Lobbying for the Safe Chemicals Act in Washington DC

Someone pinch me. I never thought I'd have any reason to enter the United States Senate buildings on Capitol Hill but this past Tuesday, I had the chance to meet my Minnesota Senators - Senator Al Franken (yes, the former SNL actor and writer) and  Senator Amy Klobuchar to talk about the importance of the Safe Chemicals Act and thank them for their support. Martha from Learning Disabilities Association Minnesota joined me as the other half of the Minnesota delegation!

We were there for the National Stroller Brigade organized by Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families as a way to bring national attention and support to the important cause of updating our sorely outdated Federal chemical laws with the Safe Chemicals Act bill introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey. Needless to say, I was thrilled to be part of the event and to get a tiny taste of what it's like to be a lobbyist!

Over 200 of us met on the Capitol lawn for a press conference where Senators Lautenberg and other supporters spoke:

Then we marched down the street to the Senate office buildings so we could meet with our Senators:

And finally, it was incredibly fun to spend time with my green blogging buddies, some of whom I met for the first time and others who I don't see often enough:

(Shane from EnviroBooty, Diane from Big Green Purse, Lori from Groovy Green Livin, me and Anne from Flour Sack Mama)

Have you ever lobbied your members of Congress or marched for a cause?

 

Comments

[Lori Popkewitz Alper]

What an incredible experience! I'm so thrilled that we were able to share it. I love the photo of you in front of Senator Franken's office.

[veganamericanprincess]

This is a great post!!! It's a great feeling to be part of effectuating change for an important cause and this is clearly an important cause!! Bravo!!! http://veganamericanprincess.com

[Sarah R]

Very cool. I commend you on asking for "safer chemicals" instead of no chemicals. That's such a common misconception - everything is made up of chemicals, really, it's just that chlorine bleach isn't one we should be using in our homes or around children for everyday cleaning!

[Lindsay Dahl]

Thanks for this great blog, it was an incredible experience. Your participation was so important. Go Minnesota!

[Micaela]

Thank you veganamericanprincess! You are right - it feels very good to be involved in this cause!

[Micaela]

Thanks for your comment Sarah. You are right - we can't escape chemicals completely - we just want them to be safer for everyone!

[Micaela]

Thanks Lindsay! I'm proud to have represented Minnesota at the Stroller Brigade!

[Micaela]

Thanks Lori! It was so fun to spend time with you! Can't wait to meet up again for BlogHer!