by Miranda Fisher

Waking up this morning, I found myself to be in a state of pure amazement that in a few hours I was going to be on the Hill meeting with the staff of Colorado Representatives, lobbying for a Department of Peace. I have lobbied before in Fort Collins, Colorado but lobbying on the Hill in Washington D.C. was a much different experience. This morning over ten Colorado constitutes set to the street.

We split into two groups and I was honored enough to be given the opportunity to meet with CD-1 Representative DeGette and CD-4 Representative Markey’s staff. We were welcomed into the offices and met with staff members whose intentions were to learn more about H.R. 808 and provide feedback and suggestions. The experience was one that I am still processing but I know that our efforts were respected and lay in the hands of passionate staff members who all recognized the need for nonviolent solutions and more resources for combating violence both domestically and internationally.

In December of 2008, I was offered the position of National Field Organizer for the Student Peace Alliance. Since that time, I have been able to work and connect with a wide arrange of students who continue to inspire me to do all that I can to ensure that the campaign for a Department of Peace is as successful as it can be. Throughout the weekend, I have been able to connect with students that I have already established relationships with as well as meet new students who are passionate about starting a SPA chapter at their school.

While in our meeting with Representatives, I told the staff about the importance of SPA and while I was sharing about the dedicated students in this campaign I realized that they are truly the reason I have remained so involved and dedicated to this campaign. As cliché as it might be to say, students truly are the future and I am proud to be able to work with some of the most compassionate and head strong youth out there. SPA leaders understand and recognize that there is a need to find alternative solutions to violence both internationally and domestically and have come together to rally behind a cabinet-level position in our government.

I am so proud and thankful for each student in this campaign and if you have not already connected with the SPA chapter in your area, I encourage all of you to do so! THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPA LEADERS! YOU ARE ALL ROCKSTARS!