal is to safeguard lives, not to take away rights. Although background checks for gun purchases are fundamental measures to prevent injury, we continue to encounter opposition.

It's frightening, to be honest, and aggravating.

Prior to that day, I had no political experience. To be honest, it always seemed too difficult and intimidating. However, this encounter altered that. Both Tip McGuire and Ben DeSmidt were kind, attentive, and receptive to our opinions when I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with them.

Mr. McGuire gave a passionate speech about strengthening the background check system and preventing gun violence. Hearing a congressman not just pay attention but also acknowledge that more needs to be done was gratifying.

When we discussed the impact of unpaid social work internships on students and the very high cost of becoming a social worker, Ben DeSmidt appeared genuinely shocked. That response gave me hope. It indicates that our opinions do matter and that

sometimes legislators simply need to hear the realities from those who are experiencing them.

I'm so appreciative that my first political and activism experience was so impactful. However, I am also aware that every event will be unique, and I am prepared for that. I was able to have a good experience, and that's what counts.

Let me tell you, if you've never thought your voice was important, it is. Mine was heard, and yours will be too. 

BY ILLANA RANCHARAN