Final Free Write-Democrat Through and Through

For anyone that has read all of my blog posts (heck, even if you've only read one or two), you've probably figured out that I am a progressive. I am definitely a Democrat with a capital, capital D. I decided to write about my experience in the Democratic party. 

I cannot remember not being a Democrat, but I know that my true involvement in the party began in January of 2010. I decided to check out the Obama office opening in Phoenix and I instantly fell in love with everyone there and all of the things that they did. It became my passion. If I had free time, I would head to the office. Then, that summer, I did a fellowship with them. I didn't just volunteer with them, but with every Democratic candidate and opportunity I could!!!

I continued to volunteer, though, after the election that year, things slowed down and I slowly started to do so less and less often as there were less chances to do so. Eventually, they transferred all of the staffers from the office to critical swing states in mid-2011. 

Near the end of 2011, one of those staffers, who I had remained friends with him, asked me to become a staffer in Florida in the beginning of 2012 for the Obama 2012 re-elect campaign. I couldn't wait and I absolutely took the offer. 

I spent a year in Florida working on the campaign and afterwards working for the Inauguration. 

Though not quite to the extent I was, I am still definitely involved in Democratic grassroots politics. The only reason it's not as much is because of my busy schedule! It has been a wonderful experience for me that has taught me so much and I've made so many friends through it. The connection you have with some of your fellow staffers and volunteers is amazing. You're all passionate about and fighting for what you believe in. 

Final Thank You Letter

Dear Rebekah, 

I wrote this letter because I wanted to say thank you. There is so much to thank you for, I don't even know where to begin. 

While I had always been a supporter of the labor movement and unions, I decided in November 2014 that it was something I wanted to learn more about and become more involved in. You gave me that opportunity and then some. Thank you for helping me grow personally, professionally, and academically. 

I am sad to go, but find comfort in knowing that we'lol maintain a friendship. These 4 months have been an awesome experience, during which, I learned so much. I wanted to expand my portfolio of knowledge and you certainly enabled me to do that. 

As someone that suffers from depression, this position helped me maintain my sanity. I loved being a part of Arizona AFL-CIO and it gave me a great sense of pride. When I told people about my involvement, I always held my head up high. 

Everyone I worked with at the office has a special little place in my heart. You have been nothing but kind to me. And even gave me confidence when I didn't have it because you believed in me. 

In short, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me. 

Fondly,

Charlie

P.S. I hope you know what a bad-ass I think you are. 

An Evening with Anderson Cooper

This past Saturday, April 25, I had the opportunity to see Anderson Cooper speak. He was brought to Phoenix by ASU's Center for the Study of Race and Democracy. I have been extremely fond of Anderson Cooper and the work that he does for several years so this was especially exciting for me. Race and democracy, and their relationship, are also topics that I'm quite interested in.

I think my favorite part of the experience was getting to know more about Anderson Cooper, the person or individual vs. the reporter. A few years ago, I read his memoir, and was delighted to have learned more about him. The lecture also gave one a more in-depth look at Mr. Cooper. As a reporter, he is typically interviewing someone else, so we don't learn very much about Anderson Cooper.

He is a straight news reporter. He doesn't provide an extensive amount of commentary or opinion on the topics he reports on. He does somewhat, so I had a feeling that he was a strong progressive, but from this lecture, it became abundantly clear that he absolutely was. He spoke strongly and passionately about issues that were of concern to him. Especially, appropriately so, on issues of race and democracy in the United States, and somewhat throughout history and the world. There was a particular emphasis on the current situation of police brutality against people of color in the United States.

I feel honored to have had this opportunity and would attend more events featuring Anderson Cooper and events sponsored by ASU's Center for Race and Democracy. Seeing Anderson Cooper at some point in my lifetime so I'm thrilled to have checked this off of my bucket list. Below are pictures taken at the event.

Strengths of Organization

The Strengths of AFL-CIO, in terms of this blog, can be divided into two separate categories. There are the strengths of the national AFL-CIO and the strengths of the Arizona AFL-CIO. For my purposes, I am going to write about Arizona AFL-CIO, since that is where I internship and know best.

Arizona AFL-CIO is not one union. We are an umbrella group composed of multiple unions. SEIU would be a comparable organization. It is for that reason that we are stronger than an individual union. We are a federation, hence the F in AFL-CIO. Because of our size and unity, we have a stronger voice when it comes to issues. When we go to lobby at the Arizona Capitol, it's not UFCW or CWA that is going to the Capitol, it is UFCW, and CWA, and SMART, etc.

I am extremely proud to say that I work for Arizona AFL-CIO for two reasons. 1) We support unions, which is something that is of great importance to me and 2) it seems to me, that we have a great reputation in Arizona among those that support labor and are part of the movement.

Once again, because we are composed of several organizations, I think our ability to provide economically is part of what gives us our great reputation. When unions need help for special events, meeting places, etc., if Arizona AFL-CIO can help financially, it does.

There are many strengths related to being a labor federation, but I wanted to cite the strengths of Arizona AFL-CIO specifically. I don't think there is anything I would differently. My boss, the Executive Director, has been doing this for a long time. I think she's a bad-ass and knows what she is doing. I enjoy being here and will forever remember my time here.

We're Almost to the Finish Line...

I want to write and say what a great semester it has been, and it has indeed been a great semester, but I'm so exhausted I can barely hold on. 

I hate to be such a Debbie downer, I really did enjoy my time, but I worked so hard this past semester, and I feel like, with finals, I'm letting it go to waste!! 

I hate that finals are all at once, at the very end, and especially that they're worth so much of your grade. There are two classes especially I worked extremely hard to maintain a 92-93% grade, but I think finals will probably turn those A's into high B's. 

I really just don't feel that 25% of my grade should be based on one test that I'll take on a single day. It definitely doesn't reflect how hard I've worked. Especially when I'm so overwhelmed. The truth is, mentally, I checked out about two weeks ago. 

No matter what grades I get, I'll know how hard I worked. That doesn't mean anything to my GPA or transcript though. Ugh. It's going to be fine. 

I Love These Kids More Than They'll Ever Know

Reed-A Teeny Tiny Cowgirl 

        Sophie-The Bookworm

        Kamdin (or KK) and Reed-look at that love! 

         Kamdin-The Charmer

     Reed loves horsies!

                                                                          Sisters <3

                   Jaime and Reed with their pal Easton and the newest addition, chocolate lab Griffin

My sister Bettie with Jaime and Reed-the girls were so much littler then!!

I can't handle the cuteness of this photo

The girls dying Easter eggs with Grandma 

Jaime and her wall of the "Walking Dead."

I did say he was funny.

The photos you see above are photos of my nephew and nieces. They are a huge part of my heart and life. I love them dearly. There is Kamdin, 18, Sophie, 13, Jaime, 10, and Reed, 3. They are the children of my sister, Bettie, and brother-in-law, Jerry. 

It pleases me to say that we are extremely close-both physically and emotionally. They bring me more joy than I am able to put in words. When I'm down and need a pick me up, they always lift my spirits. 

Kamdin is a high school senior who is getting ready to graduate from Scottsdale Preparatory Academy. As he is the oldest, he is the one I relate to most on an adult level. He's still pretty young to say that about, but it's true. He's quite the young man and I am very proud of who he is and to call him my nephew. He's smart, funny, and sweet. He's also a great older brother. And a great nephew. 

Sophie is the introvert. She's sweet, and actually, probably the one that tells me she loves me most often. She is my favorite little Democrat. I love and thrive on politics so it's wonderful to have a niece that is into it, too. While she's fairly quiet (unless you get her talking about books), she is very vocal when it comes to justice and equal treatment of everyone. I would say that's pretty awesome in anyone's book.

However introverted Soph (pronounced like Sofa, without the a), Jaime is extroverted. If I used one word to describe her, it would be funny. One of the things I love about Jaime is laughing together. She and I can make each other laugh like crazy. Even when she's trying, yes, I said, trying, to drive me nuts!!! 

Reed is the tiniest one. We thought my sister would be done with Jaime, but Reedlet was a little surprise and I'm so glad she happened! They're growing up too fast, so while Reed certainly already has a personality of her own, it's fun to see her grow and develop into her own little person. She displays a few personality traits of each of her siblings. They're all cute, but being that she's the littlest, what a cutie!!!

I never thought I would be a "kid" person, but if you've read any of my previous posts about Judah, or now, this one, it turns out I am a bit. I'm still not just a "anyone's kid" person, but I do love the kiddos in my life. They are oh so special to me. 

Urban Governance-AZ AFL-CIO

A major component of urban governance, as I understand it, is getting people involved and active in their local government. That is definitely a huge part of what we do. I can't speak for other state chapters of AFL-CIO, but I assume that is what we do. We are the umbrella organization for several unions and want to protect them all. Many voices, particularly constituent voices, are louder than one so we mobilize our base of Unions and their members, our affiliates, to make their voices heard.

One example of this is the Legislative Meeting we hold every Friday. We go over what bills are of interest to the labor movement in the Arizona Capitol. We also discuss, just a bit, any legislation that affects us in national government. It is during these meetings when we encourage members to reach out to their legislators to let them know if they support or oppose bills. And sometimes we encourage them to reach out to certain legislators we think we can pressure into supporting whichever way we stand on a bill or issue. 

Another example of Arizona AFL-CIO participating in urban governance was our Day of Action at the Arizona Capitol. We created cards that explained where we stood on multiple issues that everyone just had to put in the name of his/her legislator and his/her name and signature. They then delivered it personally to the office of each legislator or gave the cards to us which we then delivered to the Capitol. We also gave everyone instructions on how to sign up for "the right to speak." One must sign up at a kiosk at the Capitol, but then is able to put whether they support or oppose a bill from her/his home computer. Lastly, just having a presence at the Capitol with hundreds in attendance helps make our voice as a collective and individually stronger. 

I have been reaching out to my representatives for years. For instance, I can't tell you how many times I called the office of Governor Brewer to tell her how staunchly I opposed SB1070 in 2010. I love that I work for an organization that does so much work focused on getting so many people active in state and federal government.

                                                        A screen at the Legislature that
                                                               shows the final vote

The entire roster of current Legislators 

                                                       Some of the folks from the Day
                                                             of Action at the Capitol
                                                          participating in democracy

Supporters listening to Representative Andrade 

about how to best make their voices heard

                                                           

Career Services #2-Career Services Job Search Strategies Webinar

Since I will soon be ending my internship with the close of the semester, I thought that watching a webinar about job searching strategies would be beneficial. I was eager to see what the career services folks had to say. 

I hate to say it, but I was pretty disappointed. I went into it thinking it would give me all kinds of new tips and ideas in regards to looking for a new job. Maybe it's because I was a young professional before returning to school that was the reason I already knew so much of what they had to say, but I definitely didn't learn a lot of new material. 

They mentioned the Sun Devil CareerLink which is useful, but also geared toward students who are finishing school whereas I am only a junior. 

They talked a lot about networking, which I agree is extremely useful, but something I know well and have excelled at. 

They talked about being persistent and on the ball. That tip isn't new to anyone, but I did actually find that to be a kind, gentle reminder that I do indeed need to be that. 

One of the more useful strategies they talked about was creating a 30 second elevator pitch about yourself. That is something I hadn't thought about and will be working on. 

They reminded us to google ourselves and make sure there isn't anything we regret out there we don't want to be. Once again, everyone knows this, but it is a good reminder. I haven't done that in a while and probably should. 

The best advice they offered was that they a) gave several helpful websites that Inlook forward to checking out and b) mentioned that one can call career services to set up a mock interview to practice. I may do that, but even if I don't immediately, I like knowing that option is there. 

Overall, I probably would have chosen a different career services option if I had known the outcome, but it certainly wasn't a complete bust. A webinar is easy enough and I did receive some great reminders and helpful resources. 

On Being a Stepmom

I'm getting ready to move in with my boyfriend and his 4 yr old son, Judah. I love Judah dearly. We've spent time alone together when, for example, his dad goes to the store or needs to run an errand, but never for an extended period of time. I think about how excited I am to be spending more time with him all of the time, but it wasn't until today that I thought much about the stepmom element. I've thought about how I'm going to let José do the parenting when we're both home, but not about how I'll have to do the parenting when he's not. I suppose that will be a conversation we'll have soon. 

With all of that said, I don't have any issues with becoming a parent. I quit smoking and drinking for both my boyfriend and his son (and me, but those incentives were pretty major in the decision and ability). I love Judah and think he's the best thing ever. If José and I ever split up, I would still make sure Judah was part of my life. Judah has a mom so I'm not trying to replace her, but I would like to be his bonus mom. I'm doing well in school and I think about how I'll probably be the one, between José and I, that helps him with his homework. And I really enjoy dreaming about it. 

I'm not sure whether I want to have children or not and have always leaned toward not so I never thought I would be a mom! To be honest, I never really wanted to be, but now I'm stoked that I'll play that role in my life. Funny how life works. I lucked out that I got to miss the sleepless nights and diaper-changing stages. I'm also lucky in that Judah really is a terrific kid. I may be slightly biased, but I think if he wasn't, I could be honest with myself and just wouldn't say anything one way or the other. 

One of the things I love about my boyfriend is how much he loves his son and what a great dad he is-something I didn't have. He has done a great job of finding the perfect balance of being Judah's pal and being the parental figure he needs. And I look forward to doing the same. 

Most Important Things Learned

I learned so many things this semester. Some of those were from school, and some of those, arguably more things, I learned from my internship at Arizona AFL-CIO. 

I looked back at my first post and what I had hoped to accomplish. I wanted to learn more about the legislative process-I certainly did. I wanted to learn more about unions and how they functioned. I certainly did that, too. I also hoped to network and connect, which I did. Though not to the extent I would have liked to. And unfortunately, I plan on moving to Kansas eventually, and there just aren't many connections to Kansas out there. I know that if I was staying, my internship would have definitely benefitted me in that way. 

I learned more about working with an even more diverse crowd (I don't mean race-wise, I've got that down, I mean different kinds of people). I learned about disappointment when the bills we wanted to pass failed in the legislature. This also taught me patience. I learned about being flexible-my boss was very flexible with me and I would hope to treat a fellow employee or more importantly a sub-ordinate the same. I learned more about lifting others up. My boss made it a point to always introduce me and put me in positions of power in front of others. And lastly, I learned to be more confident. Sometimes I didn't have the confidence my boss had in me and I always got the project finished and finished well. 

I really enjoyed my time with Arizona AFL-CIO and hope to have a relationship with my boss, co-worker, and the labor movement for a long time to come. 

Time is Intangible

In a previous free write blog entry, I chose to write about time management. In this blog, I wanted to take the opportunity to relect on how truly intangible time is. I took a look at all of the final due dates in my class and I can barely believe there are just over 5 weeks left in the semester. I have big plans as soon as the semester ends that I've been looking forward to that has seemed so far away for so long and I can't believe it's just around the corner. It's both exciting and nerve-wracking. 

In terms of the semester, I feel pretty good about my grades and such. I'm getting all As right now so I just have to keep it up for a few more weeks-I can do that. I just need to make sure not to get complacent or too secure! 

The semester always seems like it will be so much longer than it ever is. I've been working at my internships the entire semester and I'm sad to have them end so soon. I'm tearing up as I write this! My co-workers and bosses have been so good to me. 

I graduate in December of 2016. It seems so far away, but simultaneously not at all when I think about how short this semester has been. Maybe it's because I appreciate and enjoy school so much more than I did when I was younger that the semester seems so much shorter because...time is intangible. 

Interview/Profile of Tory Anderson

Lobbyist/Advocate Tory Anderson

Tory with Congresswoman Sinema and Ms. Sinema's District Director, Michelle Davidson

Tory at the Capitol

Tory leading the charge at the Capitol 

 

The person I chose to profile was one of my two supervisors-Tory Anderson, an advocate at the Arizona Legislature. 

Tory actually received her undergrad degree in Family Studies. She originally wanted to be a therapist. Her first job out of school was as a social worker for the state. It was there she learned how hard it was to help those she worked with because of the state policies. She had tried to make change from the bottom up, but decided she wanted to do it from the top down. That is why she went to get her Master's degree in Public Administration. 

While earning her Master's degree, she had a great professor who told her she should start in the budget office of the Governor (then Governor Napalitano) because it would give her the opportunity to see how state government works, the legislative process, and how money is distributed and allocated to the various state agencies. So she did indeed start working there upon completion of her degree. 

It was there that she was introduced to lobbying and advocacy-what she does now. She really does love the legislative process and her chosen career. 

One thing she learned in the field that she never learned in school is that nothing works the way it is supposed to. The legislature plays by its own rules rather than the procedures it is supposed to. That's also, in addition to the money in politics, what she likes least about her job. 

The thing she loves most about her job is that she feels like she's really making a difference. 

Her advice to me and any other policy student would be to start in the budget office-one learns so much. 

Arizona AFL-CIO's Day of Action at the Capitol

Materials to prep before Arizona AFL-CIO's Day of Action

  At the Capitol, before the action began

  A picture of the historic Senate building

    My name tag. It's affixed to my legislative guide so no one would take mine!

My supervisor and executive director of Arizona AFL-CIO, Rebekah Friend

Today, we held the annual "Arizona AFL-CIO's Day of Action at the Capitol." Boy, was it a lot of work. There were 330 RSVP's and we had approximately 250 people attend. We prepared for a few weeks, but the majority of our clerical work was last Saturday when we stayed at the office until after 9pm. 

Registration began at 9:30am and the events of the day ended at approximately 1:30pm. There were two separate workshops being taught about lobbying and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement that interested parties could attend. We gave each attendee a folder that included several materials that were related to labor in Arizona. We had everyone sign a petition against the budget bills recently passed. I mention that specifically because I created it. I had never created a petition before! We also created materials for everyone to deliver letters to each of their legislators vocalizing the bills in the Arizona legislature that labor opposes. There was an hour for a lunch where there was a lot of mingling and networking. After lunch, the events of the day were over. 

We were a bit disappointed with the turnout, but I think everyone had fun and there were  no crises, so I feel like, overall, it was a successful day. I've been events where we had a huge turnout, but things went disastrously! 

The next day there was quite a bit of work to do in terms of cleanup and getting everything back in order, but nothing like the prep work. I really enjoy and am proud of being a part of Arizona AFL-CIO. I believe that we are an organization that other unions respect and are glad to be affiliated with. 

Leadership in Advocacy

Is leadership important in advocacy/lobbying/unions? ABSOLUTELY. In the work that I'm doing with AZ AFL-CIO, without a clear leader, much of what we do would fall apart without a clear leader. The leader for AZ AFL-CIO happens to be my supervisor, Executive Director Rebekah Friend. Practically anyone and everyone that is a union member knows Rebekah. She is definitely some of the glue that holds the group together. We work with several unions and there are two things that hold everyone together. 1. We're all Union and 2. Rebekah ultimately is who they look to for leadership. Numbers are power, in this case, union members, but there has to be someone in charge. I would argue that is why we have a President of the United States, the ultimate leader. 

In terms of leadership in my internship, 

It is also absolutely necessary. For instance, when I play the role of Rebekah's assistant, I am representing a leader and must present myself as such. When I'm speaking with legislators, once again, I am representing Rebekah and the AFL-CIO as a state and our many members. Often times, Rebekah will give me guidance on a project, but it is up to me which direction I'll go in and to be self-sufficient and not have her hold my hand the whole way. And these are just a few examples of leadership in my role, there are many more. 

Time Management!!!

Man, oh, man, I have been failing at time management. I don't think it's because I'm terribly awful at it, but rather that I visited Kansas for nearly a week and did practically nothing I should have while there! 

I completely regret it and knew I would, but simultaneously feel like you only live once so whatever. Catching up these next couple of days will be hell, but in two days my spring break starts and I'll be able to breathe again. In relation to my internship, I know that time-management is key in being a strong professional. 

I'll be very busy at work over Spring Break and I don't know which is more stressful-work stress or school stress, but I'm glad things will slow down at school for a minute at least!!   

And seeing the little boy up top will have made it all worth it! 

The Insanity that is the Arizona Legislature

At any given time, there are, in my opinion, at least 10 ridiculously insane bills in the Arizona legislature. 

As a progressive working in progressive politics, I spend most of my time actively opposing most legislation vs. proposing legislation. The truth is, very, very few Democratic bills are even ever brought up to be heard. 

To give you some examples, SB1318 is a bill that just passed in the Arizona Senate and will surely pass in the House. The bill restricts women who receive health insurance on the federal exchange to receive any coverage for an abortion, with the exceptions of the health of the mother and in the case of rape or incest. Keep in mind, these are private insurance  companies they receive insurance from. It will undoubtedly be challenged by an organization like Planned Parenthood who will probably win and overturn it. 

Another example is a bill that has not yet passed, but has made it through Senate subcommittee, which is SB 1445. SB 1445 which prohibits the police to release the name of any officer involved in a shooting for three months. I understand that this is being proposed with the idea of keeping the officer and his/her family safe, but it's a terrible bill and terrible idea. Police officers are public servants and we deserve transparency in government. Not to mention we live in a state with a less than ideal report card when it comes to discrimination issues. 

These are just two bills I've discussed. If I started listing and explaining all of the anti-secular and anti-labor bills up for consideration my blog could become a thesis. 

As President Obama once said, "This is why we fight-in hopes of a day we no longer need to."

Career Services Event-Employer Panel

Yesterday, February 18, 2015, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop sponsored by Career Services Department. It was called Employer Panel: Nonprofit & Government Careers. Five guests sat on the panel and discussed various aspects of their individual careers. Those individuals were Holly Langley from the Department of Homeland Security, Arin Lopez from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona, David Parziale from the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Holly Prasetio from the Maricopa County-Office of Public Defense Services, and Shannon Scheel from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Each panelist discussed their education and background and how they had come to the careers they currently serve in. While I wish there would have been more time reserved to ask them questions and speak with them, I did appreciate everything they had to say and did find it quite informative. Most of them emphasized how important volunteer work is. As someone that has volunteered for various organizations for several years and have had excellent experiences and opportunities because of it, I completely agree and was that much more receptive to everything else they had to say. They discussed the ups and downs of their jobs, many of which I've thought about, but several I never had. And they gave some great tips on how to succeed in each of their respective fields.

I enjoyed the panel and felt enriched by it, if nothing else, these are fantastic contacts that I would feel comfortable reaching out to in the very near future. Throughout my career, I have learned and come to appreciate how key networking is. Should there be another similar panel, I would happily attend again.

A shot of the panel

Mi Amor

For my free write, I thought I would take the opportunity to write about the love of my life, Jose Alonso-Dias Terrazas. I wanted to write about the person and relationship I love most in my life.

Jose and I met over 10 years ago. I was living in Lawrence attending the University of Kansas and working at a retail store part-time. He worked at the store next door and would occasionally come in to buy sodas. I had a pretty mighty crush on the guy. We would flirt a bit whenever he came in and eventually he asked if I would like to come see his band play. I love music, especially local, and was all about it.

The two of us 10 years ago. 

From there, we hit it off. I was crazy about him. He made me laugh and continues to, like no one else ever has or does. I'm incredibly attracted to him. The chemistry is palpable. We dated for a few months and while things never sizzled out, sometimes things just don't work out with young people. He started dating another and I moved to Arizona-we went our separate ways. I thought about him throughout the years. Eventually, some months ago, I decided to reach out to him via the internet. We immediately reconnected and it was it as if time stood still in that we pretty much picked up exactly where we left off. We are now crazy in love.

A video of us from last month, January 2015. 

Did I plan on falling in love with someone 1,000 miles away? I did not. Love is like that, I suppose. I am sooooo glad I did though. He is truly wonderful and wonderful to me. I've never loved someone the way I love Jose. And I've never felt as loved by someone as I do him. While I am writing this blog about our love, there really are no words to describe just how intense our love is. He makes me swoon in every way. We want to share and spend our lives together-happily ever after.

This time, I even got an added perk, his son, Judah. I sometimes like to tease Jose that I'm only seeing him to become closer to Judah. The kid is maybe the sweetest little boy I've ever met. He's also super rad. I love Jose's mini-me.

A picture of me adoring his son, Judah. 

I can't express how thrilled I am about us growing together in the years to come. I've dated my share of creeps and I am proud to say my babe is not one of them. This one's a keeper. I suppose there's some truth to the saying, "You've got to kiss a lot of frogs, before you find your prince." There is no doubt about it, Jose is that prince.

A recent photo from January 2015. 

A Day in the Life with Arizona AFL-CIO

To describe a day with Arizona AFL-CIO is not difficult, but to describe a typical day is rather tough. I say that because my duties change very much from day to day. Part of the time I work at the Arizona AFL-CIO office and part of the time I work at the Arizona Legislature.

My schedule depends very much on the schedule of legislators and the Capitol. Since I am the Arizona AFL-CIO Legislative Intern, most of my work consists around tracking and analyzing bills that help or hurt our organization and unions as a whole, sitting in committee meetings pertaining to such bills, and meeting with legislators about these bills. These duties, of course, for the most part take place at the legislature.

I have several other responsibilities that take place at the office and sometimes involve going to meetings outside of the office. For example, earlier this week, I attended a meeting for an organization called the Arizona Justice Alliance in which we discussed reducing Arizona's budget allotment for the Department of Corrections through criminal justice and prison reform policies. And next week, I'll be attending a luncheon with Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema that is being held for executives of various supportive organizations. I will be attending with the Executive Director of Arizona AFL-CIO.

On Thursdays I spend a fair amount of the day prepping for our Friday legislative agenda meeting that takes place every Friday. The invited interested parties, nearly all union members, attend to learn about what is happening in regards to unions in the legislature. These meetings are held every Friday. I also am involved in the meetings on Fridays to welcome guests, ensure they have all of the proper materials such as the agenda.

Day to day work changes every day, but for the most part, one of these three different scenarios is what a day at my internship looks like.

Pictured at right: A current photo of me

Pictured at left:
A picture of the gallery, from my view, when the floor is in session.

To left: The organization that connects me with the legislature.

How School and My Internship Enhance Eachother

My internship and education have been complementing each other quite well lately. It's been interesting and rewarding to see my education reflecting and in the work I do and vice-versa.

As an example, yesterday, at the Capitol, on the lawn was an organization called NFIB-the voice of small business. I had never heard of it before. My boss, a lobbyist, told me that they were lobbyists. Later in the evening, in my Public Policy in the 21st Century class, lobbying was the topic of discussion, and my professor showed a video with a spokesperson from NFIB-the voice of small business! 

Another example of this was when the Professor, in that same class, showed the top 20 most powerful lobbying groups in the U.S. Congress, AFL-CIO was listed as the sixth. AFL-CIO is the organization I am currently working for. And I'm very proud to be doing so. 

Lastly, in a less obvious, but I feel more important topic is, reading about applying policy and then actually seeing how it happens in the work I do. It's one thing to read about policy and a very different thing to be participating in it. Hence this internship class, I assume. The textbook for my Public Policy in the 21st Century class discusses how lobbying and a bit of politics among the legislators works, but it doesn't go into much depth, at least in my opinion. It hasn't and probably won't discuss just how much depends on the legislators relationships with other legislators and the semi social contracts they have, in terms of whether they will or will not vote on a bill. 

I am excited to see how my internships and classes coincide throughout the semester. I am certain this is not the last of it. Nearly every day my lectures trigger something in my mind that relates to my work. I love the work that I'm doing and my education, particularly how the two apply to life.

Dr. Feeny-My "Policy in the 21st Century" professor 

Arizona AFL-CIO-
the organization I intern for.





                                                                                                                                          The 2015-2016 Arizona                                                                                           Lesislators

Arizona AFL-CIO An Introduction to the Organization and What I Do for Them

(Pictured left-Arizona Capitol Mall)

An Introduction to Arizona's 

AFL-CIO

www.azaflcio.org

The Arizona AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations) is the voice of Arizona’s labor movement. We are a voluntary federation of labor unions in the State of Arizona, representing affiliates with over 185,000 members.

Our priorities are:

• Politics – We actively engage our members in the election of worker-friendly politicians who will defend and advance the freedom of workers to form and join unions.
• Legislation – We pursue an agenda with elected legislators to not only protect, but enhance the rights of working people to enjoy a fair wage, a safe workplace and respect on and off the job.
• Communications – Our message is simple: union members and their families are the real heroes of Arizona, and we will ensure that their voices are heard every single day, in every single venue and at every level.
• Organizing – We strategically and enthusiastically support the growth of our labor movement and our local unions so that all Arizonans find their own voice at work!
  
  Nationwide, today's unions represent 11.5 million working women and men of every race and ethnicity and from every walk of life. We are teachers and truck drivers, musicians and miners, firefighters and farm workers, bakers and bottlers, engineers and editors, pilots and painters, doctors and nurses—and more.

My Role with the Arizona AFL-CIO

My official position at Arizona's AFL-CIO is legislative intern. 

As a legislative intern, I am responsible for:

• Analyzing bills and writing summaries, fact sheets, and briefs. 
• Developing and writing testimony for committee hearings and caucuses. 
• Tracking bills in the state legislature. 
• Coordinating lobbyists meetings and communications. 

In addition to these duties, I assist the Political Director of the Arizona AFL-CIO and support staff in all phases of the Legislative process.  

An Introduction to Sarah "Charlie" Saling

My name is Sarah "Charlie" Saling. In short, I prefer to be called Charlie. I am a returning student that is currently in my junior year. I was born and raised in Kansas, where I attended Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. I then moved to Phoenix, AZ in 2006. Since that time, I have completed coursework at Paradise Valley Community College and Phoenix Community College. I am, of course, now attending Arizona State University. My major is Public Policy and Public Service with a concentration in Law & Policy.

I have always been interested in politics and public policy. Previously, I was a Political Science major, but felt that Public Policy and Public Service was a better fit for what I am aiming to accomplish career-wise. I have been a political activist since January of 2010. I have been a volunteer and staffer for several campaigns and organizations.

As a legislative intern at Arizona AFL-CIO. Through this opportunity, I hope to achieve 3 goals.
1. I want to learn more about the legislative process.
2. I want to learn more about unions and how they operate.
3. I would like to use the opportunity to network with the various people and organizations I will be affiliating with through AZ AFL-CIO.