After an ice storm that limited travel in much of the state, a small group braved the roads to Des Moines for Visit the Hill, Iowa ACAC and ISCA's shared day of learning and advocacy. While the crowd was small, the camaraderie was great. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who shared their expertise on college and career transition counseling, student financial aid and the ever-changing landscape of debt relief, and especially our panel of students from Grand View and Simpson who inspired us to think about how we can better assist students with their postsecondary search and decision-making.  

We had lots of positive feedback about our new setting at the State Historical Building and its close proximity to the Capitol. A short stroll across the street gave us plenty of time to meet with legislators and share our stories with them. EJ Wallace, our advocacy speaker, encouraged us to use our voice to ask for support for our positions, and we told many compelling stories as we advocated for funding for postsecondary education, SEL, and ways to offer support to students throughout the afternoon. 

Your voice matters and not just at Visit the Hill. Don't be shy about being in contact with state legislators and federal legislators and sharing your views with them: Attend legislative forums in your district, send emails, give them a call--use the power of your voice!