Advocating for policy issues can sound intimidating, especially advocating in DC. But it doesn’t have to be, and Kansas Farmers Union’s policy fellowship equips us with the foundation needed to be a part of a successful Kansas team at this years NFU Fly In.

I’ve been lucky enough to attend two NFU Fly-Ins and to have an internship with the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, all of which have been vastly different experiences. These experiences allow me to understand the value of KFU’s policy fellowship and how our participation in it will empower us to be more effective advocates for Kansas agriculture.

When I attended my first Fly In in 2015, I was a 20 year-old, who had just begun what would be a three year break from college, and didn’t have much agriculture or policy experience. I wasn’t sure how to contribute my story–much less if I even had one worth sharing.

KFU’s opportunity to develop my story with other fellows and hear theirs will empower us to recognize the importance of telling our own stories, whatever they may be, and give us the confidence to approach policy makers of all levels.

My participation in the 2017 NFU Fly-In was a vastly different experience. I followed my desire to be more involved in ag and policy and had become the manager of Kansas’ oldest producer-only farmers market and a member of our county food policy council. This time I had lived experiences of our local food system, FMPP and LFPP grant experiences, and first hand understanding of the importance of keeping SNAP in the Farm Bill by way of administering the EBT matching program Double Up Food Bucks. This time I had policies to advocate for and the lived experience to back it up.

In connecting us with policy professionals, KFU’s program helps us find where our stories and beliefs intersect with policy and how to best present policy ideas that further our goals as individuals and members of Kansas Farmers Union.

Interning with the US Senate Ag Committee has allowed me to have experiences on the other side of the table. During the course of my five months in D.C., I sat in on meetings, worked on projects, created memos, and got to know the committee’s minority staff. I understand that it is crucial for advocates to bring printed resources to meetings to act as references and contact points for staffers, allowing them to focus on listening and having a meaningful conversation with you.

KFU’s facilitation of the research and writing of white papers provides a framework and end goal for our work: to create documents to be disseminated to local, state, and federal policy makers that educate and inspire them to take action on policy matters related to each of our white papers and to further the development of policies that support family farms and sustainable food systems.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to become a KFU Policy Advocate. Together WE can make a DIFFERENCE!