Capitol Hill Day Q&A with Chris Nunn, 3-Year Participant!
November 9, 2018
Every year, hundreds of mentoring advocates come to Washington, D.C. to participate in Capitol Hill Day during the National Mentoring Summit. This advocacy event brings members of Congress and their staff face-to-face with mentoring advocates to discuss critical issues facing the nation’s young people and policies that can be implemented to expand access to mentoring.
This year, advocates will start their journey on Tuesday, January 29, with an Advocacy Workshop on best practices, storytelling techniques and everything they need to know to prepare for Capitol Hill Day. On Wednesday, January 30, advocates kick-off the day with a light breakfast and a welcome from a member of Congress, then travel with their state delegations to congressional meetings, and end the day at the Summit Welcome Reception.
For the last three years, Chris Nunn of Project Uplift in Alabama, has participated in Capitol Hill Day. We were lucky enough to get some advice and tips from his many experiences advocating for mentoring.
Q: Chris, you’ve participated in Capitol Hill Day for three consecutive years, what makes you come back every year?
A: I’ve found Capitol Hill Day to be a phenomenal way to directly convey to those whom we have elected to Congress how imperative and necessary mentoring programs are to helping build strong communities. It’s the perfect opportunity to share more information about our programs including who we serve, our purpose or focus, and our funding needs. We also get to highlight program partners who work in our communities who may not be able to join us in Washington, D.C.
Q: How does MENTOR prepare advocates to attend Capitol Hill Day? What kind of resources do you have available to help support you before, during, and after your meetings?
A: MENTOR does all of the work! We’re provided all the details regarding participants from our state who are planning to attend and the contact information and specifics of each of our members of Congress. We participate in an awesome webinar a couple of weeks before and an in-person training workshop prior to the event – which completely prepares you for what you’ll encounter. The day of the event, transportation to Capitol Hill is provided from the Summit hotel. We hear from encouraging speakers who offer supportive messages. There is also a phone app on which we can view our meetings and provide feedback about them.
Q: What is your most memorable moment from Capitol Hill Day?
A: Walking into the office of Representative Mike Rogers and discovering a past mentor of our program serving on staff! It was priceless!
Q: What advice do you have for first time attendees of Capitol Hill Day?
A: Don’t pass up this opportunity to advocate for the children and families of your communities. Be sure to follow MENTOR’s training and recommendations in order to have a successful experience with each member of Congress. Lastly, wear comfortable clothing and shoes! You’re definitely going to enjoy every aspect of this day.
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You can sign up for Capitol Hill Day when you register for the 2019 National Mentoring Summit, or email Adriane Alicea if you would like to attend Capitol Hill Day but are not attending the National Mentoring Summit.