Eighth Grade Visits Olympia, WA

The Hope Lutheran 8th grade class had a unique opportunity this week to visit the capitol building in Olympia thanks to Michael Shaw, parent of eighth grader, Alexander Shaw. Mr. Shaw not only set up a visit and told them about his work, but arranged for Representatives Cody and Fitzgibbon and Senator Nelson District 34 to meet with the students. Teacher, Roselyn Newton, mentioned in an email to parents that, “Most times when I take a group of 8th graders no one is available to meet with us, but I think Mr. Shaw encouraged them to take the time to talk to us. It was the richest Capitol tour I’ve ever participated in.” The class was pictured in their newsletter (see above), along with the article below.

MLK Day at the Capitol!

There are exciting things happening in Olympia this week! Monday was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and while this may be a day off work for you, it is always among the busiest days of the legislative session for us. In the spirit of civic engagement championed by Dr. King, the halls and courtyards of the Capitol were full of passionate Washingtonians advocating for an enormous variety of causes and issues. With only minutes at a time to dedicate to each group, we had a hectic (albeit rewarding) opportunity to hear from you, our constituents from around the 34th District . As busy a day as it was, it was extremely rewarding and refreshing to speak to engaged, active individuals who are willing to take action on matters that are important to them and their communities.

 

It is especially gratifying to see that many of those who came to the Capitol this week were children and young adults—some not yet old enough to vote, but more than capable of speaking out about issues that affect them. Yesterday, we had a chance to spend some time with an 8th grade class, from West Seattle’s Hope Lutheran School. We spoke to that class about topics ranging from the transportation revenue package to our paths to the legislature, to the inner workings of the caucus.

 

Many of the advocates, students, and constituents that visited on Monday asked us a variation of the same question—what does MLK Day mean to us? The legacy of Dr. King continues as one of civic engagement, of standing up and advocating for what you believe in, sometimes against all odds. His message was not exclusive to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, but endures today. We saw it Monday, and we urge each and every one of you reading this to continue that tradition the rest of the year by getting involved in the political process, whether by coming to Olympia to lobby or testify, or by calling and emailing with your concerns and support.
Article taken from Senator Cody and Fitzgibbons newsletter.

Picture Above: Eileen, Joe, and Senator Sharon Nelson with an 8th grade class from Hope Lutheran School