Four Defiance College students took part in the recent young adult lobby weekend in Washington, D.C., where they were given the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate with congressional staff. The annual event is sponsored by the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Attending from Defiance College were students from the McMaster School Service Leadership Programs: Tyler Dunham, freshman, Haviland; Jared Erickson, freshman, Defiance; Sandi Burden, junior, Lakeview; and Laura Derov, sophomore, North Olmsted.
More than 70 young people from 10 states and the District of Columbia took part in the weekend's activities which focused on the war in Iraq, sustainable energy, and global warming. They visited more than 20 congressional offices to meet with staff and give their input into related legislative matters. Defiance's students met with Corey Toth, legislative correspondent for Rep. Robert Latta of Ohio's Fifth District.
Sandi Burden, a social work major at DC, noted that the experience, "allowed me to learn how to present myself and my concerns with legislation on current issues. This experience taught me how to be a more active citizen."
The McMaster Service Leadership Programs, part of the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity, are designed to help students develop skills of leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and cultural awareness. Students with service experience can apply for a Citizen Leader Scholarship to continue their commitment to civic engagement while at Defiance College.