On May 5th, TGP’s Monique Miller, Spencer Kelly, and Kayla Giger testified at the DC Council’s hearing on health. See below for a video of their testimonies and a reflection on the experience from Kayla (Georgetown Rowing ’18).
Kayla’s Reflection: This month I was able to participate in a DC Department of Health budget oversight hearing to advocate for TGP. In my three years with Grassroots this may have been my favorite opportunity to both develop my professional skills and to expand awareness of the importance of public health and early education for improved health in the district. Perhaps the most striking part of the experience was Chairman Gray’s patience, as hours and testimonies passed each witness was given the same quality attention as the first of the day. As a health policy student, this experience was a valuable opportunity to see the daily process of policy making. I look forward to exploring all of the work behind Grassroots programming as I begin work on the leadership team. So far it has amazed me how much daily preparation goes into grant writing, fundraising, networking and the like to keep student-athlete coaches in the classroom. I look forward to furthering Grassroot’s mission of improving health in the district in this new and exciting capacity.
Spencer’s Reflection: I had the opportunity to testify in front of Chairman Gray and Members of the D.C. Department of Health Committee this month alongside Kayla and Monique. I would have never thought being part of an organization such like Grassroots would give me such an experience where my voice mattered, and that I had an immediate impact towards an issue such as a budget oversight hearing. As I mentioned in my testimony, my involvement with TGP “has showed me how any leader or role model can impact someone else’s life for the better”, and that you don’t need a high title or position to make a difference. While sharing my 3-minute long testimony in front of the Chairman and the rest of the Committee, they respected me as an equal and they also respected me as a young adult who was brave enough to speak in front of them on such an issue. Having a crucial role in continuing Grassroot’s mission of improving public health and advocacy, such as this, has made me want to get more involved and active. I have seen that this is only the beginning while being part of the Leadership Team, and I am beyond excited and grateful to see what comes next for me and the rest of the organization.
