During the Washington DC Experience, Grangers were invited to get an up-close and behind the scenes look at what government is and how it operates in Washington, DC. Junior and Youth members, along with their leaders/parents, were invited to attend the Washington DC Experience. Junior and Youth Leaders accompanying must adhere to the National Grange Child Protection Policy.
Grangers attended briefings with important information pertaining to the Grange Legislative Department. Plans also included meeting with governmental departments (such as Department of Agriculture and Department of Education) meeting with Congressmen and Senators from your state and a tour of DC to be included.
DAY ONE
We are kicking off the Washington DC Experience! Tonight, we welcomed our Juniors, Youth, and families into town. Tomorrow, we hit the ground running with leadership and legislative training and workshops, so we can become strong advocates for rural America.
DAY TWO
The DC Experience is in the books! Participants learned about the legislative process from Sean O’Neil, National Grange Legislative Assistant, then visited the Museum of American History, and took a trolley tour of DC to visit some monuments and memorials. We even had a moment to visit the Grange Plaque, dedicated to the Seven Founders – the only private monument on the National Mall. Looking forward to another great day of learning and fellowship tomorrow!
| Presentations: | Healthcare in Rural America | DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION Presenter: Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Holder, National Rural Health Association |
| Mental Health – A Crisis in Rural America | DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION Presenter: Jeff Winton, Rural Minds, Inc. Founder and Chairman |
DAY THREE
The 3rd day of the DC Experience has wrapped up! Today, workshops were presented from issues partners as well as National Grange staff to help prep participants for Capitol Hill visits. Presenters today included Jessie Aucoin (Smithsonian National Postal Museum), Jon Conradi (Connect Americans Now), Carrie Cochran McClain (National Rural Health Association), Selena Shilad (Alliance for Aviation Across America), and Jeff Winton (Rural Minds), as well as Mandy Bostwick and Amanda Brozana Rios.
At the end of the day, Joan C. Smith (Potomac Grange #1) presented Hannah Burke from Jefferson Grange #1384 (PA) with the Grassroots Advocacy Scholarship.