The Much Anticipated Report from Week 1 (Well Days 1&2)

I was aware on the first day at my new job that I would be attending a conference on day two. The fact that it was a legislative conference at the state capitol had been a detail conveniently left out.

In order not to feel (and more importantly APPEAR) as if I had no idea what I was doing, I was to prepare by spending my day reading Texas laws, proposed bills, acronyms from the prevention and treatment field, and get a 101 overview of my new place of employment. I took home with me a spiral full of notes to study and by morning I was able to answer what HIPAA laws we were required to comply with, how many LCDC's we had on staff, and what the level of care was offered at our treatment center.

With still less than optimal comfort in my knowledge of this new field, day two arrived with a bit of panic. With 99% of people in recovery themselves, I found myself feeling like the only girl trying to get into the "Old Boy's Club." I sought out a quiet seat in the corner and listened to the morning's speakers who were all reviewing the bill or amendment on their agenda for change. Though I was hardly convinced on those pushing for prevention (after all preventing the problem puts me out of the job), I thoroughly enjoyed the heated debate that seemed to occur with every topic.

Looking back, I actually learned much more than I expected. Although I'm not quite sure it's what I was "supposed" to take away from the lectures. Nevertheless, here they are:

• If you firmly believe in something, take it to your Senator and Representative! Anyone can lobby for the cause they are convicted for. It is actually true, these people work for you! Let me be clear, you will still most likely speak with an office aide, BUT by just calling to discuss the issue, your effort is worth 500 people votes, and a visit is worth 1000 (I picture those people who try to collect petition signatures outside the grocery store). Think if 10 people made the effort to get together to discuss an issue.


• Second, I know that the new stimulus package is controversial, and many people are not sure how to feel about it. Let me offer the same perspective given to me by a Representative whose name currently escapes me (sorry, this politics thing is still new). The money WILL be given out regardless. If not for the stimulus package, then something else. If a governor declines the funds, they will simply go to another state.
  
  In Carina English, why not take the money?!?! If Obama is going to hand your state a fistful of cash to go on a shopping spree, take it! Every state needs a new wardrobe right now! Would you tell your grandma not to send you your Christmas check? She'll just send the same amount to another grandchild. This is the time to be selfish for your community. Help it, fix it, and hey, maybe create a job or two from it.
  
  Don't get me wrong, I'm liberal, but not a big government kind of gal, still, this fundamentally seems obvious to me.

As I left the morning's conference full of new perspective and knowledge, we set off to the capitol to lobby. I felt like such an insider meeting with all the Reps and their aides. It was even more thrilling than getting VIP with a B class celeb at a Hollywood club. I didn't personally do any speaking, let's be serious, I had such impostor syndrome just sitting with these people, I was afraid they might ask me to leave at any moment. Still my signature and 1000 represented votes counted a few times that day.

By 4:00, everyone was exhausted and I had taken the business card of every politician I could get my hands on. After all, their lifestyle has a tendency to kick some cocktails back every now and then, and I would be happy to show them where to get some R&R. I told my boss this was a day like I had never experienced before. Although I felt a bit thrown into the mix too soon, it has definitely created a new job honeymoon period like none other!