Meet my two advocacy buddies! I have a passion for making Minnesota the best state in the nation to raise children. When I say things like that, most people head to the buffet table to escape my enthusiasm. Not these two, nope, they are in it with me. On the left is Paul Winkelaar, the Community Organizer for Education Minnesota, the teacher's union that I have belonged to for more than twenty years. He is a force to be reckoned with, a big dreamer, and a guy who will not take no for an answer. On the right is dear Representative Erin Murphy, the Majority Leader of Minnesota's House of Representatives. She and I are cut from the same cloth. She wears her passion for Minnesota on her sleeve and serves our state as an elected official. We began a professional relationship in 2010. She consults with me on early childhood policy and makes sure I am at important meetings in St. Paul. She wants me to succeed as an advocate. Erin and I took our relationship to new heights this fall when we took a field trip with our grown daughters to go zip lining! When folks this fired up get together, friendship just happens.
I know the assignment asked for just one person but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to brag about my friend and my Governor, Mark Dayton. He has been more than generous with his time to mentor me on my journey of advocacy. He has taken several opportunities to meet with me and has been very encouraging and supportive of early childhood initiatives in our state. I hope you get to meet him one day, he is terrific and truly wants what is best for families in Minnesota.
Katy,
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate to have such passionate people to work with and how fortunate for the families of Minnesota that these people are in charge of making policy decisions concerning their children. I too have experienced people walking away from me when I start my speech about early childhood education. Some stay, but roll their eyes at each other. That is okay, because like you said there are those that do stand by us and share in that passion. When passion comes in groups, there is not limit to our advocacy work, or to the successes for children and families.
Jo
Katy,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your posts, you inspire me anew every single time. To read your passion on the screen gives me hope that we can all make a difference. Minnesota is lucky to have you :)
It is great to have a support system as passionate you are; one thing I have a feeling that I am still working on. Thank you for allowing me to learn through your experiences again. I truly appreciate it.
Annie P.