Democracy in the Equality State

Only in Wyoming could you find a legislative branch where cowboy boots and hats are not out of the ordinary.  After being here for a grand total of 6 days, I seized the opportunity today to attendy the Equality State Policy Center's Citizen Lobbyist training with my Program Coordinator Tim and our Field Supervisor Darren in Cheyenne.  Most simply put, the training explained how bills get passed through the state House and Senate in Wyoming and how to employ the most effective lobbying techniques.  Although I have nothing to lobby for just yet, the training opened my eyes to a personal democratic opportunity and right that I've never exercised-having my voice heard by law makers.  Fun fact-the term lobbying originated from folks who would wait in the lobbies of hotels to have their opinions heard by lawmakers. 

Luckily, I have the benefit of residing in a state where there stands not a single person between myself and my legislators.  They are literally all accessible in person.  I should add for the record just how extremely proud of this concept Wyoming is. Personally, I hope to some day employ the note passing method where during a house or senate session, a door man brings a representative a note on a small 3 x 4 sheet of paper.  You can actually check off a box that says 'meet me in the lobby'.  This carried little significance to me until I understood that in most states, contacting a legislator is not so simple as many aides and staff members filter communications to reps. During our brief tour of the capitol building, our group even bumped into the states first lady whose Jackie O style reminded me that looking good is in fact a great  tool, political or otherwise.  

Essentially, my to-do list has now tripled.  On top of my first assignments for class, I've added to the pile a serious political task list.   But, I'm running on some great energy after the training.  In addition to my intellectually stimulating day, I am the recipient of a free bed and I have an interview tomorrow for a job at the town recreation center. 

In conclusion, I haven't exactly put my finger on why it is, but things seem to be going well here in Wyoming.  The only reason I've come up with has something to do with the peoples connection to the land that somehow brings them together.  In my wanderings on this subject, I found a quote that I will leave you with...

"Gardens, scholars say, are the first sign of commitment to a community.  When people plant corn they are saying, let's stay here.  And by their connection to the land, they are connected to one another.  "
-Anne Raver