Jon Stockton, Jason Feldman and I were given the opportunity to participate in the 2016 Policy Academy through NCSD.  A major portion of the policy academy is to learn how to write a policy brief.  The online modules assisted with the process of learning how to write the brief and we were also provided technical assistance meetings with Rebekah or Lucy.  The Washington State team was able to complete two successful policy briefs.  I was relatively new to the STD prevention world and was a little unsure of how successful I would be in the academy.  Rebekah and Lucy were great mentors and the monthly modules were extremely helpful.

The final module was an opportunity for states to attend an in-person meeting in Washington DC to continue training with colleagues from around the nation and an opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and meet with WA State representatives. The final in-person module was designed for all of us to expand our skills together, learning from the experience, perspectives and talents of participants from other jurisdictions. The goal of each Capitol Hill meeting was to educate members of Congress on our local STD program and enable them to understand how federal dollars are working within our state.  This was a first for me and I was extremely nervous!

NCSD prepared us for the Hill visits the previous day with an all-day meeting.  This meeting gave us the tools and resources necessary for a successful day on the Hill.  We meet with two senators and one representative from WA State.  Everyone we met with was very engaged in the topics we shared with them and commented on the great work we were doing within our state.  Everyone we met with was very engaged in the topics we shared with them and commented on the great work we were doing within our state.

Overall, the Policy Academy was an excellent opportunity.  I was able to be successful in the academy and found my confidence to participate in the Hill visits.  Rebekah and Lucy were great teachers and mentors.  Thank you for this wonderful experience, I highly recommend participating if you get the opportunity!

NCSD Staff Note: If you are interested in participating in the 2017 Policy Academy, please contact Rebekah Horowitz, NCSD’s Senior Policy manager, [email protected] by January 12th.