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YPs listening to the event’s panel of legislative lobbyists.
Members of the Maine Credit Union League’s Young Professionals (YP) Network gathered at the Maine State House on Tuesday to participate in an Advocacy Workshop organized by the League’s Governmental Affairs team. The event was designed to provide our YPs a primer on the legislative process and the important role advocacy plays in shaping public policy.
Maine humorist and public speaker Gary Crocker kicked off the day by sharing anecdotal stories about his experiences as an advocate and lobbyist. Considered a “state house fixture” by many, Crocker managed to have our YPs laughing and learning during the event’s opening session.
State Senators Lisa Keim and Garrett Mason, State Representative Ryan Fecteau, and Eric Gunderson, Policy Advisor to House Speaker Sara Gideon, assembled for a legislative panel following Crocker’s presentation. This group of esteemed policy makers shared their insights on how to effectively communicate with legislators and staff, and discussed why they pursued careers in public service.
“Advocacy is such an important part of what we do here at the League,” said Elise Baldacci, MECUL Vice President of Governmental Affairs. “That’s why we assembled such a dynamic group of individuals to meet with our YPs. Our speakers are experts in the field of advocacy, and I hope that by sharing their unique insights and experiences as they did today, our YPs will want to play in role in helping us achieve our public policy goals in Augusta.”
The workshop concluded with a session focused on the legislative process with the League’s lobbying team, led by Baldacci, Jon Courtney, and Ed and Cate Pineau, followed by a networking event at Cushnoc Brewing.
“There was a great deal of enthusiasm in the room,” said League lobbyist Jon Courtney. “I know the legislative process can be intimidating, but after today, I hope the credit union’s YPs will become more engaged. Their voice matters and we want them to feel confident when interacting with their elected officials.”