Patriots advocate for George Mason at Mason Lobbies event in Richmond

Eighty-one energetic Patriots traveled to Richmond on March 5 for Mason Lobbies, where George Mason University President Gregory Washington joined House Majority Leader CharnieleHerring, BA Economics '93, and Senator Saddam Salim, BS Public Administration '12, MPA '15, in welcoming students to the General Assembly for a whirlwind day of advocacy.

Herring spoke with the students before their meetings with legislators. "Virginia legislators are proud that we come from all walks of life," she said. "We're part-time legislators with careers and diverse experiences, representing diverse communities."

Salim, whose district includes George Mason's Fairfax Campus, encouraged students to "advocate not only for yourself, but also your fellow students."

Mason Lobbies gives students interested in the political process a chance to practice their advocacy skills. Before the trip, students identify issues to champion, research the university's accomplishments, including economic impact and student success outcomes, and prepare informational packets to leave with legislators and their staff.

Hannah Kohler, a sophomore majoring in government and international politicswith a concentration in political behavior and identity politics, said she was encouraged by the reception students received. This was her first time participating in the event. "I was very delighted to see that the legislators and their staffers are very open to hearing our pitches."

Kohler is also a Student Government representative and sustainability liaison. One of the legislators she met was Delegate May Nivar, whose daughter graduated from George Mason. "As a GMU mom, I'm very familiar with George Mason's impact," Nivar said. "I understand how its diverse environment helps students develop socially and prepares them to successfully enter the workforce."

While Kohler is still considering her post-graduation plans, she sees opportunities like Mason Lobbies as valuable professional development. "This event allowed me to test my abilities as an advocate and evaluate whether I could see myself doing this as a profession," she said. "It's given me the confidence that I can definitely do this."

Senior environmental and sustainability studiesmajor Maceo Franks Jr., also a first-time Mason Lobbies participant, gained a new appreciation for the pace of policymaking. "The legislators are very busy during session," he said. "One of my target legislators wasinterrupted during our meeting to vote on a bill. She said her vote was being requested for bills all morning."

As he and other Patriots met with legislators, Franks appreciated the personal connections they made. He recalled Delegate Dan Helmer asking the group about their favorite Taco Bamba orders. "He connected to us on a simple human-to-human level, and I loved that."

A prospective policy writer, Franks said Mason Lobbies offered a glimpse into his future career. "It was beneficial for helpingme understand how politics works at George Mason and at the state level," he said. "I also was able to network and get to know who I may be working with or for in the future."

For Kohler and Franks, Mason Lobbies is more than an annual event.

"Mason Lobbies is a tradition," Franks said. "All students, no matter their major, should get involved with it at least once during their time at Mason."

Kohler agreed. "Every student has a unique experience, so there are endless testimonials to be heard by legislators. It truly makes me feel like I have a stake in my university's success, especially since it gave me the opportunity to share my story with legislators in hopes of a continued bright future for George Mason University."