Just wanted to give a shout out to the OPRA staff regarding the DD Awareness Event at the Statehouse on Wednesday. 

I've been volunteering at this event for the last 3 years. Every year, it seems to get better and better. The energy of all the participants is amazing. The speakers have also been inspiring. This year focused on successful stories of people who have been in our system who have done amazing jobs/careers/giving back to their community. The cheers if the crowd could be heard throughout the Statehouse.

The meaningful conversation with legislators is beyond what any lobbyist could do (yes, for anyone that was there, I did steal that line from Director Martin - Also no offense to any of the valued lobbyist that work for OPRA). I was with 4 different representatives and saw them all write down notes and promise to help people work on their issues. That is why we do events like this. Just to remind legislators that we are here, we matter, and we aren't going away. 

Thank you so much OPRA team for your efforts. It does not go unnoticed. Especially Shane for how will of an oiled machine you run 😀

If you haven't been to this event before, you need to. I can't think of many more days where I've met with 4 representatives and shared my issues about our system. This is a day I look forward to every year where I will make a meaningful stride forward for the future of our system. 

Thanks everyone! See you again next year!