We have a special edition reflection blog for you from our MCH Advocacy Fellow, Claudette! Keep reading to hear about her experiences with MCH Homeless Day on the Hill this year.
Hello everyone,
This was my second Homeless Day on the Hill as an MCH Fellow. I was on the planning committee, I spoke at the program (find the program here), and I think it was the best experience and the biggest yet. It was very informative, and as always, it’s a great way to connect with our various lawmakers and talk with them about housing and homelessness issues across Minnesota. I enjoyed networking with new and existing partners. It is a good feeling where you can express your thoughts and ideas with your lawmaker face to face with a good group of people.
I would invite friends and family to DOTH in the near future so they can experience the power of advocacy and the people’s voices. I have learned new skills from planning and attending DOTH such as time management, prioritization, goal-setting, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Homeless Day on the Hill has had a profound impact on my journey, it has empowered me to engage in advocacy, a decision that I never thought was possible years ago. It has helped me to promote social justice and influence policy change which leads to positive outcomes.
– Claudette, MCH Advocacy Fellow
⭐ Other Highlights from Homeless Day on the Hill
Over 1,200 people joined us from across the state, and we took powerful messages to the Capitol. Check out these highlights from the day:
- The construction at the State Office Building didn’t slow us down! This was our largest Homeless Day on the Hill, with over 1,200 people gathered throughout the day for a full day of advocacy.
- The Lt. Governor came to the Homeless Day on the Hill opening program to share her support to ending homelessness. We also had champion lawmakers Representative Keeler and Representative Gomez join us for the program, and they are committed to finding solutions to homelessness and investing in services.
- MCH Fellows, Jason and Ranee, were the program emcees, with Claudette, Kirsten, and Matt also speaking. Find the program here.
- StreetSong opened the program with a few original songs. The crowd sang along and got energized for the day.
- Jason also delivered a powerful opening message during the Rise & Repair Rally in the rotunda. You can find the full recorded version of the rally here.
- We had 16 wonderful sponsors who made the event free for advocates to attend. You can check them out on our website.
- We continue to hear great messages about our program speakers. We want to give a big shout-out to Tori and Dakota, two youth speakers from The Heading Home Ramsey Youth Advisory Board, for sharing their stories and giving two powerful messages to the MCHDOTH advocates.
- Just over 130 lawmakers were confirmed to meet with their constituents from across the state.
- Thank you to Homes for All for partnering with us this year to make this event successful. With their help, we were able to represent the full continuum of housing throughout the day of advocacy.
- Check out the hashtag #MCHDOTH on social media platforms, and you can see all the advocates’ and their organizations’ posts. Be sure to tag us when you post so we have your pictures too.