Rally Day 2011

Rally day was a very positive and empowering experience. I have visited the State Capitol once before on a middle school history field trip but this time I actually felt very engaged and involved. On my pervious visit the delegates and senators were not in session and therefore we were unable to actually meet any of them. After participating in this event I have gained a new awareness for the importance of senator/delegate and constituent relationship.

The goal of the day was to raise awareness for two very important bills. This first bill was Senate Bill 1014, to extend for an additional year that dental public health care workers to offer care in underserved areas. The second bill, House Bill 2175, intended to make dental care for children an offical state objective for the Department of Health. In my opinion both bills were positive actions and the only issue that could arise was how much would it cost the state. Senate Bill 1014 is definitely something that has been state funded and would need an additional year of funding if passed. From speaking with certain senators and delegates I believe both bills will pass.

An experience that I did not expect to gain out of this trip was the opportunity to be introduced to the PAGE program. I spoke to one of the student pages and he explained what exactly the program involved. The PAGE program is a 7 week program in which students from the ages 13-14 are allowed to come and serve the senators and delegates of the General Assembly. The students must have good grades to apply and be dedicated to their studies because most of their spare time is spent in a study hall. I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for the students especially if they plan to go into law or public policy in the future.

The Rally Day process was put together very well. I commend all those involved in the organization of the entire event. It was very helpful to be paired with one the Great Richmond ADHA members. They were very informative about the bills being put forth and gave us the chance to be involved but letting us have the interaction with the senators and delegates. The talking points were also a great aid. It prepared me to speak on behalf of the profession of dental hygiene and not look bad. It was also very nice to be able to leave them with a small token of our appreciation.

While in session it was very hard to understand everything that was going on. The room was very rowdy and the speaker of the house was hard to hear.  However, it was nice to be in the presence of the people who work everyday for the people in the state of Virginia. On this visit I learned that the senators and delegates are regular everyday people. They are you neighbors, church members, family, friends, and most important your community leaders.

This overall experience has inspired me to want to be very involved with the professional programs associated with the profession of dental hygiene such as the VDHA and the ADHA upon graduation. I believe they will keep me relevant to the updates of my future profession and give me the opportunity to make a difference in the field of dental hygiene.