The NPLI team had the opportunity to support a group of New Orleans PLTI parent and youth leaders on a day of advocacy at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge as the 2022 General Session was ending.
Parent and youth leaders began their day at the Capitol with greetings by Monika Gerhart, the Director of Intergovernmental Relations for Mayor LaToya Cantrell. These family leaders hit the ground running and started the day by observing the Transportation and Commerce Committee Meetings. Parent leaders observed Legislators debating bills around cryptocurrency, taxation, and scholarships for graduate college students.
We had an opportunity to debrief with the leaders after these meetings and reflect on the learnings during a catered lunch. Parent and youth leaders observed how intentional legislators were with their language when legislators voiced an amendment to a bill to change an “or” to an “and.” They also noticed that a pair of legislators, having a proposal heard by the committee, asked for a little extra time despite the committee being ready to move the bill forward. From this, parent leaders understood the importance of intentionality when pushing for legislative change or making a proposal to a legislative body.
After lunch, parents were honored in both chambers of the legislature with a bipartisan New Orleans PLTI Proclamation for their work to create positive outcomes for children and families in their communities. After each proclamation, parent and youth Leaders had a brief opportunity to discuss important policy issues with legislators from the Orleans Delegation. This brief time also included a photo opportunity with the legislators. The parent and youth leaders wrapped up the day with a guided tour of the Capitol, where they learned a great deal about the history of the Capitol and the State of Louisiana.
NPLI wishes to thank everyone in Louisiana who helped make this trip possible. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her staff, Monika Gerhart, and Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin from the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families. We also want to thank the Orleans Delegation, including Rep. Royce Duplessis, Rep. Jason Hughes, Rep. Matthew Willard, and Sen. Rep Gary Carter Jr. Many thanks to our Language Justice work partners BanchaLenguas Language Justice Collective, who were able to provide language access during our trip. Last but not least, we’d like to thank The Parent Leadership Training Institute New Orleans – PLTI NOLA leadership, alumni, and community that participated in and helped arrange this trip. Without them, this trip certainly would not have been possible.
