This trip provided the students with the unique opportunity to meet with members of Congress and staff from their offices on Capitol Hill - one of the most exciting moments came when our VOX students had a chance to talk with Congressman Alcee Hastings. Congressman Hastings, a long-time champion of reproductive health, told our students that he would continue to stand with Planned Parenthood in the House of Representatives.
South Florida VOX students and Planned Parenthood staff with Congressman Hastings
We also met with staff from the offices of Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Ballart. Next up was a walk to the Florida House on Capitol Hill, where we took a break from lobbying to meet with Grace Nelson, wife of Senator Bill Nelson. Mrs. Nelson shared details of her humanitarian work with VOX students from across Florida.
Florida VOX students with Mrs. Grace Nelson
We finished up at the Florida House after meeting with an aide to Congressman Ted Deutch. Our group then spent the rest of the day in the Cannon House Office Building. We continued discussing reproductive health care rights with Congressional staffers, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz took time out of her busy schedule to address a group of Florida VOX students.
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz addresses VOX students
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz delivered an inspiring speech, and our VOX students were ready to head to the Capitol to join hundreds of other students for a big, pink group picture. First, we took one of our own!
Our VOX students and Planned Parenthood staff
Finally, we made it just in time to join the huge group picture.
Afterward, staff and VOX students from South Florida had the opportunity to take a picture with Cecile Ricahrds, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. What a day!
Thanks, Cecile!
The 2011 Youth Organizing and Policy Conference was the experience of a lifetime for our VOX students, and they're ready to put what they learned to use this coming fall semester. Look for them on campus in South Florida!
